Meds Flashcards
What is the mechanism of action of thiazide diuretics?
inhibit sodium reabsorption at the beginning of the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) by blocking the thiazide-sensitive Na+-Clˆ’ symporter
Potassium is lost as a result of more sodium reaching the collecting ducts
What are thiazide-like diuretics used for?
HF
HTN
What are some common side effects of thiazide diuretics?
dehydration
postural hypotension
hypokalaemia
hyponatraemia
hypercalcaemia & hypocalciuria
impaired glucose tolerance
gout
What is a rare but important side effect of thiazide diuretics?
pancreatitis
What are alpha blockers used for?
management of BPH
hypertension
what are some examples of alpha blockers?
tamsulosin
doxazosin
What are some possible side effects of alpha blockers?
postural hypotension
drowsiness
dyspnoea
cough
What is the half life of DOACs?
6-14hrs
What are some examples of direct Factor Xa inhibitors?
apixaban
edoxaban
rivaroxaban
What is an example of direct thrombin inhibitors?
dabigatran
What are the advantages of DOACs vs warfarin?
no monitoring required
no major interactions
What are the main indications for DOACs?
stroke prevention in AF
treatment of DVT and PE
prophylaxis of DVT after knee/hip surgery
What is warfarin?
anticoagulant
vitamin K antagonist
prolongs prothrombin time
What is INR? What is it used for? What is the target for warfarin?
international normalised ratio
used to assess how anticoagulated a patient on warfarin is
calculates patient’s prothrombin time compared with prothrombin time of average adult
INR = 1 - normal
INR = 2 - 2x longer to clot
target INR in AF 2-3
What is TTR?
time in therapeutic range
percentage of time that INR is in the target range
