Pharmacology Manual: General Info

antidysrhythmic agent

• 1. Depresses automaticity in the SA node & Purkinje fibers
• 2. Depresses AV node conduction

(Proventil, Ventolin)

bronchodilator

• 1. Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle by stimulatin beta2 receptors resulting in bronchodilation
• 2. Reduces airway resistance by bronchodilation

(Cordarone, Pacerone)

antidysrhythmic agent, Class III

• 1. Prolongs duration of the action potential and effective refractory period
• 2. Slows the sinus rate through calcium channel blockade and beta-adrenergic blockade
• 3. Slows conduction through the AV node
• 4. Widens the QRS complex and prolongs the QT interval
• 5. Vasodilation action can decrease cardiac workload

cyanide antidote

1. Converts hemoglobin to metheglobin, which binds to the cyanide to assist cyanide elimination

(Acetylsalicylic acid=ASA)

anticoagulant

• 1. Inhibits the aggregation (clumping) of platelets
• 2. Prolongs bleeding time

parasympathetic blocker/ anticholinergic/ vagolytic

• 1.Inhibits parasympathetic stimulation by blocking acetylcholine receptors
• 2. Decreases vagal tone resulting in increased heart rate and AV conduction
• 3. Dilates bronchioles and decreases respiratory tract secretions
• 4. Decreases gastrointestinal secretions

(CaCl2)

inotropic agent (electrolyte)

• 1. Increases myocardial contractility
• 2. Actively competes with potassium at the heart and neuromuscular receptor sites
• 3. Restores myocardial conduction in presence of hyperkalemia

(Acta-Char, Insta-Char, CharcoAid, Actidose, Liqui-char)

chemical absorbent

1. Inhibits gastrointestinal absorption of drugs and chemicals

(Glucose paste/ Glucose gel/ Glucose solution)

hyperglycemic agent

1. Provides an oral source of glucose rapidly utilized for cellular metabolism

(D5W)

hypotonic solution (crystalloid)

• 1. Provides small amounts of glucose, which is rapidly utilized for cellular metabolism
• 2. Supplies body water

(D50W)

hyperglycemic agent (crystalloid)

1. Provides an immediate source of glucose, which is rapidly utilized for cellular metabolism

(Valium)

anticonvulsant/ sedative/ muscle relaxant

• 1. Anticonvulsant
• 2. Depresses central, peripheral & autonomic nervous systems
• 3. Depresses patient recall

(Benadryl)

antihistamine

• 1. Competes with histamine at receptor sites
• 2. Reverses muscle spasm associated with dystonic reactions

(Intropin)

sympathomimetic agent (catecholamine)

• Low Dose= 1-4 mcgm/kg/min
• 1. Dilates renal and mesenteric arteries by stimulating dopaminergic receptors
• 2. May decrease BP due to vasodilation

• Moderate Dose= 5-10 mcgm/kg/min
• 1. Increases inotropy without increasing chronotropy
• 2. Increases BP by stimulating beta1 receptors

• High Dose= >10-20 mcgm/kg/min
• 1. Causes vasoconstriction by stimulating alpha receptors
• 2. Increases inotropy & chronotropy by stimulating beta1 receptors
• 3. Increases BP by stimulating alpha & beta1 receptors

(Adrenalin)

sympathomimetic agent (catecholamine)

• 1. Increases CO due to increased inotropy, chronotropy, and AV conduction (dromotropy) (beta1 effect)
• 2. Increases systolic BP due to increased CO and vasoconstriction (beta1, alpha effect)
• 3. Increases coronary perfusion during CPR by increasing aortic diastolic pressure (alpha effect)
• 4. Prevents hypotension and loss of intravascular fluid in anaphylactic reactions by counteracting vasodilation and decreasing vascular permeability (alpha effect)
• 5. Relaxes smooth muscles of the respiratory tract (beta2 effect)

(Lasix)

diuretic

• 1. Increases urinary output inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium chloride in renal tubules
• 2. Causes venous pooling due to vasodilation

hyperglycemic agent

• 1. Elevates blood glucose by converting liver glycogen into glucose
• 2. Positive inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart
• 3. Relaxes smooth muscle

(Xylocaine)

antidysrhythmic agent, Class IB

• 1. Supresses ventricular dysrhythmias by: stabilizing the myocardial cell membrane, shortening the refractory period, suppression of automaticity of ectopic focuses
• 2. Prolongs the refractory period in ischemic tissue

(Versed, Hypnovel)

anticonvulsant/ hypnotic/ sedative

• 1. Depresses the CNS
• 2. Relaxes skeletal muscles
• 3. Decreases patient recall

narcotic analgesic

• 1. Alters pain perception and produces euphoria
• 2. Depresses the CNS by interacting with opiate receptors in the brain
• 3. Decreases myocardial oxygen demand by:
• -decreasing preload by causing venous pooling due to peripheral vasodilation resulting in decreased venous return
• -decreasing afterload by causing peripheral vasodilation resulting in decreased systemic vascular resistance

(Narcan)

narcotic antagonist

1. Reverses the respiratory depression and CNS sedation of narcotics by competing for opiate receptor sites in the brain

(Nitrolingual)

vasodilator

• 1. Dilates arterial and venous vessels resulting in venous pooling
• 2. Reduces preload and afterload resulting in decreased myocardial workload and reduced oxygen demand
• 3. Dilates coronary vessels resulting in increased perfusion of the myocardium
• 4. Relieves coronary vasospasm

(Zofran)

antiemetic

1. Blocks the serotonin receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the stomach and small intestines

gas

• 1. Oxidizes glucose to provide energy at the cellular level
• 2. Essential for normal metabolic function (aerobic metabolism) and energy production for nerves and muscles

(KCl)

electrolyte supplement

1. Regulates nerve conduction and muscle contraction, especially cardiac

(2-PAM Cl, Protopam)

cholinesterase re-activator

1. Blocks the effects of accumulated acetylcholine by breaking the bond between the nerve agent and the enzyme acetylcholinesterase

isotonic solution (crystalloid)

1. Replaces fluid and electrolytes lost from the intravascular and intracellular spaces

(Na HCO3)

alkalinizing agent (hydrogen ion buffer)

• 1. Increases blood pH
• 2. Combines with hydrogen ions to form carbonic acid
• 3. Decreases precipitation of myoglobin in renal tubules in Crush Syndrome

(Normal Saline)

isotonic solution (crystalloid)

1. Replaces fluid and electrolytes lost from the intravascular and intracellular spaces