Pharm GI Flashcards
SBA: What legislative act primarily governs the control of poisons in the UK?
Answer: The Poisons Act 1972.
SBA: What was the purpose of the Deregulation Act 2015 in relation to the Poisons Act?
Answer: To respond to terrorism threats by introducing ‘regulated’ and ‘reportable’ substances.
SBA: What is required to supply regulated substances under the Poisons Act?
Answer: An Explosives Precursors and Poisons (EPP) licence or a recognised non-GB licence.
SBA: How must poisons be stored in retail premises?
Answer: In a cupboard or drawer reserved solely for poisons or partitioned from accessible areas.
SBA: What is the reporting timeframe for suspicious transactions involving reportable substances?
Answer: Within 24 hours.
SBA: Which organisation enforces the Poisons Act 1972?
Answer: The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
SBA: What is completely denatured alcohol (CDA) primarily used for?
Answer: Heating, lighting, cleaning, and general domestic use.
SBA: What is the mechanism of action of industrial denatured alcohol (IDA)?
Answer: Not for consumption; used in manufacturing (e.g., hand sanitizers).
SBA: What label must be included on chemicals classified as hazardous under GB CLP regulations?
Answer: Hazard pictograms, signal words, and precautionary statements.
SBA: Which category under drug precursor regulations includes substances like piperonal used to produce methamphetamine?
Answer: Category 1.
EMQ: Match the poison classification to its description.
Regulated substances: Require EPP licences for specific activities.
Reportable substances: Require monitoring and reporting of suspicious transactions.
Exempt substances: Medicinal and veterinary products.
EMQ: Match the requirement to its regulated substance.
Record of purchase:
Report suspicious transactions:
Storage:
Record of purchase: Name and address of purchaser, quantity, and purpose.
Report suspicious transactions: Within 24 hours to authorities.
Storage: Partitioned storage inaccessible to customers.
EMQ: Match the class of denatured alcohol to its use.
Completely denatured alcohol (CDA): General domestic use.
Industrial denatured alcohol (IDA): Manufacture of hand sanitizers.
Trade-specific denatured alcohol (TSDA): Industry-specific applications.
EMQ: Match the hazard classification to its example
Physical hazard: Flammable liquid.
Health hazard: Carcinogenic substances.
Environmental hazard: Harmful to aquatic life.
EMQ: Match the chemical regulatory requirement to its description.
Labelling: Signal words, hazard pictograms, and precautionary statements.
Safety Data Sheets: Provided to purchasers of hazardous chemicals.
Packaging: Child-resistant fastenings and tactile warnings.
What are the key requirements for the sale and supply of regulated poisons?
Answer: Must be sold through lawful retail pharmacy businesses under pharmacist supervision, with a record of purchaser details and purpose.
Describe the classification of denatured alcohols and their use cases.
Answer:
CDA: Heating, lighting, and cleaning.
IDA: Manufacturing (e.g., hand sanitizers).
TSDA: Trade-specific purposes. (2 marks)
What are the labelling requirements for hazardous chemicals under GB CLP?
Answer: Must include hazard pictograms, signal words (‘Warning’ or ‘Danger’), and precautionary statements. (2 marks)
Explain the reporting obligations for suspicious transactions involving reportable substances.
Answer: Suspicious transactions must be reported within 24 hours to the anti-terrorism hotline (0800 789321) or local authorities. (2 marks)
List two examples of drug precursors and their potential misuse.
Answer:
Piperonal (used to produce methamphetamine).
Acetic anhydride (used to produce heroin). (2 marks)
SBA: What are the four main functions of the gastrointestinal (GI) system?
Answer: Ingestion, digestion, absorption, and elimination.
SBA: What is the function of the pyloric sphincter in the stomach?
Answer: It prevents backflow of intestinal contents and regulates chyme movement into the small intestine.
SBA: What enzyme is secreted by the salivary glands for carbohydrate digestion?
Answer: Amylase.
SBA: What is the primary function of bile salts in digestion?
Answer: Emulsification of fats for absorption.
SBA: Which structure in the small intestine is specialized for nutrient absorption?
Answer: Villi.
SBA: What is the role of parietal cells in the stomach?
Answer: Secretion of hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor.
SBA: What is the function of the enteric nervous system in the GI tract?
Answer: Regulates GI motility and secretion independently of the central nervous system.
SBA: What is the primary role of goblet cells in the intestines?
Answer: Secretion of mucus to protect the intestinal lining.
SBA: What triggers the cephalic phase of digestion?
Answer: Sensory stimuli such as the sight, smell, or thought of food.
SBA: Which hormone stimulates the gallbladder to contract and release bile?
Answer: Cholecystokinin (CCK).
EMQ: Match the GI structure to its primary function.
Stomach: Protein digestion via pepsin.
Small intestine: Nutrient and water absorption.
Large intestine: Water and electrolyte absorption.
EMQ: Match the GI secretion to its function.
Bicarbonate: Neutralizes stomach acid in the duodenum.
Pepsinogen: Converted to pepsin for protein digestion.
Intrinsic factor: Facilitates vitamin B12 absorption.
EMQ: Match the accessory organ to its contribution.
Liver: Bile production for fat digestion.
Pancreas: Secretion of digestive enzymes and bicarbonate.
Gallbladder: Storage and concentration of bile.
EMQ: Match the motility type to its description.
Peristalsis: Propels food forward through the GI tract.
Segmentation: Mixes chyme and digestive enzymes in the intestines.
Gastrocolic reflex: Triggers mass movement in the large intestine.
EMQ: Match the immune defense to its mechanism.
M cells: Transport antigens to immune cells in Peyer’s patches.
Lysozyme: Breaks down bacterial cell walls in saliva.
Gastric acid: Kills ingested pathogens.
What are the main anatomical regions of the GI tract?
Answer: Mouth, oral cavity, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum), large intestine, rectum, and anus. (2 marks)
Describe the key roles of the stomach in digestion.
Answer:
Secretes gastric acid and enzymes for protein digestion.
Mixes food into chyme using peristaltic movements.
Secretes intrinsic factor for vitamin B12 absorption. (2 marks)
What are the accessory organs of digestion, and what do they contribute?
Answer:
Liver: Produces bile.
Pancreas: Secretes digestive enzymes and bicarbonate.
Gallbladder: Stores and concentrates bile. (2 marks)
Explain the role of the enteric nervous system in regulating digestion.
Answer: Controls GI motility, secretion, and local reflexes independently of the CNS. (2 marks)
What protective mechanisms exist in the GI tract to prevent damage?
Answer:
Mucus secretion protects the lining.
Gastric acid kills pathogens.
Immune cells in Peyer’s patches initiate immune responses. (2 marks)
SBA: What is the primary site of drug absorption in the GI tract?
Answer: Small intestine.
SBA: What enzyme digests carbohydrates into monosaccharides?
Answer: Amylase.
SBA: What condition is caused by decreased lactase activity?
Answer: Lactose intolerance.
SBA: What is the primary mechanism for passive diffusion of drugs across membranes?
Answer: Movement down the concentration gradient.
SBA: Which vitamins are absorbed with dietary fats?
Answer: Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).
SBA: What is the role of bile salts in fat digestion?
Answer: Emulsify lipids to form micelles for absorption.
SBA: What percentage of an acidic drug is unionized in the stomach (pH 1.5)?
Answer: Approximately 100%.
SBA: Which transporters mediate active absorption of hydrophilic drugs?
Answer: Organic anion and cation transporters (OATs and OCTs).
SBA: What determines the ionization of a drug in the GI tract?
Answer: The pH of the GI tract and the pKa of the drug.
SBA: What is the pharmacokinetic measure of oral drug absorption efficiency?
Answer: Bioavailability (F).
EMQ: Match the macronutrient to its site of absorption.
Carbohydrates: Small intestine (as monosaccharides).
Proteins: Small intestine (as amino acids and di/tri-peptides).
Fats: Small intestine (as fatty acids and monoglycerides).
EMQ: Match the factor to its effect on drug absorption.
Gastric emptying rate: Faster emptying increases absorption.
Presence of food: Can delay absorption of some drugs.
First-pass metabolism: Reduces bioavailability of some drugs.
EMQ: Match the nutrient to its absorption process.
Glucose: Sodium-glucose transporter (SGLT).
Fructose: GLUT5 transporter.
Vitamin B12: Requires intrinsic factor for absorption in the ileum.
EMQ: Match the GI pH to its drug absorption effect.
Stomach (pH 1.5): Favors absorption of weak acids.
Small intestine (pH 5.3-6): Optimal for weak bases.
Blood (pH 7.4): Maintains equilibrium for drug distribution.
EMQ: Match the digestion aid to its role.
Bile salts: Emulsify fats into micelles.
Pancreatic enzymes: Breakdown carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Mucosal enzymes: Final breakdown of disaccharides and peptides.
Describe the absorption process of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the GI tract.
Answer:
Carbohydrates: Broken into monosaccharides by amylase; glucose absorbed via SGLT2.
Proteins: Digested to amino acids and di/tri-peptides by proteases; absorbed via sodium-dependent transporters.
Fats: Emulsified by bile salts, digested by lipase into fatty acids/monoglycerides, absorbed via micelles. (3 marks)
What factors affect passive drug diffusion in the GI tract?
Answer:
Drug concentration gradient.
Lipid solubility of the drug.
Membrane thickness and surface area. (2 marks)
Explain the role of pH in drug absorption in different parts of the GI tract.
Answer:
Acidic drugs: Absorbed in the stomach.
Basic drugs: Absorbed in the small intestine.
Ionization depends on pKa and local pH. (2 marks)
What are the advantages of oral drug absorption?
Answer:
Large surface area of the small intestine.
Rich vascularization.
Long dwell time in the tract. (2 marks)
What is bioavailability, and how is it calculated?
Answer: The proportion of the administered dose that reaches systemic circulation; calculated as AUC (oral)/AUC (IV). (1 mark)
SBA: What is the main role of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) in the GI tract?
Answer: Provides immune defense by stimulating IgA production and modulating inflammatory responses.
SBA: What is the primary function of bile salts in preventing GI infections?
Answer: Disrupt microbial membranes and aid in the elimination of pathogens.
SBA: Which bacterial pathogen is associated with pseudomembranous colitis?
Answer: Clostridium difficile.
Answer: Clostridium difficile.
Answer: Causes electrolyte and fluid loss, leading to watery diarrhea.
SBA: Which gut flora disruption is commonly caused by tetracycline use?
Answer: Microbiota dysbiosis.
SBA: Which component of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in Gram-negative bacteria is responsible for endotoxin activity?
Answer: Lipid A.
SBA: What is the first-line treatment for mild-to-moderate C. difficile infection?
Answer: Oral vancomycin.
SBA: What is the primary mechanism by which probiotics support gut health?
Answer: Compete with pathogens for colonization sites and enhance mucosal immunity.
SBA: Which diagnostic method detects C. difficile toxins in stool samples?
Answer: PCR-based assays.
SBA: What is the primary risk factor for C. difficile infection?
Answer: Prolonged use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.
EMQ: Match the pathogen to its associated infection.
Vibrio cholerae: Severe watery diarrhea (“rice-water stools”).
Clostridium difficile: Pseudomembranous colitis.
Norovirus: Acute viral gastroenteritis.
EMQ: Match the bacterial toxin to its mechanism of action.
Enterotoxin A: Disrupts tight junctions and causes cytoskeleton disruption.
Pore-forming toxin: Causes leakage of cellular contents.
Superantigen toxin: Overactivates T cells, leading to cytokine storm.
EMQ: Match the GI microbiota function to its description.
Structural function: Enhances the epithelial barrier lining.
Metabolic function: Synthesizes vitamins and ferments dietary fibers.
Protective function: Colonization resistance and immune activation.
EMQ: Match the treatment to its GI infection severity.
Mild C. difficile infection: Oral vancomycin.
Recurrent C. difficile infection: Oral fidaxomicin.
Life-threatening C. difficile infection: Oral vancomycin plus IV metronidazole.
EMQ: Match the toxin type to its properties.
Exotoxin: Heat-labile, secreted by living bacteria.
Endotoxin: Heat-stable, part of Gram-negative bacterial cell wall.
What are the key pathophysiological features of Clostridium difficile infection?
Answer:
Disruption of gut microbiota allows colonization by C. difficile.
Toxins A and B damage epithelial cells, leading to increased permeability, inflammation, and diarrhea.
Severe cases cause pseudomembranous colitis and toxic megacolon. (2 marks)
What are the primary risk factors for C. difficile infection?
Answer:
Prolonged broad-spectrum antibiotic use.
Hospitalization.
Advanced age or immunosuppression. (2 marks)
What diagnostic methods are used to confirm C. difficile infection?
Answer:
Stool PCR for toxin genes.
Detection of toxins A and B using immunoassays.
Colonoscopy to identify pseudomembranes in severe cases. (2 marks)
Describe the treatment options for mild-to-moderate and severe C. difficile infections.
Answer:
Mild-to-moderate: Oral vancomycin or fidaxomicin.
Severe: Oral vancomycin with IV metronidazole.
Discontinue causative antibiotics when possible. (2 marks)
What preventive measures can reduce the risk of GI infections?
Answer:
Judicious use of antibiotics.
Hand hygiene and infection control in healthcare settings.
Probiotics in high-risk patients (controversial). (2 marks)
SBA: What is the primary cause of GORD?
Answer: Weakening or relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter.
SBA: What is the main risk factor for GORD?
Answer: Obesity.
SBA: What is the first-line pharmacological treatment for GORD?
Answer: Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI).
SBA: Which symptom requires urgent referral in GORD?
Answer: Unintentional weight loss.
SBA: What is the mechanism of action of PPIs?
Answer: Irreversible inhibition of the H+/K+ ATPase pump in gastric parietal cells.
SBA: What is the role of H2 receptor antagonists in GORD management?
Answer: Reduce gastric acid secretion by blocking histamine H2 receptors.
SBA: Which bacterium is most commonly associated with peptic ulcer disease?
Answer: Helicobacter pylori.
SBA: What is the key diagnostic test for H. pylori infection?
Answer: Carbon-13 urea breath test.
SBA: What antibiotics are commonly used in first-line triple therapy for H. pylori eradication?
Answer: Amoxicillin and clarithromycin.
SBA: What is a potential side effect of long-term PPI use?
Answer: Risk of fractures.
EMQ: Match the pharmacological therapy to its role in GORD management.
PPI: First-line therapy for reducing acid secretion.
H2RA: Alternative therapy when PPI is inadequate.
Antacids: Immediate symptom relief.
EMQ: Match the condition to the diagnostic test.
GORD: Clinical diagnosis based on symptoms.
H. pylori: Urea breath test.
Peptic ulcer: Endoscopy.
EMQ: Match the treatment regimen to the condition.
GORD with red flag symptoms: Refer for endoscopy.
H. pylori eradication: Triple therapy with PPI and two antibiotics.
NSAID-induced ulcer: Discontinue NSAID and start PPI.
EMQ: Match the complication to its cause.
Perforation: Peptic ulcer eroding through the stomach lining.
Gastrointestinal bleeding: Erosion of blood vessels at the ulcer site.
Gastric obstruction: Inflammation or scarring blocking food passage.
EMQ: Match the antibiotic to its key consideration in H. pylori treatment.
Clarithromycin: Avoid if recent macrolide use.
Metronidazole: Avoid alcohol due to disulfiram-like reaction.
Tetracycline: Avoid in children under 12 years old.
What are the key diagnostic methods for GORD, peptic ulcers, and H. pylori infection?
Answer:
GORD: Based on clinical symptoms, endoscopy for red flags.
Peptic ulcers: Endoscopy and urea breath test if H. pylori suspected.
H. pylori: Carbon-13 urea breath test or stool antigen test. (2 marks)
Outline the lifestyle modifications recommended for GORD management.
Answer:
Weight loss.
Avoid triggers like alcohol, coffee, and fatty foods.
Eat smaller, frequent meals and avoid eating before bedtime.
Elevate the head of the bed. (2 marks)
Describe the first-line pharmacological treatments for GORD and peptic ulcers.
Answer:
GORD: PPI for 4-8 weeks, H2RA if PPI ineffective.
Peptic ulcers: PPI or H2RA therapy, with eradication of H. pylori if present. (2 marks)
What are the complications of untreated peptic ulcers?
Answer:
Bleeding, perforation, gastric obstruction, and risk of peritonitis or sepsis. (2 marks)
What is the triple therapy for H. pylori eradication?
Answer: PPI + amoxicillin + clarithromycin or metronidazole for 7-14 days. (2 marks)
SBA: What is the main advantage of granules over powders in tablet formulation?
Answer: Granules have better flowability and uniformity.
SBA: What is the function of a filler in tablet formulations?
Answer: Provides sufficient bulk volume for compression.
SBA: Which excipient improves the flow of powders during tableting?
SBA: Which excipient improves the flow of powders during tableting?
SBA: What is the role of a disintegrant in a tablet?
Answer: Facilitates tablet breakup to release the active ingredient.
SBA: Which process involves the removal of void spaces during tablet compression?
Answer: Compression.
SBA: What is the purpose of wetting agents in tablet formulations?
Answer: Enhance water uptake and improve disintegration.
SBA: What is the most common lubricant used in tablet manufacturing?
Answer: Magnesium stearate.
SBA: What is capping during the tableting process?
Answer: Separation of the upper segment of a tablet from the main body.
SBA: What is the Heckel plot used to evaluate in tablet formulation?
Answer: The compressibility and deformation properties of a powder.
SBA: What causes mottling in tablet formulations?
Answer: Unequal distribution of colorants or dye migration during drying.
EMQ: Match the excipient to its role in tablet formulation.
Filler: Lactose, adds bulk for compression.
Binder: PVP or starch, provides cohesiveness.
Disintegrant: Croscarmellose sodium, promotes tablet breakup.
EMQ: Match the tablet defect to its cause.
Capping: Improper compression settings.
Sticking: Insufficient lubrication.
Mottling: Uneven dye distribution.
EMQ: Match the compaction step to its description.
Compression: Reduction in bulk volume by removing air.
Consolidation: Formation of interparticulate bonds.
Decompression: Pressure release during tablet ejection.
EMQ: Match the type of granulation to its description.
Wet granulation: Involves a liquid binder.
Dry granulation: Compresses powder without liquid.
Direct compression: Uses pre-compressed excipients.
EMQ: Match the additive to its purpose.
Antioxidant: Prevents drug oxidation (e.g., ascorbic acid).
Buffer: Maintains pH (e.g., sodium bicarbonate).
Sweetener: Improves taste (e.g., aspartame).
What are the main processes in tablet manufacture?
Answer: Compression (reducing bulk volume), consolidation (forming interparticulate bonds), and ejection (removing tablets from the die). (2 marks)
Describe the functions of three common excipients used in tablets.
Answer:
Filler: Provides bulk for compression (e.g., lactose).
Disintegrant: Promotes tablet breakup (e.g., starch).
Binder: Adds cohesiveness (e.g., PVP). (2 marks)
What are the advantages of granules over powders in tablet manufacturing?
Answer: Granules flow better, reduce dust, and provide uniformity. (2 marks)
What are the common defects in tablet manufacture, and how can they be addressed?
Answer:
Capping: Adjust compression force.
Sticking: Increase lubrication.
Mottling: Improve mixing of dyes. (2 marks)
xplain the role of the Heckel plot in tablet formulation.
Answer: Evaluates compressibility and deformation; larger Heckel constants indicate plastic deformation. (2 marks)
SBA: What is the British Pharmacopoeia (BP) acceptable friability limit for tablets?
SBA: What is the British Pharmacopoeia (BP) acceptable friability limit for tablets?
SBA: What test evaluates the resistance of a tablet to abrasion or mechanical stress?
Answer: Friability test.
SBA: Which factor primarily influences the hardness of a tablet?
Answer: Compression force during tableting.
SBA: What is the main purpose of the content uniformity (CU) test in tablets?
Answer: To ensure each dosage unit contains the intended amount of active ingredient.
SBA: What is considered a passing result for a tablet disintegration test?
Answer: All six tablets disintegrate within the specified time, except for insoluble fragments.
SBA: What media are typically used in dissolution testing to simulate gastric and intestinal fluids?
Answer: Hydrochloric acid (pH 1.5–3.5) for gastric and phosphate buffer (pH 6–7.4) for intestinal fluids.
SBA: At what temperature is the dissolution test typically performed?
Answer: 37°C.
SBA: What is the significance of determining disintegration time for a tablet?
Answer: It predicts how quickly the tablet will dissolve and release the drug for absorption.
SBA: What is the most common failure mode in a friability test?
Answer: Cracking, cleavage, or breakage of the tablet.
SBA: What is the key difference between the CU and mass variation (MV) tests?
Answer: CU measures the active ingredient, while MV focuses on weight consistency.
EMQ: Match the test to its purpose.
Content uniformity: Ensures consistent active ingredient content.
Friability: Assesses resistance to abrasion or mechanical stress.
Hardness: Measures resistance to crushing or breaking.
EMQ: Match the tablet defect to its cause.
Capping: Insufficient compression force.
Friability failure: Low binder concentration.
Mottling: Uneven dye distribution.
EMQ: Match the test outcome to its requirement.
Friability: Mass loss ≤1%.
Disintegration: Complete disintegration within specified time.
Dissolution: Predetermined percentage of drug released at specific intervals.
EMQ: Match the factor to its impact on tablet quality.
Binder concentration: Affects hardness and friability.
Lubricant concentration: Influences weight variation and disintegration.
Compression force: Impacts hardness and friability.
EMQ: Match the dissolution medium to its purpose.
Hydrochloric acid: Simulates gastric fluid.
Phosphate buffer: Simulates intestinal fluid.
Water: Neutral medium for dissolution.
Describe the friability test and its BP standard.
Answer: Friability assesses resistance to abrasion. Tablets are tumbled for 100 rotations, and mass loss should not exceed 1%. (2 marks)
What is the purpose of the content uniformity test?
Answer: Ensures each dosage unit has an active ingredient content within ±15% of the average dose. (2 marks)
How is tablet hardness evaluated, and why is it important?
Answer: Measures resistance to crushing using diametral compression. Affects tablet durability and handling. (2 marks)
xplain the dissolution test procedure and its relevance.
Answer: Tablets are placed in a dissolution medium at 37°C, with paddles rotating at 50 rpm. Samples are taken at specified intervals to ensure drug release meets specifications. (2 marks)
What are the consequences of a tablet failing the disintegration test?
Answer: Indicates poor bioavailability or delayed onset of therapeutic action. (2 marks)
SBA: What is the primary function of the myenteric plexus in the enteric nervous system?
Answer: Regulates GI motility, such as peristalsis.
SBA: Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the “rest-and-digest” response of the gut?
Answer: Acetylcholine.
SBA: What percentage of the body’s serotonin is synthesized in the gut?
Answer: 95%.
SBA: What is the role of ghrelin in the gut-brain axis?
Answer: Stimulates hunger by signaling the hypothalamus.