NEET MDS Lessons
Pharmacology
ISOPRENALINE
It is beta-receptor stimulant, which stimulates the heart and causes tachycardia.
It relaxes the smooth muscles particularly the bronchial and GIT. It is mainly used in bronchial asthma, in the treatment of shock and as a cardiac stimulant in heart block.
ORCIPRENALINE
Is a potent β-adrenergic agonist.
Receptor sites in the bronchi and bronchioles are more sensitive to the drug than those in the heart and blood vessels.
AMPHETAMINE
increases the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Amphetamine is a potent CNS stimulant and causes alertness, insomnia, increased concentration, euphoria or dysphoria and increased work capacity.
Amphetamines are drugs of abuse and can produce behavioural abnormalities and can precipitate psychosis.
PHENYLEPHRINE
It is used as a nasal decongestant and mydriatic agent and also in the treatment of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.
UTERINE RELAXANTS (TOCOLYTICS)
ISOXSUPRINE
Isoxsuprine has a potent inhibitory effect on vascular and uterine smooth muscle and has been used in the treatment of dysmenorrhoea, threatened abortion, premature labour and peripheral vascular diseases.
Neuron Basic Structure (How brain cells communicate)
• Synapse:A junction between the terminal button of an axon and the membrane of another neuron
• Terminal button(orbouton):The bud at the end of a branch of an axon; forms synapses with another neuron; sends information to that neuron.
• Neurotransmitter:A chemical that is released by a terminal button; has an excitatory or inhibitory effect on another neuron.
Different types of Synapses
1-Axo-denrdritic
2-Axo-axonal
3-Axo-somatic
Chemical transmission in the CNS
The CNS controls the main functions of the body through the action endogenous chemical substances known as “neurotransmitters”.
These neurotransmitters are stored in and secreted by neurons to “transmit”information to the postsynaptic sites producing either excitatoryor inhibitory responses.
Most centrally acting drugs exert their actions at the synaptic junctions by either affecting neurotransmitter synthesis, release, uptake, or by exerting direct agonistor antagonistaction on postsynaptic sites.
Classification
1. Natural Alkaloids of Opium
Phenanthrenes -> morphine, codeine, thebaine
Benzylisoquinolines -> papaverine, noscapine
2. Semi-synthetic Derivatives
diacetylmorphine (heroin) hydromorphone, oxymorphone hydrocodone, oxycodone
3. Synthetic Derivatives
phenylpiperidines pethidine, fentanyl, alfentanyl, sufentnyl
benzmorphans pentazocine, phenazocine, cyclazocine
propionanilides methadone
morphinans levorphanol
Drugs used to induce vomiting
In case of poisoning with noncorrosive agents, and assuming incomplete absorption of the poison has taken place, induction of vomiting can be carried out. One of the drugs used for this purpose is emetine which causes irritation of the upper gut and, on absorption, it also acts on CTZ.
Chemotherapeutic agents (or their metabolites) can directly activate the medullary chemoreceptor trigger zone or vomiting center; several neuroreceptors, including dopamine receptor Type 2 and serotonin Type 3 (5-HT3) from cell damage(GIT and pharynx) play roles in vomiting.
Phenytoin (Dilantin): for tonic-clonic and all partial seizures (not effective against absence seizures)
Mechanism: ↓ reactivation of Na channels (↑ refractory period, blocks high frequency cell firing, ↓ spread of seizure activity from focus)
Side effects: ataxia, vertigo, hirsutism (abnormal hair growth), gingival hyperplasia, osteomalacia (altered vitamin D metabolism and ↓ Ca absorption), blood dyscrasias (rare; megaloblastic anemia, etc)
Drug interactions: induces hepatic microsomal enzymes (can ↓ effectiveness of other drugs); binds tightly to plasma proteins and can displace other drugs
Thiazide diuretics
Chlorothiazide, Hydrochlorothiazide
Mechanism(s) of Action
1. Block facilitated Na/Cl co-transport in the early distal tubule. This is a relatively minor Na absorption mechanism and the result is modest diuresis
2. Potassium wasting effect
a. Blood volume reduction leads to increased production of aldosterone
b. Increased distal Na load secondary to diuretic effect
c. a + b = increase Na (to blood) for K (to urine) exchange which produces indirect K wasting
3. Increase distal Ca re-absorption (direct effect)
o causes an increase in plasma calcium.This is unimportant NORMALLY but makes thiazides VERY inappropriate choice for hypercalcemic patients.
4. Anti-diuretic effect in nephrogenic diabetes insipidus patients secondary to depletion of Na and Water.
Toxicity
• Electrolyte imbalance (particularly hypokalemia) ,Agranulocytosis , Allergic reactions
• Hyperuricemia , Thrombocytopenia
Oxyphenbutazone: one of the metabolites of phenylbutazone. Apazone. Similar to phenylbutazone, but less likely to cause agranulocytosis