NEET MDS Lessons
Pharmacology
NSAIDs: Classification by Plasma Elimination Half Lives
Short Half Life (< 6 hours):
more rapid effect and clearance
• Aspirin (0.25-0.33 hrs),
• Diclofenac (1.1 ± 0.2 hrs)
• Ketoprofen (1.8± 0.4 hrs),
• Ibuprofen (2.1 ± 0.3 hrs)
• Indomethacin (4.6 ± 0.7 hrs)
Long Half Life (> 10 hours):
slower onset of effect and slower clearance
• Naproxen (14 ± 2 hrs)
• Sulindac (14 ± 8 hrs),
• Piroxicam (57 ± 22 hrs)
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.
Tetracycline
Tetracycline is an antibiotic produced by the streptomyces bacterium
Mechanism and Resistance Tetracycline inhibits cell growth by inhibiting translation. It binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit and prevents the amino-acyl tRNA from binding to the A site of the ribosome. This prevents the addition of amino acids to the elongating peptide chain, preventing synthesis of proteins. The binding is reversible in nature.
Example: Chlortetracycline, oxytetracycline, demethylchlortetracycline, rolitetracycline, limecycline, clomocycline, methacycline, doxycycline, minocycline
Source: Streptomyces spp.; some are also semi-synthetic
Spectrum of activity: Broad-spectrum. Exhibits activity against a wide range of Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria, atypical organisms such as chlamydiae, mycoplasmas, rickettsiae and protozoan parasites.
Effect on bacteria: Bacteriostatic
Cells become resistant to tetracyline by at least two mechanisms: efflux and ribosomal protection.
Contraindications Tetracycline use should be avoided during pregnancy and in the very young (less than 6 years) because it will result in permanent staining of teeth causing an unsightly cosmetic result.
Tetracyclines also become dangerous past their expiration dates. While most prescription drugs lose potency after their expiration dates, tetracyclines are known to become toxic over time; expired tetracyclines can cause serious damage to the kidneys.
Miscellaneous: Tetracyclines have also been used for non-antibacterial purposes, having shown properties such as anti-inflammatory activity, immunosuppresion, inhibition of lipase and collagenase activity, and wound healing.
Phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin V) Phenoxymethylpenicillin, commonly known as penicillin V, is the orally-active form of penicillin. It is less active than benzylpenicillin
Indications:
infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, skin infections, prophylaxis of rheumatic fever, moderate-to-severe gingivitis (with metronidazole)
Sympatholytics And Alpha Adrenergic Blockers
Types
1. Alpha 1-receptor blockers: prazocin,doxazocin.
2. Centrally acting alpha 2- agonists: methyldopa, clonidine.
3. Peripherally acting adrenergic antagonists: reserpine.
4. Imidazoline receptor agonists: rilmenidine, moxonidine.
Advantages
- Alpha1- receptor blockers and imidazoline receptor agonists improve lipid profile and insulin sensitivity.
- Methyldopa: increases renal blood flow. Drug of choice during pregnancy.
- Reserpine: neutral metabolic effects and cheap.
Indications:
- Diabetes mellitus: alpha1- receptor blockers, imidazoline receptor agonists.
- Dyslipidemia: alpha 1- receptor blockers, imidazoline receptor agonists.
- Prostatic hypertrophy: alpha 1- receptor blockers.
- When there is a need for rapid reduction in blood pressure: clonidine.
Side Effects
- Prazocin: postural hypotension, diarrhea, occasional tachycardia, and tolerance (due to fluid retention).
- Methyldopa: sedation, hepatotoxicity, hemolytic anemia, and tolerance.
- Reserpine: depression, lethargy, weight loss, peptic ulcer, diarrhea, and impotence
- Clonidine: dry mouth, sedation, bradycardia, impotence, and rebound hypertension if stopped suddenly.
Considerations
- Prazocin, methyldopa, and reserpine should be combined with a diuretic because of fluid retention.
Direct Arterial Vasodilators
Types: hydralazine, diazoxide, nitroprusside, and minoxidil
Doxycycline
Commonly prescribed for infections and to treat acne. treat urinary tract infections, gum disease, and other bacterial infections such as gonorrhea and chlamydia., as a prophylactic treatment for infection by Bacillus anthracis (anthrax). It is also effective against Yersinia pestis and malaria.
Isoflurane (Forane) MAC 1.3%, Blood/gas solubility ratio 1.4
- Better muscle relaxation than with the other halogenated anesthetic agents.
- Isoflurane markedly potentiates the action of the neuromuscular blocking agents.
- Produces rapid onset and recovery of anesthesia.
- Does not sensitize the heart to catecholamines.
- Produces respiratory depression, but produces less cardiovascular depression
- than does halothane.
- It has an extremely low degree of metabolism and is apparently relatively
- nontoxic.