medicines and therapeutics Flashcards
What are the types of medicines in oral medicine?
Antimicrobials
Topical steroids
Dry mouth medications
Others eg - immunosuppresive
What are the 3 types of antimicrobials?
Antivirals
Antifungals
Antibiotics
What are the types of topical steroids?
Inhaled steroid
Steroid mouthwash
Benzdamine mouthwash
Carbamazepine - for facial pain
What are the 5 classifications of medicines?
General sales
Pharmacy medicines
Prescription only
Controlled drugs - specific legislation restricts prescription
Medical devices eg - saliva substitutes
What is a licensed medicine?
A medicine that has been proven in evidence to the MHRA to be effective and safe
What is an unlicensed medicine and what should you do before prescribing one?
Medicines that have not had evidence of efficacy submitted for the condition under tx - the medicine still may work
Pt must be informed before prescribing one
Give an example of an antiviral and 3 things it is used to treat
Aciclovir
Primary herpetic gingivosdtomatitis
Recurrent herpetic lesions
Shingles (recurrent herpes zoster)
Give 3 examples of antifungals
Miconazole
Fluconazole
Nystatin
Give 2 examples of unlicensed topical steroids
Betamethasone mouthwash
Beclometasone metered dose inhaler
What is a medical device?
A piece of apparatus used for a specific medical purpose such as diagnosis, prevention, monitoring or tx
Give 3 examples of medical devices used for dry mouth treatment
Saliva orthana
Glandosane
Biotene oral balance
Give 5 examples of other medications commonly used in oral medicine
Tricyclic antidepressants
Gabapentin
Azathioprine
Mycophenolate
Hydroxychloroquine
What should be included on prescriptions?
Patients name, age and address
Patient identifier - DoB, CHI
Number of days tx
Drug to be prescribed
Drug formulation and dosage
Quantity to be dispensed
Pt instructions
Signed by the prescriber
How long are prescriptions valid?
Six months from date issued
Can be more than one item on script
For more than 1 repeated dispensing occasion
What advice should be given to pt’s for any medications?
Take drugs at correct time and finish dose
If unexpected reactions stop and contact prescriber
Known side effects should be discussed
Keep medications safe and out of reach of children
