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