OTC Flashcards
Cold & Flu Referral
Asthma, Cough a lot, Earache, Chest Pain, Old people, Delirium, Illness, Fever, Young
Cold & Flu Referral
Asthma, Cough a lot, Earache, Chest Pain, Old people, Delirium, Illness, Fever, Young
Flu Symptoms
> 38degrees
Either cough/sore throat/nasal congestion/rhinorrhoea
AND either headach/malaise/myalgia/sweat/chills/prostration
Management of Cold Under 6
Non of the following: decongestant, antihistamine, expectorant, cough suppressant
Nasal drops
Management of Cold Over 6
- Decongestants
- Antihistamines
- Zinc (lozenges)
- Echinacea
- Vitamin C
- Cough remedies
- Analgesics
- Inhalants (eucalyptus,steam)
- Nasal Drops/Sprays
Management of Cold Over 6
- Decongestants
- Antihistamines
- Zinc (lozenges)
- Echinacea
- Vitamin C
- Cough remedies
- Analgesics
- Inhalants (eucalyptus,steam)
- Nasal Drops/Sprays
Cold Symptoms
- Rhinorrhea leading to congestion
- Sneeze
- Cough
- Headache (around eyes)
- Sore throat
- Earache
- Sinusitis (worse lying down)
Antihistamines Interact with
Alcohol, Hypnotics, Sedatives, Anxiolytics, Betahistine, Anticholinergics (eg tricyclics, trihexyphenidyl)
Antihistamine side effects
Drowsiness, Constipation, Blurred Vision, Dry mouth, Urinary Retention
Decongestants Cautioned in
Diabetes, Heart Disease, Hypertension, Hyperthyroidism
Antihistamines cautioned in
Closed-Angle Glaucoma (generally avoid), Prostatic Obstruction, Epilepsy, Liver disease
Sputum colour in chest infection
Green/Yellow/Rusty
Antihistamines Interact with
Alcohol, Hypnotics, Sedatives, Betahistine, Anticholinergics (eg tricyclics, trihexyphenidyl)
Antihistamine side effects
Drowsiness, Constipation, Blurred Vision
Decongestants side effects
Increased stimulation, Increased BP, Increase Blood Glucose, Heart stimulation problems in hyperthyroidism
Whooping cough symptoms
Begins with catarrh
Whoop on breathing in
Sputum colour in chesty cough
Green/Yellow/Rusty
Clear/White sputum indicates
Uninfected
TB symptoms
Chronic cough with blood
Chronic fever
Night sweats
Other symptoms with normal cough
Muscle ache, cold, sore throat, catarrh
Whooping cough symptoms
Whoop on breathing in
Catarrh
Hear Failure symptoms
Pink/Clear/Frothy sputum
SOB
Oedema
History
Refer cough in
SOB, Wheezing, Asthma, Blood, Sputum, Whoop, ADR, Two weeks not better, Chest pain, Croup
Cause of dry/tickly cough
viral
Normal cough other symptoms
Muscle ache, cold, sore throat, catarrh
Management of cough
- Suppressants: unproductive
- Expectorants: productive
- Antihistamines
- Sympathomimetics
- POM: Theophylline
Why ask about past medication in cough?
ACEI cause chronic dry cough. Dr can change to Angiotensin-2 receptors
Give examples of expectorants & their details
Guafenesin (Benilyn) 100-200mg
Give examples of antihistamines used to treat cough
Diphenyhydramine & Promethazine at night
Side effects of Theophylline
Palpitations, Headache, Insomnia, GI irritation, Nausea
Theophylline interactions
Increased by Cimetidine, Erythromycin
Decreased by Carbamazapine, Phenytoin, Rifampacin and smoking
Why ask about past medication in cough?
ACEI cause chronic dry cough. Dr can change to Angiotensin-2 receptors
Likely cause of sore throat in school child?
Streptococcal (bacterial) throat infection
Give examples of analgesics used in sore throat
Paracetamol, Aspirin, Ibuprofen
Flurbiprofen lozenges 8.75mg for over 12s: One every 3-6 hours. Max 5/day. Three days treatment
Medications causative of sore throat
Steroids (beclometasone/budesonide inhalers) leading to candidial infection due to poor technique
Refer sore throat if
Hoarseness for Three weeks, Children, Recurrent, ADR, Thrush, Dysphagia, One week not better, Glandular fever
Symptoms of glandular fever
mainly 14-21 year olds, malaise, sore throat, throat inflammation with creamy exudates, dysphagia (swollen glands)
Management of sore throat
- Analgesics
- Mouthwashes/Sprays
- Anaesthetics
- Lozenges/Pastilles
Give examples of analgesics used in sore throat
Paracetamol, Aspirin, Ibuprofen
Flurbiprofen lozenges 8.75mg for over 12s: One every 3-6 hours. Max 5/day. Three days treatment
Give examples of mouthwashes/sprays and anaesthetics used in sore throat
- Anti-inflammatory: Benzydamine (difflam)
2. Local anaesthetic: Benzocaine/Lidocaine sprays
Give examples of lozenges and pastilles used in sore throat
Antiseptic: Cetylpyridinium (merocets)
Antifungal: Dequalinium (dequadin)
Anaesthetic: Benzocaine (tyrozets)
Side effects and contraindications of Benzydamine
Numbess/stinging in mouth/throat
Spray >6, Mouthwash >12
Moderate allergic rhinitis is
Troublesome symptons: One or more of: disturbed sleep, daily activities, sports, leisure, work
Questions about lifestyle in sore throat
Smoking because it is causative
Intermittent allergic rhinitis is
less than 4 days a week or less than 4 weeks
Persistent allergic rhinitis is
more than 4 days a week or more than 4 weeks
Mild allergic rhinitis is
symptoms not troublesome: normal sleep, daily activities, sport, leisure, work
Moderate allergic rhinitis is
Troublesome symptons: One or more of: disturbed sleep, daily activities, sports, leisure, work
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis
Rhinnorhea, Nasal Congestion, Nasal itching, Teary eyes, Photophobia, Sneezing
Refer allergic rhinitis in
Wheeze, Asthma attacks, Tight Chest, SOB, ADR, Pain in face/ear, Purulent Conjuctivitis, 5 days no improvement
Management of allergic rhinitis
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Steroid Nasal Sprays
- Sodium Cromoglicate
- Topical Antihistamines
Name non-sedating anti-histamines with ages
Acrivastine (>12)
Cetetizine (>6)
Loratidine (>2)
Name sedating anti-histamines with half lives
Promethazine (8-12h)
Diphenhydramine (5-8h)
Name less sedating anti-histamines
Chlorphenamine (tolerance to sedation)
What counselling is there for Azelastine
keep head upright
Give examples of steroid nasal spray used in allergic rhinitis
Beclometasone (beconase)
Fluticasone
Contraindications for steroid nasal spray
Glaucoma, Pregnancy, Under 18
Sodium Cromoglicate eye drops should not be used in
wearers of soft contact lenses
Give an example of a topical antihistamine used allergic rhinitis
Azelastine (Rhinolast) nasal spray
What counselling is there for Azelastine
keep head upright
Describe minor mouth ulcers
Describe major mouth ulcers
> 10mm
Management of mouth ulcers
- Chlorhexidine mouthwash
- Topical corticosteroids
- Local analgesic
- Local anaesthetic
Behcets syndrome recognised by
Involvement of other sites: vulva, vagina, eyes. With genital ulceration and iritis
Causes of Erythema multiforme
infection or drugs: sulphonamides/barbiturates
Mouth ulcers caused by
Asprin, NSAIDs, Cytotoxics, Sulphasazaline, radiotherapy, feverfew (herbal),
Iron/Folate/Zinc/Vitamin B12 deficiency
Refer mouth ulcers when
Mucous membrane involved, ADR, Illness Diarrhoea, Weight loss, One week of treatment failure, Rash, Three weeks not better
Symptoms associated with heartburn
Pain in back/arms, Dysphagia, Regurgitation
Counselling with Chlorhexidine gluconate mouth wash
side effect is teeth stain so brush teeth before but leave 10 minute gap before using mouthwash
Give examples of topical corticosteroids used in mouth ulcers
Hydrocortisone buccal tablets and Triamcinolone (kenocort) paste
Give examples of local analgesics used in mouth ulcers
Benzydamine mouthwash/spray
Choline Salicylate Dental Gel (Bonjela)
Give examples of local anaesthetics used in mouth ulcers
Lidocaine/Benzocaine (orajel)
Symptoms associated with heartburn
Pain in back/arms, Dysphagia, Regurgitation
Cause of heartburn
Too much fatty food, obesity, posture, clothing tight, pregnancy, smoking, caffeine, chocolate, alcohol
Which medicines can cause heartburn
Anticholinergics (eg TCA, CaCB)
Refer Heartburn if
Pain in arms, Severe heartburn, Children, One week not better or OTC failure, Regurgitation, Dysphagia
Name some alginates
sodium and potassium bicarbonate
Give names and duration of treatment of H2 antagonists
Famotidine (6 days)
Ranitidine (14 days)
Symptoms of IBS
Lower abdominal pain, increased frequency of poo, alternating constipation and diarrhoea
Rabbit/pencil like poo, mucous in stools, bloating, nausea, backache, lathargy
Name OTC Proton Pump Inhibitor and warning
Omeprazole 10mg od increase to 20mg if symptoms return
Don’t take with H2. Avoid in pregnancy. Can give false negative helicobacter breath test.
Refer Heartburn if
Pain in arms, Severe heartburn, Children, One week not better or OTC failure, Regurgitation, Dysphagia
Symptoms of gastric ulcer
Dull upper right hand side abdominal pain
Pointable
Even when stomach empty
Symptoms of gallstones
Pain in right rib margin or upper abdomen
Symptoms of IBS
Lower abdominal pain, alternating constipation and diarrhoea
Symptoms of atypical angina
mid chest pain
Antacids decrease the absorption of
Tetracyclines, Azithromycin, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Ciprofloxacin, Dipyridamole, Norfloxacin, Rifampacin, Zalcitabine, ACEI, Phenothiazines, Gabapentin, Phenytoin
Cause of indigestion
Excess food, alcohol, smoking
Drugs causative of indigestion
NSAID, Iron, Aspirin
When to refer indigestion
Blood, Recurring indigestion, Angina, Weight loss, ADR, Vomiting, IBS, Nausea, Gallstones, Children, Ulcer, Failed otc 5 days, First time >45yo
Management of indigestion
- Aluminium/Magnesium salts
- Sodium Bicarbonate
- Calcium Carbonate
- H2 antagonists
- Domperidone POM
Drugs which interact with antacids
- EC (so take 1hr before antacid)
- Antacids decrease absorption of: Tetracyclines, Azithromycin, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Ciprofloxacin, Dipyridamole, Norfloxacin, Rifampacin, Zalcitabine, ACEI, Phenothiazines, Gabapentin, Phenytoin
- Decrease in Iron absorption so take at different time
- Sodium Bicarbonate interacts with Lithium (decreased Li)
Milk alkali syndrome causes
Cause by Calcium Carbonate and Sodium Carbonate
Symptoms of milk alkali syndrome
Nausea, Vomiting, Anorexia, Headache, Confusion
Problems with milk alkali syndrome
Hypercalcaemia, Metabolic alkalosis, Renal insufficiency
Give 3 examples and details of Antihistamines for motion sickness
- Cinnarazine (>5)
- Promethazine (>5)
- Meclozine (>2yo)over 2yo. Take night before or 1 hr before, half life 24 hours. 25mg adult, 12.5mg in 2-12yo
Drugs causing Nausea and Vomiting
Aspirin, NSAIDS, Antibiotics (eg. doxycycline), Oestrogen, Steroids, Analgesics, Narcotics
Refer nausea and vomiting if
Smelly poo, History of chronic N&V, Elderly, Digoxin, 2 days or more, Under 2 years, Blood in vomit
Management of nausea and vomitting
Rehydration only
Dose and instructions for Promethazine
25mg in over 10
12.5 in 5 - 10 yo
Take night before or 1 hour before travel
Give 3 examples and details of Antihistamines
- Cinnarazine (>5)
- Promethazine (>5) Take night before or 1hr before, half life 24 hours. 25mg in over 10. 12.5mg in 5-10yo
- Meclozine: over 2yo. Take night before or 1 hr before, half life 24 hours. 25mg adult, 12.5mg in 2-12yo
Half life of cinnarazine
8 hours
Dose and instructions of cinnarazine
30mg adult, 15mg children. 2 hour before travel
Half life of Promethazine
24 hours
Dose and instructions for Promethazine
25mg in over 10
12.5 in 5 - 10 yo
Take night before or 1 hour before travel
Half life of Meclozine
24 hours
Dose and instructions of Meclozine
25mg adult
12.5mg in 2 - 12 yo
Take night before or 1 hour before travel
Anticholinergics contraindicated in
Prostatic hypertrophy, Glaucoma
Example of Anticholinergics for motion sickness
Hyoscine Hydrobromide (>3yo)
Dose and instructions for Hyoscine Hydrobromide
4-7 yo: 150micrograms
7-12 yo: 150-300micrograms
Adults: 300micrograms
Take 20min before travelling
Half life of Hyoscine Hydrobromide
6 hours
Side effects of Anticholinergics
Drowsiness, Blurred vision, Dry mouth, Constipation, Urinary retention
Drugs which cause constipation
Codeine, Aluminium, Hyoscine, Phenytoin, TCA, SSRI, Chlorphenamine, Promethazine, Clonidie, Methyldopa, Levodopa, Propanolol, Bendroflumethiazide, Chlorpromazine, MAOI
Symptoms of constipation
Abdominal discomfort, bloating, nausea, obstruction
Symptoms of piles
Discomfort while pooing, bleeding, constipation
Symptoms of anal fissure
Severe pain while pooing, less bleeding, constipation
Refer constipation when
Blood, One week otc failure, Bloating, Children, ADR, Pain severe, Two weeks of symptoms, Vomiting
Drugs which cause constipation
Codeine, Aluminium, Hyoscine, Phenytoin, TCA, SSRI, Chlorphenamine, Promethazine, Clonidie, Methyldopa, Levodopa, Propanolol, Bendroflumethiazide, Chlorpromazine, MAOI
Management of constipation
- Stimulant laxatives
- Bulk laxatives
- Osmotic laxatives
Give examples and counselling of stimulant laxatives
Bisacodyl EC - do not crush/chew
Docusate - works in 12 days
Can cause cramps/pain
Management of constipation in elderly
Bulk laxatives
Caution: Increase fluid otherwise obstruction
Give examples and counselling for osmotic laxatives
Lactulose (2days for affect) can cause farting, cramps and discomfort Epsom salts (2days for affect) overuse = dehydration Glycerin suppositories (1hr for affect) can cause anal discomfort
Management of constipation in children
Increase fibre
Increase water
Then glycerin suppository
Management of constipation in pregnancy
Increase fibre
Increase water
Bulk laxatives
Stimulant laxatives contraindicated in
pregnancy
Management of constipation in elderly
Bulk laxatives
Caution: Increase fluid otherwise obstruction
When selling laxatives, watch out for
abuse for weight loss purpose
Symptoms of diarrhoea
Watery/rapid stool, cramp, flatulence, weakness, malaise, nausea, vomiting, fever
Cold, cough, vomiting and diarrhoea in babies could be
Rotavirus deactivating the stomach enzymes from digesting food
Name some bacteria causing diarrhoea
Staphylococcus Campylobacter (poultry) Salmonella (eggs) Shigella (bacillary dysentry) Escherichia Coli (renal failure) Bacillus Cereus Listeria Monocytogenes (+flu leads to sepsis/meningitis)
Which antibiotic is effective against Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter?
Ciprofloxacin
Possible cause of chronic diarrhoea
IBS, Tumour, Inflammation (UC/Crohns)
General counselling with diarrhoea
- Increase water intake
- No milk
- Normal diet
- Children can continue milk and breast-feeding
Refer diarrhoea when
1 day - 1 year old
2 days - 2/3 year old
3 days - everyone else
Travel, Vomiting, Fever, ADR, Change in bowel habit, Blood/mucous in stool, pregnancy
Management of diarrhoea
- ORT
- Loperamide (>12)
- Diphenoxylate/Atropine (Co-phenotrope) (>12)
- Kaolin (rare)
- (not) Morphine because OTC conc not affective
What is the dose of ORT
Under 1: 50ml
1-5: 100ml
6-12: 200ml
Adult: 400ml
Management of IBS
- Antispasmodics
- Bulking agents
- Antidiarrhoeals (loperamide)
General counselling with diarrhoea
- Increase water intake
- No milk
- Normal diet
- Children can continue milk and breast-feeding
What to avoid in IBS
Caffeine, Milk, Chocolate, Onions, Garlic, Chives, Sorbitol, Fructose, Leeks
When to refer IBS
Children, Obstruction of bowel, Pregnancy, >45, Blood, Unexplained weight loss, First time, Failed medication
Non-drug management of IBS
Relaxation techniques (may be a link to stress) Increase fibre (oats) Reduce sugar and fat
Peppermint Oil contraindicated in
Children, sufferers of heartburn
Antispasmodics contraindicated in
Paralytic ileus
Give examples and doses of antispasmodics
Alverine citrate 1-2 td with water
Peppermint Oil 2td, 15-30 min before food
Mebeverine 1td, 20 min before food
Counselling with Peppermint
Do not chew
Side effects of peppermint oil
rash, headache, tremor
Peppermint Oil contraindicated in
Children, sufferers of heartburn
Mebeverine contraindicated in
Counselling with Alverine citrate
Do not chew
Counselling with Peppermint
Do not chew
First degree haemorrhoids are
confined to the anal canal
can not be seen
Second degree haemorrhoids are
Prolapse while pooing
Third degree haemorrhoids are
persistently prolapsed
Symptoms of haemorrhoids
Pain, irritation, bleeding, constipation, change in bowel habit
Increased likelihood in pregnancy
Refer haemorrhoids when
3 weeks or more, ADR, Blood, Change in bowel habit, Pain, Vomiting, Warfarin (+blood)
Name astringents used in haemorrhoids
Zinc oxide
Witch hazel (hamamelis)
Bismuth salts
act by forming a layer
Name an antiseptic used in haemorrhoids
Resorcinol
Name skin protectants
Zinc
Kaolin
Name a counterirrittant used in haemorrhoids
Menthol
Phenol
Name steroids used for haemorrhoids and information
Hydrocortison (>18) for seven days use. Reduced inflammation = less pain and itching
Name astringents
Zinc oxide
Witch hazel (hamamelis)
Bismuth salts
act by forming a layer
Name an antiseptic used in haemorrhoids
Resorcinol
Cause of haemorrhoids
Diet, sedentary lifestyle, pregnancy, genetic, constipating drugs
Name a laxative used in haemorrhoids
Senna (stimulant) 1-2 days
Bulk laxative if patient can not adjust diet
Counselling in haemorrhoids
Increase hygiene and washing/bathing
Try not to itch
Counselling with suppositories/ointment/cream used in haemorrhoids
Use morning, night and at bowel movement
Cause of haemorrhoids
Diet, sedentary lifestyle, pregnancy, genetic, constipating drugs
Distribution of eczema in babies
Nappy, Neck, back of scalp, face, creases of limb
Distribution of eczema in white kids
Back of knee, inside elbow, wrist, hands, neck, ankles, around eyes
Distribution of eczema in black/Asian kids
Extensor surfaces and follicular appearance
Distribution of eczema in adults
Neck, groin, back of hands, anus, ankles
Management of Eczema
- Emollients
- Topical corticosteroids
- Antipruritics
Aggravating factors of eczema
Hayfever, dust, soap, stress, milk, food colouring, wool, antiseptic detergents
Associated conditions to eczema
Asthma
Hayfever
Family History
OTC hydrocortisone is contraindicated when
skin is infected (eg athelete’s foot, cold sore, acne)
Give examples of antipruritics
Calamine, Crotamiton (Eurax), Crotamiton+Hydrocortisone (Eurax HC)
Management of Eczema
- Emollients
Counselling for emollients used for eczema
Use as soap and moisturiser
Which topical corticosteroids can be used for eczema
Hydrocortisone (>10) for seven days
Clobetasone 0.05% (>12) for atopic eczema, primary irritant or allergic dermatitis and exclude seborrhoeic dermatitis
OTC hydrocortisone is contraindicated when
skin is infected (eg athelete’s foot, cold sore, acne)
Symptoms of Rosacea
Red, papules, pustules only on face
Drugs causing Acne
Lithium, Phenytoin, Progestogens, Levonogestrel, Norethisterone as COCs
Refer Acne when
Severe, ADR, Failure treatment after Eight weeks,
Acne often occurs in
Teenage years, Pregnancy
Which antibiotics are used for Acne
Tetracycline: monocycline (Sumycin) Topical erythromycin (akne-mycin)
Symptoms of Rosacea
Red, papules, pustules only on face
Counselling in Acne
No link to diet, hygiene, sunlight
Make up aggravates acne so used water based