Community Pharmacy (OTC) Flashcards
How long should daktarin gel be applied for?
During symptomatic period and for 7 days after symptoms have cleared up
What would be first line for period pains (primary dysmenorrhoea)?
NSAID
Can offer paracetamol as well or if NSAID contraindicated
What doesOtrivine Extra Dual Relief nasal spray contain and what is it used for?What is the age licensing for OTC?
Symptomatic treatment of nasal congestion and rhinorrhea in connection with common colds. Ipratropium bromide xylometazoline hydrochloride > 18 years
What would be first line for a sprain?What is second line?
Paracetamol or TOPICAL NSAIDIf no improvement after 48 hours of injury, use an oral NSAID
What should you recommend if a pregnant or breastfeeding lady comes in with oral thrush?
Refer
True or false:In oral thrush, white patches cannot be removed easily from the tongue
False- they can be removed easily leaving a red base
What are the symptoms of oral thrush?
Patches of curd-like, white or yellowish plaques that can occur anywhere in the mouth, especially the cheeks, gums,palate, and tongue. These are easily removed, revealing an underlying red base that is not usually painful.
What is this?
Angular stomatitis-
soreness, erythema and fissuring at the angles of the mouth
How does the afe licensing of OTC loperamide differ in the following indications:i) Acute diarrhoeaii) Acute diarrhoea associated with IBS
i) 12 years and older
ii) 18 years and older if associated with IBS, and need to have diagnosis by the doctor
What age should you refer someone with constipation?
<18 to rule out underlying causes
Constipation lasting how long with no identifiable cause prompts a referral?|
2 weeks adults
1 week children
When should you stop using EarCalm and what is the maximum number of days you can use it OTC?
Treatment should be continued until two days after symptoms have disappeared but no longer than 7 days
What age is acetic acid (EarCalm) licensed in?
12+
What are the main differences of presentation for viral and allergic conjuctivitis?
Viral can be bilateral or unilateralAllergic is bilateral, red and gritty
Is allergic conjuctivitis contagious?
No
What iare the different types of conjunctivitis?
ALLERGIC?
VIRAL?
BACTERIAL?
Allergic conjuctivitis
What is this?
Bacterial conjuctivitis
What is this?
Blepharitis
What is the advice for patients with blepharitis?
Maintain good eyelid hygiene (BD then OD)Remove debris from eyelids, can use baby shampoo to do thisWarm compressEye make up can make the condition worse
In patients with blepharitis, can their eyelids stick together?
Yes, can also be itchy and have a build up of debris
How long does acute otitismedia usually last?When would antibiotics be indicated?
3 days (can be up to a week) If symptoms do not improve by themself after 3 days or if patient is systemically unwell, consider antibiotics (amoxicillin)
A rash like this indicates what?
Scarlet fever - refer
A rash like this indicates what?
Chicken pox
What is the likely diagnosis and what would you do if a child presented with this in community pharmacy?
Scarlet FeverRefer as it is caused by Strep A and need antibiotics
What are the symptoms of scarlet fever?
Sore throat, fever, extensive red rash (sandpaper like as it is rough)The rash usually starts on the trunk before spreading. NO rash on the face but cheeks can be flushed Strawberry tongue - red papillae and white coating
Scarlet fever is caused by what?
Group A strep
Should Hedrin (dimeticone) be applied to wet or dry hair?
Dry
Apart from if the child is very young, after how many days should a child see their GP with a fever?
If it hasn’t reduced after 5 daysAny other warning signs e.g. if it isn’t reduced by paracetamol, if they have a rash etc
What are the symptoms of Reye’s Syndrome?
- Vomiting repeatedly- Tiredness and lack of interest or enthusiasm- Rapid breathing- SeizuresAs the condition progresses, the symptoms may get more severe and more wide-ranging, and can include:-Irritability, or irrational or aggressive behaviour-Severe anxiety and confusion that’s sometimes associated with hallucinations- Coma (loss of consciousness)
The difference between German measles and measles (morbilli) is what?
Measles manifests itself with white spots in the mouth.
Rubella is also known as what?
German measles
Which illness is characterised by white spots surrounded by a red ring on the inner cheek and gums?
Measles
A patient has severe itchy hands, particularly at night. You notice silver lines with a dot at the end in the webs of her fingers.What is this?
Scabies
Discharge coming out the ear can indicate what?
Ear infection- refer
What is the dose of paracetamol for 12-15 years?
480-750mg QDS
What is the dose of paracetamol for 10-11 years?
500g QDS
What is the dose of paracetamol for 8-9 years?
375mg QDS
What is the dose of paracetamol for 6-7 years?
250mg QDS
What is the dose of paracetamol for 4-5 years?
240mg QDS
What is the dose of paracetamol for 2-3 years?
180mg QDS
What is the dose of paracetamol for 6 months-2 years?
120mg QDS
What is the dose of paracetamol for 3-5 months?
60mg QDS
What is the dose of paracetamol for a 2 month old?
30-60mg TDS
What does Level 1, 2 and 3 healthy living pharmacies entail?
Level 1- Promoting health, wellbeing and self-care (profession-led)Level 2 - Providing services (commissioner-led)Level 3 - Providing treatment (commissioner-led)
How many levels of healthy living pharmacy is there?
Level 1, 2 and 3Need to be on the HLP register
Miss W is a 19 year old patient who has developed several painful red lumps and patches (that measure 1-5 cm) on her lower legsWhat advice should you give?
These lumps are characteristic of erythema nodosum. Treatment is usually rest and painkillers such as NSAIDs.- The bumps and patches last about two weeks before fading like a bruise.
Psuedoephedrine is cautioned in what conditions?
DiabetesHypertensionHeart diseaseAngle-closure glaucoma
If a patient presents to the pharmacy with subconjuctival haemorrhage, what you recommend??What would warrant a referral?
There should be no pain and the patient should be reassured that symptoms will resolve in 10 to 14 days without treatment. However, a patient with a history of trauma should be referred to exclude ocular injury.
What is the dosing instruction for Viagra?
One 50 mg tablet taken with water approximately one hour before sexual activity - max of one tablet in 24 hoursIf Viagra Connect is taken with food, the onset of activity may be delayed compared to the fasted state
Viagra OTC is licensed from what age?
18 years
What is the max duration of days is licensed for OTC naproxen for painful periods?
3 days
What is the dosing instruction for naproxen OTC for painful periods?
Day 1- Take 2 tablets (500 mg) and then one tablet (250 mg) after 6 to 8 hours if needed.Max 3 tablets in a dayMax 3 days
Children under what age are legally too young to consent to sexual activity?
13 years
What is the advice regarding levonorgestrel EHC and breastfeeding?
Potential exposure of an infant to levonorgestrel can be reduced if the breast-feeding woman takes the tablet immediately after feeding and avoids nursing at least 8 hours following Levonelle
What is the advice regarding ulipristal EHC and breastfeeding?
After using ulipristal breast feeding is not recommended for a week because it is present in breast milk.During this time expressing and discarding the milk is advised to maintain lactation.
In what clinical conditions is the use of EHC levonorgestrel not recommended?
Severe malabsorption syndrome e.g. Crohn’s Severe hepatic impairment
In what clinical conditions is the use of EHC ulipristal not recommended?
Severe hepatic impairmentAsthma which is being treated by oral glucocorticoids
What is the advice surrounding EHC ulipristal and vomiting?
If vomiting occurs within 3 hours another tablet should be taken as soon as possible
If a patient has taken EHC, after how any days of an overdue period must they do a pregnancy test?
More than 5 days overdue
Can you take a second dose of levonorgestrel within the same cycle?
EMC does not advise it as it can disturb the woman’s period
What is the advice surrounding EHC levonorgestrel and vomiting?
If the patient vomits within 3 hours of taking levonorgestrel, she should repeat the same dose she took previously.
Levonorgestrel is less effective in women with a BMI over what?
26 - may need a double dose as per FSRH advice
If a patient has taken CYP3A4 enzyme inducing medicines or herbal products in the last 4 weeks, and an IUD is not suitable, what EHC and what dose should they have?
2 tablets of levonorgestrel 1500 micrograms should be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex
True or false:Ulipristal EHC is not recommended for patients who have taken CYP3A4 enzyme inducing medicines or herbal products in the last 4 weeks
True
What is the dose of levonorgestrel for EHC?
1500 micrograms
What is the dose of ulipristal acetate for EHC?
30mg
What age is levonorgestrel licensed for OTC?
16 years and over
How may hours after unprotected sex is Levonorgestrel licensed for?
72 hours (3 days)
How may hours after unprotected sex is Ulipristal Acetate licensed for?
120 hours (5 days)
Can you catch chickenpox from someone with shingles?
Yes if you have not had chickenpox before
Can you catch shingles from someone with chickenpox?
No
How soon do you get symptoms after coming into contact with chickenpox?
1-3 weeks
How long before symptom onset is chickenpox contagious for?
Usually from 2 days before spots appearUntil the spots have crusted over- considered contagious until no new lesions have appeared for 24 hours
A non blanching rash can be a symptom of what?
MeningitisThe rash does not fade when pressed with a glass
What is the dosing instruction for amorolfine for fungal nail infections?What time scale for toenails and fingernails?
Apply to the nail once weeklyHas to be applied regularly until all the affected nail has grown out6 months for fingernails9-12 months for toenails
What is Onychomycosis?
Fungal nail infection
At what age would you refer a patient if they requested a PPI for first time dyspepsia symptoms?
55 years(Refer those over 45 years of age who suffer from long term recurrent symptoms of indigestion or heartburn)
Do PPIs provide immediate relief?
No- start to work after a day or soIf a patient needs immediate relief, an antacid or alginate is more appropriate
What is the dose for pantoprazole OTC?
20mg OD
What is the minimum age for pantoprazole OTC?
18 years
Is it recommended that a child with bacterial conjunctivitis does not go to school?
No - should still go to school
If a patient presents to the pharmacy with bacterial conjunctivitis, but wears contact lenses, what should you do?
Refer - needs to be advised chloramphenicol on the advice of a doctor / contact lens practitioner Hard contact lens users and disposable contact lens users can start using their lenses again after successfully completing a course of treatment.Soft contact lens wearers should wait 24 hours after completing a course of treatment before starting to use their lenses again.
What are the storage requirements for chloramphenicol i) Eye dropsii) Ointment
Store eye drops in the fridgeOintment does not need to be in the fridge but store at no more than 25°C
What are the dosing instructions for chloramphenicol ointment?What about if used with the eye drops?
Apply 3-4 times a day for 5 daysEye drops during the day, and the ointment just one application at night
What are the dosing instructions for chloramphenicol eye drops?
Total 5 days One drop into affected eye every 2 hours for the first 48 hours and every 4 hours after
If a male patient asks for tamsulosin OTC but mentions he suffers from postural hypotension, what should you do?
ReferCan cause postural hypotension
After how many weeks of tamsulosin OTC does the patient have to get assessed by a doctor?
6 weeks and they can agree whether further supplies are appropriate Then an annual review after this
How many weeks of tamsulosin is supplied initially?
2 weeks
What is the supply criteria for tamsulosin OTC?
Male patients 45-75 yearsHad symptoms for a minimum of 3 months2 weeks supplied initially and then if there is an improvement in symptoms, a further 4 weeks can be supplied (14 days after starting)
Can sumatriptan be used as a prophylactic for migraines?
No- it is for acute attacks
If a patient comes in asking for sumatriptan but is on an a MAOI, what should you do?
Refer
If a patient comes in asking for sumatriptan but is on an SSRI/TCA, what should you do?
ReferRisk of serotonin syndrome if used together
What is the supply criteria for sumatriptan OTC?
- > 18 years-
Needs to have a migraine diagnosis by doctor/pharmacist
-Established pattern of migraine - history of 5 or more attacks over a period of at least a year - Have tried simple analgesia and it hasn’t worked
If a patient comes in asking for tranexamic acid OTC for heavy periods, but is on warfarin/DOAC, what should you do?
Refer Heavy period may be due to anticoagulation
What is the max number of days you should use tranexamic acid OTC for?
4 days
What are the dosing instructions for tranexamic acid OTC?
Taken only once heavy bleeding has started 2 500mg tablets TDS until symptoms are alleviated (Can be increased to 8 tablets a day 4g for heavier periods)It will not work properly if taken before menstruationIt should not be taken for more than 4 consecutive days
What is tranexamic acid licensed for?
Heavy menstrual bleeding over several cycles with regular cycles
Is evaluation a stage in the transtheoretical model of change?
No
What are the 6 stages of transtheoretical model of change?
- Pre-contemplation2. Contemplation3. Preparation4. Active5. Maintenance6. Relapse
Sturgeon (cinnarizine) is licensed from what age?
5 years
Kwells OTC is licensed from what age?
4 years
Joy Rides OTC is licensed from what age?
3 years
What is the active ingredient in Joy Rides?
Hyoscine hydrobromide
Phenergan OTC is licensed from what age?
2 years
Loratadine OTC is licensed what from age?
2 years (as long as they weigh more than 30 kg)
Lyclear cream OTC is licensed for what age?
2 years (Under this age needs medical advice)
Mebendazole OTC is licensed for what age?
2 years
OTC choramphenicol is licensed for what age?
2 years
What age is Diarolyte relief OTC licensed for?
1 year(Under this age needs medical advice)
Piriton OTC (chlorphenamine) is licensed from what age?
1 year
Hedrin and Derbac liquid is licensed from what age OTC?
6 months
Daktarin 2% oral gel is licensed from what age otc?
4 months
Nurofen OTC is licensed from what age?
3 months
Calpol OTC is licensed from what age?
2 months
Woodwards Gripe water OTC is licensed for what age range?
1 month- 1 year
Gaviscon is licensed for what age OTC?
12 years
Rennie is licensed for what age OTC?
12 years
Voltarol gels OTC are licensed for what age?
14 years
Feminax ultra OTC is licensed for what age?
15-50 years
Nytol is licensed for what age OTC?
16 years
Azithromycin (OTC for chlamydia) is licensed for what age?
16 years
Canesten thrush cream is licensed for what age range OTC?
16-60 years
Tranexemic acid is licensed for what age OTC?
18-45 years
Corticosteroid nasal sprays are licensed for what age OTC?
18 years
Anusol Plus HC is licensed for what age OTC?
18 years
Buccastem is licensed for what age OTC?
18 years
What advice would you give to breastfeeding women being treated for scabies?
Breastfeeding women should remove the treatment from the nipples before feeding, and reapply afterwards.
What is the MHRA advice surrounding the sale of oral lidocaine for children?
- Gone from GSL to P medicine- Restriction of pack size of 10g- Moved to second line after non-pharmacological management
Is oral lidocaine for children (Anbesol, Bonjela):- P medicine- GSL - POM?
P medicineChanged from GSL in late 2018 Max pack size 10g
What is the patient advice surrounding sunlight and cold sores?
Sunlight can trigger cold sores so direct sunlight should be avoided and sun screen should be applied.
Tamsulosin 400mcg capsules can be sold to what group of patients over the counter?How long can they take this before assessment is needed by a doctor?
Treatment of functional symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia inmen ages 45-75 yearsCan be taken for up to 6 weeks before clinical assessment by a doctor
Is Ella One recommended in a patient with severe uncontrolled asthma?
No, especially if being treated with an oral glucocorticoid
What age are Tyrozets (benzocaine) lozenges licensed in?
> 3 years
What age is otrivine child nasal drops licensed in?
6-12 years Contains xylometazoline
What age can you sell OTC diphenhydramine cough syrup?
> 6 years (Benylin children’s night cough)
What age can you sell OTC guaifenesin cough syrup?
> 6 years (Benylin chesty cough for children)
Coughing up thin and frothy mucous can suggest what?
Left ventricular failure
At what age are you eligible for the free flu vaccine?
65 years and older
What age range is OTC tranexamic acid licensed for in heavy periods?
18-45 year olds
Are OTC steroid creams licensed for psoriasis flare ups?
No
Can you give steroid creams OTC to pregnant women?
No
What areas can you not put OTC steroid cream?
Facial skin, broken skin, genitalsYou can put it on ears as this does not count as your face
What steroid creams are available OTC?
Hydrocortisone 1% and clobetasone butyrate 0.05%
What is the maximum number of days to use OTC steroid cream?
7 days
What is the minimum age to use hydrocortisone 1% cream OTC?
10 years
True or false:Diuretics can cause dry eyes
True
What can you offer OTC for angular stomatitis?
Clotrimazole 1% cream
What is angular stomatitis?
Cracked fissures in the corners of the mouth
If a patient has diabetes and presents to the pharmacy with oral thrush, what should you do?
Refer
What anticoagulation interacts with miconazole oral thrush gel and prompts a referral?
Warfarin
Should miconazole oral gel be applied before or after meals?
After and held in the mouth as long as possible
What is the minimum age to use miconazole 2% oral gel for oral thrush?
> 4 months
What is a common side effect on the teeth if a patient is having chlorhexidine mouthwash?
Stains teeth brown
What is the minimum age to use Difflam spray?
6 years
What is the minimum age to use Difflam mouthwash?
12 years
An ulcer lasting than more than how many weeks should be referred?
More than 3 weeks- exclude oral cancer
Can you treat bacterial conjunctivitis OTC for pregnancy and breastfeeding?
No- refer
What age would you refer for bacterial conjunctivitis?
<2 years
What age range is Feminax ultra licensed for?
15-50 years
What NSAID (stronger than ibuprofen) is available OTC for primary dysmenorrhoea?
Feminax ultra 250mg naproxen
Can you treat a pregnant person OTC for thrush?
No- refer
Women who have had more than how many episodes of thrush in 6 months- when should you refer to GP?
More than 2 episodes in last 6 months
True or false:Poorly controlled diabetes is linked with thrush
True
What age groups should be referred in vaginal thrush?
<16 years>60 years
What should you do if someone comes into the pharmacy with impetigo?
Usually needs a prescription to treat it so refer
How can sweat rashes be treated OTC?
Topical imidazoles e.g. Daktarin
How can ringworm (tinea corpis) and jock itch (tinea cruris) be treated OTC?
Most local infections can be treated adequately with topical antifungal preparations. Imidazoles (clotrimazole, econazole, miconazole) or terbinafine are suitable first-line treatments for groin infections and skin ringworm.
Amorolfine lacquer is licensed OTC for what condition and what is the age restriction?
Fungal nail infection18 years and over
What is the maximum number of nails you can treat OTC for fungal nail infection?
2 If more than this, need to refer
What is the minimum age for Lamisil OTC (terbinafine) for athelete’s foot (tinea pedis)?
> 16 years
What is 1st line for athlete’s foot in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Topical imidazoles e.g. Daktarin Gold
Where should you apply scabies lotion?
All over the body
What is first line for scabies in pregnancy and BF?
Permethrin 5% w/w cream (Lyclear®)
What is first line for scabies?
Permethrin 5% w/w cream (Lyclear®)
How many times should you apply head lice treatment and how many days should you leave between each treatment course?
TwiceAt least 7 days between
What is recommended as first line for head lice treatment in asthma and eczema?
Wet combing If treatment needed, Dimeticone e.g. Hedrin
What is recommended as first line for head lice treatment in pregnancy and BF?
Wet combing If treatment needed, Dimeticone e.g. Hedrin
What age group is mebendazole not suitable for?
<2 years
What is the dosing instructions for mebendazole in threadworm?
Once only doseCan be repeated after 2 weeks if it has not cleared upEveryone in the house should be treated
What is 1st line for pregnancy in threadworm?
Strict hygiene measures Refer if this has not worked
What groups of patients is sumatriptan OTC unsuitable for?
- Previous myocardial infarction- Ischaemic heart disease, e.g. angina- Peripheral vascular disease- Cardiac arrhythmias (including Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome)
What is the maximum dose of OTC sumatriptan?
Single 50mg dose stat
Can take another 50mg tablet but has to be at least 2 hours after taking the first tablet
Max 100mg in 24 hours for the same attack BUT symptoms have to have improved after taking the first tablet
If there is NO response to the first tablet, should not take a second tablet
What is the licensed age range for sumatriptan OTC?
18-65
Bonjela preparations containing choline salicylate is unsuitable for which age group?
Under 16 years
What is a purpuric rash?
One which does not blanch white on pressure
Systemic decongestants are contraindicated in patients taking what medicine class?
MAOIsRisk of hypotensive crisis
Systemic decongestants should be used with caution in what group of patients?
They should be used with caution in people with diabetes, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, raised intraocular pressure, prostatic hypertrophy, hepatic or renal impairment, or ischaemic heart disease.
How can you treat croup?
No medical treatment as it is viral but can offer antipyretic treatment if fever is present
What time of the day are symptoms of croup the worst?
At night
What is croup?
Croup in children is caused typically by the parainfluenza virus. It often starts with a cold and develops into a characteristic barking cough
A cough for how many weeks would prompt a referral?
Longer than 3 weeks
Can you use anusol HC plus ointment OTC in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
No
How many days max should you use Anusol HC plus ointment OTC?
7 days max(contains hydrocortisone)
What are the symptoms of haemorrhoids?
Bleeding, perianal itching, mucus discharge and pain
What age can you sell Colpermin IBS relief capsules OTC? (peppermint oil)
15 years and over
What age can you sell Buscopan OTC?
12 years and over
What age can you sell mebeverine OTC?
> 18 years
What kind of laxative should be used for IBS?
Bulk forming
Does rectal bleeding from haemorrhoids need to be referred?
No unless excessive bleeding occurs or has occurred for more than 3 weeks
What is the maximum dose of GSLloperamide a day?What is the maximum dose of P medicine loperamide a day?
12mg (6 caps a day) for GSL
16mg (8 caps a day) for P
What age can you sell loperamide OTC to?
12 years and over
What is the difference between Diarolyte and Diarolyte Relief?
Relief contains rice power and normal diarolyte is glucose based
What are danger symptoms in a diarrhoea patient that prompts a referral?
Confusion Drowsiness Passing little urine Dry mouth Sunken eyes Duration of 3 days or longer in adults >24 hours in babies >48 hours in young chuldren
Is Movicol is licensed for acute, chronic or both types of constipation?
Chronic
What age can you sell ispaghula husk OTC to?
> 6 years
What age can you sell Sodium picosulphate (Dulcolax pico liquid) OTC to?
> 10 years
What age can you sell Senna OTC to?
> 12 years
How long does it take for bulk forming laxatives to work?
12- 72 hours
If a patient has constipation along with tiredness, what could be underlying causes?
HypothyroidismAnaemia
At what point is constipation classed as chronic?
Lasting 6 weeks or more
Why are stimulant laxatives not really recommended in breastfeeding and pregnancy?
Not advisable in the third trimester as it may induce uterine contractions. Senna enters the breast milk, so may cause colic and diarrhoea in the infant.
What are the safest laxatives to use in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Bulk forming and osmotic
What are the preferred type of laxative in children?
OsmoticBulk forming
How long does it take for glycerol suppositories to work?
Within 30 mins
Frequent use of stimulant laxatives can lead to what?
Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
Why must bulk forming laxatives be taken with adequate fluids?
To avoid intestinal obstruction
Generally, laxatives should be avoided in constipation as first line and lifestyle measures should be tried. What exemptions would you want to treat with laxatives?
If straining would exacerbate a condition e.g. angina Or increase bleeding risk e.g. haemorrhoids
What is 1st line for constipation?
Lifestyle measures
When would you refer with colic?
Failure to put on weight OTC treatment failure Danger symptoms Over anxious parents Symptoms have not resolved past 4 months of age
What are symptoms of colic?
High pitched cryingOften at same time of dayDrawing knees up to stomach
How can you treat colic OTC?
Anti-foaming agents e.g. simethicone (Dentinox, infacol)Gripe waterEffectiveness is lacking however and it should resolve by itself in time
What is colic?
When a baby cries with no obvious causeLinked to disorder of GI tract, post partum depression, anxious parentsAffects babies < 6 months old