Drugs affecting anaesthesia

Question 1

Gentamicin (Antibiotics)

Answer 1

nephrotoxic

Question 2

Angiotensin- converting enzyme inhibitors

Answer 2

interferes with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system which can cause hypotension

Question 3

digoxin (cardiac glycosides)

Answer 3

for heart failure and arrhythmias
prone to hypomagnesaemia, hypokalaemia, hypovolaemia, hypoxaemia and ventricular arrhythmias. Anticholinergics shouldn’t be given to these patients.

Question 4

beta blockers (cardio)

Answer 4

bradycardia and decreased contractility

Question 5

Tramadol (analgesia)

Answer 5

Not to be used with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants as this can cause serotonin syndrome ( clinical signs of twitching, drowsiness, increase temperature, shivering, diarrhoea, unconsciousness and death)

Question 6

NSAIDS (Analgesia)

Answer 6

Inhibits some prostaglandins which can affect renal blood flow. Avoid in patients with vomiting, diarrhoea or those on corticosteroids.

Question 7

Phenylpropanolamine (incontinence)

Answer 7

Increases noradrenaline which can cause hypertension and brady- or tachycardia. Avoid tramadol in these patients as inhibits the uptake of noradrenaline

Question 8

Ephedrine/pseudoephedrine (incontinence)

Answer 8

Increases noradrenaline which can cause hypertension and brady- or tachycardia. Avoid tramadol in these patients as inhibits the uptake of noradrenaline

Question 9

Phenobarbital

Answer 9

May increase the CNS effects of benzodiazepines and inhalant anaesthetic agents causing an increased recovery time.