Autonomic/CV Drugs — Flashcards

Flashcard 2451: Treatment of acute coronary syndromes often includes _____, which decrease heart rate and reduce risk of arrhythmia

Answer: Beta-blockers

Flashcard 2452: Peripheral conversion of levodopa may cause _____

Answer: Nausea, vomiting, and cardiac arrhythmias (due to peripheral dopamine)

Extra: Peripheral conversion of Levodopa to Dopamine by DOPA decarboxylase (DDC) in the GI tract and periphery causes nausea, vomiting, and arrhythmias. Carbidopa is a peripheral DDC inhibitor that reduces these side effects and increases the amount of Levodopa reaching the CNS. Consequently, adding Carbidopa can worsen CNS side effects like hallucinations and dyskinesia.

Flashcard 2453: A metabolic adverse effect of mecasermin, a recombinant IGF-1, is _____

Answer: hypoglycemia

Flashcard 2454: First Aid Pharmacology: Respiratory (Asthma) Adenosine causes broncho-_____

Answer: constriction

Flashcard 2455: _____ can disrupt the blood-brain barrier which increases the permeability of medications.

Answer: Mannitol

Flashcard 2456: What effect does dobutamine have on HR and contractility? _____

Answer: Increased HR and contractility (β₁ agonist)

Flashcard 2457: Which class of diabetic drugs is associated with increased risk of heart failure as a possible side effect?_____

Answer: Thiazolidinediones

Flashcard 2458: What adverse effect is characteristically associated with **streptokinase** (due to its bacterial origin)?

Answer: Hypersensitivity / allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis)

Extra: Streptokinase is a protein produced by beta-hemolytic streptococci. Because it is a foreign bacterial protein, it is antigenic and can induce antibody production. This leads to two main issues: 1. **Hypersensitivity reactions:** Range from simple rashes/fever to life-threatening anaphylaxis. 2. **Neutralization:** Pre-existing antibodies (from prior streptococcal infections or previous streptokinase use) can neutralize the drug, making it less effective. Recombinant human tPA (e.g., alteplase) does not carry this risk of antigenicity.

Flashcard 2459: Etanercept works by complexing with TNF-a and inducing _____ of the complex

Answer: phagocytosis

Flashcard 2460: On an FA/FI (alveolar to inspired concentration) curve, does an inhaled anesthetic with **high blood solubility** show a fast or slow rate of rise?

Answer: High (e.g., halothane)

Extra: High blood solubility means the blood acts as a large reservoir, "soaking up" the anesthetic and delaying the rise in alveolar partial pressure (FA). Therefore, higher solubility results in a slower rate of rise in the FA/FI ratio and slower induction.