Booklet Exam Flashcards
What is GSL
General sales list. No pharmacy supervision
What are P
Pharmacy medicines. Only available at a pharmacy
What is POM
Prescription only
Common brands : what is in calpol
Paracetamol
Common brands : what is in Imodium
Loperamide hydrochloride
Common brands : what is in nexium
Esomeprazole
Common brands : what is in buscopan
Hycosine butylbromide
Common brands : what is in kwells
Hycosine hydrobromide
What is WWHAM
Who
What are symptoms
How long
Action taken
Medication taken
Products liable to abuse
Acetone
Aerosols
Laxatives
Paracetamol and codine
Antihistamines
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine
What is the GI system
Involved in food intake, processing and excretion
Mouth
Salivary glands
Oesophagus
Stomach
LI and SI
Anus
What does the mouth do in GI
entrance to the digestive tract.
The teeth break down food.
Saliva begins carbohydrate digestion
Digestion in the mouth is minimal; no absorption of
nutrients occurs.
What does the oesophagus do in GI
During swallowing, food is prevented from entering the wrong passageways.
The pharyn-goe-sophageal sphincter prevents air from entering the digestive tract.
What does stomach do in GI
The stomach stores food and begins protein digestion.
What does the S.I do in GI
break down food, absorb nutrients needed for the body into blood, and get rid of the unnecessary components
What does the L.I do in GI
The large intestine is primarily a drying and storage organ.
Connected to small intestine at one end and anus at the other.
4 parts: cecum, colon, rectum and anal canal
What does the anus do in GI
Is the last part of the digestive system
consist of pelvic floor muscles and 2 anal sphincters.
Job is to detect rectal contents, gas, liquid or solid and control if a still should be excreted or not.
What is indigestion/heartbburn
Indigestion : Also called functional dyspepsia
Pain experienced in chest caused by overproduction of acid that the stomach produces when we eat. The over production leads to irritation and inflammation of stomach lining
Heartburn : also called GORD and reflux
Caused by food and stomach acid escaping the stomach and returning up the oesophagus. Can occur if there is weakness in the sphincter between the oesophagus and stomach.
What causes indigestion/heartburn
There may be several causes of these conditions, but it is not always possible to determine a direct link. Causes may include:
- Eating or drinking too much.
- Eating spicy or fatty foods.
- Drinking alcohol.
- Smoking.
- Certain medicines.
- Being overweight.
- Being pregnant.
- Stress.
Treatments for indigestion/heartburn . Mechanism and active ingredient :
Antacids : neutralise stomach acid - sodium bicarbonate or Mg salts
Alginates : create a mechanical barrier - sodium alginates
H2-antagonists : bind to histamine receptors interfere with gastric acid production and secretion - famotadine
Proton pump inhibitors : inhibit gastric acid secretion - pantoprazole
Formulations and points of interests for antacids
Liquids and chewable tablets
Fast acting but also short acting so might need repeat doses. Some have high sodium content and can cause diarrhoea
Formulations and points of interests for alginates
Liquids and tablets
1st line treatment for GERD. Safe for children and pregnancy. After meals. Can cause diarrhoea and nausea.
Formulations and points of interests for H2-antagonists
Tablets
Stop smoking whilst taking. Reduce alcohol intake. Often taken with 1st meal of the day.
Formulations and points of interests for proton pump inhibitors
Tablets and IV
Once a day in the morning. Can cause headaches and diarrhoea. Avoid spicy foods and cut down on caffeine and alcohol.
Lifestyle advice for heartburn and indigestion
Diet:
- Moving to a lower fat diet.
- Avoid trigger foods and drinks; such as chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, spicy or rich foods, fatty foods, citrus fruits, and onions.
- Eat smaller meals, more frequently
- eat more slowly.
- Avoid eating late at night.
Weight loss:
- In overweight patients, weight loss may help relieve symptoms and so advice on how to safely achieve this can be given.
Smoking Cessation:
- Stopping smoking may reduce symptoms.
Raising Head of the Bed:
- Raising the head of the bed may help to reduce symptoms in patients with
GORD as gravity may help prevent acid regurgitation.
What is constipation
is the infrequent passing of stools. It occurs when a patient
experiences a reduction in their normal bowel habit, and so may mean different things to different people. Therefore, constipation is when there is a change
from the usual for each specific patient. Constipation may or may not be painful and will often result in hard faeces.
What are the causes of constipation
Poor diet - Not including enough fibre in the diet, or
changing dietary habits suddenly.
Inadequate fluid intake - Not drinking enough or eating enough fibres
Pregnancy - Growing baby can put extra pressure on the intestines
Lack of exercise - Exercise is essential for regular bowl movements. Abdominal walls in diaphragm play a crucial role in defecation.
Medication - Medications can affect the muscles in the gut and the nervous system or can cause dehydration. Some can affect water absorption in stools.
Increasing age - More frequent with age. Decreased mobility, more medications, underlying diseases and rectal sensory-motor dysfunction. Lack of muscle tone in the bowel.
Cancer - Tumours in the abdomen can squeeze, squash or narrow the bowel and rectum making bowl movement difficult. A tumour in the lining of thw bowel can affect nerve supply to the muscles.
Alarm symptoms of constipation
- PAIN
- AGE: All children.
- BLEEDING: Bright red specks in the toilet, or on the tissue, can suggest haemorrhoids (piles).
- DURATION: Constipation which has lasted for over a week or is recurring.
- WEIGHT LOSS: If the patient has been losing weight unintentionally.
- MEDICATION: If the patient has already tried an over the counter (or prescription) product unsuccessfully.
- ONSET: Refer sudden onset of constipation with no cause
- OTHER SYMPTOMS: If constipation is accompanied with other symptoms, such as diarrhoea or vomiting
- Pregnancy/Breastfeeding
Treatment for constipation. Works and AI
1st is always dietary changes
Bulk form laxatives - Mimics increase in fibre consumption. Swells in bowel and increases faecal mass therefore encourages GI tract to move faster. Also tends to hold water which increases stool softness. - methylcellulose
Stimulant laxatives - Speed up the movement of Bowles by stimuting the nerves that control the muscles lignin the digestive tract - bisacodyl
Osmotic laxatives - Draw water from the rest of the body into the bowel - lactulose
Faecal softeners - Emollient laxative helps mix liquids into stools to revert dry masses forming - docusate calcium
Formulation and onset of action and points of interest for constipation medications
Bulk Forming Laxatives :
Tablets, sachets, granules - 24-36 hours - Take with plenty of water.
Stimulant Laxatives:
Tablets, suppositories,syrup - 8-12 hours - (Glycerin suppositories take 15 mins - 1 hour) - Recommended to take 1st dose at night due to onset of action (effect
then in morning). Can cause cramping. Only suitable for short-term use to treat occasional constipation.
Osmotic Laxatives:
Solutions, sachets 1-3 days Gentle option - can cause flatulence but usually settles after a couple of
days. Take with plenty of water.
Faecal Softeners:
Solutions, capsules - 1-2 days Often also has weak stimulant properties.
Lifestyle advice for constipation
Diet:
- Increase fibre
Fluids:
- Increase fluid intake
Exercise:
- Regular exercise is important to get things moving.
Other:
- Avoid ‘holding on’ as can make it worse.
- If you feel the urge to go, do not delay.
- Try to go somewhere quiet, and private, where you don’t feel rushed.
- Raising feet on a low stool while going to the toilet may make passing stools easier (keep knees above hips).
How to insert suppository
- Read the instructions on the label
- Wash and dry your hands
- Remove suppository from wrapper
- Lie on your side with your top leg bent upwards towards your stomach, or squat downs or stand with one leg raised on a sea (whichever is easiest)
- Use your finger to gently push the suppository, round end first, into your rectum (back passage) as high as it will comfortably go. A water based lubricant might make this process easier
- You may feel the urge to push it out straight away but lay or stand still, clenching your buttocks together for a few minuted and the feeling should go away.
- Wash your hands
What is diarrhoea
is the increased frequency of bowel movements, with soft or watery stools. As with constipation, it is relative to what is considered normal for the patient.
Acute: less than 7 days.
Persistent: more than 14 days.
Chronic: longer than a month.
What are the causes of diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
Bacterial infections are normally a result of drinking contaminated water or
eating contaminated food.
Some medicines can cause diarrhoea and is a common side effect.
Other causes of diarrhoea could include:
- Faecal impaction.
- Stress, upset or anxiety.
- Increased intake of alcohol or caffeine.
- Colorectal cancer.
- Long-term conditions such as:
o Ulcerative Colitis.
o Crohn’s Disease.
o Malabsorption syndromes.
o Irritable bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Alarm symptoms of diarrhoea
- signs of dehydration - dark or smelly urine or urinating less than usual
- lasts more that 4 days for adults and 2 days for children with or without treatment
- Accompanied Edith’s every stomach pains
- Blood in stools
- Excessive thirst
- Rectal pain
- Change in bowl habit
- Suspected drug induced diarrhoea
Recent travel (last 3 months) to non-western countries, particularly
with tropical or subtropical climates.
- Accompanied with a fever.
Treatment options for diarrhoea
- can be offered Fluid Replacement. Oral rehydration
solutions (ORS) decrease the risk of dehydration and replace lost fluids and salts. They are usually a sachet of powder that is made up with safe, clean water.
Despite diarrhoea often being self-limiting with no alarm symptoms, patients often also ask for something to help stop the passing of frequent stools. Loperamide is the most common anti-diarrhoeal used.
Other options to help halt the diarrhoea include:
- Bismuth Subsalicylate
o Coats and sooths the stomach and intestines.
o Slows the growth of any bacteria present.
Lifestyle advice for diarrhoea
Sip water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
- Have plenty of rest to allow the body to recover.
- If OTC medication fails to work, it is important the patient sees the GP.
- There is no need for the patient to stop eating.
o Eat a light diet with easy to digest food i.e. soup, rice, pasta, bread.
o Babies should have their usual feeds.
o Avoid foods high in fat, fibre or sugar.
o Minimise dairy intake until feeling better.
o Fruit juices help increase glucose and potassium levels, while soups
help increase sodium. This is useful if patients do not wish to use
ORS.
Preventing travelers diarhoea
Preventing diarrhoea when abroad can be achieved by:
- Ensuring food is cooked through.
- Maintaining good food hygiene.
- Wash hands in hot, soapy water regularly.
- Use bottled water, or cooled boiled water.
- Avoid ice in drinks and ice creams.
- Avoid washing salads in tap water.
What is colic
condition which starts in infants when they are new born. It normally
stops around 4 months old.
Colic can be defined as excessive crying, in an otherwise healthy baby, for more than 3 hours a day, for more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks.
However, new parents will rarely wait 3 weeks prior to seeking help and advice.
Therefore a diagnosis of colic may be suspected before this timescale is reached.
Causes and symptoms of colic
No one knows exactly what causes colic, but some
theories include:
- Trapped wind from feeding or crying.
- Lactose sensitivities
- Painful cramps due to an underdeveloped GI system.
Other signs the baby may have colic are:
- An inability to be soothed.
- Drawing up of legs or arching the back.
- Flushed face.
- Crying or fussing at similar times of day (very often morning or evening).
Treatment for colic
Referral to pharmacist is messesary. Treatments have no evidence base but are safe
Infacol, reduces surface tension of bubbles and allows elimination of gas
Lactase enzymes, e.g. Colief, help break down the lactase present in milk.
Other options to help ease colic are worth trying. You could suggest:
- Swaddling the baby
- Feeding as upright as possible to help prevent them swallowing excess air.
- Burping the baby well following a feed.
- Using white noise as a distraction.
- Rocking the baby
o Correct teat size if bottle fed – larger hole in the teat may be
needed.
o Correct latch if breast feeding.
What is a cough
Coughing is the body’s way of attempting to clear the airways via a forced, expulsive manoeuvre. It is an extremely common symptom of respiratory abnormalities. Although it is common, it can be extremely upsetting,
debilitating and irritating for the patient.
There are two types of common cough.
Productive
o ‘Chesty’: produces phlegm.
Non-productive
o ‘Dry’: not producing phlegm.
Why do we cough
coughing reflex to clear the airways. For example, this may be due to the presence of a foreign matter or mucus.
Long-term conditions, such as Asthma or COPD lead to a reduction of airflow in the lungs and this will initiate the coughing reflex too.
Multiple medications have a cough as a side effect of the drug.
Alarm symptoms of cough
- Mucus is not clear or white.
- Mucus is thin and frothy.
- There is blood in the mucus (including a red-tint).
- The patient has chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing or any difficulty breathing.
- The cough has lasted for more than 3 weeks.
- There is a cough with no obvious cause
- High fever present.
- The patient is asthmatic or has COPD.
- The patient has a reoccurring cough.
Treatment options of coughs
three main types of cough mixture: 12+
- Expectorants - chesty coughs.
- Suppressants - dry coughs.
- Demulcents - any type of cough but particularly useful if tickly or irritating.
- Bronchostop, a traditional herbal product containing thyme and marshmallow root
How does a expectorant work and any examples
They reduce the stickiness of phlegm and makes it looser and easier for the body to cough up
Squill
How do suppressants work and nay examples
Block the natural coughing reflex
Menthol
How do demulcents work and any examples
Coat the pharynx and help reduce irritation ans soreness temporarily
Simple linctus
Lifestyle advice for cough
- Increase fluids.
- Rest as much as possible.
- Inhalation of steam may help to loosen and bring up phlegm.
- Good hygiene measures will help prevent the spread of germs.
o E.g. cover mouth when coughing. - stop smoking
What is a cold and symptoms
collection of mild symptoms which affect the Respiratory System.
-runny nose
-sore throat
- Sneeze
- headaches
- fever
Alarm symptoms of cold
- The patient has ear pain.
- Suspected influenza (Flu).
o Joint pain.
o Fever.
o Severe headache.
o Exhaustion
o Very unwell generally.
o Often a representative will present as the patient is too ill to
attend the Pharmacy.
- Weakened immune system, e.g. a patient with cancer.
- Any difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- Skin rash.
- Unintentional wright loss.
- The cold has lasted more than two weeks.
- There are spots on the tongue or throat.
- Children.
Treatment for cold
Only symptomatic relief
Medicines for aches and pains
Ibuprofen
Paracetamol
Aspirin
Naproxen
Medicines for congestion
Antihistamines
Pseudoephedrine
Acetaminophen
Medicines for sore throat
Benzocaine spray
Acetaminophen
Glycerin with glucose
Guidance on sale of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine
Illegal to sell or supply any product that contains more than 720mg Pseudoephedrine or 180mg ephedrine.
It is illegal to sell or supply a combination of products that between them add up to more than 720 mg pseudoephedrine or 180 mg ephedrine without a prescription
It was taken off the market because of abuse by manufacturers of methamphetamine
Can be bought in 12 pack tablets or 100ml liquid but any more will need to be prescribed.
Lifestyle advice for cold
- Use tissues instead of handkerchiefs as they can then be disposed.
- Wash hands often, particularly after you have blown your nose.
- “Catch” a sneeze in a tissue.
- Avoid sharing cutlery, drinks and towels.
Other advice could include:
- Rest.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Inhale steam to loosen mucus.
- Warm drinks with honey and lemon may be soothing.
- Reassure the patient that colds are self-limiting
What is croup and symptoms
commonly occurs in babies and young children due to a viral infection affects the larynx, trachea and bronchi
- Barking cough
- Hoarse voice
- Breathlessness/difficulty breathing.
- A rasping sound when breathing
symptoms are worse at night and can be further exacerbated by agitation and crying also have cold-like symptoms such as sore throat, cough, runny nose and fever
What causes croup
Strains of:
- parainfluenza virus
- influenza A and B
- rhinovirus
Less common:
- allergic reactions
- Inhalation of chemical irritants
Alarm symptoms of croup
- The patient is struggling to breath
- The patient’s skin or lips are looking pale or have a blue-ish ting.
- The patient is unusually quiet and still.
- The patient is unusually sleepy and drowsy.
- Sudden high temperature.
- Unable to take in and drink fluids.
Treatment of croup
In mild cases, croup can be a self-limiting condition – i.e. it will get better on its own.
- sitting the patient upright
- encourage them to drink plenty of fluids
- give paracetamol or Ibuprofen if temperature
In more severe cases, patients would be referred to GP surgery and/or hospital where they may be treated with oral corticosteroids.
What is hayfever and symptoms
also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis. It is often worse in the
mornings, when pollen rises into the air, and later in the evening, when the
pollen falls again.
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Runny/blocked nose
- Itchy, red and watering eyes
- Itchy mouth, throat, nose and ears
- Loss of smell
- Pain around temple and forehead
- Headache
- Earache
What causes hayfever
When pollen is released into the air, it may be breathed in and can also lay on skin and get in the eyes.
The pollen in and around the body triggers the immune system to release
chemicals to fight this foreign matter and it is these chemicals which cause the
irritation and inflammation
Alarm symptoms of hayfever
- The patient is wheezing or has shortness of breath.
- The patient is taking medication or has other medical conditions.
How do antihistamines work and some AI’s and forms
Block effects of histamine
Ceterizine, loratidine,feoxfeidine, chlorophenamine
Tablets, liquids
How do mast cells stabilisers work and some AI’s and forms
Block calcium channels, preventing release of histamine
Olopatadine, ketotifen
Eye drops, inhalers, nasal sprays and oral
How do corticosteroids work and some AI’s and forms
Repression of genes encoding the multiple inflammatory cytokines
Prednisolone, dexamethsone
Tablets, inhalers, nasal sprays, njections, creams, lotions ans gels
How do allergen barriers work and AI and forms
Create a physical barrier, providing a extra layer of protection against allergens that are inhaled into the nasal cavity
Cellulose
Wipes, balm, spray
Lifestyle advice for hayfever
- Keeping windows and doors shut
- Checking the weather forecast for the pollen count is
- Avoid cutting grass.
- Wearing sunglasses,
- Avoid drying clothes on the washing line outside, if possible.
- Use Petroleum Jelly around the nostrils to trap pollen and prevent it
entering the body. - Vacuum regularly and dust using a damp cloth.
What is pain caused by
Signals sent from body to brain.
What is a tension headache
Episodic or Chronic.
Infrequent or frequent.
Generalised and non-throbbing.
Described as a tightening or weight pressing down. Gradual onset that gets progressively worse. Often due to posture, stress,tiredness etc.