Pharmacology Alternate Item Format Quiz

Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to reduce stomach acid production. PPIs work by inhibiting the proton pump in the stomach's cells responsible for producing acid, thus reducing the amount of acid in the stomach and helping to treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers.

Diuretics, also known as water pills, are primarily used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). They work by increasing the excretion of sodium and water from the body, which helps reduce the volume of blood and decrease blood pressure.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are antidepressant medications that work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the brain. By doing so, SSRIs increase the levels of serotonin in the synaptic cleft, which helps improve mood and treat conditions like depression and anxiety.

Lisinopril is an example of an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. ACE inhibitors work by blocking the activity of the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which helps to relax blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and reduce the workload on the heart.

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine medication commonly used to treat allergic reactions. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical released during allergic reactions, thereby reducing symptoms like itching, sneezing, runny nose, and hives.

Opioids are primarily used as analgesics, meaning they are used to relieve pain. They act on specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord to reduce the perception of pain and provide pain relief.

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are commonly used to treat hypertension and heart failure. They work by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to reduced blood pressure and improved heart function.

Statin drugs work by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which is involved in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. By inhibiting this enzyme, statins reduce the production of cholesterol, leading to lower levels of LDL cholesterol (often referred to as "bad" cholesterol) in the bloodstream. This helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in individuals with high cholesterol levels.

Beta-blockers work by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors in the body, specifically the beta-1 and beta-2 receptors. By doing so, they reduce the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline (epinephrine and norepinephrine), leading to decreased heart rate and blood pressure. This makes beta-blockers useful in conditions such as hypertension, angina, and certain heart rhythm disorders.

Inhibiting prostaglandins is a mechanism of action associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are a different class of medications used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever.

Glipizide is an oral medication commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. It belongs to the class of drugs known as sulfonylureas, which help stimulate insulin release from the pancreas and improve glucose control in people with diabetes.