Pharamcology

Question 1

Aspirin Pharmacology

Answer 1

An analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet aggregation agent
Actions:
* To minimise platelet aggregation and thrombus formation in order to retard
the progression of coronary artery thrombosis in ACS
* Inhibits synthesis of prostaglandins - anti-inflammatory actions

Question 2

Adrenaline Pharmacology

Answer 2

A naturally occurring alpha and beta-adrenergic stimulant Actions:
* Increases HR by increasing SA node firing rate (Beta 1)
* Increases conduction velocity through the A-V node (Beta 1)
* Increases myocardial contractility (Beta 1)
* Increases the irritability of the ventricles (Beta 1)
* Causes bronchodilatation (Beta 2)
* Causes peripheral vasoconstriction (Alpha)

Question 3

Ceftriaxone Pharmacology

Answer 3

Cephalosporin antibiotic

Question 4

Dextrose 10% Pharmacology

Answer 4

An isotonic crystalloid solution Composition:
* Sugar – 5% dextrose * Water
Actions:
* Provides a small source of energy
* Supplies body water

Question 5

Droperidol Pharmacology

Answer 5

Dopamine antagonist – antipsychotic medication with sedative effects. Also blocks α-adrenoceptors

Question 6

Fentanyl Pharmacology

Answer 6

A synthetic opioid analgesic Actions:
CNS effects:
* Depression – leading to analgesia
* Respiratory depression – leading to apnoea
* Dependence (addiction)
Cardiovascular effects:
* Decreases conduction velocity through the A-V node

Question 7

Glucagon Pharmacology

Answer 7

A hormone normally secreted by the pancreas
Actions:
* Causes an increase in blood glucose concentration by converting stored
liver glycogen to glucose

Question 8

GTN Pharmacology

Answer 8

Organic nitrate – relaxes vascular smooth muscle

Venodilaton promotes venous pooling and reduces venous return to the heart (reduces preload)

Arteriodilation reduces systemic vascular resistance and arterial pressure (reduces afterload)

Effects include:
*Reduced myocardial O2 demand

*Reduced systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure, whilst usually maintaining
coronary perfusion pressure

*Mild collateral coronary artery dilation may improve blood supply to ischaemic areas of myocardium

*Mild tachycardia secondary to slight fall in BP

*Pretermlabour: uterine quiescence inpregnancy

Question 9

Ipratroprium Bromide Pharmacology

Answer 9

Anticholinergic bronchodilator

Actions:
* Allows bronchodilatation by inhibiting cholinergic bronchomotor tone (i.e.
blocks vagal reflexes which mediate bronchoconstriction)

Question 10

Ketamine Side Pharmacology

Answer 10

Anaesthetic agent with analgesic properties at lower doses.

Exact mechanism of action is unclear, but primarily works as an antagonist at N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Ketamine may also interact with opioid, muscarinic and other receptors. Produces a trance-like dissociative state with amnesia, with preservation of laryngeal and pharyngeal reflexes.

Question 11

Methoxyflurane Pharmacology

Answer 11

Inhaled anaesthetic–produces analgesia at low concentrations, however the exact mode of action is unknown

Question 12

Naloxone Pharmacology

Answer 12

An opioid antagonist
Actions:
* Prevents or reverses the effects of opioids

Question 13

Normal Saline Pharmacology

Answer 13

An isotonic crystalloid solution

Composition:
* Electrolytes (sodium and chloride in a similar concentration to that of extracellular fluid)

Action:
* Increases the volume of the intravascular compartment

Question 14

Prochlorperazine Pharmacology

Answer 14

Dopamine antagonist – antiemetic effects are primarily due to D2 receptor blockade.

Also acts on other neurotransmitter systems including histaminic, cholinergic and α-adrenergic receptors

Question 15

Salbutamol Pharmacology

Answer 15

A synthetic beta adrenergic stimulant with primarily beta 2 effects

Actions:
* Causes bronchodilatation

Question 16

Lignocaine 1% Pharmacology

Answer 16

Sodium channel blocker – interrupts impulse conduction in peripheral nerves and stabilises excitable cell membranes

Question 17

Midazolam Pharmacology

Answer 17

Short acting CNS depressant (benzodiazapine)

Actions:
* Anxiolytic
* Sedative
* Anti-convulsant

Question 18

Ondansetron Pharmacology

Answer 18

5-HT3antagonist–exactmodeofactionisnotfullyunderstood.
Release of serotonin (5-HT) is thought to trigger a vomiting reflex in both the peripheral (GIT) and central nervous system.

Question 19

Paracetamol Pharmacology

Answer 19

Analgesic and antipyretic – exact mechanism of action is unclear; thought to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis in the CNS

Question 20

Dexamethasone Pharmacology

Answer 20

A corticosteroid secreted by the adrenal cortex

Actions:
* Relieves inflammatory reactions
* Provides immunosuppression

Question 21

Hydrocortisone Pharmacology

Answer 21

Corticosteroid with approximately equal glucocorticoid and mineralcorticoid effects

Question 22

Olanzapine Pharmacology

Answer 22

Atypical antipsychotic – antagonist at multiple receptor sites, particularly serotonin (5-HT), dopamine, and histamine

Question 23

Oxytocin Pharmacology

Answer 23

Synthetic pituitary hormone–stimulates uterine muscle contraction. Uterine atony is the most common cause of PPPH

Question 24

Morphine Pharmacology

Answer 24

An opioid analgesic
Actions:
CNS effects:
— Depression (leading to analgesia)
— Respiratory depression
— Depression of cough reflex
— Stimulation (changes of mood, euphoria or dysphoria, vomiting, pin- point pupils)
— Dependence (addiction)

Cardiovascular effects:
— Vasodilatation
— Decreases conduction velocity through the A-V Node