Pharmacology Drug Class Flashcards: Mechanisms, Uses & Safety Patterns
Study 126 cards on 30 common drug classes: mechanisms, qualified generic-name patterns, common uses, and major safety concepts for nursing and introductory health science.
Sobre aquesta baralla
Build a durable pharmacology map with 126 independently authored cards. Six prerequisites define drug classes, mechanisms, agonism, antagonism, inhibition, and how to treat generic-name stems as fallible clues. The remaining 120 cards cover 30 common classes through four separate retrieval directions: class → core mechanism; qualified pattern or representative generics → class; class → common use; and class → major safety concept.
The deck deliberately excludes dosing, prescribing, patient-specific guidance, administration or hold parameters, exhaustive contraindications and interactions, monitoring protocols, brand names, official questions, and clinical cases. Generic-name patterns are clues, never universal rules. Use this deck for study—not clinical decision-making.
Ordering supports learning: prerequisites come first, then five spiral blocks mix six broad topic groups. Same-class variants stay at least three unrelated cards apart, alternating mechanism, recognition, common-use, and safety recall instead of forming predictable runs.
Open Study Contributor independently authored this standalone deck from common pharmacology knowledge checked against WHO, FDA, and NIH/NCBI sources. Organization names identify sources only; no affiliation or endorsement is claimed.
Targetes d'aquesta baralla
Targeta 1
Pregunta
What is a drug class?
Resposta
A group of drugs linked by a shared mechanism, target, structure, therapeutic use, or a combination of these features.
Targeta 2
Pregunta
What does mechanism of action mean?
Resposta
How a drug produces its effects at a molecular, cellular, or physiological target.
Targeta 3
Pregunta
What is a receptor agonist?
Resposta
A drug that binds to a receptor and activates it to produce a response.
Targeta 4
Pregunta
What is a receptor antagonist?
Resposta
A drug that binds to a receptor and blocks or reduces activation by an agonist.
Targeta 5
Pregunta
What does it mean when a drug inhibits an enzyme or transporter?
Resposta
It reduces that protein's activity, changing the movement or conversion of its usual substrates.
Targeta 6
Pregunta
How should generic-name stems be used to recognize drug classes?
Resposta
As clues, not universal rules. Confirm the actual drug because exceptions and overlapping stems exist.
Targeta 7
Pregunta
ACE inhibitors: core mechanism?
Resposta
They inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme, reducing angiotensin II and aldosterone while increasing bradykinin.
Targeta 8
Pregunta
SSRIs: core mechanism?
Resposta
They inhibit the serotonin transporter, increasing serotonin signaling in the synaptic cleft.
Targeta 9
Pregunta
Biguanides: core mechanism?
Resposta
Metformin mainly reduces hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity without directly stimulating insulin release.
Targeta 10
Pregunta
Penicillins: core mechanism?
Resposta
Their beta-lactam ring binds penicillin-binding proteins and disrupts bacterial cell-wall synthesis.
Targeta 11
Pregunta
Which class is often suggested by the ending -pril?
Resposta
ACE inhibitors. Examples include lisinopril and enalapril, but a name stem is only a clue.
Targeta 12
Pregunta
Proton-pump inhibitors: core mechanism?
Resposta
They inhibit the H+/K+ ATPase proton pump in gastric parietal cells, strongly reducing acid secretion.
Targeta 13
Pregunta
SSRIs: common uses?
Resposta
Depression and several anxiety-related disorders; the approved indications differ by agent.
Targeta 14
Pregunta
NSAIDs: core mechanism?
Resposta
They inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis.
Targeta 15
Pregunta
Biguanides: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Gastrointestinal effects are common; vitamin B12 can fall with long use, and lactic acidosis is rare but serious.
Targeta 16
Pregunta
Which class is often suggested by the ending -cillin?
Resposta
Penicillins, such as amoxicillin and piperacillin. The stem does not describe spectrum or resistance.
Targeta 17
Pregunta
ACE inhibitors: common uses?
Resposta
Hypertension and selected heart-failure, post-myocardial-infarction, and kidney-protection indications.
Targeta 18
Pregunta
Proton-pump inhibitors: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Possible concerns include hypomagnesemia and enteric infection risk. Many other long-term links are observational rather than proven causal effects.
Targeta 19
Pregunta
Which class is often suggested by -oxetine or -opram?
Resposta
SSRIs, but not universally. Sertraline and fluvoxamine are exceptions, and some stems overlap other classes.
Targeta 20
Pregunta
NSAIDs: common uses?
Resposta
Pain, inflammation, and fever; individual agents also have more specific uses.
Targeta 21
Pregunta
Metformin belongs to which drug class?
Resposta
Biguanides. Metformin is the main widely used member, so there is no useful class-wide suffix rule.
Targeta 22
Pregunta
Penicillins: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Hypersensitivity can range from rash to anaphylaxis; diarrhea and antibiotic-associated colitis are additional concerns.
Targeta 23
Pregunta
ACE inhibitors: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Cough, hyperkalemia, kidney-function changes, angioedema, and fetal harm are major class concerns.
Targeta 24
Pregunta
Proton-pump inhibitors: common uses?
Resposta
Acid-related disorders such as GERD, erosive esophagitis, and peptic-ulcer disease.
Targeta 25
Pregunta
SSRIs: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Serotonin syndrome, bleeding and hyponatremia risks, sexual dysfunction, and the antidepressant suicidality warning for younger people.
Targeta 26
Pregunta
Ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketorolac belong to which class?
Resposta
NSAIDs. The class has no single reliable generic-name suffix.
Targeta 27
Pregunta
Biguanides: common use?
Resposta
Type 2 diabetes.
Targeta 28
Pregunta
Penicillins: common use?
Resposta
Treatment of susceptible bacterial infections; the spectrum differs substantially among individual penicillins.
Targeta 29
Pregunta
Which class is often suggested by the ending -prazole?
Resposta
Proton-pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole and pantoprazole. Confirm the individual drug.
Targeta 30
Pregunta
NSAIDs: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney injury, fluid retention, and cardiovascular events are key risks; FDA also warns about use from about 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Targeta 31
Pregunta
Sulfonylureas: core mechanism?
Resposta
They close ATP-sensitive potassium channels in pancreatic beta cells, triggering insulin release even when glucose is not high.
Targeta 32
Pregunta
H2 blockers: core mechanism?
Resposta
They competitively block histamine H2 receptors on gastric parietal cells, reducing acid secretion.
Targeta 33
Pregunta
SNRIs: core mechanism?
Resposta
They inhibit serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake transporters, increasing both transmitters in synapses.
Targeta 34
Pregunta
Opioid analgesics: core mechanism?
Resposta
They activate opioid receptors; many important analgesic effects and toxicities are mediated through mu receptors.
Targeta 35
Pregunta
Glipizide, glyburide, and glimepiride belong to which class?
Resposta
Sulfonylureas. Their names offer clues, but the broad ending -ide is not class-specific.
Targeta 36
Pregunta
ARBs: core mechanism?
Resposta
They block angiotensin II at AT1 receptors, reducing vasoconstriction and aldosterone effects.
Targeta 37
Pregunta
H2 blockers: common uses?
Resposta
Acid-related disorders such as heartburn, GERD, and gastric or duodenal ulcers.
Targeta 38
Pregunta
Cephalosporins: core mechanism?
Resposta
Their beta-lactam ring binds penicillin-binding proteins and disrupts bacterial cell-wall synthesis.
Targeta 39
Pregunta
SNRIs: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Serotonin syndrome, blood-pressure increases, discontinuation symptoms, and the antidepressant suicidality warning for younger people.
Targeta 40
Pregunta
Morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl belong to which broad class?
Resposta
Opioid analgesics. The class has no single reliable generic-name suffix.
Targeta 41
Pregunta
Sulfonylureas: common use?
Resposta
Type 2 diabetes when increasing pancreatic insulin release is appropriate.
Targeta 42
Pregunta
ARBs: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Hyperkalemia, hypotension, kidney-function changes, and fetal harm are major concerns; cough is less common than with ACE inhibitors.
Targeta 43
Pregunta
Which class is often suggested by the ending -tidine?
Resposta
H2 receptor blockers, such as famotidine and cimetidine. Confirm the individual drug.
Targeta 44
Pregunta
Cephalosporins: common use?
Resposta
Treatment of susceptible bacterial infections; antibacterial spectrum varies widely by agent and generation.
Targeta 45
Pregunta
Which name endings can suggest an SNRI?
Resposta
-faxine or sometimes -oxetine, but neither is decisive. The -oxetine ending also appears in some SSRIs.
Targeta 46
Pregunta
Opioid analgesics: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Respiratory depression, sedation, constipation, tolerance, dependence, and overdose; benzodiazepines and other depressants increase danger.
Targeta 47
Pregunta
Sulfonylureas: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Hypoglycemia and weight gain are the main class patterns, with risk differing among agents and clinical contexts.
Targeta 48
Pregunta
ARBs: common uses?
Resposta
Hypertension and selected heart-failure and kidney-protection indications.
Targeta 49
Pregunta
H2 blockers: major safety concepts?
Resposta
They are usually well tolerated, but confusion or other CNS effects can occur with reduced clearance; cimetidine has many interactions.
Targeta 50
Pregunta
Which class is often suggested by cef- or ceph-?
Resposta
Cephalosporins, such as cefazolin and cephalexin. The name does not reveal the full spectrum.
Targeta 51
Pregunta
SNRIs: common uses?
Resposta
Depression and anxiety disorders; selected agents also treat neuropathic pain or fibromyalgia.
Targeta 52
Pregunta
Opioid analgesics: common uses?
Resposta
Analgesia for selected severe pain and perioperative settings; individual opioids also have other specific uses.
Targeta 53
Pregunta
Which class is often suggested by the ending -sartan?
Resposta
Angiotensin II receptor blockers, or ARBs. Examples include losartan and valsartan.
Targeta 54
Pregunta
Cephalosporins: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Hypersensitivity and antibiotic-associated diarrhea are important; penicillin cross-reactivity depends largely on similar side chains.
Targeta 55
Pregunta
Beta2 agonists: core mechanism?
Resposta
They activate beta2 receptors, increasing cAMP and relaxing airway smooth muscle.
Targeta 56
Pregunta
Beta blockers: core mechanism?
Resposta
They antagonize beta-adrenergic receptors; beta1 blockade can reduce heart rate, contractility, and renin release.
Targeta 57
Pregunta
Systemic corticosteroids: core mechanism?
Resposta
They bind intracellular glucocorticoid receptors and alter gene transcription, reducing inflammatory and immune signaling.
Targeta 58
Pregunta
Benzodiazepines: core mechanism?
Resposta
They positively modulate GABA-A receptors, increasing the frequency of chloride-channel opening when GABA is present.
Targeta 59
Pregunta
Which class is often suggested by the ending -terol?
Resposta
Beta2 agonist bronchodilators, such as formoterol and salmeterol. Albuterol is a familiar exception.
Targeta 60
Pregunta
Macrolides: core mechanism?
Resposta
They bind the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit and inhibit protein synthesis.
Targeta 61
Pregunta
Beta blockers: common uses?
Resposta
Selected cardiovascular conditions such as arrhythmias, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and hypertension; some agents have noncardiac uses.
Targeta 62
Pregunta
GLP-1 receptor agonists: core mechanism?
Resposta
They activate GLP-1 receptors, increasing glucose-dependent insulin release, suppressing glucagon, and slowing gastric emptying.
Targeta 63
Pregunta
Systemic corticosteroids: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Infection, hyperglycemia, osteoporosis, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal suppression; risks rise with systemic exposure and duration.
126 targetes
Pharmacology Drug Class Flashcards: Mechanisms, Uses & Safety Patterns
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Targeta 64
Pregunta
Which endings often suggest a benzodiazepine?
Resposta
-azepam or -azolam, as in diazepam or midazolam. Not every sedative with a similar ending belongs to this class.
Targeta 65
Pregunta
Beta2 agonists: common use?
Resposta
Bronchodilation in asthma or COPD regimens; short- and long-acting agents play different roles.
Targeta 66
Pregunta
Macrolides: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Gastrointestinal effects, QT prolongation, and clinically important interactions that vary by agent.
Targeta 67
Pregunta
Which class is often suggested by the ending -olol?
Resposta
Beta blockers, such as metoprolol and propranolol. Receptor selectivity still varies by agent.
Targeta 68
Pregunta
GLP-1 receptor agonists: common uses?
Resposta
Type 2 diabetes; selected agents are also approved for chronic weight management and cardiovascular-risk reduction.
Targeta 69
Pregunta
Which patterns often suggest a systemic corticosteroid?
Resposta
-sone or -olone, as in prednisone or prednisolone, but these endings are not unique to the class.
Targeta 70
Pregunta
Benzodiazepines: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Sedation, dependence and withdrawal, plus respiratory depression—especially with opioids, alcohol, or other CNS depressants.
Targeta 71
Pregunta
Beta2 agonists: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Tremor, palpitations or tachycardia, hypokalemia, and rare paradoxical bronchospasm.
Targeta 72
Pregunta
Macrolides: common use?
Resposta
Treatment of selected susceptible bacterial infections, including some respiratory and atypical pathogens.
Targeta 73
Pregunta
Beta blockers: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Bradycardia and hypotension; nonselective agents can cause bronchospasm, and the class can mask adrenergic signs of hypoglycemia.
Targeta 74
Pregunta
Which class is often suggested by -glutide?
Resposta
GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide and liraglutide. Exenatide and lixisenatide show the pattern is not universal.
Targeta 75
Pregunta
Systemic corticosteroids: common uses?
Resposta
Inflammatory, allergic, and autoimmune disorders, with the route and agent chosen for the condition.
Targeta 76
Pregunta
Benzodiazepines: common uses?
Resposta
Anxiety, seizures, procedural sedation, or alcohol withdrawal, depending on the agent and setting.
Targeta 77
Pregunta
Which class is often suggested by the ending -thromycin?
Resposta
Macrolide antibiotics, such as azithromycin and clarithromycin. Confirm the individual agent.
Targeta 78
Pregunta
GLP-1 receptor agonists: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Gastrointestinal effects are common; gallbladder disease and pancreatitis are warnings, and some labels warn about thyroid C-cell tumors.
Targeta 79
Pregunta
Second-generation antipsychotics: core mechanism?
Resposta
Most modulate dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A signaling, but receptor profiles vary substantially by agent.
Targeta 80
Pregunta
Tetracyclines: core mechanism?
Resposta
They bind the bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit and inhibit protein synthesis.
Targeta 81
Pregunta
Dihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers: core mechanism?
Resposta
They block L-type calcium channels mainly in vascular smooth muscle, causing arteriolar relaxation.
Targeta 82
Pregunta
Inhaled antimuscarinics: core mechanism?
Resposta
They block airway muscarinic receptors, reducing vagal bronchoconstriction and promoting bronchodilation.
Targeta 83
Pregunta
Which endings often suggest a second-generation antipsychotic?
Resposta
-apine or -idone often appear, but many members use other endings and the stems are not class-specific.
Targeta 84
Pregunta
SGLT2 inhibitors: core mechanism?
Resposta
They inhibit renal sodium-glucose cotransporter 2, increasing urinary glucose and sodium excretion.
Targeta 85
Pregunta
Tetracyclines: common uses?
Resposta
Selected susceptible bacterial infections and, for some agents, acne or rosacea.
Targeta 86
Pregunta
Bisphosphonates: core mechanism?
Resposta
They bind bone mineral and inhibit osteoclast-mediated bone resorption.
Targeta 87
Pregunta
Dihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Peripheral edema, flushing, headache, dizziness, and hypotension are characteristic patterns.
Targeta 88
Pregunta
Which class is often suggested by the ending -tropium?
Resposta
Inhaled antimuscarinic bronchodilators, such as ipratropium and tiotropium. Several class members use other endings.
Targeta 89
Pregunta
Second-generation antipsychotics: common uses?
Resposta
Schizophrenia and selected bipolar or other psychiatric indications; approvals differ by agent.
Targeta 90
Pregunta
SGLT2 inhibitors: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Genital infections, volume depletion, ketoacidosis, and rare necrotizing infection of the perineum.
Targeta 91
Pregunta
Which class is often suggested by the ending -cycline?
Resposta
Tetracycline antibiotics, such as doxycycline and minocycline. Confirm the individual drug.
Targeta 92
Pregunta
Bisphosphonates: common uses?
Resposta
Osteoporosis and selected disorders with excessive bone resorption, including Paget disease or malignancy-related bone disease.
Targeta 93
Pregunta
Which class is often suggested by the ending -dipine?
Resposta
Dihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers, such as amlodipine and nifedipine.
Targeta 94
Pregunta
Inhaled antimuscarinics: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Dry mouth, urinary retention, tachycardia, and eye exposure that may worsen narrow-angle glaucoma.
Targeta 95
Pregunta
Second-generation antipsychotics: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Metabolic effects, movement disorders, QT effects, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome; labels warn about increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.
Targeta 96
Pregunta
SGLT2 inhibitors: common uses?
Resposta
Type 2 diabetes; selected agents also treat heart failure or chronic kidney disease.
Targeta 97
Pregunta
Tetracyclines: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Gastrointestinal or esophageal irritation, photosensitivity, and effects on developing teeth and bone are key patterns.
Targeta 98
Pregunta
Which class is often suggested by the ending -dronate?
Resposta
Bisphosphonates, such as alendronate and risedronate. Confirm the individual agent and formulation.
Targeta 99
Pregunta
Dihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers: common uses?
Resposta
Hypertension and angina, using vascular smooth-muscle relaxation to reduce arterial tone.
Targeta 100
Pregunta
Inhaled antimuscarinics: common use?
Resposta
Maintenance bronchodilation, especially in COPD; selected agents also serve as add-on asthma therapy.
Targeta 101
Pregunta
Which class is often suggested by the ending -gliflozin?
Resposta
SGLT2 inhibitors, such as empagliflozin and dapagliflozin.
Targeta 102
Pregunta
Bisphosphonates: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Upper-GI irritation with oral agents, hypocalcemia, and rare osteonecrosis of the jaw or atypical femur fracture.
Targeta 103
Pregunta
TNF inhibitors: core mechanism?
Resposta
They neutralize tumor necrosis factor signaling, reducing downstream inflammation.
Targeta 104
Pregunta
DPP-4 inhibitors: core mechanism?
Resposta
They inhibit DPP-4, prolonging endogenous incretin activity and increasing glucose-dependent insulin release.
Targeta 105
Pregunta
Inhaled corticosteroids: core mechanism?
Resposta
They activate glucocorticoid receptors in airway cells, reducing inflammatory gene expression and airway inflammation.
Targeta 106
Pregunta
Statins: core mechanism?
Resposta
They inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, reducing hepatic cholesterol synthesis and increasing hepatic LDL-receptor activity.
Targeta 107
Pregunta
Adalimumab, infliximab, and etanercept belong to which class?
Resposta
TNF inhibitors. The class has no single specific shared suffix: -mab is broad, and etanercept ends in -cept.
Targeta 108
Pregunta
Triptans: core mechanism?
Resposta
They activate serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptors, reducing trigeminal signaling and causing cranial vasoconstriction.
Targeta 109
Pregunta
DPP-4 inhibitors: common use?
Resposta
Type 2 diabetes, using enhanced endogenous incretin signaling to improve glucose-dependent insulin release.
Targeta 110
Pregunta
Fluoroquinolones: core mechanism?
Resposta
They inhibit bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, disrupting DNA replication.
Targeta 111
Pregunta
Inhaled corticosteroids: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Oral candidiasis and dysphonia are important local effects; systemic effects become more relevant with higher exposure.
Targeta 112
Pregunta
Which class is suggested by the ending -statin?
Resposta
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, or statins, such as atorvastatin and rosuvastatin.
Targeta 113
Pregunta
TNF inhibitors: common uses?
Resposta
Selected autoimmune inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis-related conditions.
Targeta 114
Pregunta
Triptans: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Vasoconstrictive risk in coronary, cerebrovascular, or peripheral vascular disease, plus tingling, flushing, or chest pressure called triptan sensations.
Targeta 115
Pregunta
Which class is suggested by the ending -gliptin?
Resposta
DPP-4 inhibitors, such as sitagliptin and linagliptin.
Targeta 116
Pregunta
Fluoroquinolones: common use?
Resposta
Selected serious or resistant bacterial infections when their spectrum and risk profile fit the infection.
Targeta 117
Pregunta
Which patterns often suggest an inhaled corticosteroid?
Resposta
-sonide or -sone often appear, as in budesonide or fluticasone, but these endings are not class-specific.
Targeta 118
Pregunta
Statins: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Muscle symptoms and rare rhabdomyolysis or liver injury; pregnancy is a major risk context, although FDA no longer applies a blanket class contraindication.
Targeta 119
Pregunta
TNF inhibitors: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Serious infections and reactivation of tuberculosis or hepatitis B are central concerns; other warnings vary by agent.
Targeta 120
Pregunta
Triptans: common use?
Resposta
Acute treatment of migraine attacks; they are not general-purpose analgesics or routine migraine preventives.
Targeta 121
Pregunta
DPP-4 inhibitors: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Severe joint pain and pancreatitis are warnings; some agents also carry a heart-failure warning.
Targeta 122
Pregunta
Which class is suggested by the ending -floxacin?
Resposta
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin.
Targeta 123
Pregunta
Inhaled corticosteroids: common use?
Resposta
Controller therapy for asthma and selected COPD regimens; they reduce inflammation rather than acting as standalone rescue bronchodilators.
Targeta 124
Pregunta
Statins: common uses?
Resposta
Lowering LDL cholesterol and reducing atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk.
Targeta 125
Pregunta
Which class is suggested by the ending -triptan?
Resposta
Triptan antimigraine agents, such as sumatriptan and rizatriptan.
Targeta 126
Pregunta
Fluoroquinolones: major safety concepts?
Resposta
Potentially disabling tendon, muscle, joint, nerve, and CNS effects, plus a rare risk of aortic aneurysm or rupture in susceptible people.
126 targetes
Pharmacology Drug Class Flashcards: Mechanisms, Uses & Safety Patterns
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