Pharmacology Drug Classifications and
Mechanisms
(Atacand) Candesartan - ARB - Blocks angiotensin II at receptor site to prevent vasoconstriction
& aldosterone release.
(Ativan) Lorazepam - Benzodiazepine - Enhances/facilitates GABA, an inhibitory
neurotransmitter.
(Avandia) Rosiglitazone - Glitazone - ↓ insulin resistance. Warning: may cause edema and heart
failure.
(Bactrim, Bactrim DS, Septra) Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole - Sulfonamide - Antibiotic. Use
caution with sulfa allergies.
(Brovana) Arformoterol Tartrate - Bronchodilator - Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle.
(Bumex) Bumetanide - Loop Diuretic - Inhibits reabsorption of Na⁺, Cl⁻, K⁺, and H₂O in the loop
of Henle and renal tubules.
(Buspar) Buspirone Hydrochloride - Anxiolytic - ↓ anxiety (mechanism unclear, thought to act
by ↓ serotonin activity in parts of the brain).
(Capoten) Captopril - ACE Inhibitor - Blocks angiotensin I → II conversion; vasodilation, ↓ PVR,
↓ Na⁺ and H₂O retention. Side effect: cough, angioedema.
(Carafate) Sucralfate - GI Protectant - Coats ulcers by forming a protective barrier over gastric
mucosa. Used to prevent/treat ulcers, GERD.
, (Cardizem) Diltiazem - Calcium Channel Blocker - ↓ Na⁺ influx into beta-receptors; ↓ HR, ↓
PVR; relaxes coronary/vascular smooth muscle. Side effects: edema, dysrhythmias.
(Actos) Pioglitazone - Glitazone - ↓ insulin resistance. Warning: may cause edema and heart
failure.
(Advair, Advair Diskus) Fluticasone/Salmeterol - Combination: Fluticasone (anti-inflammatory
corticosteroid) + Salmeterol (long-acting bronchodilator).
(Aldactone) Spironolactone - Potassium-Sparing Diuretic - Blocks aldosterone at distal tubule;
excretes Na⁺, Cl⁻, H₂O but retains K⁺.
(Altace) Ramipril - ACE Inhibitor - Blocks angiotensin I → II conversion; vasodilation, ↓ PVR, ↓
Na⁺ and H₂O retention. Side effect: cough, angioedema.
(Amaryl) Glimepiride - Sulfonylurea (Antidiabetic) - Promotes insulin secretion by pancreas; ↑
tissue insulin response.
(Ambien) Zolpidem Tartrate - Sedative/Hypnotic - Induces sleep (no specific mechanism listed).
(Amoxil) Amoxicillin - Penicillin - Beta-lactam antibiotic.
(Ancef) Cefazolin - Cephalosporin - Beta-lactam antibiotic.
(ASA) Acetylsalicylic Acid - Antiplatelet - Inhibits the first step in clotting: platelet aggregation.
Mechanisms
(Atacand) Candesartan - ARB - Blocks angiotensin II at receptor site to prevent vasoconstriction
& aldosterone release.
(Ativan) Lorazepam - Benzodiazepine - Enhances/facilitates GABA, an inhibitory
neurotransmitter.
(Avandia) Rosiglitazone - Glitazone - ↓ insulin resistance. Warning: may cause edema and heart
failure.
(Bactrim, Bactrim DS, Septra) Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole - Sulfonamide - Antibiotic. Use
caution with sulfa allergies.
(Brovana) Arformoterol Tartrate - Bronchodilator - Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle.
(Bumex) Bumetanide - Loop Diuretic - Inhibits reabsorption of Na⁺, Cl⁻, K⁺, and H₂O in the loop
of Henle and renal tubules.
(Buspar) Buspirone Hydrochloride - Anxiolytic - ↓ anxiety (mechanism unclear, thought to act
by ↓ serotonin activity in parts of the brain).
(Capoten) Captopril - ACE Inhibitor - Blocks angiotensin I → II conversion; vasodilation, ↓ PVR,
↓ Na⁺ and H₂O retention. Side effect: cough, angioedema.
(Carafate) Sucralfate - GI Protectant - Coats ulcers by forming a protective barrier over gastric
mucosa. Used to prevent/treat ulcers, GERD.
, (Cardizem) Diltiazem - Calcium Channel Blocker - ↓ Na⁺ influx into beta-receptors; ↓ HR, ↓
PVR; relaxes coronary/vascular smooth muscle. Side effects: edema, dysrhythmias.
(Actos) Pioglitazone - Glitazone - ↓ insulin resistance. Warning: may cause edema and heart
failure.
(Advair, Advair Diskus) Fluticasone/Salmeterol - Combination: Fluticasone (anti-inflammatory
corticosteroid) + Salmeterol (long-acting bronchodilator).
(Aldactone) Spironolactone - Potassium-Sparing Diuretic - Blocks aldosterone at distal tubule;
excretes Na⁺, Cl⁻, H₂O but retains K⁺.
(Altace) Ramipril - ACE Inhibitor - Blocks angiotensin I → II conversion; vasodilation, ↓ PVR, ↓
Na⁺ and H₂O retention. Side effect: cough, angioedema.
(Amaryl) Glimepiride - Sulfonylurea (Antidiabetic) - Promotes insulin secretion by pancreas; ↑
tissue insulin response.
(Ambien) Zolpidem Tartrate - Sedative/Hypnotic - Induces sleep (no specific mechanism listed).
(Amoxil) Amoxicillin - Penicillin - Beta-lactam antibiotic.
(Ancef) Cefazolin - Cephalosporin - Beta-lactam antibiotic.
(ASA) Acetylsalicylic Acid - Antiplatelet - Inhibits the first step in clotting: platelet aggregation.
