Drugs

Question 1

What is warfarin? And what is its effect?

Answer 1

Anticoagulant.
Warfarin is a vitamin k antagonist which prevents the synthesis of vitamin K dependant clotting factors 2, 7, 9 and 10.
This prolongs prothrombin time decreases bleeding.

Question 2

What is INR

Answer 2

International normal ratio for clotting time. (Prothrombin time).

Question 3

What are some of the interactions of warfarin?

Answer 3

NSAID and COX-2 inhibitors
Antibiotics esp metronidazole
Antifungal - fluconazole, miconazole

Question 4

Which common medications cause gingival hyperplasia?

Answer 4

Phenytoin (anti epileptic)
Cyclosporin (immunosuppressant)
Calcium channel blockers eg amlodipine, nifedipine, verapamil

Question 5

What are calcium channel blockers and an example?

Answer 5

Eg amlodipine
Lowers blood pressure by reducing the amount of calcium entering cells of the heart and blood vessels, therefore causing them to relax.

Question 6

What are ACE inhibitors and give an example?

Answer 6

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
Inhibits ACE which normally causes narrowing of blood vessels.
Used to treat hypertension
Eg ramapril

Question 7

What is a proton pump inhibitor and an example?

Answer 7

Inhibits proton pumps in the stomach, therefore reducing the amount of acid.
Used to treat reflux
Eg omeprazole

Question 8

What are diuretics? And what are they used for? Give an example