Trade "common"

Generic Name Common Clinical Utility Mechanism of action Unique Toxicity

name
antipyretic/analgesic, no anti- centrilobular hepatic necrosis
inhibits PG synthesis in CNS
Acetaminophen Tylenol inflammatory activity, DOC for children (can be countered with N-
(post. Hypothalamus )
with viral infx acetyl cysteine)
hypersensitivity reaction, skin
Allopurinol anti-hyperuricemic drug inhibits xanthine oxidase
rash
benzo of choice for panic disorders, Tx addiction (with protracted
Alprazolam Xanax GABA receptor agonist
of agoraphobia withdrawl)
PDE inhibitor, results in higher
Amino(theo)phylline Tx of bronchial asthma "narrow therapeutic window"
conc of intracellular cAMP
Class III antiarrhythmic, pulmonary fibrosis, pts may
Tx of life-threatening supraventricular
Amiodarone increases AP duration and see halos in periphery d/t
and ventricular tachyarrhythmias
refractory period corneal deposits
for non-penicillinase producing strains of beta lactam antibiotic which
Amoxicillin Strep, Staph, H. flu, E. coli, P. mirabilis, inhibits bacterial cell wall hypersensitivity reactions
uncomplicated GC infx, otitis media synthesis
polyene antifungal, binds to
Amphotericin B DOC for systemic mycoses membrane ergosterol to induce nephrotoxicity
pore formation
Acdetylsalicylic Acid anti-inflammatory/antipyretic, DOC for GI bleeding, Reye's
Aspirin NSAID, inhibits COX
(ASA) RA syndrome
to increase HR and for Tx of competitive muscarinic receptor insufficient dose may cause
Atropine
cholinesteraase inhibitor-induced toxicity blocker paradoxical slowing of HR
nucleoside inhibitor (T analog)
Zidovudine, part of highly active antiretroviral therapy
Azidothymidine (AZT) or reverse transcriptase, bone marrow suppression
Retrovir (HAART), Tx of HIV/AIDS
terminates viral DNA synthesis
macrolide antibiotic,
antibacterial, DOC or C. trachomatis
bacteriostatic, binds 50s
Azithromycin urethritis, Tx of legionella, Neisseria and rash in mono (like ampicllin)
ribosomal subunit, blocks
Mycoplasma infx
translocation
antineoplastic agent, expecially for Tx of attacks phosphodiester bonds of
Bleomycin pulmonary fibrosis
testicular tumors DNA, causing strand breakage

anti-Parkinsonism drug, Tx of
Bromocriptine dopamine receptor agonist exacerbates psychiatric ilness
hyperprolactinemia

Captopril/enalapril/lisinop anti-hypertensive, Tx of CHF, post MI dry cough, angioedema, fetal

ACE inhibitor
ril therapy damage

active against G- infx (nosocomial,
Ceftriaxone Lyme, N. gonorrhoeae) and bacterial
meningitis
DOC against flaciparum malaria, Tx of
Chloroquine extraintestinal amebiasis (esp hepatic
amebiasis)
antihypertensive, used for CHF,
Chlorothiazide
nephrotic syndrome, hypercalciuria
3rd gen. cephalosporin, beta-
lactam inhibitor of cell wall,
blocks terminal cross-linking of can cause a positive
bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan Coombs' test
ad activates cell wall autolytic
enzymes
antimalarial drug, inhibits
breakdown of heme in the
plasmodial digestive tract
prototype thiazide diuretic, binds
Cl- channel in DCT, inhibits hypokalemia
NaCl reabsorption

low potency drug for Tx of neuroleptic agent, antagonist at

contraindicated in pts with
Chlorpromazine schizophrenia or psychiotic a1-adrenergic, dopamine, 5HT
seizure disorders
symptomatology receptors in CNS
anion exchange resin which
binds negatively charged bile constipation and impaired
antihyperlipidemic used for type IIa and
Cholestyramine Questran acids and bile salts, dec absorption of fat-soluble
IIb hyperlipidemias
enterohepatic recirculation and vitamins
inc their excretion
prototype H2 receptor
inhibits cyto p450, increased
antagonist, reversibly binds to
Cimetidine/ranitidine Tagamet PUD, GERD, Z-E syndrome conc of other drugs and may
gastric parietal cells and inhibits
have antiandrogenic effects
acid secretion
G- infx, gonorrhoeae, UTIs, soft tissue inhibition of bacterial DNA pediatric Achilles tendon
Ciprofloxacin
infx, diarrheal diseases gyrase rupture
may cause
anaerobic bacterial infx (lung abscesses, irreversibly binds 50s subunit,
Clindamycin, lincosamide pseudomembranous
intra-abdominal infx, orthopedic infx) interfering with aa transfer
enterocolitis
HTNj, opiate withdrawla, benzo
Clonidine alpha 2 adrenergic agonist sexual dysfunction
withdrawal
refractory schizophrenic pts or tardive neuroleptic agent with high
Clozapine agranulocytosis
dyskinesia affinity for 5HT2 and D4 recept
strong abuse potential,
inhibits reuptake of
Cocaine topical anesthetic in the nose and throat respiratory depression and
catecholamines
coronary spasm
plant alkaloid, binds tubulin,
Colchicine antineoplastic agent, gout causes depolymerization of peripheral neuritis , alopecia
microtubules
prophylactic anti-inflammatory in inhibits mast cell
Cromolyn sodium only minimal systemic toxicity
asthma degranulation
alkylating agent, activated by
autoimmune disorders and bone marrow
Cyclophosphamide cyto p450 and then alkylates hemorrhagic cystitis
transplants
DNA
 immunosuppressant, prevents
rejection of allergenic transplants , tx synthesis IL-2 by activated T-
Cyclosporine nephrotoxicity
of graft vs host disease and selected cells
autoimmune disorders
anxiety, skeletal muscle relaxant, addiction (with protracted
Diazepam Valium GABA receptor agonist
preanesthetic med, status epilepticus withdrawl)
rare, clear cell cervical or
vaginal adenocarcinoma
morning after pill, can be used to
Diethylstilbestrol via steroid hormone mechanism among daughters of women
prevent pregnancy when at high doses
who took it during early
pregnancy
CHF, A-V nodal depression, a-fib and reversibly binds and inhibits life-threatening cardiac
Digoxin
flutter Na/K ATPase, positive inotropy arrhythmias
angina from vasospasm, Tx of
Class IV antiarrhythmic drug,
Diltiazem arrhythmias (SVTs) and mild-moderate generally safe
Ca channel blocker
HTN
DOC for urticaria and allergic rhinitis, 1st generation antihistamine (H1
Diphenhydramine Benadryl minor abuse potential
Tx of insomnia receptor blocker)

CHF, promotes inc cardiac output with Beta 1 adrenergic receptor

Dobutamine quite safe in lower doses
little change in myocardial O2 demand agonist
anthracycline antibiotic which
intercalates DNA, binds to cell
Doxorubicin antineoplastic agent memb and generates O free cardiotoxicity
radicals through lipid
peroxidation
competitive inhibitor of only as may relate to brevity
Edrophonium Tensilon Dx of MG
acetylcholinesterase of effect

DOC for anaphylaxis, used in asthama,

Epinephrine cardiac arrest, enhances effect of local
anesthetics
alternative to PCN in allergic pts, 1st
choice for Legionella and M.
Erythromycin
pneumoniae, 2nd choice for Syphilis and
Chlamydial
OCPs, HRT, primary hypogonadism and
hypopituitarism, dysmenorrhea,
Estrogen
dysfunctional uterine bleeding, palliative
Tx for prostatic carcinoma
Finasteride BPH and male pattern bladness
alpha and beta adrenergic excessive dosing may
agonist precipitate hypertensive crisis
macrolide antibiotic, binds 50s
sensorineural hearing loss in
ribosomal subunit interfering
large doses, inhibition of cyto
with protein synthesis, blocks
p450
translocation
thromboembolic
via steroid hormone mechanism
phenomena
5-alpha reductase inhibitor,
inhibits conversion of gynecomastia for Proscar, not
testosterone to DHT in target Propecia
tissues

depression, panic disorder, OCD, PTSD
Fluoxetine SSRI
and bulemia nervosa
folate defic, dietary supplement for
Folic acid women of childbearing age to prevent
NTDs
CHF, pulm edema, renal and liver failure, reabsorption of Na, K and Cl in hypokalemia , ototoxicity,
Furosemide Lasix
severe HTN, hypercalcemia
G- bacteria, for serious infx, topically in irreversibly binds 30s
Gentamicin burns infected with Pseudomonas and
ocular infx
psycotic symptoms or schizo, severe
Haloperidol Haldol
manic or agitated episodes, Tourette's
in pts at high risk for thrombosis and
Heparin pulm emboli, used to stop ongoing
thrombosis, used in acute phase of MI
moderate-severe essential HTN, CHF (in
Hydralazine
combo with oral nitrates)
Ibuprofen Advil analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic
Imipramine severe major depression
Indinavir sulfate part of HAART for HIV/AIDS
closure of PDA, moderate-severe RA,
OA, ankylosing spondylitis, Bartter's
Indomethacin
synd, tendinitis, bursitis, acute gout,
dysmenorrhea, DOC for Reiter's
IDDM, NIDDM, diabetic ketoacidosis,
Insulin, regular hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic
coma
inhibits cyto p450 ,
potentially fatal 5HT syndrome
when combined with MAOIs
cofactor which participates in 1
carbon transfer for DNA and ~
methionine synthesis
protoype loop diuretic, inhibits
ascending thick limb by blocking allergic interstitial nephritis
Na/K/Cl cotransporter
ribosome, inhibiting the initiation ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity
of protein synthesis
may cause Parkinsonism,
dopamine receptor antagonist
akathisia, dystonia, tardive
(esp D2) in mesolimbic and
dyskinesia,
mesocortical areas
hyperprolactinemia,
accelerates antithrombin III
binding to thrombin and
antithrombin III, inactivates
thrombin, Ixa, Xa, XIa, XIIa and thrombocytopenia
kallikrein, inhibits clot formation,
does not dissolve clots!
direct relaxation of vascular
lupus-like syndrome with
smooth muscle, greater effect
+ANA (in slow acetylators)
on arterioles than venules
NSAID, inhibits COX nephrotoxicity
prototype tricyclic
antidepressent, decreases antimuscarinic effects,
reuptake of NE and 5HT in the orthostatic hypotension
CNS
inhibits viral protease,
preventing formation of thrombocytopenia
functional reverse transcriptase
blood dyscrasias,
NSAID, inhibits PG-forming
hepatotoxicity, contraindicated
COX
in pregnant women
binds tyrosine kinase receptors
on cell surface, promoting
anabolic reactions withing target
hypoglycemia
cells, promotes translocation of
GLUT transporters to plasma
memb
 inhibits mycolic acid synthesis of lupus-like syndrome with
Isoniazid (INH) tx and prevention of TB
mycobacterial cell wall +ANA (in slow acetylators)

Isoproteronol bronchial asthma, bradycardia beta agonist sinus tachycardia

unknown (may inhibit
severe cystic acne that is recalcitrant to
Isotretinoin sebaceous gland size and teratogenic
standard therapy
function)
coccidiomycosis, histo, blasto, suppression of cyto p450
blocks synthesis of fungal cell
Ketoconazole paracoccidio, mucocutaneous (be careful of any patient
membrane ergosterol
candidiasis taking Warfarin, etc..)
for Parkinson's disease (usually with dopamine precursor (converted hyperkinetic movement
Levodopa
carbidopa) by dopa decarboxylase) disorders, psychotic behavior
activation of nuclear non-histone
protein receptors attached to
Levothyroxine DOC for hypothyroidism ~
DNA, increasing trnascription of
mRNA
decreases automaticity in
Purkinje fibers and vent tissue
primary therapy for ventricular cimetidine and propranolol
Lidocaine by blockin inactivated Na+
arrhythmias, local anesthetic increase its toxicity
channels, favoring phase III
repolarization
antidepressent effect - may
decrease supersensitivity of
dopamine receptors, increase
Ach, enhance 5HT activity for
depression; antimania effect - it teratogenic, interstitial
Lithium mania, depression, bipolar disorder
may prevent recycling of nephritis, nephrogenic DI
phosphoinositides, causing
depletion of IP3 and DAG,
diminishes excess
catecholamines and 5HT
angiotensin II receptor
Losartan K+ HTN fetal damage
blocker
Type Iia and Iib hyperlipoproteinemia elevated liver enzymes,
Lovastatin Mevacor HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
and secondary hyperlipoproteinemia rhabdomyolysis
Meperidine Demerol analgesic opioid receptor agonist relative mydriasis
folic acid analogue, blocks DHF
anti-neoplastic agent, RA, abortion, reductase, results in decreased pneumonitis, fatty liver ,
Methotrexate
ectopic pregnancy, psoriasis dTMP -> decreased DNA and myelosuppression
protein synthesis
CNS simulant, stimulates mood and
stimulates release of significant abuse potential in
Methylphenidate alertness and depresses apetite, Tx of
catecholamines (cross the BBB) non-ADHD subjects
ADHD
Beta 1 adrenergic receptor
Metoprolol/lopressor HTN, tachyarrhythmias, heart disease ~
blocker
 entry into cells of infectious
amebic infx, DOC for trichomoniasis and organism, chemically reduced disulfiram-like reaction with
Metronidazole giardiasis, Bacteroides fragilis, C. diff, and products cause death by alcohol consumption, avoid in
Gardnerella vaginalis interaction with DNA and pregnant women
interfering with cell division
contraindicated with sedative
primary activity at opioid mu
Morphine sever pain hypnotics, MAOIs and
receptors
antipsychotics
beta-lactam antibiotic, inhibits
acute tubulo-interstitial
bacterial synthesis by
Nafcillin penicillin-resistant Staph and Strep infx nephropathy (ATIN), though
preventing peptidoglycan cross-
much less than methicillin
linking, penicillinase resistant
opioid receptor antagonist with
very high affinity at mu
Naloxone acute opioid overdose ~
receptors, can also block kappa
and delta
mild-moderate HTN, coronary
Nifedipine Ca channel blocker Raynaud's phenomenon
vasospasm
coronary vasodilation and
angina, coronary vasospasm, systemic venous pooling to
postural hypotension, reflex
Nitroglycerine Prinzmetal's angina, CHF, short term reduce preload and vasodilation,
tachycardia
management of HTN d/t metabolism to NO -> activate
guanylate cyclase -> cGMP

hypertensive emergencies, acute CHF, directly relxes vascular smooth

Nitroprusside sever mitral regurgitation with pulmonary muscle via NO, relaxes both thiocyanate poisoning
congestion arterioles and venules
controls excessive horomone secretion
Octreotide in acromegaly, glucagonemia, somatostatin analog ~
insulinoma
irreversibly inhibits the gastric
Omeprazole GERD, PUD, Z-E syndrome ~
parietal cell H+/K+ ATPase
competitive and reversibly
Phentolamine hypertensive crisis associated with pheo blocks alpha adrenergic orthostatic hypotension
receptors
irreversibly blocks alpha
pheo, hypertensive crisis secondary to inhibits ejaculation , may
Phenoxybenzamine adrenergic receptors by
MAO OD, prophylaxis for Raynaud's cause orthostatic hypotension
covalent attachment
nasal decongestant, hypotension, to
alpha 1 adrenergic receptor
Phenylephrine prolong local anesthetic, to terminate tissue necrosis
agonist
paroxysmal atrial tachycardias, mydriatic
for epilepsy except absence seizures,
inhibits voltage-gated Na gingival hyperplasia,
Phenytoin trigeminal neuralgia, limited use as an
channels hirsutism
antiarrhythmic
Physostigmine glaucoma cholinesterase inhibitor ~
 topically for narrow and open-angle direct-acting muscarinic receptor
Pilocarpine ~
glaucoma to reduce IOP agonist
involved in maintenance of death if given too quickly as
KCL antiarrhythmic Tx of hypoalemia
cellular membrane potential bolus, arrhythmias
antihelminthic, increases memb
DOC for ALL trematode infx, active in permeability of susceptible
Praziquantel eosinophilia
cestode infx worms to Ca -> paralysis of
parasite
enters target cells and binds to
anti-inflammatory and
cytosolic receptor, complex is exogenous Cushing's
Prednisone immunosuppressant agent, when lon-
translocated to nucleus, syndrome
term therapy is needed
regulates protein synthesis
Class IA antiarrhythmic, blocks
atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, Na+ channels, thereby slowing lupus-like syndrome with
Procainamide
including ventricular ectopic beats rate of phase O depolarization +ANA
and conduction
beta adrenergic receptor use with caution in diabetics,
Propranolol HTN, angina, arrhythmias post-MI
antagonist may cause impotence
inhibits thyroid peroxidase-
catalyzed reactions, also inhibits maculopapular pruritic rash,
Propylthiouracil (PTU) thyrotoxicosis
peripheral deiodination of T4- agranulocytosis
>T3
patient must be pretreated
Class IA antiarrhythmic, blocks
with b-blocker, digitalis or Ca
Na+ channels, thereby slowing
channel blockers to avoid
atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, rate of phase O depolarization
Quinidine possible increase in vent
including ventricular ectopic beats and conduction, also blocks
response to atrial flutter, may
muscarinic and alpha 1
cause Torsades and
receptors
cinchonism
affects color vision causing
Sildenafil citrate ED inhibits phosphodiesterase difficulty in blu e /green
discrimination
in combo with K+ losing diuretics to
maintain proper K+ balance, useful in
blocks aldosterone action by
presence of high aldosteone levels, used
Spironolactone competitively binding to its gynecomastia
in Dx and Tx of primary
receptor
hyperaldosteronism, used in Tx of PCOD
and female hirsutism
no enzymatic action, forms
Tx of DVTs, PE, unclogging of catheters
complexes with plasminogen,
Streptokinase and shunts, acute MI, hypersensitivity hemorrhagic stroke
which can then cleave free
reactions, anaphylaxis
plasminogen into plasmin
competative antagonist to
reduce recurrence of estrogen-receptor-
estrogen at receptors in the
Tamoxifen positive breast cancer, particularly in ~
breast, partial agonist at other
postmenopausal women
estrogen receptors

prevent or Tx symptoms or allergic
Terfenadine
reactions, without causing drowsiness
sedative, immunomodulatory actions,
Thalidomide recently reintroduced for Leprosy, skin
manifestations of lupus
depression, phobias, narcolepsy, panic
Tranylcypromine
attacks
UTIs, shigellosis, salmonellosis, H.flu
Trimethoprime/
resp infx, Strep pneumo, PCP, typhoid
Sulfamethoxazole
and paratyphoid fevers, Isospora belli
G+ only, for C. diff psudomembranous
colitis, MRSA, enterococcal infx in PCN
Vancomycin allergic pts, PCN-resistant pneumococci,
w/ gentamicin for S. faecalis and S.
viridans endocarditis
Vasopressin central DI
mild-moderate Htn, SVTs, migraine
Verapamil
headache prophylaxis
simialr to heparin, but not useful for
Warfarin Coumadin
rapid anticoagulation
Zafirlukast asthma
Zileuton asthma
metabolism is easily inhibited
H1 receptor blocker (2nd by many hepatic microsomal
generation antihistomine) enzyme inhibitors, high conc
can cause Torsades
unknown teratogenic, causes phcomelia
avoid tyramine-containing
monoamine oxidase inhibitor
foods
acts as inhibitor of two
sequential steps in synthesis of
folic acid, sulfa inhibits PABA Steven-Johnson syndrome ,
incorporation into folic acid, blood dyscrasias
triemth inhibits the reduction of
DHF to THF
inhibits cell wall synthesis by rapid infusion may cause
binding to D-Ala-D-Ala, thus facial and neck erythema ("red
preventin its incorporation into man syndrome"), ototoxicity,
peptidoglycan nephrotoxicity
increases water reabsorption in
the collecting ducts of the
~
kidney by binding to ADH
receptor
Ca channel blocker significant negative inotrope
derivative of Coumarin,
interferes with synthesis of
vitamin K -dependent clotting warfarin skin necrosis
factors (II, VII, IX, X, protein C,
protein S)
leukotriene receptor
hepatotoxicity
antagonist (LTD4)
5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, blocks
arachidonic acid -> leukotrienes