OTC Flashcards
What is dyspepsia?
Collection of symptoms including upper abdominal discomfort and pain, heartburn, acid reflux (with or without bloating), N&V.
Red Flag symptoms of dyspepsia?
GI bleeding
dysphagia
unintentional weight loss
persistent vomiting
How long does symptoms of a common cold last?
7-14 days
What is the usual duration of acute otitis media?
4 days
What is the usual duration of a cough/ bronchitis?
3 weeks
What is the usual duration of acute sore throat/ pharyngitis/ tonsilitis?
1 week
What is the usual duration of acute rhinosinusitis?
2 and a half weeks
Frontal headache above or below the eyes may be associated with which respiratory tract infection?
Sinusitis
Earache is associated with which respiratory tract infection especially in children?
colds
When may acute sinusitis be more indicative of bacterial cause?
Fever
Symptoms lasting > 10 days
What non pharmacological symptom advice can be given for sinusitis?
Steam inhalation
Nasal irrigation
Which of the following has a more rapid onset?
-Flu
-Cold
Flu
Dextromethorphan and pholcodeine are what type of medications?
anti-tussives
Dextromethorphan is licensed in what age range?
> 12 years
Which of the following wouldn’t you expect to see in a dry cough medicine?
-Guaifenesin
-Dextromethorphan
-Glycerol
-Pholcodeine
Guaifenesin
(used for chesty coughs)
Guaifenesin and ipepacuanha are usually contained in which type of cough medicines?
Chesty cough
(both are expectorants)
Ephidrine, oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine and xylometazoline are all used for which OTC common ailment?
Nasal decongestants
Guaifenesin and ipepacuanha are licensed OTC in what age group?
> 6 years
Ephidrine, oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine and xylometazoline are licensed OTC in what age group?
> 6 years
Decongestants have a severe interaction with which of the following medications, including after taking 2 weeks after this medication?
-SSRIs
-MAOIs
-ACE inhibitor
MAOIs
(induce hypertensive crisis)
Fluribiprofen lozenges are licensed in which age range?
> 12 years
Benzydamine mouthwash is licensed in which age range?
> 12 years
What treatment options are available for a sore throat OTC?
Analgesics
Benzydamine mouthwash/ spray
Antiseptic lozenges
Anaesthetic lozenges
Which of the following is an older, sedating antihistamine?
-Loratidine
-Acrivastine
-Promethazine
-Cetirizine
-Fexofenadine
Promethazine
Which of the following antihistamines are not taken once daily?
-Cetirizine
-Fexofenadine
-Acrivastine
-Loratidine
Acrivastine
Which of the following antihistamines can be taken in children over the age of 2?
-Cetirizine
-Fexofenadine
-Acrivastine
-Loratidine
Loratidine
Which of the following antihistamines is licensed for children over the age of 6?
-Cetirizine
-Fexofenadine
-Acrivastine
-Loratidine
Cetirizine
Which TWO of the following antihistamines is licensed for children over the age of 12?
-Cetirizine
-Fexofenadine
-Acrivastine
-Loratidine
Fexofenadine & Acrivastone
Steroid nasal sprays are licensed OTC for what indication?
Hay fever
Beclometasone, budesonide, fluticasone and mometasone nasal sprays are licensed for which age range?
> 18 years
Sodium cromoglicate eye drops, nasal drops and nasal spray is licensed OTC for which indication?
Hay fever
How does thixotropic gel nasal spray work in hay fever?
Acts as a barrier
Mouth ulcers lasting longer than how many weeks needs referral?
3 weeks
Which of the following medications is least likely to cause mouth ulcers?
-ACE inhibitors
-sulfasalazine
-NSAIDs
-feverfew (herbal medication for migraines)
ACE inhibitors
Treatment options for mouth ulcers?
-Chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash
-Hydrocortisone mucoadhesive buccal tablet (>12)
-Benzydamine mouthwash (>12) / spray
-Choline salicylate gel (>16)
-Lidocaine/ benzocaine
Antacids with a high sodium count should be avoided by which patient group?
Pregnant patients
How do alginates work to reduce symptoms of heartburn?
Form a raft that sits on the top of the stomach and prevents reflux
What can be used instead of sodium bicarbonate in patients needing low sodium forms of alginate?
Potassium bicarbonate
Which PPIs are licensed OTC?
Omeprazole 10mg
Esomeprazole 20mg
Pantoprazole 20mg
Sodium bicarbonate has what effect on lithium?
Increases lithium excretion
Aluminium salt based antacids are associated with which side effect?
Constipation
Magnesium salt based antacids are associated with which side effect?
Diarrhoea
The BNF advises taking a gap of how long between doses of antacids and other medications?
1 hour
Which antihistamines are licensed OTC for motion sickness?
Cinnarizine and promethazine teoclate
Which of the following medications would the most appropriate option to sell OTC to a patient who get motion sickness and will be travelling by car for 14 hours?
-Cinnarizine
-Cetirizine
-Promethazine
Promethazine
(Long duration of action, taken once daily, more suitable for long journeys)
(cinnarizine shorter duration of action, cetirizine not licensed OTC for motion)
What formulations are available OTC of hyoscine hydrobromide for motion sickness?
Tablets (lasts 1-3 hrs)
Patch (lasts up to 3 days)
Name bulk forming agents used for constipation?
Bran
Isphagula husk
Methylcellulose
Which group of laxatives are unsuitable for opioid induced constipation?
Bulk forming laxatives
Name osmotic laxative agents used for constipation?
Lactulose
Lactilol
Macrogol
Glycerine
Name stimulant laxative agents used for constipation?
Senna
Bisacodyl
What is the maximum duration that stimulant laxatives should be used for?
1 week
Name the stool softener agent used for constipation?
Docusate
Which group of laxatives should be avoided in children under 12 years?
Stimulant
What is the laxative group of choice for pregnant patients?
Bulk forming
Oral rehydration sachets should be used to combat dehydration in which OTC ailment?
Diarrhoea
What is the max amount of days treatment with loperamide?
2 days
Loperamide is licensed OTC for diarrhoea in which age range?
> 12 years
What is the dose of loperamide and maximum daily dose?
Two 2mg tablets straight away and then one tablet after every loose movement, max 16mg daily
OTC treatment options for IBS?
-Alverine citrate
-Mebevrine
-Peppermint oil
-Hyoscine
Mebeverine is licensed OTC for what age range?
> 18 years