1. Nutritional Pharmacology Flashcards

1
Q

What types of drugs are:
Codeine
Paracetamol
Aspirin
Ibuprofen

A

Examples of analgesics

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What types of drugs are:
Bisacodyl
Senna

A

Examples of laxatives

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What type of drug is omeprazole?

A

Example of a PPI

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What type of drugs are:
Cetirizine
Chlorphenamine

A

Examples of anti-histamines

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the active ingredient of a drug?

A

Delivers the mode of action
Responsible for side effects

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the inactive ingredient of a drug?

A

Alters the physical properties of the drug - colours, fillers, preservatives, lactose, gluten

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What kind of reactions can inactive ingredients trigger?

A

Allergic reactions
Food intolerances

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is aspirin used for?

A

Reduces pain, fever, inflammation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are the potential side effects of using aspirin?

A

GI bleeding
Peptic ulceration
Hypersensitivity

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Which compound in aspirin triggers the side effects?

A

Salicylic acid

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the natural alternative to aspirin?

A

Willow bark

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Why is willow bark a better alternative to aspirin?

A

Contains salicin which doesn’t convert to salicylic acid
Same benefits without the side effects

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is meant by pharmacokinetics?

A

The timed movement of drugs into, through and out of the body

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is meant by pharmacodynamics?

A

How drugs interact with the body to exert their effect (mode of action)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are the 4 key processes of pharmacokinetics?

A

Absorption
Distribution
Metabolism
Elimination

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Why is absorption important in pharmacokinetics?

A

A drug must be absorbed into the bloodstream so it can exert its mode of action

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Why is distribution important in pharmacokinetics?

A

Once in the bloodstream, the drug can now be distributed to its target site (normally a receptor) to exert its action

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Why is metabolism important in pharmacokinetics?

A

Once the drug and receptor have interacted, the drug returns to the bloodstream and progresses to the liver to be metabolised and then eliminated from the body

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Why is excretion important in pharmacokinetics?

A

Once metabolised, excretion normally takes place via urine or bile

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is first pass hepatic metabolism?

A

The process by which drugs taken orally are absorbed from the GIT and taken via the portal vein into the liver to be metabolised

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What happens when a drug is extensively metabolised?

A

The amount of drug entering the bloodstream is greatly reduced
Effect exertion is reduced

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

How should drugs that are extensively metabolised by administered?

A

By a different route
e.g. nitro glycerine (GTN) spray for angina

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Which two factors determine whether or not a drug reaches its target site of action?

A

Bioavailability
Route of administration

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What is the bioavailability of a drug?

A

The proportion of the drug that can reach the bloodstream and is, therefore, available for distribution to its intended site of action

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Where are drugs taken orally mainly absorbed?

A

SI

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What are the benefits of sublingual/buccal drugs?

A

Bypasses liver metabolism

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What factors affect drug absorption?

A

GI motility
Malabsorption
Presence of other substances
Format of the drug

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

How does the format of the drug affect absorption?

A

Acidic drugs absorb quicker in an acidic environment
Liquid medicines absorb quicker than a solid tablet

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What factors affect drug distribution?

A

Binding to plasma proteins
Binding to other tissues
Accumulation in lipids
Natural barriers to distribution

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What happens during drug metabolism?

A

The drug is changed from a lipid soluble to a more water soluble form for excretion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What happens during Phase I drug metabolism?

A

Drug is altered chemically to make it suitable for Phase II reactions or for excretion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Which family of enzymes are involved during Phase I metabolism?

A

CYP450

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

What happens during Phase II drug metabolism?

A

Molecules from Phase I (or in some cases unchanged drugs) are conjugated to a more water soluble product and aid excretion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

What factors can influence the rate of metabolism in individuals?

A

Genetic
Environmental

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

What are the main excretion routes for drugs?

A

Urine
Faeces

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

What are the minor excretion routes for drugs?

A

Exhaled air
Sweat
Saliva
Tears

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

What dysfunction can affect the rate at which a drug/metabolite is cleared from the body?

A

Renal

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

What is entero-hepatic circulation?

A

Where very lipid soluble drugs may be reabsorbed and re-enter the portal vein
Prolongs excretion times

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

What factors can affect a drug’s mode of action?

A

Genetic mutations
Malnutrition
Medical conditions e.g. Parkinson’s, Alz

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

What information can pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics provide about a drug?

A

Mode of action
Administration route
Dosage
Side effects
Drug interactions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

Which substances can affect the effects of a drug?

A

Food/drink
Nutritional supplements
Herbal medicines
Other drugs
Environmental chemical agents

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

What are narrow therapeutic index (NTI) drugs?

A

Drugs that may become dangerously toxic or ineffective with only relatively small changes in their blood concentrations

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

What types of drugs are digoxin, phenytoin, theophylline, warfarin and lithium?

A

Narrow therapeutic index (NTI) drugs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

Which types of drugs are essential to have highlighted on case notes?

A

Narrow therapeutic index (NTI) drugs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

Which populations are at an increased risk of serious side effects from drugs?

A

Patients experiencing liver/renal dysfunction
Elderly who take more than one drug
Patients taking drugs for multiple chronic long-term illnesses
Critically ill patients

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

What kinds of drugs can garlic interact with?

A

Cholesterol
Blood pressure

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

How should garlic be consumed to avoid interactions?

A

Interspersed throughout diet
Regular, high dietary intake and/or supplements should be avoided

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

What kinds of drugs can gingko interact with?

A

Anti-platelet
Anti-coagulant
(potential to increase bleeding risk)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

Why should grapefruit and pomegranate be avoided with certain drugs?

A

Inhibits CYP3A4 in intestinal wall for up to 24 hrs
Increases peak levels of statins

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
50
Q

Examples of drugs where grapefruit should be avoided

A

Statins
Digoxin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
51
Q

What types of drugs do green vegetables interact with?

A

Anti-platelet
Anti-coagulant
(potential to increase bleeding risk)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
52
Q

How do green vegetables interact with anti-coagulation/platelet drugs e.g. warfarin?

A

Reduces the effect of the drug
Contain indoles which increase the metabolism of warfarin
Also contain vit K which reduces the anti-clotting effects of warfarin
(vit K = coagulant; warfarin = anti-coagulant)

53
Q

What types of drugs does soy interact with?

A

Thyroid (levothyroxine)
Oestrogen blocking drugs (tamoxifen)
Anti-coagulants (warfarin)

54
Q

How does soy interact with levothyroxine?

A

Decreases the absorption of the drug

55
Q

How does soy interact with warfarin?

A

Reduces effectiveness of the drug

56
Q

What types of drugs can calcium/dairy produce interact with?

A

Antibiotics
Bisphosphonates
Levothyroxine

57
Q

How does calcium interact with antibiotics, bisphosphonates and levothyroxine?

A

Reduces their absorption

58
Q

How can high protein diets affect medication?

A

Can decrease intestinal absorption of drug
Can reduce effects of a drug

59
Q

How can high fibre diets (vegan, Med diet) affect antidepressants?

A

Reduces serum levels of the drug
(take medication at a different time to high fibre meal)

60
Q

How can salt restriction affect medication?

A

Can increase serum lithium to toxic levels
(Na is involved in the active transport of lithium; low levels of Na can cause lithium to accumulate in cells)

61
Q

Which nutrients can be depleted by PPIs?

A

Beta carotene
Ca
Fe
Mg
B9
B12
C
Zn

62
Q

Why are nutrients depleted when taking a PPI?

A

Reduced gastric acid levels inhibit absorption

63
Q

Natural alternatives to PPIs

A

Milk thistle
Slippery elm
Dandelion root
Marshmallow root
Aloe Vera gel

64
Q

Which nutrients can be depleted by steroids?

A

Ca
D
Folic acid
Mg
K
Zn

65
Q

Why are nutrients depleted when taking steroids?

A

Increased urinary excretion
Losses from bone tissue

66
Q

Which nutrient is depleted when taking statins?

A

CoQ10

67
Q

Why is CoQ10 depleted when taking statins?

A

Statins block synthesis of mevalonic acid which is the building block of cholesterol and CoQ10

68
Q

Which nutrients are depleted by antibiotics?

A

B1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 12
K

69
Q

Why are nutrients depleted when taking antibiotics?

A

Antibiotics can lead to the destruction of normal intestinal microflora which produce various B vits and vit K

70
Q

Which nutrients are depleted by metformin?

A

B9 (folate)
B12

71
Q

Why are nutrients depleted by metformin?

A

Malabsorption

72
Q

Which nutrients are depleted by diuretics?

A

Ca
Mg
K
B1, 6, 9
C

73
Q

Why are nutrients depleted by diuretics?

A

Increased urinary loss

74
Q

Which nutrients are depleted by antacids?

A

Ca
Fe
B9

75
Q

Why are nutrients depleted by antacids?

A

Increased gastric pH may reduce solubility and absorption
Al-containing antacids can bind to Ca preventing absorption

76
Q

Which nutrient is depleted by thyroxine?

A

Ca

77
Q

Why is Ca depleted by thyroxine?

A

Increases bone turnover which may lead to increased urinary loss

78
Q

Which nutrients are depleted by the OCP?

A

A
B1, 2, 6, 9,12
C
Mg
Zn

79
Q

Why are nutrients depleted when taking the OCP?

A

Reduced absorption
Increased excretion
Increased protein binding and induction of liver enzymes
Reduced liver storage of vit A
Reduced B12 protein binding

80
Q

Why should alcohol be avoided when taking drugs?

A

Alcohol can inhibit a drug’s metabolism by competing for the same set of metabolising enzymes
This may decrease effectiveness of the drug and transform some drugs into toxic chemicals that can cause liver/organ damage
Can magnify the inhibitory effects of sedatives/narcotics at their sites of action in the brain (codeine, morphine)
Some drugs affect the metabolism of alcohol - making them more toxic

81
Q

What are ACE inhibitors prescribed for?

A

Hypertension
Heart failure

82
Q

What are common side effects of ACE inhibitors?

A

Persistent dry cough
Angioedema
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Nausea
Vomiting
Postural hypotension
Hyperkalaemia

83
Q

What are statins prescribed for?

A

Hypercholesterolaemia
Hypertriglyceridemia
Prevention of CV events

84
Q

What are common side effects of statins?

A

GI disturbance
Headaches
Fatigue
Myositis
Myopathy

85
Q

Which foods interact with statins and should be avoided?

A

Grapefruit
Pomegranate

86
Q

What is a natural alternative to statins?

A

Red yeast rice
(cholesterol lowering - but don’t take with statins)

87
Q

What can diuretics be prescribed for?

A

Oedema due to heart failure
Hypertension

88
Q

What are the common side effects of taking diuretics?

A

Hypokalaemia
Hypotension
GI disturbance
Impotence

89
Q

What are natural alternatives to diuretics?

A

Dandelion leaf
Nettle
Marshmallow root

90
Q

What is digoxin prescribed for?

A

Atrial fibrillation
Heart failure

91
Q

What are the common side effects of digoxin?

A

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Loss of appetite
Abdominal pain

92
Q

Which nutrient should be used with caution alongside digoxin?

A

Hawthorn
(can increase myocardial contractions so digoxin dose may need to be lowered)

93
Q

What are antacids prescribed for?

A

GORD
Indigestion

94
Q

What are the common side effects of antacids?

A

Impaired nutrient absorption
Laxative (if Mg version)
Constipation (if Al version)
Rebound effect from overuse

95
Q

Which nutrient may increase Al uptake from an antacid?

A

D

96
Q

Lifestyle changes to reduce indigestion

A

Dietary changes - avoid spicy, fatty food, caffeine
Chew well
Keep fluids away from meals
Lose weight
Stop smoking
Manage stress

97
Q

What are PPIs prescribed for?

A

GORD
Gastric/peptic ulceration

98
Q

What are the common side effects of PPIs?

A

Headache
GI disturbance
Rebound of acid secretion

99
Q

What are the side effects of long term use of PPIs?

A

GI infections
SIBO - lack of acid allows bacteria to survive
Increased fracture risk - reduced Ca absorption
B12 def - HCl needed to release B12 from proteins for intestinal absorption
Low blood Mg - decreased intestinal absorption
Fe def - decreased intestinal absorption

100
Q

Why shouldn’t PPIs be withdrawn suddenly?

A

Rebound reflux

101
Q

What protocol can be used to reduce and withdraw PPIs safely?

A

5R protocol

102
Q

What can warfarin be prescribed for?

A

DVT
Pulmonary embolism
(blood thinner)

103
Q

What is the most common side effect of taking warfarin?

A

Haemorrhaging
Bruising

104
Q

Which nutrients should be avoided when taking warfarin?

A

Vit K rich foods (dark leafy greens, broccoli) - has opposite effect to drug
High dose vit E (same action as drug so increased bleeding risk)
Pomegranate juice - slows blood clotting time

105
Q

What is levothyroxine prescribed for?

A

Hypothyroidism

106
Q

What are the common side effects of taking levothyroxine?

A

Tremor
Headache
Insomnia
Anxiety
Flushing

107
Q

What is the typical dosing regime for levothyroxine?

A

30-60 minutes pre-breakfast or caffeine containing liquids to avoid reduced absorption

108
Q

What nutrients should be avoided when taking levothyroxine?

A

Fe/Ca supplements
Cow’s dairy
(reduce the absorption of levothyroxine)

109
Q

What are common side effects of anti-histamines other than sedation?

A

Nausea
Vomiting

110
Q

Examples of natural approaches for supporting hay fever

A

Quercetin
(inhibits release of histamine from mast cells)
Nettle
Bee pollen
Reishi mushroom

111
Q

What are SSRIs prescribed for?

A

Depressive illnesses
Post-traumatic stress
Obsessive compulsive disorder

112
Q

What are the common side effects of taking SSRIs?

A

GI disturbance
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Insomnia
Anxiety
Agitation

113
Q

What is serotonin syndrome?

A

Excess serotonin due to SSRI use, overdose or interactions between drugs

114
Q

What are the common symptoms of serotonin syndrome?

A

Confusion
Disorientation
Exaggerated reflexes
Fever
Sweating

115
Q

Which herb and nutrient should be avoided when taking SSRIs?

A

St John’s Wort
5-HTP

116
Q

What are NSAIDs prescribed for?

A

Pain relief
Inflammation

117
Q

Which foods should be avoided in high quantities when taking NSAIDs?

A

E
Garlic
Turmeric
(may increase risk of bleeding)

118
Q

What are the common side effects of taking NSAIDs?

A

Gastric bleeding/ulceration
Acute kidney damage

119
Q

Examples of natural alternatives to NSAIDs

A

Willow bark
Turmeric (curcumin)
Ginger
Boswellia
Anti-inflammatory diet
Quercetin

120
Q

What are corticosteroids prescribed for?

A

Asthma
Eczema
IBD
AI conditions

121
Q

What are the common side effects of using corticosteroids?

A

Long term use increases risk of:
Cushing’s syndrome
DM
Osteoporosis
Infections

122
Q

Why is it important to not withdraw corticosteroids abruptly?

A

Adrenal insufficiency
Hypotension
Death

123
Q

What are natural alternatives to corticosteroids?

A

Anti-inflammatory diet
EFAs
Quercetin
Turmeric
Ginger

124
Q

What does a bulk forming laxative do?

A

Increases the “bulk” or weight of poo, which in turn stimulates the bowel

125
Q

What does a stimulant laxative do?

A

Stimulates the muscles that line the gut, helping them to move poo out of anus

126
Q

What are common side effects of taking laxatives?

A

Dehydration
Loss of potassium

127
Q

What are natural alternatives as laxatives?

A

Flaxseeds
Chia seeds
Psyllium husks
Water
Mg citrate
Rhubarb/dandelion/burdock root

128
Q

What are natural alternatives to cough mixture?

A

Thyme
Honey/ginger
Honey/lemon
Rosemary