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Pharmacology test 3
Wilcox sedativies and hypnotics
70
Science
Professional
10/09/2012

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Term

Sedatives

Definition

Definition
reduces anxiety and causes a calming effect
Term

Hypnotics 

Definition

Definition
produce drowsiness and encourage onset and maintenance of a state of sleep
Term

KEY CONCEPTS on SEDATIVE-HYPNOTICS

Definition
  • Dose-related inhibition of activity in the central nervous system.


  • Enhance the actions of the inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA
Term
THE BOTTOM  LINE  ON BARBITURATES
Definition

•      With the exception of the iv anesthetics and some very specialized uses, barbiturates are NOT considered drugs of choice as hypnotics (H), preoperative sedatives (PS), anticonvulsant drugs (AC) or for ER management of seizures (ER).  

Term

Barbiturates on the UUHSC Drug List

Phenobarbital

(Luminal)

Definition
  • Duration - Long
 
  • Uses - h, ac
Term

Barbiturates on the UUHSC Drug List

Pentobarbital

Definition
  • Duration - Intermediate

 

  • Uses - H, PS, ER
Term

Barbiturates on the UUHSC Drug List

Thiopental

(Pentothal)

Definition
  • Duration - Ultrashort

 

  • Uses - iv anasthesia
Term
Wilcox Abbreviations On Barbiturates
Definition
  • H = hypnotic sleep induction, (not drugs of choice)
  • PS = Preoperative sedation (not drugs of choice)
  • ER = Emergency room management of seizures (not       drugs of choice)
  • AC = Anticonvulsant, Management of epilepsy
    • second line agent
    • third line agent
  • Intravenous  anesthetic:  thiopental and methohexital
Term

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS OF BARBITURATES

DEPRESSION OF CNS ACTIVITY

(5)

 

Definition

Ranges from sedation to coma, death; not selectively anxiolytic
Action in reticular activating system
May enhance perception of pain
May produce paradoxical excitation in children, elderly
CNS toxicity in overdose: hypothermia, hypotension, circulatory collapse (potentially lethal), respiratory depression  (potentially lethal)

 

Term

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS OF BARBITURATES

(continued)    

(5)

Definition

Inhibition of ganglionic transmission; decreased blood pressure
Decreased tone and contractions of GI and urinary tract smooth muscle
Metabolized via oxidation of hepatic enzymes and excreted as glucuronide conjugates
With chronic use: induction of cytochrome P-450 drug metabolizing enzyme systems; potential for adverse drug interactions and therapeutic failures
Potential for addiction and physical dependence

Term
Chronic administration of barbiturates
Definition

  • markedly increases the protein and lipid content of the hepatic smooth endoplasmic reticulum, as well as the activities of glucuronyltransferase and CYPs 1A2, 2C9, 2C19, and 3A4. 
  • The induction of these enzymes increases the metabolism of a number of drugs and endogenous substances, including steroid hormones, cholesterol, bile salts, and vitamins K and D. 
  • This also results in an increased rate of barbiturate metabolism, which partly accounts for tolerance to barbiturates. 

Term

BENZODIAZEPINES ON THE UUHSC DRUG LIST TO BE DISCUSSED

Anxiolytics

(3)

Definition
  • Diazepam (valium)
  • Alprazolam (xanax)
  • Lorazepam (ativan)
Term

BENZODIAZEPINES ON THE UUHSC DRUG LIST TO BE DISCUSSED

Hypnotics

(4)

Definition
  • Temazepam (Restoril)
  • Zolpidem (Ambien)
  • Zaleplon (Sonata)
  • Eszopliclone (Lunesta)
Term

BENZODIAZEPINES ON THE UUHSC DRUG LIST TO BE DISCUSSED

Preop Sedation

Definition
  • Midazolam (Versed)
Term

BENZODIAZEPINES ON THE UUHSC DRUG LIST TO BE DISCUSSED

Antagonist

Definition
  • Flumazenil (Romazicon)
Term

KEY CONCEPT:

All benzodiazepines exert the same pharmacological actions. 

(6)

Definition

Antianxiety ( low doses)
Conscious sedation (moderate doses)
Skeletal muscle relaxation (centrally based) (moderate doses)
Anticonvulsant (moderate doses)
Sleep induction (high doses)
Anterograde memory impairment
Dose-related

Term
Anterograde amnesia
Definition
loss of the ability to create new memories after the event that caused the amnesia, leading to a partial or complete inability to recall the recent past, while long term memories from before the event remain intact
Term

ADVANTAGES OF BENZODIAZEPINES vs. OTHER (OLDER) SEDATIVE-HYPNOTICS

 

*

(5)

Definition

Clearly anxiolytic in low doses
Skeletal muscle relaxation effect
High therapeutic index; much safer in overdose
No induction of drug metabolizing enzymes
KEY CONCEPT:  Benzodiazepines are more limited in their CNS depressant action than older sedative-hypnotics.  

Term

PHARMACOKINETICS OF BENZODIAZEPINES


*

(3)

Definition

KEY CONCEPT:  The duration of action of benzodiazepines is largely determined by the presence or absence of biologically active metabolites.
LONG ACTING BZDS have active metabolites w/ long t1/2s. 
SHORT ACTING BZDS have inactive or no metabolites. 

Term

METABOLISM OF BENZODIAZEPINES

(3)

Definition

Hepatic clearance
Water soluble metabolites for clearance
Phase I via microsomal oxidation
CYP3A4
Many phase I metabolites are active
Phase II
Glucuronide formation and excretion

Term

METABOLISM OF BZs

(slide #15 diagram)

Definition

Hepatic metabolism accounts for the clearance of all benzodiazepines.

  • The patterns and rates of metabolism depend on the individual drugs. Most benzodiazepines undergo microsomal oxidation (phase I reactions), including N-dealkylation and aliphatic hydroxylation catalyzed by cytochrome P450 isozymes, especially CYP3A4. 
  • The metabolites are subsequently conjugated (phase II reactions) to form glucuronides that are excreted in the urine. However, many phase I metabolites of benzodiazepines are pharmacologically active, some with long half-lives (Figure 22–5). 
  • For example, desmethyldiazepam, which has an elimination half-life of more than 40 hours, is an active metabolite of chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, prazepam, and clorazepate. Alprazolam and triazolam undergo -hydroxylation, and the resulting metabolites appear to exert short-lived pharmacologic effects because they are rapidly conjugated to form inactive glucuronides
  • The short elimination half-life of triazolam (2–3 hours) favors its use as a hypnotic rather than as a sedative drug.

Term

Metabolism of BZs

diagram

Definition
[image]
Term
MECHANISM OF ACTION OF BENZODIAZEPINES
Definition

KEY CONCEPT: Benzodiazepines enhance the actions of the inhibitory neurotransmitter, g-amino-butyric acid (GABA). 
    •  BZDs facilitate the opening of the Cl- ion channel in response to GABA; enhance neuronal hyperpolarization
Term

BZs BIND AT THE JUNCTION BETWEEN  THE a AND g SUBUNITS

Definition
[image][image]
Term
BZs at the receptor
Definition
[image]
Term

PATCH CLAMP STUDIES REVEAL MECHANISM OF ACTION OF DIAZEPAM AND PHENOBARBITAL  

Definition

[image][image]

Term

BZ  BINDING TO  GABAA RECEPTORS WITH DIFFERENT a SUBUNITS CONTRIBUTES TO FUNCTION

Definition

a1: mediates sedation, amnesia, ataxia  

 

a2 & a3: mediates anxiolytic actions and muscle relaxation
a5:  memory impairment

[image]

Term

EFFECTS OF SEDATIVE-HYPNOTICS ON SLEEP

Short term

(5)


*

Definition

SHORT TERM EFFECTS (< one week):
Decrease sleep latency
Increase total sleep time
Decrease nocturnal awakenings
Increase time in stage 2
Decrease time in stages 3,4, REM

Term

EFFECTS OF SEDATIVE-HYPNOTICS ON SLEEP

Long term

(6)


*

Definition

LONG TERM (7-10 nights)
Drug dependency insomnia:
Decreased sleep time
Increased nocturnal awakenings
Early morning awakenings and next-day anxiety (esp. BZDs)
Further increase stage 2
Further decrease in 3,4, REM

Term

EFFECTS OF SEDATIVE-HYPNOTICS ON SLEEP

(3)

Definition

KEY CONCEPT: Most sedative-hypnotics alter sleep architecture to increase lighter stages and decrease deeper stages.
  • Most lose effectiveness and worsen sleep within 1-2 weeks.  
    • This may reflect rapid development of physical dependence.
  • Zolpidem, zaleplon and  eszopiclone (BZD agonists) are exceptions
Term

Effects of sedatives-hypnotics on sleep

diagram

Definition
[image]
Term

EFFECTS OF TEMAZEPAM (RESTORIL ®)

(5)

Definition

Rapid onset
Classic effects on sleep architecture
short duration of action; no active metabolites; no next-day sedation BUT
Next-day amnesia (travelers amnesia)
Rapid development of early morning awakening and next-day anxiety when used 5+ nights

Term

EFFECTS OF ZOLPIDEM  (AMBIEN ®)
ON SLEEP

(4)


*

Definition

A partial agonist at BZD receptors
Effective hypnotic and sedative but no skeletal muscle relaxant or anticonvulsant effects
Rapid onset and short duration of hypnotic action(however, new CR prep is longer duration);
no active metabolites
Reduces latency and increases sleep time without affecting sleep stages in doses up to 20 mg

Term

EFFECTS OF ZOLPIDEM  (AMBIEN ®) ON SLEEP

(Continued)

(7)


*

Definition

Little or no next-day sedation; some next-day amnesic effect
Recent concerns on sleep-driving and sleep-eating
Some early morning awakening may develop but maintains hypnotic effectiveness for several weeks
Well tolerated in elderly
Adverse effects include: dizziness, headache, GI upset
Abuse potential seems low
Zaleplon and eszopiclone are similar; but perhaps less amnesia or day-after somnolence 

Term

ADVERSE  EFFECTS OF BENZODIAZEPINE  HYPNOTICS

(8)



*

Definition

*NEXT-DAY (RESIDUAL) SEDATION, DROWSINESS (hangover)
more pronounced with long-acting agents
Can be additive with ethanol
Concern with elderly
*DEVELOPMENT OF REBOUND INSOMNIA
Early morning awakening, next-day anxiety
More pronounced with short-acting agents
*ANTEROGRADE AMNESIA

Term

OTHER  DRUGS  FOR  SLEEP

(6)

*

Definition

OTC antihistamines
Chloral hydrate
Alcohol
Valerian
Melatonin
Ramelteon (Rozerem ®) (a melatonin agonist)

Term
Valerian
Definition

  • Valerian has been used as a medicinal herb since at least the time of ancient Greece and Rome. Its therapeutic uses were described by Hippocrates, and in the 2nd century, Galen prescribed valerian for insomnia [5,7]. 
  • In the 16th century, it was used to treat nervousness, trembling, headaches, and heart palpitations [8]. 
  • In the mid-19th century, valerian was considered a stimulant that caused some of the same complaints it is thought to treat and was generally held in low esteem as a medicinal herb [2]. 
  • During World War II, it was used in England to relieve the stress of air raids [9]. 
  • In the United States, valerian is sold as a nutritional supplement

Term

GENERAL THERAPEUTUC PRINCIPLES FOR USE OF SEDATIVE-HYPNOTICS IN INSOMNIA

(3)

Definition

Part of an integrated treatment plan
Benzodiazepines are preferred, esp. zolpidem and related
Treatment is individualized, i.e., frequency and duration of use

Term

SEDATIVE-HYPNOTIC
CLUB DRUGS

Rohypnol ®: flunitrazepam
(3)

Definition

Long acting, hypnotic BZD
Strong anterograde amnesia, esp. w/ alcohol
Potentially lethal respiratory depression when combined w/ alcohol

Term

SEDATIVE-HYPNOTIC
CLUB DRUGS

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
(3)

Definition

CNS depressant; GABA agonist?
Sedation, sleep, amnesia, respiratory depression (potentially lethal, esp. with alcohol)
Precursor, gamma-butyrolactone, assoc with physical dependence

Term

GHB (AKA sodium oxybate)as Xyrem ® for Narcolepsy 

(4)

Definition

FDA-approved in 2002
Taken at night, improves nighttime sleep
Decreases daytime sleepiness
Decreases incidence of cataplexy, sleep paralysis and hypnogogic hallucinations

Term

ANXIOLYTICS
KEY CONCEPTS:

(5)

 

*

Definition

Selective reduction in anxiety, without markedly impairing mental or motor performance.
Sedation connotes overall calming, associated with decreased alertness and motor coordination
The classic anxiolytics are benzodiazepines and buspirone (BuSpar®).
SSRI and SNRI antidepressants are now used more frequently for long term Rx of formal anxiety disorders.
Effective; therapy for co-morbid depression

Term

THE ANXIETY PHARMACY

(7)


*

Definition

Disorder  Effective Rx

Short term stress  = BZDs; antihistamines
GAD  = BZDs; buspirone, SSRI and SNRI antidepressants 
Panic = alprazolam; SSRI and SNRI antidepressants
Social anxiety = antidepressants
Performance anxiety = ß-blockers, antidepressants
Post Traumatic Stress = antidepressants
Obsessive-Compulsive = clomipramine, SSRI   antidepressantss

Term

GAD

(5)

Definition

  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD
    • is an anxiety disorder that is characterized by excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational worry about everyday things that is disproportionate to the actual source of worry. 
    • This excessive worry often interferes with daily functioning, as individuals suffering GAD typically anticipate disaster, and are overly concerned about everyday matters such as health issues, money, death, family problems, friend problems, relationship problems or work difficulties.
    • They often exhibit a variety of physical symptoms, including fatigue, fidgeting, headaches, nausea, numbness in hands and feet, muscle tension, muscle aches, difficulty swallowing, bouts of difficulty breathing, difficulty concentrating, trembling, twitching, irritability, agitation, sweating, restlessness, insomnia, hot flashes, and rashes
    • These symptoms must be consistent and on-going, persisting at least 6 months, for a formal diagnosis of GAD to be introduced
    •  Approximately 6.8 million American adults experience GAD.

 

Term

BENZODIAZEPINES IN ANXIETY DISORDERS

Indications

(3)

Definition

INDICATIONS:
Rx of anxiety in acute stress situations
Rx of GAD
Rx of Panic Disorder (alprazolam)

Term

BENZODIAZEPINES IN ANXIETY DISORDERS

Efficacy

(4)

Definition

EFFICACY:
Relieve psychological and somatic symptoms w/ fast onset of action
Approx 65-75% will respond
Short acting agents, I.e. alprazolam, lorazepam, preferred for acute, short term stresses; in elderly; w/ hepatic disease

Tolerance not usually a problem in this setting

Term

ANXIOLYTIC BENZODIAZEPINES
ON UUHSC DRUG LIST

(3)

    

Definition

alprazolam (Xanax ®)
lorazepam (Ativan ®)
diazepam (Valium ®)

Term

Alprazolam (Xanax)

(5)

Definition

Prescribed for panic attacks, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and societal anxiety disorder (SAD).
Has specific anti-panic effects; as needed basis
Rapidly absorbed
Shorter half-life than diazepam
Tolerance to sedation develops; less so for anxiolytic activity

Term

Lorazepam (Ativan)

(3)

Definition

Prescribed for:
management of anxiety disorders or short-term (≤4 months) relief of the symptoms of anxiety or anxiety associated with depressive symptoms
I.V.: Status epilepticus, amnesia, sedation
Management of alcohol withdrawal

 

Term
Diazepam (Valium)
Definition

Prescribed for:
anxiety, insomnia, seizures including status epilepticus, muscle spasms (such as in cases of tetanus), restless legs syndrome, alcohol withdrawal, benzodiazepine withdrawal, amnesia, preop sedation
Long half life of active metabolites

 

Term

BENZODIAZEPINES IN ANXIETY DISORDERS

(2)

Definition

TYPICAL Rx REGIMENS
Single event (single dose) or short term stressors (one week Rx) w/ short-acting BZD
GAD or Panic: Rx for 9 - 12 month +; d/c by slow taper, esp. with short-acting

Term

BENZODIAZEPINES IN ANXIETY DISORDERS

Common Adverse Effects

(9)


*

Definition

COMMON ADVERSE EFFECTS:
CNS depression
Sedation, drowsiness
Impaired psychomotor coordination
Memory impairment; amnesia
Disinhibition (esp. in children)
Potentially teratogenic in pregnancy
Transferred  via milk to infants
Physical dependence w/ long term Rx 

Term
DRUG INTERACTIONS WITH BENZODIAZEPINES 
Definition

CAUTION WITH INHIBITORS OF CYTOCHROME P450

Why would you need to be careful with other drugs that inhibit cyp 450??? Because metabolized with cyps

 

Term

ALTERNATIVES  FOR SHORT AND LONG TERM ANXIETY 

(2)

Definition

BUSPIRONE (BuSpar ® )
Key concept: Buspirone is an anxiolytic but is not a sedative-hypnotic.
No effects on GABA system; serotonin and dopamine agonist

Term

BUSPIRONE 

(5)

Definition

Weakly sedating; no hypnotic, muscle relaxant or anticonvulsant effects
No abuse, addiction or physical dependence liability; alternative for anxiety with history of drug abuse
Well tolerated: some dizziness, headache, nausea
Few drug interactions
However, it may take several weeks before its anxiolytic effects become noticeable

Term

BUSPIRONE (continued)

(7)

Definition

Buspirone is reported effective in Rx of:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Premenstrual Syndrome/Dysphoric Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Buspirone is ineffective in Rx of panic
Anxiolytic action is delayed; fully effective in 1-4 weeks
Efficacy is less than BZDs

Term

ALTERNATIVES FOR ANXIETY 

Sedating Anti-histamines

(3)

Definition

e.g., hydroxyzine (Vistaril ®, Atarax ® on UUHSC Drug List) or  diphenhydramine (Benadryl ® )
Not selectively anxiolytic, but they work in the real world
FDA-approved for short term Rx of anxiety; ineffective in GAD or other formal anxiety disorders

Term

ALTERNATIVES FOR ANXIETY   

ß-adrenergic blockers for performance anxiety

(5)

*

 

Definition

ß-adrenergic blockers for performance anxiety
Not classically anxiolytic, but blunt catecholamine-mediated somatic signs of anxiety, esp. tremor, dry mouth, GI distress
i.e., increase comfort level, tolerability
Not FDA- approved, but well known and widely used, esp. in performing arts
e.g., propranolol 10 mg one hr before event

Term

DRUGS  FOR
PANIC DISORDER

(5)

Definition

Alprazolam
SSRIs
SNRI: venlafaxine
Tricyclics; MAO inhibitors
Buspirone and atypical antidepressants (e.g., bupropion) are generally ineffective in panic disorder

Term

PREOP SEDATION
 MIDAZOLAM (VERSED ®) 


*

Definition

CLINICAL USES:
Conscious sedation
Skeletal muscle relaxation
Premedication for minor surgery, diagnostic procedures
Adjunctive agent in anesthesia, component of balanced anesthesia

Term

ACTIONS OF MIDAZOLAM

Characteristics

(3)

Definition

CHARACTERISTICS:
Improved water solubility vs. diazepam
Fast onset, short duration of action
very marked anxiolytic and amnesic effects

Term

ACTIONS OF MIDAZOLAM

Effective routes

(2)

Definition

IV; given slowly, to avoid cardio-respiratory depression; or if bolus, with respiration
Homemade oral prep w/ Kool-Aid effective in children

Term

ACTIONS OF MIDAZOLAM

Adverse effects

(3)

Definition

Adverse effects
*Respiratory depression (esp in iv bolus w/o respiration)
Hypotension
Headache

Term

ACTIONS OF FLUMAZENIL (ROMAZICON ® )   

(3)

Definition

ACTION: competitive antagonist at BZD receptors; specific benzodiazepine antagonist
CLINICAL USES: reversal of benzodiazepine sedation; Rx of overdose
ROUTE: only effective IV
[image]

Term

ACTIONS OF FLUMAZENIL (ROMAZICON ® )

Limitations

(3)

Definition

LIMITATIONS:
Very short duration of action, 20-30  min
May precipitate withdrawal in dependent individuals
Not clearly effective against hypoventilation

Term

ABUSE  POTENTIAL OF BENZODIAZEPINES


*

Definition

KEY CONCEPTS:  Behavioral and psychological features of intoxication with BZDs are very similar to those seen with ethanol and other sedative-hypnotics. 
The physical dependence that may develop is also the same as other sedative-hypnotics and ethanol.   

 

Term

KEY CONCEPTS INADDICTION AND DEPENDENCE


*

Definition

Addiction: compulsive drug use associated with strong craving and  preoccupation with obtaining and using the drug for its rewarding effects, without regard to adverse effects
APS/ASAM/AAPM: .. Characterized by… impaired control over drug use, compulsive use, continued use despite harm, and craving.

Term

KEY CONCEPTS INADDICTION AND DEPENDENCE 

(contd)


*

Definition

Physical dependence: altered physiological state produced by long term administration in which target tissues adapt and require drug for normal functioning. Discontinuation produces withdrawal or abstinence. 
APS/ASAM/AAPM: a state of adaptation…manifested by a drug class-specific withdrawal syndrome that can be produced by abrupt cessation, rapid dose reduction, …administration of antagonist

Term

ABUSE  POTENTIAL OF BENZODIAZEPINES

(3)


*

Definition

BZDs have potential for abuse, but abuse and addiction are not common w/anxiolytic regimens in pnts w/ no history of drug abuse.
BZD abuse mainly occurs in alcohol abusers.
Physical dependence can develop w/i 6-8 months (i.e., during Rx for GAD and panic); withdrawal signs are usually mild, but can be severe with abrupt discontinuation.

Term

GENERAL DEPRESSANT WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME

(4)



*

Definition

Acute phase of 8-10 days; prolonged phase of 1-3 months
In mild form: anxiety, insomnia, nausea, weakness
In severe form: between 12 hr and 72 hr: strong anxiety, weakness, nausea, abdominal cramps, orthostatic hypotension, headache
48-72 hr: tonic-clonic seizures, delirium, disorientation; Potentially lethal hyperthermia, cardiac arrhythmias

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