General questions Flashcards
Who is at the highest risk of osteoporosis?
- postmenopausal women
- men over 50
- patients taking long-term oral corticosteroids
What is first and second line for osteoporosis?
1st line: oral bisphosphonates (alendronic acid, risedronate sodium)
2nd line: parenteral bisphosphonate (zolendronic acid) / denosumab
What drug is reserved for postmenopausal women with severe osteoporosis at very high risk of fractures?
Teriparatide
What are common side-effects of bisphosphonates?
constipation; gastrointestinal discomfort; headache; malaise; myalgia; nausea; oesophageal ulcer (discontinue); oesophagitis (discontinue)
Give examples of alpha-blockers?
alfuzosin
doxazosin
tamsulosin
indoramin
What drugs can cause urinary retention?
opioids
antimuscarinics
sympathomimetics
TCAs
How can we treat benign prostatic hyperplasia?
finasteride OR dutasteride
PLUS alpha-blockers
When is codeine contraindicated?
Acute ulcerative colitis
Known ultra-rapid codeine metabolisers (CYP2D6)
List common side-effects of opioids
constipation
dry mouth
dizziness
headaches
urinary retention
arrythmias/palpitations
nausea and vomiting
Which NSAIDs have highest risk of CV events?
COX-2 selective inhibitors (celecoxib, etoricoxib, parecoxib)
Diclofenac 150mg daily
Ibuprofen 2.4g daily
List common signs/symptoms of serotonin syndrome?
- neuromuscular - e.g. tremors, seizures, rigidity
- autonomic dysfunction - e.g. tachycardia, hyperthermia, shivering, excessive sweating
- altered mental state - confusion, agression
What interactions are common with MAOIs?
tyramine rich foods and foods containing dopa (e.g. broad bean pods)
Which calcium channel blockers can be used in heart failure?
amlodipine (avoid all others)
State the common side-effects of CCB
flushing, peripheral oedema, headaches, nausea, palpitations
What are the exceptions to legal category of chloramphenicol?
eyedrops 0.5% (max 10ml) or ointment 1% (max 4g) can be sold for bacterial conjunctivitis.
For 5 day use, in anyone above 2 years old
What are the exceptions to legal category of tamsulosin 400mcg capsules?
Can be sold to the public for the treatment of functional symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia in men aged 45–75 years to be taken for up to 6 weeks before clinical assessment by a doctor
What vitamin supplementation do vegans needs?
Vitamin B12
Vitamin D
Which nutrient is low in alcoholics?
Thiamine (vitamin B1)
Which nutrient needs to be provided alongside isoniazid?
Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) - prevents peripheral neuropathy
What medication are used for the treatment of active TB (initial phase)
Rifampicin
Isoniazid (+ B6)
Pyrazinamide
Ethambutol
combination is used for 2 months
Which NSAIDs have highest risk of GI effects?
ketolorax
ketoprofen
piroxicam
what are symptoms of lactic acidosis
muscle cramps, abdominal pain, hypothermia, dyspnoea
When do children get vaccines during their first year of life?
8 weeks old
12 weeks old
16 weeks old
When do children get vaccinated against MMR?
First dose at 1 years old
Second dose at 3 years and 4 months old (before pre-school)
When can the seasonal influenza vaccination be given?
Between october and january
who is eligible for the annual seasonal influenza vaccine?
Anyone 65 years and older
Pregnant women (inactivated version)
List all the live vaccines that are currently used.
BCG - TB vaccine
Rotavirus (Rotarix)
Live attenuated influenza vaccine (fluenz tetra)
Oral typhoid vaccine
Yellow fever
Varicella
Shingles vaccine (Zostavax)
MMR
MMR vaccine and pregnancy
Exclude pregnancy before immunisation. Avoid pregnancy for at least 1 month after vaccination (same after varicella-zoster vaccine)
What pre-treatment screening needs to be done before administering the BCG vaccine?
none for children under 6.
skin test for hypersensitivity to tuberculoprotein for everyone over 6 (mantoux test)
What type of laxative is lactulose and macrogol?
Osmotic
List examples of stimulant laxatives?
Senna
Sodium picosulfate
bisacodyl
docusate (also acts as a faecal softener)
What are the contraindications to pseudoephedrine?
-severe or uncontrolled hypertension
-diabetes
-Closed angle glaucoma
-Severe acute or chronic kidney disease/renal failure
-Concurrent use of MAOIs
MHRA/CHM advice high doses of loperamide
Can cause serious cardiac adverse effects: QT prolongation, torsades de pointes and cardiac arrest.
Can be treated with naloxone
What are the renal impairment requirments for bisphosphonates (alendronic acid, risedronate)
Alendronic acid: avoid if CrCl <35ml/min
Risedronate: avoid if CrCl <30ml/min
Which electrolyte imbalanace needs to be corrected before using bisphosphonates?
Hypocalceamia
Contraindicated if low calcium levels.
How long should the CD registered be retained?
2 years from date of last entry