Drug specific info

Question 1

Beta blockers

Answer 1

Hypotension (take first dose at night)
Tiredness initially
Cold hands and feet
Don’t suddenly stop taking

Question 2

Alendronic acid

Answer 2

Take first thing in the morning before other medicines or food
Remain sitting or standing for 30 minutes following dose to avoid irritation of food pipe
Regular dental check ups - jaw damage

Question 3

Levothyroxine Sodium

Answer 3

Symptoms take several weeks to improve
Regular blood tests to monitor progress
30 minutes before food or caffeine

Question 4

Glyceryl trinitrate

Answer 4

If you feel dizzy do not drive (hypotension)
Once opened use within 8 weeks
Take one dose during angina attack, take another after 5 minutes, if pain persists, call 999
Always keep on them

Question 5

CCBs

Answer 5

Grapefruit juice increases effects

Question 6

Ramipril

Answer 6

Dry cough
Hypotension

Question 7

Amiodarone

Answer 7

Grapefruit juice
Phototoxicity - protect skin from sun and for several months after stopping
Monitoring - blood tests

Question 8

NSAIDs

Answer 8

Take with food
Don’t take other NSAIDs

Question 9

Opioids

Answer 9

Addiction risk
Don’t take longer than 3 days
Constipation - lactulose
Nausea
With or just after food
Fentanyl patch counselling
Avoid alcohol
Drowsiness

Question 10

Isosorbide mononitrate

Answer 10

Off-period at night to reduce tolerance

Question 11

Warfarin

Answer 11

INR
Dose changes - colours of pills
Vitamin K - constant consumption

Question 12

Simvastatin

Answer 12

Grapefruit juice
At night

Question 13

Diuretics

Answer 13

Take in morning - increased urination
Increase potassium - salmon, nuts, banana, avocado (exception: potassium sparing)
Monitor potassium - blood tests

Question 14

Antibiotics

Answer 14

Finish course
Check pencillins on an empty stomach
Liquid formulations store in fridge
Allergy for penicllins

Question 15

Lifestyle - CVD

Answer 15

Reduce salt - check nutrition label
Reduce saturated fats (cakes, fatty meats)

Question 16

Antiepileptics - lifestyle

Answer 16

Check branding of medication
Don’t stop taking medication unless advised by their prescriber
Warn patients to seek help if experiencing mood changes/suicidal thoughts
Inform DVLA - must be seizure free for a year
Pregnancy - talk to prescriber if they want to become pregnant

Question 17

Tamsulosin - drug specific

Answer 17

P med for certain categories
Take in morning - increases urination throughout the day
Dizziness - affects driving/machinery, increased for first dose
Do not crush or chew

Question 18

BPH - lifestyle

Answer 18

Fewer fizzy drinks and caffeine as this can irritate bladder
Drink less fluid in evening (2 hours before sleeping) but ensure adequate amounts throuh