Drug List Flashcards
Abiraterone
Class of drug
Anti-androgen
Abiraterone
Mechanism of action
Selective CYP17 inhibitor
- -> inhibit androgen production in testes/prostate/adrenal glands
- -> inhibit testosterone-stimulated growth in prostatic tumours
Abiraterone
Indication
Prostate cancer
Only if androgen-specific
Abiraterone
Why this over another DRUG/CLASS? (Place in therapy)
INCOMPLETE FLASHCARD
Combination with prednisone
Abiraterone
Important cautions (2)/contraindications (1)/interactions (1)
*include bracketed numbers if applicable
CAUTIONS
- Use condoms
- Pregnant women use gloves when handling
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding
INTERACTIONS
- Dexamethasone –> increased hypokalaemia/torsade de pointes risk
Abiraterone
Monitoring (4)
BP
K+
Fluid balance
Liver function
Abiraterone
Side effects (4)
Hypertension
Hypokalaemia
Peripheral oedema
UTI
Amikacin
Class of drug
Aminoglycoside
Amikacin
Mechanism of action
Irreversibly bind to 30S ribosome subunit
- -> alter cell membrane permeability
- -> inhibit protein synthesis (bactericidal)
Amikacin
Indication
SERIOUS gram-negative infections resistant to gentamicin (1st-line aminoglycoside)
Amikacin
Why this over another drug? (Place in therapy)
Last resort: if resistant to gentamicin/other aminoglycosides
Amikacin
Important cautions (1)/contraindications (2)/interactions
*include bracketed numbers if applicable
CAUTIONS
- Dehydration
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Myasthenia gravis
- Ototoxicity with previous aminoglycoside use
Amikacin
Monitoring (3)
Renal function
Hearing
Serum concentration
Amikacin
Side effects (2)
Nephrotoxicity
Ototoxicity (irreversible)
Anastrozole
Class of drug
Anti-oestrogen
Anastrozole
Mechanism of action
Aromatase inhibitor
- -> inhibits oestradiol production via aromatase enzyme in postmenopausal women
- -> reduce turnover of breast tissue cells
Anastrozole
Indication
Breast cancer in postmenopausal women
only if oestrogen receptor specific
Anastrozole
Why this over another drug? (Place in therapy)
First-line or after 2-3 years of tamoxifen therapy
Anastrozole
Important cautions (2)/contraindications (2)/interactions
*include bracketed numbers if applicable
CAUTIONS
- Susceptible to osteoporosis (may further weaken bones)
- Severe liver/renal impairment
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Premenopausal women
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Anastrozole
Monitoring (2; generalised)
- Mammogram
- Breast examination –> physically feeling for abnormalities/lumps
Anastrozole
Side effects (6)
Musculoskeletal aches/pains Numb/tingling fingers Hot flushing Vaginal dryness Hair loss/thinning Stomach upset
Aprepitant
Class of drug
Antiemetic –> neurokinin receptor antagonist
Aprepitant
Mechanism of action
NK1 receptor antagonist in brain (neurokinin)
- -> in combination: augments other antiemetic activity
- -> inhibit emesis/vomiting
Aprepitant
Indication
Nausea & vomiting due to chemotherapy/post-operation
Aprepitant
Why this over another DRUG/CLASS? (Place in therapy)
In combination with other antiemetics eg. steroids
Aprepitant
Important cautions (2)/interactions (2)
*include bracketed numbers if applicable
CAUTIONS
- Liver impairment
- Two forms of contraception
INTERACTIONS
- CYP3A4 –> increase half-life of 3A4-metabolised drugs/increase effect
- Fentanyl –> prolonged sedation, increased risk of respiratory depression
Aprepitant
Monitoring (1)
Liver function
Aprepitant
Side effects (4)
Decreased appetite
Hiccups
Asthenia (decreased muscle strength)
ALT increased
Bicalutamide
Class of drug
Anti-androgen
Bicalutamide
Mechanism of action
Gonadorelin analogue
- -> inhibits androgen receptors
- -> deterioration of prostate tumours
Bicalutamide
Indication
Prostate cancer
Bicalutamide
Why this over another DRUG/CLASS? (Place in therapy)
Combination with another gonadorelin analogue (if monotherapy-resistant) or surgical castration
Bicalutamide
Important cautions (3)/contraindications (1)/interactions (1)
CAUTIONS
- Liver impairment
- Photosensitivity
- QT prolongation
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Women & children
INTERACTIONS
Domperidone –> QT prolongation
Bicalutamide
Monitoring (2)
Liver function
QT prolongation –> ECG
Bicalutamide
Side effects (6)
Constipation Abdominal pain Nausea Flatulence Jaundice Oedema
Bisacodyl
Class of drug
Stimulant laxative
Bisacodyl
Mechanism of action
Stimulates peristalsis of colon/large intestine
- -> promotes water accumulation & electrolytes
- -> softens stool & reduces transit time
does not act on small intestine
Bisacodyl
Indication
Constipation; preparation for surgery/diagnostic procedures
Bisacodyl
Why this over another DRUG/CLASS? (Place in therapy)
INCOMPLETE FLASHCARD
Bisacodyl
Important cautions (1)/contraindications (5)/interactions
*include bracketed numbers if applicable
CAUTIONS
- Prolonged/excessive use –> dehydration, hypokalaemia
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Acute IBD
- Acute abdominal surgery
- Severe dehydration
- Intestinal obstruction
- Abdominal pain associated with nausea & vomiting
Bisacodyl
Monitoring
Electrolytes
Bisacodyl
Side effects (6)
Abdominal pain Diarrhoea Nausea & vomiting Dizziness Syncope/fainting Rectal burning
Capecitabine
Class of drug
Antimetabolite
Capecitabine
Mechanism of action (3 points)
Prodrug –> tumour-activated into fluorouracil
False nucleotide incorporated into DNA & RNA
–> prevent normal cell division esp. S-phase
Inhibition of thymidylate synthetase
–> inhibit DNA & RNA synthesis
Capecitabine
Indication (4 cancers)
Breast
Colon
Colorectal
Oesophago-gastric
Capecitabine
Why this over another DRUG/CLASS? (Place in therapy)
Breast: combination therapy, or monotherapy if combo not indicated
Colon: combination therapy, or monotherapy if combo not indicated
Colorectal: 1st-line if metastatic
Oesophago-gastric: 1st-line if advanced; combo with Pt-based chemo
Capecitabine
Important cautions (3)/contraindications (3)/interactions (1)
*include bracketed numbers if applicable
CAUTIONS
- Liver impairment
- Renal impairment –> reduce dose
- Pregnancy –> proper cytotoxic procedures
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency
- Severe liver impairment
- Breastfeeding
INTERACTIONS
- Capecitabine –> increased myelosuppression risk; separate filgrastim 1 day before & after capecitabine treatment
Capecitabine
Monitoring (3)
Liver function
Renal function
Electrolytes (if experience diarrhoea)
Capecitabine
Side effects (4)
Mucositis (sore mouth)
Nausea & vomiting
Diarrhoea
Alopecia
Carboplatin
Class of drug
Platinum-based antineoplastic
Carboplatin
Mechanism of action
Alkylating-type agent
- -> does DNA cross-linking & interrupt structure (NOT cell-cycle phase specific)
- -> inhibit DNA, RNA & protein synthesis
- -> prevent cell replication
Carboplatin
Indication (2 cancers)
Ovarian
Lung
Carboplatin
Why this over another DRUG/CLASS? (Place in therapy)
Less likely severe nausea & vomiting than cisplatin
Carboplatin
Important cautions (1)/contraindications (2)/interactions (2)
*include bracketed numbers if applicable
CAUTIONS
- Renal impairment –> reduce dose
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Pregnancy (1st trimester) & breastfeeding
- Severe renal impairment
INTERACTIONS
- Filgrastim –> increased myelosuppression risk; separate treatments by 1 day
- Gentamicin –> increase risk of renal impairment
Carboplatin
Monitoring (3)
Renal function
Neurological tests
Hearing tests
Carboplatin
Side effects (7)
Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) Neurotoxicity Ototoxicity Mucositis (sore mouth) Nausea & vomiting Diarrhoea Alopecia
Ceftriaxone
Class of drug
3rd-generation cephalosporin
Ceftriaxone
Mechanism of action
Attach to penicillin-binding proteins in bacteria
- -> interrupt cell wall biosynthesis
- -> bacterial cell lysis & death (bactericidal)
Ceftriaxone
Indication (3 serious infections +1)
Septicaemia
Pneumonia
Meningitis
Surgical prophylaxis
Ceftriaxone
Why this over another DRUG/CLASS? (Place in therapy)
Widest spectrum –> most active against gram-negative
Half-life allows for OD dosing
Ceftriaxone
Important cautions (1)/contraindications (1)/interactions (2)
*include bracketed numbers if applicable
CAUTIONS
- Severe liver & renal impairment
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Cephalosporin allergy
INTERACTIONS
- Concomitant parenteral nutrition containing calcium –> precipitation
- Warfarin –> increased INR & anticoagulant activity
Ceftriaxone
Monitoring (2)
Liver function
Renal function
Ceftriaxone
Side effects (2)
GI upset
Thrush (vaginal/oral)
Cefuroxime
Class of drug
2nd-generation cephalosporin
Cefuroxime
Mechanism of action
Attach to penicillin-binding proteins in bacteria
- -> interrupt cell wall biosynthesis
- -> bacterial cell lysis & death (bactericidal)
Cefuroxime
Indication
Surgical prophylaxis
Cefuroxime
Why this over another DRUG/CLASS? (Place in therapy)
Less susceptible than 1st-gen (cefazolin etc.) to beta-lactamase inactivation –> greater activity against H. influenzae
Preferred in dialysis
Cefuroxime
Important cautions (1)/contraindications (1)/interactions (2)
*include bracketed numbers if applicable
CAUTIONS
- Renal impairment –> reduce dose
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Cephalosporin allergy
Cefuroxime
Monitoring (1)
Renal function
Cefuroxime
Side effects (2)
GI upset
Thrush (vaginal/oral)
Cisplatin
Class of drug
Platinum-based antineoplastic
Cisplatin
Mechanism of action
Alkylating-type agent
- -> does DNA cross-linking & interrupt structure (NOT cell-cycle phase specific)
- -> inhibit DNA, RNA & protein synthesis
- -> prevent cell replication
Cisplatin
Indication (BOTH CL cancers)
Bladder
Ovarian
Testes
Head/neck
UNAPPROVED
Cervical
Lung
Cisplatin
Why this over another DRUG/CLASS? (Place in therapy)
Less likely for severe thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) than carboplatin
Cisplatin
Important cautions (1)/contraindications (1)/interactions (2)
*include bracketed numbers if applicable
CAUTION
- Renal impairment –> alternative preferred
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Pregnancy (1st trimester) & breastfeeding
INTERACTIONS
- Filgrastim –> increased myelosuppression risk; separate treatments by 1 day
- Cisplatin –> increased risk of renal impairment & ototoxicity
Cisplatin
Monitoring
Renal function
Neurological tests
Hearing tests
Cisplatin
Side effects
Nausea & vomiting Neurotoxicity Ototoxicity Mucositis (sore mouth) Diarrhoea Alopecia
Cyclizine
Class of drug
1st-generation antihistamine
Cyclizine
Mechanism of action
Histamine H1 receptor antagonist
- -> may inhibit midbrain area emetic centre
- -> reduce vomiting
Anticholinergic activity
- but no marked sedating effect
Cyclizine
Indication
Nausea & vomiting
Cyclizine
Why this over another DRUG/CLASS? (Place in therapy)
Vomiting associated with breast cancer radiotherapy –> does not elevate prolactin levels
Preferred if less sedation wanted
Cyclizine
Important cautions (3)/contraindications (1)/interactions (1)
*include bracketed numbers if applicable
CAUTIONS
- GI obstruction
- Angle-closure glaucoma (high-risk of)
- Severe heart failure
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Severe liver impairment
INTERACTIONS
- Alcohol –> increase sedating effects
Cyclizine
Monitoring (1)
Liver function
Cyclizine
Side effects (6)
Drowsiness Dry mouth/nose/throat Blurred vision Tachycardia Urinary retention Constipation
Cyclophosphamide
Class of drug
Alkylating agent
Immunosuppressant
Cyclophosphamide
Mechanism of action
Alkylating agent
- -> does DNA cross-linking & interrupt structure
- -> inhibit DNA, RNA & protein synthesis
- -> prevent cell replication; immunosuppression
Cyclophosphamide
Indication
Leukaemia
Lymphoma
Some solid tumours
Rheumatoid arthritis
Cyclophosphamide
Why this over another DRUG/CLASS? (Place in therapy)
INCOMPLETE FLASHCARD
Cyclophosphamide
Important cautions (2)/contraindications (2)/interactions
*include bracketed numbers if applicable
CAUTIONS
- Liver impairment –> reduce dose
- Renal impairment –> reduce dose
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Haemorrhagic cystitis (bladder UTI)
- Pregnancy (1st trimester) & breastfeeding
Cyclophosphamide
Monitoring (2)
Liver function
Renal function
Cyclophosphamide
Side effects (4)
Myelosuppression
Nausea & vomiting
Alopecia
Bladder toxicity (haemorrhagic cystitis)
Dexamethasone
Class of drug
Glucocorticoid
Dexamethasone
Mechanism of action
- Reduce expression of pro-inflammatory genes
- Increase expression of anti-inflammatory genes
- Decrease synthesis of cytokines
- -> suppress inflammation
- -> immunosuppression due to direct inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation & function
Dexamethasone
Indication
Nausea & vomiting with chemotherapy/palliative care
Dexamethasone
Why this over another DRUG/CLASS? (Place in therapy)
Added if metoclopramide & domperidone not sufficiently effective
Before starting docetaxel chemo
Dexamethasone
Important cautions (4)/contraindications (1)/interactions (1)
*include bracketed numbers if applicable
CAUTIONS
- Hypertension
- Hypothyroidism
- Liver impairment
- Glaucoma
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Systemic infections UNLESS antimicrobial also given
INTERACTIONS
- Abiraterone –> increased hypokalaemia/torsades de pointes risk
Dexamethasone
Monitoring
Liver function
Renal function
Dexamethasone
Side effects
- Hypertension
- Fluid retention
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
Docetaxel
Class of drug
Antineoplastic
Taxane
Docetaxel
Mechanism of action
Promote assembly of tubulin into stable microtubules & inhibit disassembly
- -> decreases free tubulin
- -> disrupts cell microtubular network
- -> disrupts mitotic & interphase cell functions
Docetaxel
Why this over another DRUG/CLASS? (Place in therapy)
Breast: locally-advanced/metastatic with failed previous chemo
Non-small cell lung: locally-advanced/metastatic with failed Pt-based chemo
Ovarian: after failure of previous chemo, may combine with Pt-based chemo
Head/neck: combo with cisplatin & fluorothiouracil
Prostate: androgen-independent/hormone refractory
Docetaxel
Why this over another DRUG/CLASS? (Place in therapy)
Breast: locally-advanced/metastatic with failed previous chemo
Non-small cell lung: locally-advanced/metastatic with failed Pt-based chemo
Ovarian: after failure of previous chemo, may combine with Pt-based chemo
Head/neck: combo with cisplatin & fluorothiouracil
Prostate: androgen-independent/hormone refractory
Docetaxel
Important cautions (3)/contraindications (1)/interactions (1)
*include bracketed numbers if applicable
CAUTIONS
- Pregnancy
- Oedema –> pre-treat with dexamethasone
- Liver impairment –> reduce dose
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Breastfeeding
INTERACTIONS
- CYP3A4 inhibitors –> increase docetaxel half-life
Docetaxel
Monitoring (2)
Liver function
CBC
Docetaxel
Side effects (4)
Neutropenia (low neutrophils)
Oedema
Alopecia
Musculoskeletal pain
Docusate
Class of drug
Stool softeners
Docusate
Mechanism of action
Increases amount of water absorbed by stool in gut
- -> softens stool
- -> facilitates passing
Docusate
Why this over another DRUG/CLASS? (Place in therapy)
INCOMPLETE FLASHCARD
Docusate
Why this over another DRUG/CLASS? (Place in therapy)
INCOMPLETE FLASHCARD
Docusate
Important cautions (2)/contraindications (3)/interactions
*include bracketed numbers if applicable
CAUTIONS
- Prolonged/excessive use
- Haemorrhoids, anal fissures
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Intestinal obstruction
- Undiagnosed rectal bleeding
- Appendicitis
Docusate
Side effects (4)
Abdominal cramps
Diarrhoea
Nausea
Rash
Docusate
Side effects (4)
Abdominal cramps
Diarrhoea
Nausea
Rash
Domperidone
Class of drug
Antiemetic (peripheral)
Domperidone
Mechanism of action
- Stimulates GI peristalsis
- Lowers oesophageal sphincter pressure
- Dopamine receptor antagonist in chemoreceptor trigger zone
Domperidone
Indication
Nausea & vomiting
Domperidone
Why this over another DRUG/CLASS? (Place in therapy)
INCOMPLETE FLASHCARD
Domperidone
Important cautions (3)/contraindications (3)/interactions (3)
*include bracketed numbers if applicable
CAUTIONS
- Electrolyte disturbances
- Renal impairment –> reduce frequency
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Prolactinoma
- Intestinal obstruction, GI haemorrhage
- Liver impairment
INTERACTIONS
- CYP3A4 inhibitors –> QT prolongation
- Bicalutamide –> QT prolongation
- Epirubicin –> QT prolongation
- Goserelin –> Qt prolongation
Domperidone
Monitoring (3)
ECG
Liver function
Renal function
Domperidone
Side effects (1)
Dry mouth
Epirubicin
Class of drug
Anthracycline cytotoxic antibiotic
like doxorubicin [not in drug list]
Epirubicin
Mechanism of action (3)
Intercalate DNA base pairs
- -> modify DNA structure
- -> inhibit DNA & RNA synthesis; cause DNA fragmentation
Interfere with action of topoisomerase II
- -> promote DNA cleavage & inhibit repair
- -> inhibit DNA & RNA synthesis; cause DNA fragmentation
React with iron –> generate free radicals
–> cellular damage
NOT cell cycle specific
Epirubicin
Indication (4)
Breast cancer
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Soft tissue sarcoma
Superficial bladder cancer
Epirubicin
Why this over another DRUG/CLASS? (Place in therapy)
Better cardiotoxicity threshold over doxorubicin –> allows for higher dosing
Epirubicin
Important cautions (4)/contraindications (6)/interactions (3)
*include bracketed numbers if applicable
CAUTIONS
- When handling –> irritant to tissues
- Cardiotoxicity –> determined max. dose
- Liver impairment –> reduce dose
- Severe renal impairment –> reduce dose
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Severe myocardial insufficiency
- Recent myocardial infarction
- Severe arrhythmia
- Previous treatment with max. dose of other anthracycline
- Severe liver impairment
- Pregnancy (1st trimester) & breastfeeding
INTERACTIONS
- Domperidone –> QT prolongation
- Filgrastim –> increased myelosuppression (decreased bone marrow)
- Pegfilgrastim –> increased myelosuppression (decreased bone marrow)
Epirubicin
Monitoring (2)
Liver function –> bilirubin
Renal function
Epirubicin
Side effects (2)
Hyperpigmentation of skin, nails, oral mucosa
Red-coloured urine
Exemestane
Class of drug
Aromatase inhibitor
Exemestane
Mechanism of action
Irreversibly inhibits aromatase enzyme in peripheral tissues
- -> no androgen conversion into oestrogen
- -> reduce proliferation of breast tissue
- -> helps control & manage breast tumours
Exemestane
Indication
Breast cancer
only if oestrogen receptor-specific
Exemestane
Why this over another DRUG/CLASS? (Place in therapy)
- Early breast cancer after 2-3 years of tamoxifen
- Advanced breast cancer after other failed treatments
Exemestane
Important cautions (3)/contraindications (2)/interactions (1)
*include bracketed numbers if applicable
CAUTIONS
- Susceptibility to osteoporosis
- Menopause –> lab test to confirm
- Liver & renal impairment
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Premenopausal women
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding
INTERACTIONS
- Hormone replacement therapy, tamoxifen, tibolone –> effects cancel out
Exemestane
Monitoring (1)
Bone mineral density
Exemestane
Side effects (8)
Nausea, vomiting Abdominal pain Dyspepsia Constipation Dizziness, fatigue, headache Depression Hot flushes, sweating Alopecia
Fentanyl
Class of drug
Opioid agonist
Fentanyl
Mechanism of action
Bind to opiate receptors in CNS
- -> inhibit ascending pain pathway signals
- -> alter pain perception & response
Fentanyl
Indication
Chronic cancer pain
Fentanyl
Why this over another DRUG/CLASS? (Place in therapy)
Pain ladder in reverse for cancer pain
Breakthrough pain when on other opioids for chronic cancer pain
Fentanyl
Important cautions (3)/contraindications (2)/interactions (1)
*include bracketed numbers if applicable
CAUTIONS
- Pupil assessments –> affect responses vital for neurological assessment
- Impaired respiratory function eg. asthma
- Obstructive or inflammatory bowel disorders
- Dose titration –> needs to be gradual
- Liver & renal impairment –> reduce dose
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Acute respiratory depression
- Comatose patients
- COPD
INTERACTIONS
- Aprepitant –> increased fentanyl activity
Fentanyl
Monitoring
Liver & renal function
Fentanyl
Side effects
Nausea, vomiting
Abdominal pain
Constipation
Drowsiness, dizziness, confusion
Filgrastim
Class of drug
Recombinant human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF)
Filgrastim
Mechanism of action
Stimulate production & release of functional neutrophils from blood precursor cells in bone marrow
–> increase neutrophil count & reverse neutropenia
Filgrastim
Indication
Neutropenia –> reduction in duration
Filgrastim
Why this over another DRUG/CLASS? (Place in therapy)
INCOMPLETE FLASHCARD
Filgrastim
Important cautions (3)/contraindications (1)/interactions (5)
*include bracketed numbers if applicable
CAUTIONS
- Premalignant/malignant myeloid conditions
- Sickle-cell anaemia
- Osteoporosis
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Severe congenital neutropenia
INTERACTIONS
- Capecitabine –> increased myelosuppression risk; separate filgrastim 1 day before & after capecitabine treatment
- Carboplatin –> increased myelosuppression risk; separate treatments by 1 day
- Cisplatin –> increased myelosuppression risk; separate treatments by 1 day
- Epirubicin –> increased myelosuppression risk; separate treatments by 1 day
- Fluorouracil –> increased myelosuppression risk; separate treatments by 1 day
Filgrastim
Monitoring
Bone mineral density
CBC
Filgrastim
Side effects
Nausea, vomiting Generalised weakness Headache Constipation, diarrhoea Anorexia Chest pain Alopecia
Fluorouracil
Class of drug
Antimetabolite –> pyrimidine analogue
Fluorouracil
Mechanism of action
False nucleotide incorporated into DNA & RNA
–> prevent normal cell division esp. S-phase
Inhibition of thymidylate synthetase
–> inhibit DNA & RNA synthesis
Fluorouracil
Indication (3)
GI tract cancers
Breast cancer
Skin cancer (topical)
Fluorouracil
Why this over another DRUG/CLASS? (Place in therapy)
Only when other methods have failed
Combination with antineoplastics eg. capecitabine
Combination with folinic acid/calcium folinate in colorectal cancer
Fluorouracil
Important cautions (2)/contraindications (1)/interactions (4)
*include bracketed numbers if applicable
CAUTIONS
- When handling –> irritant to tissues
- Over 70yo
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Pregnancy (1st trimester) & breastfeeding
INTERACTIONS
- Filgrastim –> increased myelosuppression risk; separate filgrastim 1 day before & after fluorouracil treatment
Fluorouracil
Monitoring (2)
Platelet count
WBC
Fluorouracil
Side effects (4)
Nausea, vomiting
Alopecia
Confusion
Soreness in mouth, dysphagia, ulceration
Flutamide
Class of drug
Anti-androgen
Flutamide
Mechanism of action
Inhibit nuclear binding of androgen
- -> inhibit androgen uptake in prostate
- -> reduce tumour
Flutamide
Indication
Advanced prostate cancer
only if androgen-specific
Flutamide
Why this over another DRUG/CLASS? (Place in therapy)
Monotherapy
Combination with LHRH (luteinising hormone-releasing hormone)
Flutamide
Important cautions (5)/contraindications (1)/interactions (1)
*include bracketed numbers if applicable
CAUTIONS
- Cardiac disease –> oedema
- Excessive alcohol consumption –> liver cirrhosis
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Women –> may be teratogenic
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Severe liver impairment
INTERACTIONS
- Domperidone –> QT prolongation
Flutamide
Monitoring
Liver function
Bone mineral density
Respiratory symptoms
Flutamide
Side effects (12)
Jaundice Hepatic encephalopathy Hepatic necrosis Hot flushes Decreased libido Impotence Diarrhoea Nausea & vomiting Gynaecomastia (man boobs) Drowsiness Depression Anxiety, nervousness
Folic acid
Mechanism of action
Synthetic folate pathway coenzyme
- -> important for erythropoiesis
- -> important for producing/maintaining new cells
Folic acid
Indication
Megaloblastic anaemia (if folate-deficient)
Prevention of methotrexate side effects
Rheumatic disease
Folic acid
Why this over another DRUG/CLASS? (Place in therapy)
Megaloblastic anaemia & methotrexate
Folic acid
Important cautions (1)/contraindications (1)
*include bracketed numbers if applicable
CAUTIONS
- Simultaneous administration with methotrexate
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Monotherapy for pernicious anaemia (poor vit B12 uptake)/vit B12 deficiency –> increased risk of neurological conditions
Folic acid
Side effects (1)
GI disturbances
Folic acid
Class of drug
Synthetic B vitamin
Folinic acid/calcium folinate
Class of drug
Synthetic B vitamin
Folinic acid/calcium folinate
Mechanism of action
Derivative of folic acid
Folinic acid/calcium folinate
Important contraindications (1)
*include bracketed numbers if applicable
CAUTIONS
- Avoid simultaneous administration of methotrexate
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Intrathecal injection (into spinal canal)
- Pernicious anaemia (poor vit B12 uptake)/vit B12 deficiency –> increased risk of neurological conditions
Folinic acid/calcium folinate
Why this over another DRUG/CLASS? (Place in therapy)
Combo with fluorouracil in colorectal cancer
Only methotrexate, not megaloblastic anaemia
Better for folic acid antagonists -> those inhibit folic acid conversion into folinic acid, but not folinic acid itself
Folinic acid/calcium folinate
Important cautions (1)/contraindications (2)/interactions (1)
*include bracketed numbers if applicable
CAUTIONS
- Avoid simultaneous administration of methotrexate
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Intrathecal injection (into spinal canal)
- Pernicious anaemia (poor vit B12 uptake)/vit B12 deficiency –> increased risk of neurological conditions
INTERACTIONS
- Capecitabine –> reduced tolerated dose of capecitabine
Folinic acid/calcium folinate
Monitoring
Methotrexate levels if applicable –> determine dose & duration of folinic acid
Folinic acid/calcium folinate
Side effects (2; rare)
Insomnia
Agitation
Gentamicin
Class of drug
Aminoglycoside
Gentamicin
Mechanism of action
Irreversibly bind to 30S ribosome subunit
- -> alter cell membrane permeability
- -> inhibit protein synthesis (bactericidal)
Gentamicin
Indication
Empirical treatment of febrile neutropenia in chemo
Gram-negative infections
Gentamicin
Why this over another DRUG/CLASS? (Place in therapy)
1st-line aminoglycoside for gram-negative infections, febrile neutropenia in chemo
Gentamicin
Important cautions (3)/contraindications (2)/interactions (2)
*include bracketed numbers if applicable
CAUTIONS
- Dehydration
- Elderly
- Renal impairment
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Myasthenia gravis
- Ototoxicity with previous aminoglycoside use
INTERACTIONS
- Carboplatin –> increased risk of renal impairment
- Cisplatin –> increased risk of renal impairment & ototoxicity
Gentamicin
Monitoring (3)
Renal function
Hearing
Serum concentration
Gentamicin
Side effects (2)
Nephrotoxicity
Ototoxicity (irreversible)
Goserelin
Class of drug
Gonadorelin analogue
Hormone antagonist
Goserelin
Mechanism of action
Initial phase of stimulation
Continued use followed by downregulation of GnRH receptors (gonadotrophin-releasing hormone receptors)
–> reduces release of gonadotrophins (FSH, LH)
–> inhibit androgen & oestrogen production
Goserelin
Indication (2)
Breast cancer
Prostate cancer
(more not in oncology)
Goserelin
Why this over another DRUG/CLASS? (Place in therapy)
Breast cancer: premenopausal & perimenopausal women
Goserelin
Important cautions (7)/contraindications (1)/interactions (3)
*include bracketed numbers if applicable
CAUTIONS
- Depression
- Hypertension
- Metabolic bone disease –> risk of decrease bone mineral density)
- PCOS
- Diabetes
- Risk of ureter obstruction & spinal cord compression in men (tumour ‘flare’)
- Risk of cardiovascular events in men
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding
INTERACTIONS
- Domperidone –> QT prolongation
- Bisacodyl –> increased risk of hypokalaemia –>monitor
- Haloperidol –> QT prolongation
Goserelin
Monitoring (3)
Abdominal haemorrhage Blood glucose (if diabetes) Potassium levels (if also on bisacodyl
Goserelin
Side effects (5)
Injection site injury --> pain, haemorrhage Hot flushes, sweating Sexual dysfunction Gynaecomastia, changes in breast size Initial worsening of symptoms of cancer