Drug Contra-indications

Question 1

Donepazil MOA

Answer 1

Prevents breakdown of acetylycholine by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase

Increased acetylcholine helps neurons communicate better, improving cognitive symptoms in dementia

Question 2

CI donepazil

Answer 2

Heart problems: bradycardia, SVT, sick sinus syndrome, heart block, unexplained syncope and concurrent drugs that reduce heart rate (because donepazil causes bradycardia and AV block)

Lung problems: Asthma/ COPD

Peptic Ulcers

Question 3

Drugs used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Answer 3

Prifenidone - antiforbritic used as regular medication

Bleomycin - chemotherapy for acute exacerbations

Corticosteroids - acute exacerbations

Question 4

What is the life-threatening complication of carbimazole?

What should you make patients aware of?

Answer 4

Bone marrow suppression (neutropenia)

Can occur at any stage of treatment, must immediately report symptoms of infection, including sore throat, mouth ulcers, bruising, fever, malaise or illness (you must get a FBC)

Question 5

Which drug can cause kernicterus (bilirubin in brain) if given in the third trimester?

Answer 5

Aspirin - imapairs platelet function in fetus and causes haemorrhage