Chapter 1 - Basic Principles of Prescribing

Question 1

P450 enzyme inducers?

Answer 1

PC BRAS
- phenytoin
- carbamazepine
- barbiturates
- rifampicin
- alcohol (CHRONIC excess)
- sulfonylureas

Question 2

P450 enzyme inhibitors?

Answer 2

AO DEVICES
- allopurinol
- omeprazole (and fluconazole)
- disulfiram
- erythromycin
- valproate
- isoniazid
- ciprofloxacin
- ethanol (ACUTE excess)
- sulphonamides (sulpha drugs)

Question 3

What is 1 fingertip unit and how much surface area does it cover?

Answer 3

Unit of topical treatment measurement - line from tip of finger to first crease, covers 1 side of both hands

Question 4

Which drugs to stop for surgery?

Answer 4

I LACK OP
- insulin
- lithium
- anticoag/antiplatelet
- COCP/HRT
- K-sparing diuretics
- oral hypoglycaemics
- perindopril + other ACEi’s

Question 5

When to stop lithium before operation?

Answer 5

Day before op

Question 6

When to stop K-sparing diuretics + ACEi’s?

Answer 6

Day of surgery

Question 7

How to change steroids for operation/illness?

Answer 7

Need to DOUBLE dose if undergoing significant stress like this