NRSG320 PHARMACOLOGY FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE
Module 1 – Introduction and Basic Concepts; Autonomics
Describe the common terms used in pharmacology
First Pass Effect
Pro Drug
Bioavailability
Half Life
Agonist
Antagonist
Know the Pregnancy Categories
Understand the DEA Class schedules
Understand the general concepts of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
Be able to discuss for the four components of pharmacokinetic
Absorption
Distribution
Metabolism
Inducer
Inhibitor- causes other drugs to back up; increase in levels
Excretion
How can alteration or disruption of any of these components change the
pharmacokinetics of a drug?
Be able to recognize the implications of highly bound drugs and altered protein binding
Understand CYP450 enzymes and be able to differentiate what can happen in drug-
drug interactions due to inhibition and induction
Know what lab value can be used to determine renal excretion (CrCl, GFR)
Compare and contrast the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the ANS.
Identify the neurotransmitters and receptors associated with each, and the effects of
these neurotransmitters on organs and tissues
Describe the mechanisms of action of the following classes of drugs (be specific with
respect to the receptor type involved, if any)
o Indirect-acting cholinomimetics (acetylcholinase inhibitor) – pyridostigmine
o Direct-acting cholinomimetics – bethanechol
o Cholinergic antagonists – atropine (1st line drug for bradycardia), oxybutynin
o Sympathomimetics – epinephrine (all), norepinephrine (all but beta2), dopamine
(alpha1/beta 1/dopamine) – question on each of these drugs
o Alpha-1 agonists - phenylpehrine
Alpha-2 agonists -clonidine
o Beta-1 agonists - dobutamine
Beta-2 agonists - albuterol
o Alpha-1 antagonists - prazosin
, o Beta receptor antagonists (propranolol, metoprolol)
o Mixed alpha-beta receptor antagonists -carvedilol
Module 2 – Respiratory Drugs
Respiratory Drugs
← Describe pathophysiology associated with Asthma and COPD and understand
target pathways for drugs (Leukotrienes, Histamine, Mast Cells...)
← Be able to identify potential causes of asthma (drug induced!)
← Describe the mechanism of action for the respiratory drugs and know any
adverse effects associated with the class(boxed warnings)
Bronchodilators
o Beta-adrenergic agonists – albuterol, levalbuterol, arformoterol,
salmeterol
o Anticholinergics – Ipratropium bromide, tiotropium
o Xanthine derivatives – theophylline – know MOA/side effects
Anti-inflammatory drugs
o Leukotriene modifiers – montelukast
o Mast cell stabilizers- cromolyn
o Corticosteroids – fluticasone
o Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitor - roflumilast
o Monoclonal antibodies – omalizumab won’t be on exam!
Antihistamines
1st generation – diphenhydramine (cross blood brain barrier- sedation)
2nd generation – loratadine (no BBB, peripheral)
Decongestants (alpha 1 constriction)
Topical – oxymetazoline
Systemic – pseudoephedrine (HTN risk)
Antitussives
Opioids – Codeine
Opioid Derived – dextromethorphan
Benzonatate
Expectorants
Guaifenesin – stay hydrated!
Module 1 – Introduction and Basic Concepts; Autonomics
Describe the common terms used in pharmacology
First Pass Effect
Pro Drug
Bioavailability
Half Life
Agonist
Antagonist
Know the Pregnancy Categories
Understand the DEA Class schedules
Understand the general concepts of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
Be able to discuss for the four components of pharmacokinetic
Absorption
Distribution
Metabolism
Inducer
Inhibitor- causes other drugs to back up; increase in levels
Excretion
How can alteration or disruption of any of these components change the
pharmacokinetics of a drug?
Be able to recognize the implications of highly bound drugs and altered protein binding
Understand CYP450 enzymes and be able to differentiate what can happen in drug-
drug interactions due to inhibition and induction
Know what lab value can be used to determine renal excretion (CrCl, GFR)
Compare and contrast the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the ANS.
Identify the neurotransmitters and receptors associated with each, and the effects of
these neurotransmitters on organs and tissues
Describe the mechanisms of action of the following classes of drugs (be specific with
respect to the receptor type involved, if any)
o Indirect-acting cholinomimetics (acetylcholinase inhibitor) – pyridostigmine
o Direct-acting cholinomimetics – bethanechol
o Cholinergic antagonists – atropine (1st line drug for bradycardia), oxybutynin
o Sympathomimetics – epinephrine (all), norepinephrine (all but beta2), dopamine
(alpha1/beta 1/dopamine) – question on each of these drugs
o Alpha-1 agonists - phenylpehrine
Alpha-2 agonists -clonidine
o Beta-1 agonists - dobutamine
Beta-2 agonists - albuterol
o Alpha-1 antagonists - prazosin
, o Beta receptor antagonists (propranolol, metoprolol)
o Mixed alpha-beta receptor antagonists -carvedilol
Module 2 – Respiratory Drugs
Respiratory Drugs
← Describe pathophysiology associated with Asthma and COPD and understand
target pathways for drugs (Leukotrienes, Histamine, Mast Cells...)
← Be able to identify potential causes of asthma (drug induced!)
← Describe the mechanism of action for the respiratory drugs and know any
adverse effects associated with the class(boxed warnings)
Bronchodilators
o Beta-adrenergic agonists – albuterol, levalbuterol, arformoterol,
salmeterol
o Anticholinergics – Ipratropium bromide, tiotropium
o Xanthine derivatives – theophylline – know MOA/side effects
Anti-inflammatory drugs
o Leukotriene modifiers – montelukast
o Mast cell stabilizers- cromolyn
o Corticosteroids – fluticasone
o Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitor - roflumilast
o Monoclonal antibodies – omalizumab won’t be on exam!
Antihistamines
1st generation – diphenhydramine (cross blood brain barrier- sedation)
2nd generation – loratadine (no BBB, peripheral)
Decongestants (alpha 1 constriction)
Topical – oxymetazoline
Systemic – pseudoephedrine (HTN risk)
Antitussives
Opioids – Codeine
Opioid Derived – dextromethorphan
Benzonatate
Expectorants
Guaifenesin – stay hydrated!
