medicines and relevant information

Question 1

what is the max amount of paracetamol that you can take?

Answer 1

2 tablets, 4x a day.
Max is 8 in a 24 hrs period

Question 2

What drugs can you not take with paracetamol?

Answer 2

Atorvastatin- increases hepatoxicity
Co-codamol
Carbamezapine- decreases exposure
Dalteparin
Enoxaparin
Heparin
Flucloxcicillin
Tigycycline
Tinzaparin
Vitamin A
Warfarin
Nicotonic acid

Question 3

what are some examples of weaker opioids?

Answer 3

codeine phosphates, hydrocodone, tramadol

Question 4

when are weaker opioids prescribed?

Answer 4

to reduce pain after surgery

Question 5

what are side effects of weaker opioids?

Answer 5

dry mouth, constipation, confusion, itching

Question 6

when are strong regular opioids used?

Answer 6

to help with more severe pain e.g. after joint surgery

Question 7

examples of stronger opioids?

Answer 7

oxycodone, fentanyl, hydrocodone, heroine, diamorphine, tapentadol

Question 8

what is gabapentin and when is this used?

Answer 8

PRN and anticonvulsant.
Helps reduce pain after joint pain only if severe pain persists after opioids etc.
Anticonvulsant so helps nerve pain, and can also be used to treat seizures

Question 9

what are some examples of NSAIDS Non-steroidal antiflammatory drugs?

Answer 9

Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, celecoxib

Question 10

what are some cautions for taking NSAIDS?

Answer 10

Not suitable for people with severe indigestion, bleeds in stomach, asthma, known kidney diseases.

Caution on taking multiple, can cause gastrointestinal diseases.

Question 11

what are the main types of laxatives?

Answer 11

stool softeners
stimulant
bulk forming
osmotic

Question 12

what are common examples of anti-sickness medications?

Answer 12

cyclizine,
odansetron,
metoclopramide

Question 13

what are acid reducing drugs? what are common examples?

Answer 13

These reduce the risk of stomach side effects when taking anti-inflammatories
There are H2 receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibtors
Examples: Omeprazole and lansoprazole

Question 14

what are the main risks after surgery?

Answer 14

blood clots and infection

Question 15

why is aspirin used after joint surgery?

Answer 15

research suggests that Aspirin is the most effective at preventing DVT and joint infections

Question 16

common side effects after aspirin?

Answer 16

bruise easily, chest tightness and upset stomach

Question 17

what is octenisan wash used for?

Answer 17

Used as an antibacterial wash lotion for hair and body that can help prevent infection by reducing and possibly removing micoroorgaisms including the MRSA.
Start 3 days before planned surgeries.

Question 18

what is mupirocin nasal ointment used for?

Answer 18

Antibacterial nasal gel which can be used to prevent infection by reducing and possibly removing microorganisms including MRSA

Question 19

when is ferrous sulfate used?

Answer 19

To help reverse anaemia that can occur as a result of blood loss during surgery.
Some may be asked to take before surgery if their blood count is low. Alternatively, patients may be given an iron injection.