Last min pharm i dont know fuck fuck fuck :P Flashcards
What is the target HbA1c in diabetes?
HbA1C = 6.5 – 7.5%
Outline the side effects of Metformin
Limited weight gain and ↓ CVS events
Side effects include GI symptoms
Lactic acidosis rare
Vitamin B12 deficiency uncommon
Outline the mechanism of action of Acrbose. Outline the adverse side effects of it.
Acarbose inhibits enzymes (glycoside hydrolases) needed to digest carbohydrates, specifically, alpha-glucosidase enzymes in the brush border of the small intestines and pancreatic alpha-amylase
Inhibition of these enzyme systems reduces the rate of digestion of complex carbohydrates
Less glucose is absorbed because the carbohydrates are not broken down into glucose molecules (x1)
Flatulence (x½) loose stools/diarhhoea (x½)
Glitazones. Why are they rarely used nowadays?
Concerns regarding weight gain, fluid retention, heart failure, effects on bone metabolism and bladder cancer
Describe the adverse side effects of GLP-1 agonists
Nausea, loose stools, diarrhoea
Describe the mechanism of action of Gliflozin
SGLTs are responsible for mediating glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, as well as in the gut and the heart. SGLT-2 is primarily expressed in the kidney on the epithelial cells lining the S1 segment of the proximal convoluted tubule. (x1)
It is the major transport protein that promotes reabsorption from the glomerular filtration glucose back into circulation and is responsible for approximately 90% of renal glucose reabsorption. (x1)
By inhibiting SGLT-2 it prevents renal reuptake from the glomerular filtrate and subsequently lowers the glucose level in the blood and promotes glucosuria (x1)
Describe the adverse side effects of Gliflozin
Polyuria
UTI’s
Describe some of the secondary benefits of statin treatment
Anti-inflammatory
Plaque reduction
Improved endothelial cell formation
Reduced thrombotic risk
Describe the side effects of Fibric Acid derivatives
SE – GI Upset (8%) (x1/2), Cholelithiasis (x1/2), myositis (x1/2), Abnormal LFTs (x 1/2)
Describe the contraindications of Fibric Acid derivatives
CI – Hepatic or Renal dysfunction (x ½), Pre-existing gallbladder disease (x ½)
Describe the adverse effects of Nicotinic Acid
Flushing, itching and headache
Hepatotoxicity
Activation of peptic ulcer
Hyperglycaemia and reduced insulin sensitivity
What are the contraindications of Nicotinic Acid
Active liver disease or unexplained LFT elevations
Peptic Ulcer disease
What top remember about exetimibe
Circulate enterohepatically
Name some of the DNA viruses treated with antiviral agents
Herpes Simplex I Herpes Simplex II Varicella-zoster Cytomegalovirus Epstein Barr Virus Human Herpes Virus 8 Hepatitis B
Name some of the RNA viruses treated with antiviral agents
Influenza (x½) Human Immunodeficiency Virus (x½) Hepatitis C (x½)
Name and describe the different types of influenza virus
Influenza A – Multiple host species, antigenic drift and shift
Influenza B – No animal reservoir, low mortality
Influenza C – Common cold like
Name the M2 Ion Channel Inhibitors and what strain of Influenza they are good for
Amantadine and Rimantadine
Limited to Influenza A
Describe which M2 Ion Channel Inhibitor has a higher risk of ADR and what the ADR’s for this class of drugs are
Amantadine > Rimantidine
Dizziness, GI symptoms and hypotension
Confusion, Insomnia and Hallucinations
Name and compare the two current Neuramidase Inhibitors
Zanamivir – Given as an aerosol, low bioavailability and can only be used for treatment
Oseltamivir – Prodrug and is well absorbed by contrast, can be used for treatment and prophylaxis
What strains of Influenza can neuramindise inhbitors be used for
Both Influenza A and B
Describe the ADR’s associated with Neuramidase inhibitors
GI disturbances, Headache, Nose Bleed
Rarely respiratory depression, bronchospasm (
Describe the four different categories that phase three clinical trails of Oseltamivir informed.
Symptom severity and dosing – No difference in 75 and 150mg of Oseltamivir, but marked difference between administration and placebo
Initiation of treatment – Earlier treatment, shorter duration of symptoms up. Works up to 48 hours
Mortality - ~70% reduction in mortality
Prophylaxis - Treatment for six weeks with 75 mg significantly reduced incidence of flu in both healthy adults and frail elderly subjects.
What is RA?
An autoimmune multi-system disease
Initially localised to the synovium
Inflammatory change and proliferation of synovium leading to dissolution of cartilage and bone
Pro-inflammatory cytokines > Anti-inflammatory Cytokines
How is RA diagnosed?
Morning stiffness >1 hr Arthritis of >3 joints Arthritis of hand joints Symmetrical Arthritis Rheumatoid Nodules Serum rheumatoid factor X-ray changes
What are the treatment goals in SLE and vasculitis?
Symptomatic relief
Reduction in Mortality
Prevention of organ damage
Reduction in long term morbidity
Describe the mechanism of action of corticosteroids
Prevent IL-1 and IL-6 production by macrophages
Inhibit all stages of T-cell activation
Describe the key adverse effects of corticosteroids
Weight gain
Glucose intolerance
Cataracts
Avascular necrosis
How is Azathioprine used in practice?
As maintenance therapy in SLE and Vasculitis
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Atopic Dermatitis
Describe the main adverse effects of Azathioprine
Bone marrow suppression
Increased risk of infections
Emergence of malignant cell line
WHat does Calcineurin normally do
Calcineurin normally exerts phosphatase activity on the nuclear factor of activated T cells. This factor then migrates to the nucleus to start IL-2 transcription
Describe the use of calcineurin inhibitors in practice
Transplant patients
Inflammatory skin conditions
Selective use in some RA patients
Describe the adverse effects of calcineurin inhibitors
Nephrotoxicity
Hypertension
Hyperlipidemia
Multiple drug interactions
Describe the mechanism of action for Mycophenolate mofetil
Inhibits the enzyme inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (required for guanosine synthesis)
Impairs B and T cell proliferation
Spares other rapidly dividing cells
Describe the Mycophenolate mofetil side effects
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Most serious is myelosuppression
Describe the use of Mycophenolate mofetil in practice
Primarily used in transplantation
Good efficacy as induction and maintenance therapy for lupus nephritis
Describe the ADRs of Cyclophosphamide
Significant toxicity – Increased risk of bladder cancer, lymphoma and leukaemia
Infertility
Describe the mechanism of action of Methotrexate
Competitively and reversibly inhibits dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), affinity 1000x more than folate
Catalyses the conversion of dihydrofolate to the active tetrahydrofolate which is the key carrier of one carbon units in purine and thymidine synthesis
Therefore inhibits the synthesis of RNA, DNA and proteins
Cytotoxic during S phase of cell cycle, greater toxic effect on rapidly dividing cells (x1)
Describe the adverse effects for Methotrexate
Mucositis
Marrow suppression
Hepatitis, cirrhosis
Describe the toxicity monitoring of methotrexate
ACR and BSR reommendations:
Baseline chest xray
Baseline FBC, LFT, U+E+Creatinine
Monthly checks
Describe the effects of Sulfasalazine
Relieve pain and stiffness (anti-inflammatory)
And fight infection (sulphonamide)
Describe the immunological effects of Sulfasalazine
T cells – Inhibition of proliferation, possible t cell apoptosis and inhibition of IL-2 production
Neutrophil – reduced chemotaxis and degranulation
Describe the absorption of sulfasalazine and how this is clinically useful
Poorly absorbed
Therefore useful for IBD
Describe the ADRs of Sulfasalazine
Myelosuppression, hepatitis, rash
Describe the pathophysiology of asthma
Th2-driven inflammation (x1) leading to: Mucosal oedema (x1) Bronchoconstriction and hyper responsiveness (x1) Mucus plugging (x1)
Describe why Beta agonists should only be used intermittently
Potential inhibition of mast cell degranulation if only used intermittently
On regular use of B2 agonists, mast cell degranulation in response to allergen increases
Describe the mechanism of action of B2 agonists
Act on B2 receptors which are coupled to Gs proteins
This leads to an increase in cAMP levels and consequent decrease in intracellular Ca2+
Reduces binding of Ca2+ by myosin light chain kinase
Increases Ca2+ activated K+ channels
Hyperpolorasis cells and augments bronchodilation
When do you begin regular preventer therapy in asthma
B2 agonists more than or equal to 3 times a week
Exacerbations 3 or more times a week
Waking once or more times a week
Serious exacerbations requiring oral steroids in the last two years
Describe the response to ICS treatment in different types of asthma
Patients with eosinophilic asthma have a better treatment response to inhaled corticosteroids than non-eosinophilic patients
Describe the mechanism of action of Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists such as Montelukast and Zafirlukast
LTC4 release by mast cells and eosinophils can induce bronchoconstriction, mucus secretion, mucosal oedema and promote inflammatory cell recruitment
LRA’s block the effect of cysteinyl leukotrienes
Describe some of the side effects of Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists
Angiodema Dry Mouth Anaphylaxis Arthralgia Fever Gastric Disturbances
Name two Methylxanthines and describe their mechanism of action
Theophylline and Aminophylline
Adenosine receptor antagonists
Competitive nonselective phosphodiesterase inhibitor which raises intracellular cAMP, activates PKA, inhibits TNF-alpha and inhibits leukotriene synthesis, and reduces inflammation and innate immunity
Describe how the size of the particle determines where they end up in inhaler devices
10 micron particles – deposited in mouth and oropharynx
1-5 micron particles – Most effective as they settle in small airways
0.5 microns – Too small, inhaled into alveoli and exhaled without being deposited into the lungs
Describe acute severe asthma in adults
Any one of: Unable to form complete sentences Pulse greater than or equal to 110 bpm Respiration greater than or equal to 25 a minute Peak flow 33-50% of best of predicted
When does asthma become near fatal?
PaCO2 greater than 6kPa
Through what pathway are prostaglandins synthesized from? Describe this pathway
The arachidonic pathway
Arachidonic acid is produced from phospholipids from the cell membrane mainly via phospholipase A2
Arachidonic acid can then either enter the leukotriene pathway or the prostaglandin pathway
Arachidonic acid is then metabolised by COX 1 and 2 enzymes to produce PGH which can then produce specific prostaglandins
Outline the general action of Prostaglandins and the induction of a positive feedback loop
Bind to GPCRs
Specific action depends on receptor type binding
Autocoid release will induce the expression of COX-2 and prostaglandins themselves synergise the action of other autacoids, which mean there is a positive feedback loop present
Describe how prostaglandins act to induce pain and pyrexia
Sensitising peripheral nociception – PGE2 can bind to EP1 (Gαq-type GPCR) in C-fibres which act to inhibit K+ channels, increase Na+ channel expression and also increase neuronal sensitivity to bradykinin, resulting in an increased C-fibre activity
Sensitising central nociception – PGE2 can bind to EP2 (Gαs-type GPCR) in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord The rise in cAMP and subsequent activation of PKAs causes a reduction in glycine receptor binding affinity (where glycine acts as an inhibitor of neuronal activity), leading to increased pain reception
Pyrexia – Macrophage release of IL-1 at inflammatory sites acts on the hypothalamus to stimulate PGE2 release, acting on EP3 (Gαi-type GPCR) which causes a fall in cAMP which eventually causes an increase in CA2+ levels in the neurones regulating temperature, this results in both increased heat production and reduced heat loss
Describe the GI related ADR’s of NSAIDS
PGE2 stimulates mucus production and also inhibits acid secretion, thus inhibition of PGE2 production will result in damage directly to the stomach on ingestion and systemically
This will lead to ulceration, haemorrhage and perforation
Describe the renal related ADR’s of NSAIDS
In susceptible individuals (i.e compromised HRH individuals) use of NSAIDS can cause reduced GFR and perfusion of the kidney due to the role PGE2 has in maintaining adequate blood flow
Describe the vascular ADR’s of NSAIDS
NSAIDS will cause an increased risk of prolonged bleeding time, increased bruising and increased risk of haemorrhage due to NSAIDS inhibiting thromboxane A2 synthesis and thus reducing platelet aggregation
What class of patients do you need to be careful when prescribing NSAIDS and why?
Asthmatics
In hypersensitivity reactions, asthmatic bronchospasm can sometimes occur
Describe how NSAIDS are used therapeutically, specifically in combination therapies. Why do you need to be careful?
NSAIDS can be used in combination with low-dose opiates, extending the therapeutic range for treating pain and will also reduce the ADRs seen with increased opiate use
Use of a combination of NSAIDS can increase the risk of ADRs, as they effect one anothers binding of plasma protein
Describe specifically which drugs should be monitored carefully when used in combination with NSAIDS
Sulphonylurea – Hypoglycaemia
Warfarin– Increased bleeding
Methotrexate – Wide range of issues
What other therapeutic uses does aspirin have?
Athero-thrombotic disease prevention by acting as an anti-platelet as it prevents thromboxane A2 production
GI cancer prophylaxes
Describe paracetamol elimination
Displays linear Pharmocokinetics (x1)
90% enters phase 2 metabolism directly (60% glucoronidation and 30% sulphonation) (x1)
10% enters phase 1 oxidation to produce NAPQI (x1)
Describe the effects of unconjugated NAPQI
Highly nucleophilic
Binds with cellular macromolecules
Loss of hepatic cell function and increase in subsequent cell death as well as potential renal failure
Describe the treatment for paracetamol toxicity
Treatment given within 8 hours of overdose
If within 0-4 hours, activate charcoal orally can reduce uptake by 50-90%
0-36 hours, agents such as IV N-acetylcysteine or oral methionine can be used, which act to increase glutathione levels
Describe endogenous opioids
Can be used to modulate a pain response
Produced from precursor molecules and all contain 4 common amino acids (tyr-gly-gly-phe-)
Enkephalins – Produced from proenkephalin
Endorphins – Produced from POMC
Dynorphins – Produced from prodynorphin
Describe the mechanism of action of opioids
All are GPCRs that act to increase the outward flux of K+ ions to reduce excitability of the neurone
Decrease the influx of Ca2+ directly by inhibiting the ion channels directly Indirectly reducing the influx of Ca2+ by reducing cAMP synthesis
This fall in Ca2+ causes decreased release of neurotransmitter at the synapse
Describe how opioids are usually delivered
Enterally and parenterally
IV provides the most rapid response and avoids hepatic first-pass metabolism
Intrathecal route is often used for severe pain with the patient controlling the levels of analgesia
Outline the pharmacokinetics of morphine
M6G is the main active metabolite of morphine and acts to extend its analgesic effect
Any hepatic or renal failure will increase its half life up to 50 hours
Describe the pharmacokinetics of diamorphine
Very lipid soluble molecule so readily crosses BBB
Has to be activated by pseudocholinesterases to become activated by converting it to morphine
When may you use methadone instead of other options
May use instead of other opiods
T1/2 of 15-30 hours so more suitable in chronic pain
Describe the pharmacokinetics of codeine
Opioid which is metabolised to morphine to become activated
Describe the opioid ADRs
Respiratory depression – MOP mediated action on CO2 sensitivity, only seen in significant use Euphoria Constipation Hypotension and bronchoconstriction
What else can opioids be used to treat?
Diarrhoea
Heroin addiction
Following an MI
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist and can be used to for opioid toxicity
Define mild hypertension and how it will be treated
140-159/90-99 mmHg
Treated depending on overall cardiovascular profile, usually non-pharmacologically
When will pharmacological therapies begin?
> 160/100mmHg
What is Isolated Systolic Hypertension? Who is it common in and why?
Low diastolic BP with a high systolic BP (>140mmHg)
Common in increasing age occurring from the loss of compliance of elastic arteries
Describe how the treatment threshold for hypertension changes in diabetes
Threshold is 140/90mmHg
Target of <130/80mmHg
. What is a major issue in treating hypertension?
30% of patients will not take their drugs
What can individuals who cannot tolerate ACEi be given?
Angiotensin-II receptor blockers
Outline the mechanism of action of Calcium Channel Blockers
Bind specifically to the alpha subunit of L-type calcium channels, reducing calcium entry
Vasodilates the peripheral, coronary and pulmonary arteries
May have a rate-limiting effect on the heart rate
Outline the properties of the three groups of calcium channel blockers
Dihydropyridines - Anti Hypertnesives
Benzothiazepines - Anti Arthymitics
Phenylalkylamines - Anti Anginals
Dihydropyridines ADRs
ADRs include SNS activation (tachycardia and palpitations), flushing, sweating and ankle oedema. Well tolerated (x½)