Nursing Pharmacology question and answers and practical question
(over 200 questions and answers)
albuterol - ANSWER (SABA) short acting beta 2 receptor agonist, used for bronchospasm, acute
symptoms of asthma
acetaminophen - ANSWER centrally acting cox inhibitor; analgesic and antipyretic properties; no
antiinflammatory,antirheumatic properties
acyclovir - ANSWER Antimetabolite for Treating Herpes Simplex Virus & Varicella-Zoster Virus Infections;
MOAs: Purine necleoside analog: DNA polymerase inhibitor, suppresses synthesis of viral DNA,
resistance.
amiodarone - ANSWER Class 3 Potassium channel blocker
Only approved for life-threatening dysrhythmias.
Delays repolarization and extends action potential of heart muscle cells.
SE: Profound hypotension."
amoxicillin - ANSWER Broad-spectrum penicillin active against H. influenzae, E. coli, and N. Gonorrhoeae.
It is inactivated by beta-lactamases, so not helpful for Staphylococcus.
atropine - ANSWER muscinarinic receptor antagonist/anticholinergic drug; used for mydriases (eye
exams), to raise HR, lower GI motility, and as antidote to muscarinic poisoning (rx, shrooms)
amphotericin B - ANSWER broad spectrum antifungal, which is the agent of choice for systemic mycoses,
despite being highly toxic. Its uses are limited to treating progressive and potentially fatal infections.
Adverse effects include infusion reactions, nephrotoxicity, and hypokalemia.
,aspirin - ANSWER A drug that decrease platelet aggregation and is used to prevent arterial thrombosis,
stroke, or MI. Major SEs include risk of major GI bleeding. This drug is an NSAID that works by inhibiting
platelet COX, COX-1, and COX-2.
beclomethasone - ANSWER inhaled corticosteroid used to treat airway inflammation in asthma
bethanechol - ANSWER muscarinic agnonist, used primarily for urinary retention
buproprion - ANSWER (DA and NE). Weight loss, seizure, insomnia, headache, serotonin syndrome (see
laundry list above), withdrawal, Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
captopril - ANSWER ACE inhibitor - shown to have efficacious effects in treating a patient with heart
failure. Blocks production of angiotensin II, dilates arterioles and veins, and decreases release of
aldosterone. It may show the adverse effects of hypotension, hyperkalemia, or persistant cough,
CARDIAC REMODELING
carbenicillin - ANSWER "Extended spectrum (antipseudomonal penicillins), which has the same spectrum
of activity as broad-spectrum penicillins, plus treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
cefotaxime - ANSWER "Third generation cephalosporin with activity against meningitis and nosocomial
infections resistant to others (restricted use). It has greater activity against Gram negative bacteria,
increased resistance to beta-lactamases, and better ability to reach CSF.
cephalexin - ANSWER "First generation cephalosporin poor activity against Gram negative bacteria,
sensitive to to most beta-lactamases, unable to reach CSF. Used for Staphylococcus if mild penicillin
allergy.
celecoxib - ANSWER 2nd Generation Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drug (COX-2 Selective NSAID); AE:
risk of CV events, warfarin may be more effective with celecoxib
,cholestyramine - ANSWER Inhibits bile reabsorption in intenstine, increases LDL receptors in liver,
accelerates bile excretion. Many of the adverse effects result from the drug not being absorbed from GI,
including constipation and a decreased absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, & K).
ciprofloxacin - ANSWER fluoroquinolone
broad -cidal. PO tetracycline and cipro should NOT BE GIVEN WITH ANTACIDS.
ALSO KNOW IT CAN RUPTURE TENDONS AND CAUSE CANDIDA. "
codeine - ANSWER antitussive, AE: respiratory depression
also weak mu opioid agonist
clozapine - ANSWER atypical antipsychotic; 2nd Gen. Treats negative symptoms. Greater efficacy than 1st
gen. Fewer EPS/tardive dyskinesia side effects. SE: Agranulocytosis and Metabolic effects (Weight gain,
diabetes, hyperlipidemia)
clonidine - ANSWER alpha 2 agonist, HTN drug -> vasodilation
clavulanic acid - ANSWER A penicillinase inhibitor that is combined with a broad spectrum penicillin to
increase is bactericidal activity.
clopidogrel - ANSWER decreases platelet aggregation and is used to prevent arterial thrombosis or
stroke. Major SEs include risk of major GI bleeding. This drug is not an NSAID and does not inhibit COX
chlorpromazine - ANSWER FGA, low potency, treats positive symptoms. SE: Sedation, orthostatic
hypotension, anticholinergic effects. NOTE: it may take up to 6 weeks to see effects
cromolyn - ANSWER mast cell stabilizer, inhaled, for asthma or allergies
, diphenhydramine - ANSWER 1st Generation H1 Competitive Antagonist; antihistamine (benadryl),
sedation effects
digoxin - ANSWER "Medication prescribed for treating heart failure and some dysrhythmias. It is an
ionotropic agent with narrow therapeutic index. Increases myocardial contractility and cardiac output.
Improves symptoms but not shown to increase life expectancy. Significant cardiotoxicity requires
monitoring of drug levels and K+ levels
epinephrine - ANSWER Mixed Alpha/Beta Adrenergic Receptor Agonists (Nonselective)
dabigatrine - ANSWER direct thrombin inhibitor, (PO)
dextromethorphan - ANSWER non opioid antitussive
enoxaparin - ANSWER low molecular weight heparin; indirect inhibitor, a shorter form of heparin, can be
given using a fixed dose with no aPTT monitoring. Inactivates ONLY Xa. subQ only. Can be used at home.
exenatide - ANSWER incretin mimetic; Activates receptors for GLP-1. Increases insulin secretion; slows GI
absorption of glucose and gastric emptying. [-ide, acts similar to tolbutamide]
fexofenadine - ANSWER 2nd gen antihistamine, H1 competitive antagonist (allegra), lesser sedative
effects
dopamine - ANSWER "Inotropic agent that requires constant BP/EKG monitoring. Activates beta1 AR in
heart and increases contractility and HR (risk of tachycardia). Dilates renal blood vessels and increases
urine output via receptor activation in the kidney
erythromycin - ANSWER Macrolid; Static, narrow (G+), inhibits protein synthesis
SEs: GI; DDIs with 3A4 inhibitors (cardiotoxic) and antidysrythmics"
(over 200 questions and answers)
albuterol - ANSWER (SABA) short acting beta 2 receptor agonist, used for bronchospasm, acute
symptoms of asthma
acetaminophen - ANSWER centrally acting cox inhibitor; analgesic and antipyretic properties; no
antiinflammatory,antirheumatic properties
acyclovir - ANSWER Antimetabolite for Treating Herpes Simplex Virus & Varicella-Zoster Virus Infections;
MOAs: Purine necleoside analog: DNA polymerase inhibitor, suppresses synthesis of viral DNA,
resistance.
amiodarone - ANSWER Class 3 Potassium channel blocker
Only approved for life-threatening dysrhythmias.
Delays repolarization and extends action potential of heart muscle cells.
SE: Profound hypotension."
amoxicillin - ANSWER Broad-spectrum penicillin active against H. influenzae, E. coli, and N. Gonorrhoeae.
It is inactivated by beta-lactamases, so not helpful for Staphylococcus.
atropine - ANSWER muscinarinic receptor antagonist/anticholinergic drug; used for mydriases (eye
exams), to raise HR, lower GI motility, and as antidote to muscarinic poisoning (rx, shrooms)
amphotericin B - ANSWER broad spectrum antifungal, which is the agent of choice for systemic mycoses,
despite being highly toxic. Its uses are limited to treating progressive and potentially fatal infections.
Adverse effects include infusion reactions, nephrotoxicity, and hypokalemia.
,aspirin - ANSWER A drug that decrease platelet aggregation and is used to prevent arterial thrombosis,
stroke, or MI. Major SEs include risk of major GI bleeding. This drug is an NSAID that works by inhibiting
platelet COX, COX-1, and COX-2.
beclomethasone - ANSWER inhaled corticosteroid used to treat airway inflammation in asthma
bethanechol - ANSWER muscarinic agnonist, used primarily for urinary retention
buproprion - ANSWER (DA and NE). Weight loss, seizure, insomnia, headache, serotonin syndrome (see
laundry list above), withdrawal, Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
captopril - ANSWER ACE inhibitor - shown to have efficacious effects in treating a patient with heart
failure. Blocks production of angiotensin II, dilates arterioles and veins, and decreases release of
aldosterone. It may show the adverse effects of hypotension, hyperkalemia, or persistant cough,
CARDIAC REMODELING
carbenicillin - ANSWER "Extended spectrum (antipseudomonal penicillins), which has the same spectrum
of activity as broad-spectrum penicillins, plus treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
cefotaxime - ANSWER "Third generation cephalosporin with activity against meningitis and nosocomial
infections resistant to others (restricted use). It has greater activity against Gram negative bacteria,
increased resistance to beta-lactamases, and better ability to reach CSF.
cephalexin - ANSWER "First generation cephalosporin poor activity against Gram negative bacteria,
sensitive to to most beta-lactamases, unable to reach CSF. Used for Staphylococcus if mild penicillin
allergy.
celecoxib - ANSWER 2nd Generation Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drug (COX-2 Selective NSAID); AE:
risk of CV events, warfarin may be more effective with celecoxib
,cholestyramine - ANSWER Inhibits bile reabsorption in intenstine, increases LDL receptors in liver,
accelerates bile excretion. Many of the adverse effects result from the drug not being absorbed from GI,
including constipation and a decreased absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, & K).
ciprofloxacin - ANSWER fluoroquinolone
broad -cidal. PO tetracycline and cipro should NOT BE GIVEN WITH ANTACIDS.
ALSO KNOW IT CAN RUPTURE TENDONS AND CAUSE CANDIDA. "
codeine - ANSWER antitussive, AE: respiratory depression
also weak mu opioid agonist
clozapine - ANSWER atypical antipsychotic; 2nd Gen. Treats negative symptoms. Greater efficacy than 1st
gen. Fewer EPS/tardive dyskinesia side effects. SE: Agranulocytosis and Metabolic effects (Weight gain,
diabetes, hyperlipidemia)
clonidine - ANSWER alpha 2 agonist, HTN drug -> vasodilation
clavulanic acid - ANSWER A penicillinase inhibitor that is combined with a broad spectrum penicillin to
increase is bactericidal activity.
clopidogrel - ANSWER decreases platelet aggregation and is used to prevent arterial thrombosis or
stroke. Major SEs include risk of major GI bleeding. This drug is not an NSAID and does not inhibit COX
chlorpromazine - ANSWER FGA, low potency, treats positive symptoms. SE: Sedation, orthostatic
hypotension, anticholinergic effects. NOTE: it may take up to 6 weeks to see effects
cromolyn - ANSWER mast cell stabilizer, inhaled, for asthma or allergies
, diphenhydramine - ANSWER 1st Generation H1 Competitive Antagonist; antihistamine (benadryl),
sedation effects
digoxin - ANSWER "Medication prescribed for treating heart failure and some dysrhythmias. It is an
ionotropic agent with narrow therapeutic index. Increases myocardial contractility and cardiac output.
Improves symptoms but not shown to increase life expectancy. Significant cardiotoxicity requires
monitoring of drug levels and K+ levels
epinephrine - ANSWER Mixed Alpha/Beta Adrenergic Receptor Agonists (Nonselective)
dabigatrine - ANSWER direct thrombin inhibitor, (PO)
dextromethorphan - ANSWER non opioid antitussive
enoxaparin - ANSWER low molecular weight heparin; indirect inhibitor, a shorter form of heparin, can be
given using a fixed dose with no aPTT monitoring. Inactivates ONLY Xa. subQ only. Can be used at home.
exenatide - ANSWER incretin mimetic; Activates receptors for GLP-1. Increases insulin secretion; slows GI
absorption of glucose and gastric emptying. [-ide, acts similar to tolbutamide]
fexofenadine - ANSWER 2nd gen antihistamine, H1 competitive antagonist (allegra), lesser sedative
effects
dopamine - ANSWER "Inotropic agent that requires constant BP/EKG monitoring. Activates beta1 AR in
heart and increases contractility and HR (risk of tachycardia). Dilates renal blood vessels and increases
urine output via receptor activation in the kidney
erythromycin - ANSWER Macrolid; Static, narrow (G+), inhibits protein synthesis
SEs: GI; DDIs with 3A4 inhibitors (cardiotoxic) and antidysrythmics"
