Drug Monitoring

Question 1

Give two classic side effects of vancomycin

Answer 1

Ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity

Question 2

Which bloods need to be monitored on patients taking statins and why?

Answer 2

LFT - ALT and AST needs to be monitored as statins are metabolised by the liver.
ALT or AST higher than 3x the normal is a contraindication

Question 3

Can methotrexate be commenced if patient’s baseline LFTs are derranged?

Answer 3

No!! Risk of liver cirrhosis :(

Question 4

What effect do anti-psychotic drugs have on blood glucose

Answer 4

Hyperglycaemia and diabetes, this is particularly with olanzapine.
Fasting blood glucose should be monitored at baseline and regularly afterwards