Drugs

Question 1

Bisphosphonates

Example, MoA, Indication, Side effects

Answer 1

E.g Alendronic acid

Inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption, reducing rate of bone turnover

Used in osteoporosis and prevention of corticosteroid induced osteoporosis

Side effects: Joint swelling, osteonecrosis of jaw, oesophageal reflux and ulcers, oesophagitis

Question 2

ACE inhibitor

Answer 2

E.g. Ramipril

Prevent production of Angiotensin II

Side effects include dry cough, dizziness, headache, diarrhoea

Question 3

Methotrexate

Answer 3

DMARD

Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) preventing DNA synthesis

Side effects; Interstitial lung disease, hepatotoxicity

Question 4

Hydroxychloroquine

Answer 4

DMARD

Blocks toll like receptors on antigen presenting cells

Used with prednisolone and NSAID or Immunosuppressant in SLE, or in rheumatoid arthritis

Question 5

Beta blocker

Answer 5

Propanolol - non selective beta receptor antagonist, slows heart rate

Side effects: Dizziness, cold hands/feet, difficulty sleeping/nightmares, bronchoconstriction

Question 6

Carbamazepine

Answer 6

Focal Seizures

Sodium channel blocker- prevents repititive and sustained firing of action potentials

Side effects: Agranulocytosis (aplastic anaemia)

Question 7

Sodium valproate

Answer 7

Generalised seizures - Increases GABA activity (inhibitory neurotransmitter)

Side effects: Teratogenic, liver damage, hair loss

Question 8

Lamotrigine

Answer 8

2nd line for generalised seizure - inhibits release of glutamate

Question 9

Ethosuximide

Answer 9

Absence seizure - T type calcium antagonist.

Side effects: Night terrors, rash

Question 10

Topirimate

Answer 10

Myoclonic