Exam 2 Liver Pharm

Question 1

lactulose class

Answer 1

hyperosmotic laxative

Question 2

lactulose indication

Answer 2

reduction of ammonia absorption in hepatic encephalopathy

Question 3

lactulose moa

Answer 3

reduces blood ammonia levels by converting ammonia to ammonium

Question 4

lactulose route

Answer 4

PO or enema/rectal

Question 5

lactulose can be given

Answer 5

to titrate by number of stools or by ammonia levels. Not just given for high ammonia levels – MUST have signs/symptoms of encephalopathy

Question 6

lactulose considerations

Answer 6

make sure patient is NOT hypokalemic

Question 7

rifaximin

Answer 7

second line for encephalopathy if lactulose isn’t working

Question 8

rifaximin moa

Answer 8

inhibits bacterial RNA synthesis by binding to bacterial DNA - initially used as an antibiotic for GI infections

Question 9

rifaximin can be given

Answer 9

as preventitive, depends on HCP

Question 10

rifaximin route

Answer 10

given PO

Question 11

rifaximin side effects - 8

Answer 11

peripheral edema, nausea, ascites, dizziness, fatigue, pruritis, skin rash, abdominal pain,

Question 12

rifaximin associated with

Answer 12

an increased risk of C diff - monitor for C diff