N256 PHARM: EXAM 1 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS GRADED A++
What part of the name tells you that a drug is a benzodiazepine?
“pam” and “lam”
alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, etc.
Benzodiazepines can be used as a sedative for procedures, but it's important to
be aware that...
They don't block pain receptors!
alprazolam: drug class
benzodiazepine
brand name: Xanax
Suspect toxic levels / overdose of benzodiazepines?
Flumazenil = antidote
Major therapeutic effects of benzodiazepines?
anxiolytic - reduces anxiety
sedative - promotes calmness and relaxation
hypnotic - induces and maintains sleep
muscle relaxant
benzodiazepines: mechanism of action
, GABA agonist
GABA inhibits neural firing by hyperpolarizing the cell (influx of Cl-)
↑ inhibition = CNS depressant
alprazolam: indications (3)
anxiety (GAD)
panic disorder
alcohol withdrawal
others
alprazolam: therapeutic effects (1)
quick relief of anxiety (fast-acting, short duration)
alprazolam: adverse effects (3)
CNS depression (sedation, lightheadedness, ataxia, ↓ cognitive function)
anterograde amnesia (may be a desired effect for procedures, but also can affect
patient education in this case)
paradoxical response (especially a concern with older adults)
alprazolam: contraindications/precautions (3)
pre-existing respiratory depression (i.e. sleep apnea)
glaucoma (potential to increase intraocular pressure; pupillary dilation → reduced
ability to drain fluid)
older adults (increased risk for paradoxical effects, more likely to have renal/hepatic
disease)
alprazolam: interactions (1)
CNS depressants (alcohol!)
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS GRADED A++
What part of the name tells you that a drug is a benzodiazepine?
“pam” and “lam”
alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, etc.
Benzodiazepines can be used as a sedative for procedures, but it's important to
be aware that...
They don't block pain receptors!
alprazolam: drug class
benzodiazepine
brand name: Xanax
Suspect toxic levels / overdose of benzodiazepines?
Flumazenil = antidote
Major therapeutic effects of benzodiazepines?
anxiolytic - reduces anxiety
sedative - promotes calmness and relaxation
hypnotic - induces and maintains sleep
muscle relaxant
benzodiazepines: mechanism of action
, GABA agonist
GABA inhibits neural firing by hyperpolarizing the cell (influx of Cl-)
↑ inhibition = CNS depressant
alprazolam: indications (3)
anxiety (GAD)
panic disorder
alcohol withdrawal
others
alprazolam: therapeutic effects (1)
quick relief of anxiety (fast-acting, short duration)
alprazolam: adverse effects (3)
CNS depression (sedation, lightheadedness, ataxia, ↓ cognitive function)
anterograde amnesia (may be a desired effect for procedures, but also can affect
patient education in this case)
paradoxical response (especially a concern with older adults)
alprazolam: contraindications/precautions (3)
pre-existing respiratory depression (i.e. sleep apnea)
glaucoma (potential to increase intraocular pressure; pupillary dilation → reduced
ability to drain fluid)
older adults (increased risk for paradoxical effects, more likely to have renal/hepatic
disease)
alprazolam: interactions (1)
CNS depressants (alcohol!)
