Pain Physiology
III. Peripheral Nerve Physiology of Pain A. Nociceptors (pain receptors) are a specialized class of primary afferents that respond to intense, noxious stimuli in skin, muscles, joints, viscera, and vasculature. 1. Nociceptors are…
Respiratory Pharmacology
1. The mainstay of therapy for bronchospasm, wheezing, and airflow obstruction is β-adrenergic agonists (typically delivered via inhalers or nebulizers). 2. Short-acting β2 agonists such as albuterol, levalbuterol, metaproterenol, and pirbuterol are…
Peripherally Acting Analgesics
1. COX-1 is constitutively expressed and catalyzes the production of prostaglandins that are involved in numerous physiologic functions (maintenance of normal renal function in the kidneys, mucosal protection in the gastrointestinal…
Procoagulants
B. When protamine is dosed based on the exact amount needed to reverse circulating heparin levels, it produces the lowest activated clotting time values. C. Protamine can cause adverse reactions including anaphylaxis,…
Vasodilators
A. Sympatholytics 1. β-Adrenergic blockers are less commonly used as first-line agents in hypertension as other agents may have a better safety profile for this indication in those older than the age…
Intravenous Sedatives and Hypnotics
2. The context-sensitive half-time of propofol is only minimally influenced by the duration of the infusion (when used as a sedative for prolonged intensive care unit [ICU] care, the context sensitive…
