Nutritional Pharmacology Flashcards
What is defined as a substance that treats or prevents disease in humans according to the MHRA?
A medicine.
Name the four main regulatory restrictions governing drugs.
- Intended mode of action
- Supply route (POM, Controlled medicines, PO, GSL)
- Prescription only medications (POM)
- Over-the-counter medications (OTC).
What are OTC drugs commonly used for?
Self-medication for common illnesses.
What are the two types of ingredients in a drug?
Active ingredients and inactive ingredients.
What does ADME stand for in pharmacokinetics?
Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion.
What is the purpose of first-pass metabolism?
It metabolizes drugs in the liver before they enter systemic circulation, which can reduce their effectiveness.
What are common side effects of drugs?
Nausea, dizziness, headaches, and skin rashes.
How do drugs interact with nutrients?
Some drugs can deplete nutrients, while certain foods and supplements can affect drug metabolism and effectiveness.
What nutrient does Metformin commonly deplete?
Vitamin B12.
Q: Name two common interactions that can occur with drugs and foods.
A: Garlic can interact with anticoagulants; grapefruit can inhibit CYP3A4, affecting statins.
Q: What long-term risks are associated with the use of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)?
A: Increased risk of bone fractures, vitamin B12 deficiency, and gastrointestinal infections.
Q: Which drug class is known to deplete CoQ10?
A: Statins.
Q: What should be monitored when a patient is taking Warfarin?
A: Vitamin K intake and INR levels to manage clotting risk.
Q: What is serotonin syndrome, and when can it occur?
A: A potentially fatal condition caused by excessive serotonin due to drug interactions, often with SSRIs and St. John’s wort.
Q: Which herbs may interact with blood-thinning medications?
A: Ginkgo and garlic.
Q: What is pharmacodynamics?
A: The study of how drugs interact with the body to exert their effects, including their mode of action and the factors affecting their action.
Q: What are the four key processes of pharmacokinetics?
A: Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion (ADME).
Q: How do drugs exert their effects?
A: By interacting with specific receptors in the body, leading to various physiological responses.
Q: What can influence a drug’s metabolism?
A: Genetic factors, age, medical conditions (e.g., liver disease), and interactions with other drugs or foods.
Q: Name common long-term side effects of drug therapy.
A: Nutrient deficiencies, metabolic effects, dependence, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.
Q: What is the role of the cytochrome P450 enzyme system?
A: It plays a critical role in the metabolism of many drugs, influencing their effectiveness and the risk of side effects.
Q: Which drug can cause gastrointestinal issues due to decreased gastric acid?
A: Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs).
Q: What are the common categories of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs?
A: Analgesics, laxatives, antacids, antihistamines, decongestants.
Q: How can dietary changes affect medication?
A: For example, a high-protein diet may reduce the effectiveness of theophylline, and high-fiber diets can reduce the absorption of certain antidepressants.
