Contraindications And Side Effects

Question 1

What are contraindications to aspirin/heparin/warfarin?

Answer 1

1. Patients who are/suspected bleeding
2. Patients at risk of bleeding eg liver disease (long PT)
3. Heparin in acute ischaemic stroke
4. Patients who are on CYP450 inhibitors eg erythromycin

Question 2

What are the side effects (and some contraindications) for steroids?

Answer 2

STEROIDS
S - Stomach ulcers
T - Thin skin
E - Oedema
R - Right and left heart failure
O - Osteoporosis
I - Infections eg Candida
D - Diabetes
S - Syndrome (Cushing’s)

Question 3

What are the contraindications for NSAID’s?

Answer 3

NSAID
N - No urine
S - Systolic dysfunction eg heart failure
A - Asthma
I - Indigestion
D - Dyscrasia (clotting abnormality)

Question 4

What are the 3 categories of side effects in anti-hypertensives?

Answer 4

1. Hypotension (all)
2. The mechanism of the drug - bradycardia (BB, CCB), electrolyte disturbance (ACEi, diuretics)
3. Individual drug side effects

Question 5

What is the main side effect of ACEi?

Answer 5

Dry cough

Question 6

What are the main side effects of beta blockers?

Answer 6

1. Causes a wheeze in asthmatics
2. Worsening of acute heart failure (but helpful in chronic heart failure)

Question 7

What is the main side effect of CCB’s?

Answer 7

Peripheral oedema and flushing

Question 8

What are the main side effects of furosemide?

Answer 8

1. Renal failure
2. Gout

Question 9

What are the main side effects of spironolactone.?

Answer 9

1. Hyperkalaemia
2. Gynaecomastia