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