Cardiac

Question 1

Name 5 classes of drugs that can elongate the QT interval

Answer 1

Antipsychotics
Antidepressants
Antibiotics
Antiarrhythmics
Antihistamines

Question 2

Name 10 drugs that can elongate the QT interval

Answer 2

Antipsychotics (haloperidol, risperidone)
Antidepressants (citalopram, amitryptiline)
Antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin- macrolides)
Antiarrhythmics (sotalol, amiodarone)
Antihistamines (loratadine, cetirizine)

Question 3

What drugs can cause hyperkalaemia?

Answer 3

Potassium sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin 2 receptor blockers, spironolactone, ciclosporin, heparin

Question 4

Name 5 drugs that may exacerbate heart failure

Answer 4

Pioglitazone (fluid retention)
verapamil (-ve inotrope)
NSAIDs (fluid retention) apart from low dose aspirin
Steroids (fluid retention)
Flecainide (-ve inotrope)

Question 5

Name 5 drugs that cause QT prolongation

Answer 5

Methadone
Escitalopram
Domperidone
Ondansetron
Ciprofloxacin

Question 6

What is particular about isosorbide mononitrate prescribing?

Answer 6

Give second dose after 8hrs
Gives 4hrs for levels to fall to reduce tolerance
(unless modified release)

Question 7

Cutaneous SE of amiodarone

Answer 7

Slate grey skin

Question 8

Which drug must be avoided with beta blockers?

Answer 8

Verapamil

Increased risk of heart block

Question 9

Main SE ivabradine

Answer 9

Visual effects (bright spots)
Headache
Bradycardia

Question 10

Swollen lips and tongue caused by what class of cardiac drug?

Answer 10

Angiodema

ACEi

Question 11

Main SE of amlodipine

Answer 11

CCB
Ankle swelling
Headache, flushing

Question 12

What is needed other than drug levels to diagnose digoxin toxicity?

Answer 12

K+ levels (hypokalaemia can precipitate toxicity)

ECG

Question 13

Management of digoxin toxicity

Answer 13

Digibind
Correct arryhthmias
Monitor K+