Medication side effects & complications Flashcards
Which drug can induce thyrotoxicosis?
Amiodarone
What is a well recognised complication of amiodarone?
Thyrotoxicosis
What type of drug is amiodarone?
An anti-arrhythmic agent
Which blood test is important to do as part of regular drug monitoring for patients on amiodarone?
TFTs
What is important to tell the patient when starting them on amiodarone?
Make them aware about the potential risks of thyrotoxicosis
What is the similarity between amiodarone and thyroid hormone?
They both have a high iodine component
What are the two forms of thyrotoxicosis that amiodarone can induce?
1) Direct toxic consequence of the drug itself (thyroiditis)
2) Trigger of underlying thyroid autoimmunity
What investigations need to be done to correctly diagnose the type of amiodarone induced thyrotoxicosis?
1) Check patient’s antibody status
2) Specialist imaging of thyroid gland e.g. thyroid uptake scan and colour flow Doppler ultrasound
Imaging characteristics on amiodarone induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) type 1?
1) Normal thyroid uptake on scans
2) Increased vascularity on Doppler imaging
Imaging characteristics on amiodarone induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) type 2?
1) Decreased thyroid uptake
2) Reduced vascularity on Doppler imaging
How do you manage amiodarone induced thyrotoxicosis?
Depends on underlying type
1) Anti-inflammatories e.g. steroids
2) Anti-thyroid drugs e.g. carbimazole
3) Close discussion with cardiology to decide whether amiodarone needs to be stopped or substitute
What % of patients taking amiodarone can have abnormalities in thyroid function?
Up to 50%
Which antidepressant can affect TSH secretion (full blown thyrotoxicosis much less common)?
Sertraline
Which antidepressant causes a reduction in TSH production and hypothyroidism?
Paroxetine
Which drug can have an effect on T3/T4 binding, leading to hypothyroidism and a reduction in metabolic processes?
Aspirin
What are the features of digoxin toxicity?
1) Nausea/vomiting
2) Diarrhoea
3) Blurred vision
4) Yellow/green discolouration of vision (strange green tint)
5) Haloes in vision
6) Confusion
7) Fatigue
8) Palpitations
9) Syncope
10) Arrhythmias
11) Abdo pain
What are the effects of digoxin on ECG?
1) Downsloping ST depression
2) T-wave changes (inversion)
3) Biphasic/flattened and shortened QT interval
4) Slight PR interval prolongation
5) Prominent U-waves
- these are NOT signs of digoxin toxicity
What are characteristic side effects of amiodarone?
1) Thyroid dysfunction
2) Corneal deposits
3) Pulmonary fibrosis
4) Grey skin discolouration
What can be used in the management of digoxin toxicity?
Digibind
What are common side effects of bisoprolol?
1) Dizziness
2) Headaches
3) Cold peripheries
What are the side effects of penicillins?
1) Allergy
2) Rash
3) N&V
4) Diarrhoea
5) Cholestasis
6) C. difficile
What is the additional side effect (to the penicillin side effects) in amoxicillin and co-amoxiclav?
Rash with EBV
What is a rare side effect with prolonged use of Piptaz?
Myelosuppression