Drug effects and adverse reactions

Question 1

What three types of drug can cause pseudo-allergy through direct activation of Mast cells?

Answer 1

• Vancomycin
• Radioiodine contrast
• Opioids (usually low-potency rather than high)

Question 2

Types of heparin induced thrombocytopenia

Answer 2

Question 3

Those on cyclosporine therapy are at risk for arthropathy due to . . .

Answer 3

. . . cyclosporine-induced hyperuricemia

They get gout!

Cyclosporine impairs the excretion of uric acid.

Question 4

PPI withdrawal

Answer 4

As a PPI is used, gastrin levels become elevated due to the poor feedback and consistently lower pH

If a PPI is abruptly stopped, then all of the sudden this extra gastrin can act in an uninhibited manner, producing a surge of acid and precipitating a GERD exacerbation.

PPI tapering can avoid this effect

Question 5

Why do over-the-counter antacids tend to be a mixture of both magnesium and aluminum hydroxide?

Answer 5

Aluminum causes constipation by complexing with other secreted anions and precipitating, magnesium causes osmotic diarrhea

Together, they are hardly noticeable.