Common Drugs

Question 1

What’s the therapeutic range of lithium? And when is it meausured?

Answer 1

0.4-1.0 mol/L

12 hours after a dose. Measure weekly after initiation until stable then every 3 months.

Question 2

What neeeds to be assessed prior to starting lithium?

Answer 2

Renal, thyroid and cardia function prior to treatment. (Side effects)

ECG, BMI, u&e and fbc should also be taken before initiation of treatment. (Baseline)

Question 3

What blood test should you check in an unwell person who needs a dose of methotrexate?

Answer 3

FBC - do not given methotrexate in a patient with neutropenic sepsis!

Question 4

What’s the first line abx for skin infection?

Answer 4

Flucloxacillin
Mild - oral
Severe - IV

Question 5

Which drugs can cause flares of psoriasis?

Answer 5

B blockers, lithium, ace I, antimalarials, NSAIDs, inflixamab.

Question 6

Why is verapamil contraindicated in heart failure?

Answer 6

Negative inotropic effects

Question 7

What could you prescribe to prevent VTE in a patient scared of needles?

Answer 7

Apixiban 2.5mg oral BD

Rivaroviban 10mg oral OD

Question 8

Write a infusion prescription for a hypoglycaemic patient.

Answer 8

Glucose 20%, 75mL within 20 mins.

Question 9

Anti emetic of choice in someone on antipsychotics?

Answer 9

Cyclizine

Question 10

Quick dyspepsia relief?

Answer 10

Magnesium carbonate, 10ml, oral

Question 11

Common thromboprophlaxis for DVT?

Answer 11

Enoxaparin SC 40mg OD

Question 12

Treatment for severe hospital acquired pneumonia?

Answer 12

Piperacillin and tazobactam, 4.5G IV 8-hourly

Question 13

When is lactulose contraindicated? And what would you give instead?

Answer 13

Bloating

Senna 2-4tablets oral nightly. if no colitis or cramps