Medications Flashcards
Describe the action of azathioprine
A purine analogue that inhibits DNA replication and stops proliferating cells. Must test for TPMT deficiency as can reduce metabolism and cause toxicity. Co-prescribing with allopurinol can cause toxicity.
What are the adverse side effects of azathioprine?
Bone marrow suppression causing pancytopenia and immunosuppression
Describe the action of methotrexate
Dihydrofolate antagonist that targets proliferating cells. Often given once weekly and folic acid is prescribed on other days. In overdose, folinic acid is used as rescue therapy.
What are the adverse side effects of methotrexate?
- Mouth ulcers
- Deranged LFTs
- Pneumonitis
- Bone marrow suppression causing pancytopenia and immunosuppression
What are the adverse side effects of hydroxychloroquine?
- Photosensitivity
- Haemolytic anaemia
- Retinal toxicity
- Bone marrow suppression causing pancytopenia and immunosuppression
What are the adverse side effects of sulfasalazine?
- Haemolytic anaemia
- Abnormal LFTs
- Azoospermia
- Bone marrow suppression causing pancytopenia and immunosuppression
What are the adverse side effects of leflunomide?
- Alopecia
- Hypertension
- Pneumonitis
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Hepatotoxicity
- Bone marrow suppression causing pancytopenia and immunosuppression
What are examples of monoclonal antibodies?
- Infliximab
- Rituximab
- Adalimumab
What is the main adverse effect of bisophosphonates?
Oesophagitis - advise to take 30 mins prior to breakfast, drink lots of water with it and sit up right.
