Mechanism of Action

When a local anesthetic is injected, it is the ionized [cation] form of the local anesthetic that actually binds to anionic channel receptors in the sodium channel, thus blocking the influx of sodium ions which are responsible for lowering the -70mv resting potential towards the firing threshold of -55mv which then results in depolarization of the nerve membrane. However, only the lipid soluble nonionized [base] form of the local anesthetic can penetrate the various barriers [e.g., nerve membrane, fibrous tissue] between the site of injection and the targeted destination which is the sodium channel.

First Generation Cephalosporins

Prototype Drugs are CEFAZOLIN (for IV use) and CEPHALEXIN (oral use).

1. Staph. aureus - excellent activity against b-lactamase-producing strains
Not effective against methicillin-resistant Staph. aureus & epidermidis

2. Streptococci - excellent activity versus Streptococcus sp.
Not effective against penicillin-resistant Strep. pneumoniae

3. Other Gm + bacteria - excellent activity except for Enterococcus sp.

4. Moderate activity against gram negative bacteria.

Caution: resistance may occur in all cases.
Susceptible organisms include:

E. coli
Proteus mirabilis
Indole + Proteus sp. (many strains resistant)
Haemophilus influenzae (some strains resistant)
Neisseria sp. (some gonococci resistant)

Uses
1. Upper respiratory tract infections due to Staph. and Strep.
2. Lower respiratory tract infections due to susceptible bacteria e.g. Strep.pneumoniae in penicillin-allergic patient (previous rash)
3. Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (Cephalexin)
4. Surgical prophylaxis for orthopedic and cardiovascular operations (cefazolin preferred because of longer half-life)
5. Staphylococcal infections of skin and skin structure

BradyKinin

An endogenous vasodilator occurring in blood vessel walls. 
At least two distinct receptor types, B1 and B2, appear to exist for BradyKinin

Roles of bradykinin:

1) Mediator of inflammation and pain.
2) Regulation of microcirculation.
3) Their production is interrelated with clotting and fibrinolysin systems.
4) Responsible for circulatory change after birth.
5) Involved in shock and some immune reactions.

Propofol -Intravenous Anesthetics

- A nonbarbiturate anesthetic
- It is very lipid-soluble, acts rapidly and has a short recovery time.
- It is associated with less nausea and vomiting than some of the other IV anesthetics.
- Propofol is very similar to thiopental in its effects on the cardiorespiratory system.
- It does not have any analgesic properties but lowers the dose of opioid needed when the two agents are used in combination.

- The most significant adverse cardiovascular effect associated with propofol administration is hypotension. It should be used with caution in patients with cardiac disease.

Chloral hydrate

1. Short-acting sleep inducer—less risk of “hangover” effect the next day.
2. Little change on REM sleep.
3. Metabolized to trichloroethanol, an active metabolite; further metabolism inactivates the drug.
4. Used for conscious sedation in dentistry.
5. Can result in serious toxicity if the dose is not controlled.

Drug-Receptor Interactions

Drug Receptor:  any functional macromolecule in a cell to which a drug binds to produce its effects.  at receptors, drugs mimic or block the action of the body's own regulatory molecules.  

Receptors and Selectivity of Drug Action : If a drug interacts with only one kind of receptor, and if that receptor regulates just a few processes, then the effects of the drug will be limited.

Even though a drug is selective for one type of receptor, it can still produce a variety of effects.

Selectivity does not guarantee safety.

Theories of Drug-Receptor Interaction

- Simple Occupancy Theory:  Two factors - The intensity of the response to a drug is proportional to the number of receptors occupied by that drug, and the maximal response will occur when all available receptors have been occupied.

- Modified Occupancy Theory:  Assumes that all drugs acting at a particular receptor are identical with respect to the ability to bind to the receptor and the ability to influence receptor function once binding has taken place.

•    Affinity:  The strength of the attraction between a drug and its receptor.  Affinity is reflected in potency.  (Drugs with high affinity are very potent).

•    Intrinsic Activity:  The ability of a drug to activate a receptor following binding.  Reflected in the maximal efficacy (drugs with high intrinsic activity have high maximal efficacy).