Pharmacology Mnemonics - Flash Cards

Name: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Class: H₁-Histamine Antagonist (OTC)

Mechanism: Competitive inhib. of histamine and histamine receptor interaction.

Absorption:

Dist.: Enters CNS

Excretion, t½:

Toxicity/S.E.s: Sedation (not in everyone). Taken w/alcohol ® enhanced CNS depression. Local anesthetic activity. Acute poisoning in kids ® complex CNS excitatory and depressant effects (convulsions, hyperpyrexia). Topical use = highest risk of sensitization, \ shouldn’t be applied topically.

Utility: Treat allergic rxns (e.g., hay fever). Prevent motion sickness. Can be used for morning sickness. Treat PD symptoms (esp. geriatric patients).

Special Features: Most effective if taken prophylactically. Can’t reverse effects once histamine has bound to receptor. Therapeutically effective dose related to amount of antigen.

Name: Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)

Class: H₁-Histamine Antagonist (OTC)

Mechanism: Inhib. of histamine and histamine receptor interaction.

Absorption: Oral

Dist.:

Metabolism.:

Excretion, t½:

Toxicity/S.E.s: Sedation

Utility: Treat allergic rhinitis.

Special Features:

Name: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Class: H₁-Histamine Antagonist (OTC)

Mech.: Competitive inhib. of histamine and histamine receptor interaction.

Absorption:

Dist.: Enters CNS

Excretion, t½:

Toxicity/S.E.s: Sedation (not in everyone). Taken w/alcohol ® enhanced CNS depression. Local anesthetic activity. Acute poisoning in kids ® complex CNS excitatory and depressant effects. Topical use = highest risk of sensitization, \ shouldn’t be applied topically.

Utility: Treat allergic rxns (e.g., hay fever).

Special Features: Most effective if taken prophylactically. Can’t reverse effects once histamine has bound to receptor. Therapeutically effective dose related to amount of antigen.