Pharmacology
Honduras 2012 Brigade
Antibiotics - Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin,
Cefuroxime, Sulfamethoxazole, Trimethoprim

Treatment for many types of infections caused by
bacteria, such as ear infections, bladder infections,
pneumonia, gonorrhea, and E.coli or salmonella
infection.

Caution: Pts who are pregnant or breast feeding
Beta blockers – Atenolol, other meds ending with “-olol”

Relief of symptoms of angina (chest pain due to
decreased oxygen supply to the heart), and to treat
hypertension (high blood pressure)

Suppress the stimulatory effects of epinephrine on
beta receptors  reduce heart contractions  reduce
blood pressure and reduce the workload of the heart
ACE inhibitors – Enalapril, Quinapril

Treatment of hypertension, heart failure

Angiotensin converting enzyme (“ACE”) is an enzyme
that produces Angiotensin II, which is a chemical that
causes muscles surrounding blood vessels to contract
 narrows the vessels  high blood pressure. When
ACE is inhibited, blood pressure will be reduced.
Diuretics - Bendroflumethiazide, Furosemide

Management of mild to moderate hypertension;
treatment of edema in heart failure

Reduce the amount of water that is reabsorbed in the
kidney, thereby increasing urine formation. This
reduces blood volume and lowers blood pressure
Type II diabetes drugs – Metformin, Glyburide

Increase insulin sensitivity, or stimulate release of
endogenous insulin

Caution: patients with kidney or liver disease
Analgesics (pain relievers)– Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Aspirin

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
o Reduces fever, decreases pain, does NOT
reduce inflammation
o Caution: Pts with liver disease, pts who are
pregnant or breast-feeding

Naproxen, Celecoxib, Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
o Reduces fever, or decreases pain and
inflammation caused by headache,
toothache, back pain, arthritis, menstrual
cramps, or minor injury
o Caution: patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or who have a history of heart
disease/high blood pressure

Aspirin
o Reduces clot formation (low doses),
decreases pain (medium doses), antiinflammatory (high doses)
Gastric Acid Reduction – Antacids (Tums, Rolaids), Ranitidine
(Zantac), Famotidine (Pepcid), Omeprazole (Prilosec)

Antacids neutralize gastric acid (thereby treating the
symptoms), while the others block gastric acid
secretion (thereby treating the cause)

Used to treat GU ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux
disease (GERD)

Ranitidine and famotidine are interchangeable, but
since omeprazole is stronger and used for long-term
management of GI ulcers, check with a pharmacist or
MD
Parasite medications - Mebendazole, Albendazole

Treatment for a variety of worm infestations

Mebendazole is contraindicated in pregnant women
because it has been shown to cause birth defects

Check with GMB pharmacist for substitution
guidelines
Cold, Cough – Dextromethorphan (Robitussin), Guaifenesin
(Mucinex)

Cough: Dextromethorphan is an opioid that
suppresses the cough center in the brain; Guaifenesin
is an expectorant – it assists the bringing up of phlegm
in acute respiratory infections

Cold: Phenylephrine (Sudafed) is a decongestant

Expectorants and cough suppressants are not to be
prescribed to children for cough or cold; they are
suitable for adults. For children’s cough/cold, use
acetaminophen medications
Allergy – Ceterizine (Zyrtec), Loratidine (Claritin),
Diphenylhydramine (Benadryl)

Reduce histamine in the body, in order to decrease
symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny
nose

Ceterizine is preferred for treatment of children’s
allergies
Dermal

Hydrocortisone cream 1% - anti-inflammatory, antiitch

Neosporin – antibiotic

Antifungal creams – clotrimazole, miconazole,
ketoconazole, nystatin

Scabies lotion – permethrin

Moisturizers – Eucerin, Cetaphil
Vitamins

Adult multivitamins

Children multivitamins
o Liquid vitamins for age 3 and younger
o Chewable vitamins for ages 3-12

Prenatal multivitamins, folic acid – given to pregnant
women to help prevent nutritional deficiency and
birth defects
Pharmacology
Honduras 2012 Brigade