Adverse Drug Reactions

Question 1

Common SEs of 5 alpha-reducatase inhibitors (4)

Answer 1

• Impotence
• Reduced libido
• Gynaecomastia
• Hair growth (useful in male-pattern baldness)

Question 2

Common SEs of alpha blockers (3)

Answer 2

Particularly after the first dose:

• Postural hypotension (DO NOT give in pts who already have this)
• Dizziness
• Syncope

Question 3

Common SEs of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (7)

Answer 3

• N+V
• Diarrhoea
• Asthma/ COPD exacerbations
• Peptic ulcers, bleeding
• Bradycardia/ heart block
• Hallucinations, aggression/ altered behaviour
• Small risk of extrapyramidal Sx, neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Question 4

Why should acetylcholinesterase inhibitors be used with caution alongside NSAIDs and corticosteroids?

Answer 4

Increased risk of peptic ulceration

Question 5

Why should Ach-esterase inhibitors be used with caution alongside antipsychotics?

Answer 5

Increased risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Question 6

Why should ACh-esterase inhibitors be used with caution alongside rate-limiting medications eg BBs?

Answer 6

Increased risk of bradycardia/ heart block

Question 7

Adverse effects of NSAIDs (3)

Answer 7

• GI toxicity
• Renal impairment
• Cardiovascular events (MI, stroke)

Question 8

Which non-selective NSAID has the lowest risk of GI effects?

Answer 8

Ibuprofen

Question 9

Which non-selective NSAIDs have the lowest risk of cardiovascular events? (2)

Answer 9

• Low dose ibuprofen

- Naproxen