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INTRODUCTION

The following list is a compilation of the drugs that are most likely to appear on examinations. The brief descriptions should serve as a rapid review. The list can be used in 2 ways. First, cover the column of properties and test your ability to recall descriptive information about drugs picked at random from the left column; second, cover the left column and try to name a drug that fits the properties described. The numbers in parentheses at the end of each drug description denote the relevant chapter in this book.

Common abbreviations and acronyms: ACE, angiotensin converting enzyme; ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; ANS, autonomic nervous system; AV, atrioventricular; BP, blood pressure; CNS, central nervous system; COMT, catechol-O-methyltransferase; DMARD, disease-modifying antirheumatic drug; ENS, enteric nervous system; EPS, extrapyramidal system; GABA, γ-aminobutyric acid; GI, gastrointestinal; GPCR, G-protein-coupled receptor; HDL, high-density lipoprotein; HF, heart failure; HR, heart rate; HTN, hypertension; LDL, low-density lipoprotein; LMW, low molecular weight; MAB, monoclonal antibody; MAO, monoamine oxidase; MI, myocardial infarct; NSAID, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; PANS, parasympathetic autonomic nervous system; RA, rheumatoid arthritis; SANS, sympathetic autonomic nervous system; TCA, tricyclic antidepressant; TNF, tumor necrosis factor; Tox, toxicity; VLDL, very-low-density lipoprotein; WBCs, white blood cells.

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Drug Properties
Abciximab Monoclonal antibody that inhibits the binding of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa) to fibrinogen. Used to prevent clotting after coronary angioplasty and in acute coronary syndrome. Eptifibatide and tirofiban are also GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors. (34)
Acetaminophen Antipyretic analgesic: very weak cyclooxygenase inhibitor; not anti-inflammatory. Less GI distress than aspirin but dangerous in overdose. Tox: hepatic necrosis. Antidote: acetylcysteine. (36)
Acetazolamide Carbonic anhydrase-inhibiting diuretic acting in the proximal convoluted tubule: produces a NaHCO3 diuresis, results in bicarbonate depletion and metabolic acidosis. Has self-limited diuretic but persistent bicarbonate-depleting action. Used in glaucoma and mountain sickness. Tox: paresthesias, hepatic encephalopathy. Dorzolamide and brinzolamide are topical analogs for glaucoma. (15)
Acetylcholine Cholinomimetic prototype: transmitter in CNS, ENS, all ANS ganglia, parasympathetic postganglionic synapses, sympathetic postganglionic fibers to sweat glands, and skeletal muscle end plate synapses. (6, 7)
Acyclovir Antiviral: inhibits DNA synthesis in herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Requires activation by viral thymidine kinase (TK strains are resistant). Tox: behavioral effects and nephrotoxicity (crystalluria) but minimal myelosuppression. Famciclovir, penciclovir, and valacyclovir are similar but with longer half-lives. (49)
Adenosine Antiarrhythmic: miscellaneous group; parenteral only. Hyperpolarizes AV nodal tissue, blocks conduction for 10–15 s. Used for nodal reentry arrhythmias. Tox: hypotension, flushing, chest pain. (14)
Albuterol Prototypic rapid-acting, short-acting β2 agonist; important use in acute asthma. Tox: tachycardia, arrhythmias, tremor. Other drugs with similar action: metaproterenol, terbutaline. Long-acting analogs: formoterol, salmeterol; used for prophylaxis. Indacaterol, vilanterol similar long-acting β2-agonists approved for COPD. (9, 20)
Alendronate Bisphosphonate: chronic treatment with low doses increases bone mineral density and reduces fractures. Higher doses lower serum calcium. Used in osteoporosis and for the hypercalcemia ...

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