GP Flashcards
What is the first principle of safe prescribing?
Patient-Centered Prescribing
This involves considering patient-specific factors such as age, renal and hepatic function, pregnancy status, allergies, and drug history.
List some patient-specific factors to consider in prescribing.
- Age (paediatric vs elderly considerations)
- Renal and hepatic function
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding status
- Allergies and previous adverse drug reactions
- Drug history (current medications, OTC drugs, herbal supplements)
These factors help tailor the prescription to the individual patient’s needs.
What should be done to improve patient adherence when prescribing?
Use the simplest dosing regimen
This helps patients to follow the prescribed treatment more easily.
What is the significance of following national and local guidelines in drug selection?
It ensures the use of first-line agents unless contraindicated
Guidelines such as NICE and BNF provide evidence-based recommendations for prescribing.
What are high-risk medications that require caution?
- Anticoagulants
- Opioids
- Insulin
- Chemotherapy
These medications have a higher potential for adverse effects and complications.
What are essential considerations when checking the correct drug, dose, and route?
- Check the dose carefully
- Adjust doses for children and elderly
- Specify the route clearly
- Use liquid preparations cautiously in paediatrics
These considerations help to prevent medication errors.
True or False: Look-alike and sound-alike drugs can lead to prescribing errors.
True
Examples include amlodipine vs amitriptyline.
What should be monitored when prescribing drugs with narrow therapeutic indices?
- Lithium
- Digoxin
- Warfarin
These drugs require careful monitoring due to the risk of toxicity or adverse effects.
What is the purpose of reviewing prescriptions regularly?
To determine if all medications are still necessary
This practice helps to identify medications that can be stopped or adjusted.
Fill in the blank: In elderly patients, always consider _______ criteria.
[START & STOPP]
START & STOPP criteria help to optimize medication use in geriatric patients.
What should be avoided when prescribing to pregnant patients?
Teratogenic drugs
Drugs like ACE inhibitors and warfarin are known to cause fetal harm.
What adjustments should be made for prescribing in renal impairment?
- Adjust drug doses based on eGFR
- Avoid nephrotoxic drugs
- Use renally cleared drugs cautiously
These precautions help prevent further kidney damage.
What documentation is required when writing prescriptions?
- Drug name
- Dose
- Route
- Frequency
- Indication for prescribing
Clear documentation helps ensure safe and effective medication management.
What should be monitored when prescribing diuretics?
Electrolytes (K+, Na+)
Monitoring is essential to prevent electrolyte imbalances.
What is the correct way to prescribe controlled drugs?
Must be written in words & figures
For example, ‘Morphine 10mg (ten milligrams) PO BD’.
List some signs of dependence and misuse of medications.
- Frequent requests for early prescriptions
- Increasing dose without medical advice
These behaviors may indicate potential misuse of controlled substances.
What should be done with high-risk medications like insulin?
Double-check units, not ml
Accurate dosing is critical to avoid severe complications.
What are key takeaways for safe prescribing?
- Tailor prescribing to the individual patient
- Know first-line treatments and contraindications
- Check drug interactions and monitor appropriately
- Use the BNF and local guidelines
- Regularly review medications
These practices ensure the safety and effectiveness of prescribed treatments.
