Pharmacology Drug Chart Page 1

Pharmacology Drug Chart

Cholinergic Agonists
Drug Name Receptor Therapeutic Uses Adverse Effects
Muscarinic ¯ HR, CO and BP
­ Salivary Secretions
­ Secretions and Motility in the GIT
Acetylcholine ­ Bronchiolar Secretions
Miosis (Constriction of the Pupil)

Muscarinic Stimulates the detrusor while relaxing Sweating, Salivation, Flushing, ¯ BP,
the trigone and sphincter causing Nausea, Abdominal Pain, Diarrhea, and
Bethanechol urination in Nonobstructive retention Bronchospasam
i.e. postoperative and postpartum

Muscarinic Similar to Bethanechol to treat urinary When used to treat Glaucoma there
retention are little to no side effects b/c of direct
Carbachol Used on the Eye to cause Miosis administration
¯ Intraocular Pressure to treat
Glaucoma
Muscarinic Miosis Can enter the brain and cause CNS
¯ Intraocular Pressure in BOTH Narrow disturbances
Pilocarpine and Wide angle Glaucoma ­ Sweating
­ Salivation

Anticholinesterases - Irreversible
Drug Name Receptor Therapeutic Uses Adverse Effects
Covalently bonds Chronic treatment of Open-angle Death L
Organophosphates to AChase Glaucoma
 Pharmacology Drug Chart Page 2

Anticholinesterases - Reversible
Drug Name Receptor Therapeutic Uses Adverse Effects
Competitive ­ Intestinal Motility Bradycardia
Inhibitor of ­ Bladder Motility Can enter the CNS and high doses may
AChase Miosis cause convulsions
Physostigmine ¯ Intraocular Pressure
Used to treat an overdose of Atropine

Competitive ­ Intestinal Motility Sweating, Salivation, Flushing, ¯ BP,

Inhibitor of ­ Bladder Motility Nausea, Abdominal Pain, Diarrhea, and
AChase Antidote for Tubocurarine Bronchospasam
Neostigmine Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis

Cholinergic Antagonists
Drug Name Receptor Therapeutic Uses Adverse Effects
Non-specific Mydriasis (Dilation of the Pupil) Dry Mouth
Muscarinic Relaxes the GIT Blurred Vision
Blocker via Antispasmodic activity in the Bladder Tachycardia
Competitive Treatment of Organophosphate Constipation
Binding overdose by blocking the effects of ­ Intraocular Pressure (Bad for
Atropine excess ACh caused by Anti-AChase Glaucoma)
Blocks secretions of the upper and Enters the CNS to cause Confusion,
lower respiratory tract Hallucinations, Depression and
collapse of the Circulatory and
Respiratory systems
 Pharmacology Drug Chart Page 3

Ganglionic and Neuromuscular Blockers

Drug Name Receptor Therapeutic Uses Adverse Effects
Low Dose - Ganglionic stimulation by Irritability and Tremors
depolarization Intestinal Cramps and Diarrhea
High Dose - Ganglionic blockade ­ HR
Sympathetic Stimulation followed by ­ BP
Nicotine
paralysis of the ganglia ­ Rate of Metabolism of other drugs -
Induction

Competitive Used for the emergency lowering of BP

Hexamethonium Nicotinic
(Trimethaphan) Ganglionic
Blocker
Nondepolarizing Low Dose - Nicotinic Receptor and Histamine Release
NM Blocker competitively blocks the binding of ACh Ganglionic Blockade
High Dose - blocks the Ion Channels of ¯ BP
Tubocurarine the End Plate
Used to relax skeletal muscle during
surgery

Depolarizing NM Rapid endothelial intubations Hyperthermia

Succinylcholine Blocker Apnea due to the paralysis of the
Diaphragm
 Pharmacology Drug Chart Page 4

Direct Acting Adrenergic Agonists

Drug Name Receptor Therapeutic Uses Adverse Effects
Low Dose b ACTIONS CNS Disturbances
Med Dose D Positive Inotropic b1 Hemorrhage
High Dose a Positive Chronotropic b1 Cardiac Arrhythmias
­ CO Pulmonary Edema
¯ TPR
Vasoconstriction in Skin and Viscera a1
Vasodilation in Liver and Skeletal
Muscle b2
¯ Renal blood flow
­ Systolic Pressure
¯ Diastolic Pressure
Bronchodilation b2
­ Glycogenolysis in Liver b2
Epinephrine - ­ Release of Glucagon b2
FIGHT OR FLIGHT ¯ Release of Insulin a2
­ Lipolysis - b1 Receptors in Adipose
Tissue
THERAPEUTIC USES
¯ Intraocular Pressure (¯ Aqueous
Humor)
Used to treat Anaphylactic Shock
Used to treat acute Asthma
 Pharmacology Drug Chart Page 5

Mostly a1, ­ TPR Reflex Bradycardia

a2 are for ­ BP
Norepinephrine Negative
Feedback
b1
b1 and b2 Positive Inotropic CNS Disturbances
Decreased Positive Chronotropic Hemorrhage
Isoproterenol / Uptake Vasodilation of Skeletal Muscle Cardiac Arrhythmias
Isoprenaline Bronchodilation Pulmonary Edema

High Dose a ­ TPR Sympathetic Stimulation

Med Dose b ­ CO Nausea
Low Dose D ¯ TPR Hypertension
Drug of choice for shock because it ­ Arrhythmias
Dopamine
Renal and Splanchnic blood flow
Treatment of CHF

b1 ­ CO Use with caution in Atrial Fibrillation

Treatment of CHF because the drug ­ atrioventricular
Dobutamine
conduction

a1 and a2 but Resistant to COMT Reflex Bradycardia

mostly a1 Vasoconstriction Hypertensive Headache
­ Systolic Pressure Cardiac Irregularities
Phenylephrine ­ Diastolic Pressure
Mydriasis

a2 ¯ BP due to its action on the CNS

Treatment of Hypertension
Clonidine Treatment for the withdrawal from
Opiates and Benzodiazepines
 Pharmacology Drug Chart Page 6

b2 Bronchodilation Reflex Tachycardia

Salbutamol Treatment of Asthma

a2 Agonist Treatment of Hypertension Sedation

¯ TPR Drowsiness
a-Methyldopa ¯ BP
Organ Blood Flow is NOT Reduced

Indirect Acting Adrenergic Agonists

Drug Name Receptor Therapeutic Uses Adverse Effects
a, b, CNS CNS stimulant in the treatment of ­ BP
children with ADD ­ HR
Amphetamine Also used in the treatment of
Depression, Narcolepsy and Appetite
Control

Mixed Acting Adrenergic Agonists

Drug Name Receptor Therapeutic Uses Adverse Effects
a, b, CNS Resistant to COMT and MAO ­ BP
Treatment of Asthma ­ HR
Nasal Decongestant
Ephedrine ¯ Fatigue
­ Athletic Performance

a Adrenergic Antagonists
Drug Name Receptor Therapeutic Uses Adverse Effects
 Pharmacology Drug Chart Page 7

a1 and a2 Treatment of Pheochromocytoma - a Postural Hypotension

Irreversible and catecholamine secreting tumor Epinephrine Reversal
Noncompetitive Nasal Congestion
Nausea
Phenoxybenzamine Vomiting
May induce Tachycardia
Inhibits Ejaculation

a1 and a2 Used in the diagnosis of Postural Hypotension

Competitive Pheochromocytoma Tachycardia
Cardiac Stimulation
Epinephrine Reversal
Phentolamine
Anginal Pain
Arrhythmias

a1 Competitive Treatment of Hypertension First Dose Effect Syncope

¯ TPR Postural Hypotension
Alternative to surgery in benign Lack of Energy
Prazosin Prostatic Hypertrophy thus improving Nasal Congestion
urine flow Headache

b Adrenergic Antagonists
Drug Name Receptor Therapeutic Uses Adverse Effects
 Pharmacology Drug Chart Page 8

b1 and b2 ¯ Intraocular Pressure Bronchoconstriction

Nonselective ¯ Aqueous Humor Arrhythmias
Treatment of Migraine Sexual Impairment (unclear as to why)
Curbing the effects of Hyperthyroidism ¯ Glycogenolysis
Propranolol Treatment of STABLE Angina (NOT ¯ Glucagon - Adverse of Insulin
ACUTE) dependent diabetics
Can aid in the prevention a Second MI

b1 Selective Treatment of Hypertension May compromise respiratory activity in

Cardioselective ¯ BP Asthmatics
Treatment of Angina
Treatment of Atrial and Ventricular
Atenolol
Arrhythmia
Treatment of Tachycardia

a1 Antagonist Vasodilation Postural Hypotension a1

b1 Antagonist ¯ BP Dizziness a1
b2 Partial Agonist ¯ HR
Treatment of Hypertension - Especially
Labetalol
useful for patients with Asthma and
Diabetics due to the b2 partial agonist
effect

Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release

Drug Name Receptor Therapeutic Uses Adverse Effects
 Pharmacology Drug Chart Page 9

Mg2+ / ATP ACTION Causes the ultimate depletion of

Dependent Blocks the Mg2+ / ATP Dependent Norepinephrine in the adrenergic
Transporter transporter from transporting neuron
Norepinephrine, Dopamine and Sympathetic function is greatly
Reserpine Serotonin from the cytoplasm into the impaired
storage vesicles May cause Bradycardia
THERAPEUTIC USES
Treatment of Hypertension

Mechanism 1 - Displaces Postural Hypotension

Norepinephrine from storage vesicles Male sexual function interference
Mechanism 2 - Blocks the release of Hypertensive Crisis in patients with
stored Norepinephrine Pheochromocytoma due to a
Guanethidine Treatment of Hypertension (Rarely supersensitivity to Norepinephrine
Used)
¯ BP
¯ HR

Na+ / K+ ATPase Inhibits reuptake 1 of Norepinephrine Causes the accumulation of

from the synaptic cleft by blocking Norepinephrine in the synaptic space
Cocaine Na/K ATPase Causes an enhancement of
Sympathetic activity

Antiarrhythmic Drugs
Drug Name Receptor Therapeutic Uses Adverse Effects
Binds to Open Slows Phase 0 Depolarization May cause SA and AV Block
Quinidine and Inactive Na Treatment of Atrial, AV, and Ventricular Asystole
Class IA Channels to Arrhythmias May induce ventricular Tachycardia
Na+ Channel Prevent Influx
Blocker
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Binds to Open Shortens Phase 3 Repolarization Drowsiness

and Inactive Na Suppresses arrhythmias caused by Slurred Speech
Channels to abnormal automaticity within the cells Agitation
Prevent Influx Treatment of Ventricular Arrhythmias Confusion
Lidocaine during MI Convulsions
Class IB Drug of choice for the emergency Ventricular Arrhythmias
Na+ Channel treatment of Cardiac Arrhythmias - Does not slow down conduction
Blocker Wide therapeutic to toxic ratio therefore it is not useful for AV junction
arrhythmias

Binds to Open Markedly Slows Phase 0 Depolarization Negative Inotropic

Flecainide and Inactive Na Treatment of Refractory Ventricular Can aggravate CHF
Class IC Channels to Arrhythmias Ventricular Tachycardia
Na+ Channel Prevent Influx Dizziness
Blocker Blurred Vision
 Pharmacology Drug Chart Page 11

b1 and b2 Suppresses Phase 4 Depolarization Bronchoconstriction

Nonselective ¯ cAMP causes ¯ Ca2+ Influx in Cardiac Arrhythmias
Tissue which leads to ¯CO Sexual Impairment (unclear as to why)
¯ HR ¯ Glycogenolysis
¯ Intraocular Pressure ¯ Glucagon
¯ Aqueous Humor
Treatment of Migraine
Propranolol
Curbing the effects of Hyperthyroidism
Class II
Treatment of STABLE Angina (NOT
b Adrenorecepter
ACUTE)
Blocker
Treatment of arrhythmias caused by ­
REPEAT
sympathetic activity
Can aid in the prevention of a Second
MI

Binds to K Prolongs Phase 3 Repolarization Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis

Channels to Treatment of severe Supraventricular GI Intolerance
Diminish and Ventricular Tachycardia Hyper or Hypothyroidism
Amiodarone Outward Current Has Class I, II, III, IV Effects Liver Toxicity
Class III During Neuropathy
K+ Channel Blocker Repolarization Muscle Weakness
Blue Skin (Iodine accumulation)
 Pharmacology Drug Chart Page 12

Binds to Voltage Shortens Action Potential Negative Inotropic

Gated Ca Greater effect on the heart than on ¯ BP due to peripheral vasodilation
Channels to vascular smooth muscle
Decrease the Treatment of Atrial Dysrhythmias
Verapamil
Inward Current Treatment of Reentrant
Class IV
Supraventricular Tachycardia
Ca2+ Channel
Reduction in Atrial Flutter
Blocker
Treatment of Hypertension

Binds to Voltage Shortens Action Potential Negative Inotropic

Gated Ca Greater effect on the heart than on ¯ BP due to peripheral vasodilation
Channels to vascular smooth muscle
Decrease the Treatment of Atrial Dysrhythmias
Diltiazem
Inward Current Treatment of Reentrant
Class IV
Supraventricular Tachycardia
Ca2+ Channel
Reduction in Atrial Flutter
Blocker
Treatment of Hypertension

Blocks Na/K Shortens the refractory period in both Can cause Ectopic ventricular beats
Channels and the atria and the ventricles while Ventricular Tachycardia or Fibrillation
Reverses Ca/Na prolonging the effective refractory
Digoxin Antiport to ­ period and decreasing the conduction
Intracellular Ca velocity

Inhibits cAMP Slows AV Nodal Conduction Flushing

Dependent Ca Treatment of Supraventricular Shortness of Breath
Adenosine and ­ K Tachycardia AV Block
Conduction
(Hyperpolarizatio
n)
Unknown Treatment of Digitalis Induced
Mg2+ Arrhythmias
Treatment of Ventricular Tachycardia
 Pharmacology Drug Chart Page 13

Cardiac Glycosides
Drug Name Receptor Therapeutic Uses Adverse Effects
Reversibly Binds Digoxin is used in the treatment of Progressively more severe
with the Na/K severe left ventricular systolic Dysrhythmia
ATPase dysfunction Supraventricular Tachycardia
Positive Inotropic - improved circulation Ventricular Fibrillation
leads to ¯ TPR and eventually ¯ HR Complete Heart Block
Negative Chronotropic Small therapeutic level before Digitalis
Toxicity - Ca overload together with
Digitalis diuretics
Digoxin Hyperkalemia
Digitoxin Anorexia, Nausea and Vomiting
Headache, Fatigue, Confusion, Blurred
Vision, Alteration of Color Perception
and Haloes

Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
Drug Name Receptor Therapeutic Uses Adverse Effects
 Pharmacology Drug Chart Page 14

Inhibits ­ cAMP causes ­ Ca2+ Influx in Cardiac Toxicity and Death L

Phosphodiestera Tissue which leads to ­ CO
Milrinone / se Enzyme ­ Vasodilation
Amnirone Treatment of CHF

Antihypertensive Drugs
Drug Name Receptor Therapeutic Uses Adverse Effects
Mechanism Treatment of Hypertension Induce Hypokalemia and
Unknown ­ Water and Na Excretion Hyperuricemia
¯ BP Can induce Hyperglycemia
Thiazide Diuretics ¯ TPR Gout
Bendrofluazide ¯ CO Diabetics Mellitus
¯ [Ca2+] in the Urine

Cause ¯ Renal Vascular Resistance and

­ Renal Blood Flow
­ [Ca2+] in the Urine
Loop Diuretics Used on patients with poor renal
function rather than the Thiazide
Diuretics
 Pharmacology Drug Chart Page 15

b1 and b2 ¯ Intraocular Pressure Bronchoconstriction

Nonselective ¯ Aqueous Humor Arrhythmias
Treatment of Migraine Sexual Impairment (unclear as to why)
Curbing the effects of Hyperthyroidism ¯ Glycogenolysis
Propranolol Treatment of STABLE Angina (NOT ¯ Glucagon
REPEAT ACUTE)
Can aid in the prevention of a Second
MI

b1 Selective Treatment of Hypertension May compromise respiratory activity in

Cardioselective ¯ BP Asthmatics
Treatment of Angina
Atenolol Treatment of Atrial and Ventricular
REPEAT Arrhythmia
Treatment of Tachycardia

a1 Antagonist Vasodilation Postural Hypotension a1

b1 Antagonist ¯ BP Dizziness a1
b2 Partial Agonist ¯ HR
Labetalol Treatment of Hypertension - Especially
REPEAT useful for patients with Asthma and
Diabetics due to the b2 partial agonist
effect

Blocks the ACE ¯ Peripheral Vascular Resistance Dry Cough due to a diminished rate of
enzyme without affecting CO, HR or Bradykinin Inactivation
Contractility Renal Damage
ACE Inhibitors Treatment of Hypertension Rashes
Captapril Fever
First Dose Effect Syncope
 Pharmacology Drug Chart Page 16

Highly Selective Similar to ACE Inhibitors Improved of ACE Inhibitors

Angiotensin II Vasodilation Fetotoxic
Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker Blocks Aldosterone Secretion
Antagonists: (AT1 Subtype) No Dry cough because Bradykinin is
Losartan not affected

a1 Competitive Treatment of Hypertension First Dose Effect Syncope

¯ TPR Postural Hypotension
Prazosin Alternative to surgery in benign Lack of Energy
REPEAT Prostatic Hypertrophy thus improving Nasal Congestion
urine flow Headache

Binds to Ca Shortens Action Potential Negative Inotropic

Channels to Greater effect on the heart than on ¯ BP due to peripheral vasodilation
Decrease the vascular smooth muscle
Verapamil Inward Current Treatment of Atrial Dysrhythmias
Class IV Treatment of Reentrant
Ca2+ Channel Supraventricular Tachycardia
Blocker Reduction in Atrial Flutter
REPEAT Treatment of Hypertension

Binds to Ca Shortens Action Potential Negative Inotropic

Channels to Greater effect on the heart than on ¯ BP due to peripheral vasodilation
Decrease the vascular smooth muscle
Diltiazem Inward Current Treatment of Atrial Dysrhythmias
Class IV Treatment of Reentrant
Ca2+ Channel Supraventricular Tachycardia
Blocker Reduction in Atrial Flutter
REPEAT Treatment of Hypertension
 Pharmacology Drug Chart Page 17

a2 Agonist ¯ BP due to its action on the CNS

Treatment of Hypertension
Clonidine Treatment for the withdrawal from
REPEAT Opiates and Benzodiazepines

a2 Agonist Treatment of Hypertension Sedation

¯ TPR Drowsiness
a-Methyldopa ¯ BP
REPEAT Organ Blood Flow is NOT Reduced

Mg2+ / ATP ACTION Causes the ultimate depletion of

Dependent Blocks the Mg2+ / ATP Dependent Norepinephrine in the adrenergic
Transporter transporter from transporting neuron
Norepinephrine, Dopamine and Sympathetic function is greatly
Reserpine Serotonin from the cytoplasm into the impaired
REPEAT storage vesicles May cause Bradycardia
THERAPEUTIC USES
Treatment of Hypertension

Vasodilators
Drug Name Receptor Therapeutic Uses Adverse Effects
Atrial Dilation Tachycardia
¯ TPR GI discomfort
Hydralizine
Treatment of Hypertension Hirsuitism

Atrial Dilation Tachycardia

¯ TPR GI discomfort
Minoxidil
Treatment of Hypertension Hirsuitism

K+ Sparing Diuretics
 Pharmacology Drug Chart Page 18

Drug Name Receptor Therapeutic Uses Adverse Effects

Competes with Leads to Na Secretion and K Retention Hyperkalemia
Aldosterone Weak Diuretic
Spirolactene
Receptors

Autacoids
Drug Name Receptor Therapeutic Uses Adverse Effects
Abortion With Alprostadil there is pain at the
Peptic Ulcers site of injection
Prostaglandins Inhibits the secretion of HCl in the
stomach
Erectile Dysfunction (Alprostadil)
 Pharmacology Drug Chart Page 19

H1 Bronchial and Intestinal Smooth Muscle Respiratory Symptoms

Contraction ¯ Lung Capacity
­ NO Intestinal Cramps
­ Production of Nasal and Bronchial Diarrhea
Mucus
Stimulates Itch and Pain and Sensory
H2 Nerve Endings
H1 and H2 ­ Gastric HCl secretion
¯ Systemic BP
¯ Peripheral Resistance
Histamine Positive Inotropic (H1 and H2)
Positive Chronotropic (H2)
Capillary Permeability
Vasodilation
Triple Response - Wheal Formation,
Reddening and Halo

Antihistamines
Drug Name Receptor Therapeutic Uses Adverse Effects
 Pharmacology Drug Chart Page 20

H1 Receptor Treatment of Allergic Conditions Sedation

Competitive CANNOT treat Bronchial Asthma Dry Mouth
Motion Sickness and Nausea Drug Interactions (MAO Inhibitors)
H1 Receptor
Treatment of Insomnia Overdose in Children
Blockers
Tremor
Chlorpheniramine
Vertigo

H2 Receptor H2 Receptor Treatment of Peptic Ulcers

Blockers Competitive ¯ Gastric HCl Secretion
Cimetidine