Pharmacology Exam Review

Instructor Introduction

• Instructor: Dr. Drayton
• Teaching pharmacology since 2016
• Focus on students from St. Augustine and other campuses

Exam Review Overview

• Duration: Approximately 75 minutes
• Focus: Chapters 5 through 14
• Review of pharmacology concepts related to hyperlipidemia, coagulation, anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, cholesterol meds, benzodiazepines, anxiety, seizures, depression, bipolar disorder, antipsychotics, Parkinson’s disease, anesthetics, muscle relaxants, opioids.
• Resources: PowerPoint available on iLearn
• Interactive Q&A through Mentimeter

Coagulation Cascade

• Activation process: Damage to endothelial wall → Activates collagen & tissue factors → Platelet activation & aggregation
• Formation: Platelet plug & fibrin strands
• Drug Classes for Clotting:
  • Antiplatelets
  • Anticoagulants
  • Fibrinolytics

Anticoagulants

• Main Drugs: Heparin (IV), Warfarin (oral)
• Mechanism: Interferes with vitamin K metabolism
• Risks: Hemorrhage, GI distress, skin reactions

Antiplatelet Drugs

• Common Drug: Aspirin
• Use: Prevent MI, stroke
• Risks: GI disturbances, CVA
• Emergency Use: Chew aspirin during acute MI

Fibrinolytics

• Use: Break down clots in acute MI or ischemic stroke within specific timeframes
• Risks: Cerebral hemorrhaging

Cholesterol Medications

• Types: Statins, Fibrates
• Statins Benefits: Lower LDL, increase HDL, anti-inflammatory
• Risks: Myopathy, rhabdomyolysis

Benzodiazepines

• Applications: Seizures, anxiety, muscle relaxation
• Risks: Sedation, tolerance, dependence
• Concerns: Long half-life, lipid solubility, potential link to Alzheimer's

Anxiety Medications

• Types: Benzodiazepines, SSRIs, SNRIs, Buspirone, Beta blockers

Seizure Medications

• Types: Traditional (hydantoins, benzodiazepines) and second-generation agents
• Primary vs. Secondary: Primary more effective but less safe, secondary safer but less effective

Depression

• Neurotransmitters: Serotonin, Norepinephrine, Dopamine
• Drug Types: SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, Tricyclics
• Concerns: Serotonin syndrome, hypertensive crisis with MAO inhibitors

Bipolar Disorder

• Treatment: Lithium
• Signs of Toxicity: Dizziness, metallic taste, confusion

Antipsychotics

• Types: Traditional (high D2 receptor antagonism), Atypical (weaker D2, affects serotonin)
• Concerns: Tardive dyskinesia, pseudo-parkinsonism

Parkinson’s Disease

• Medication: L-DOPA with Carbidopa
• Concerns: Orthostatic hypotension, psychotropic effects, diminished response over time

Anesthetics

• Types: General (IV, inhaled) and Local
• Considerations: Rapid onset and recovery, potential for lipid storage

Muscle Relaxants

• Distinctions: Spasticity vs. Muscle Spasm
• Medications: Baclofen, Dantrolene, Benzodiazepines, Botox

Opioids

• Function: Pain relief, block substance P
• Receptors: Mu (addiction), Kappa (sedation)
• Concerns: Tolerance, dependence, respiratory depression

Final Notes

• Resources: Attendance and slide access via iLearn
• Student Support: Open for questions, email for slide access