Pharma/Tox/Emergency Flashcards
Mechanism of action of bisphosphonates
Inhibits osteoclastic activity
Note: no effect on osteoblastic activity
Treatment of beta blocker overdose
1st line atropine
2nd line glucagon
Side effects of acetazolamide
MOA: inhibition of carbonic anhydrase
Metabolic acidosis (due to bicarb loss in the proximal and distal tubules, by inhibiting reabsorption)
HypoNa
Acute interstitial nephritis
Agranulocytosis and thrombocytopenia
Deafness is a recognised complication of aspirin overdose T/F
True
Management of aspirin overdose?
Gastric lavage up to 4 hours. Activated charcoal for sustained-release preperations
Plot level at 6 hours on normogram
Alkalisation of urine to aid drug excretion, close monitoring of electrolytes and pH , electrolyte repletion
In aspirin overdose hypoventilation is common T/F
False - tachypnea is common.
Note: Phase 1 tachypnea directly stimulates the resp center -> resp alkalosis with a compensatory alkaline urine with bicarb and potassium loss
Aspirin overdose is associated with hypoK and hyopglycaemia T/F
True
When is activated charcoal indicated in treatment of paracetamol OD?
If >150mg/kg taken + presentation <1 hr since ingestion
Melatonin is primarily metabolised in the kidney T/F
F - primarily met in the liver, hence can build up in those with hepatic impairment
The MOA of melatonin is due to binding to MT1 and MT2 receptors T/F
True
Note: MT1 is in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the ant hypothalamus and MT2 is in the retina
Melatonin is C/I in those with epilepsy T/F
F - used to be thought to lower sz threshold but that was a poor study
Where is digoxin eliminated?
70% is excreted unchanged in the urine
NB: in patients with CKD they should be treated with a decreased loading dose and decreased maintenance dose
Patients on co trimoxazole (trimethoprim/sulfa) need to be monitored for what serious (but rare) side effect?
Cholestatic jaundice
Code dose adrenaline?
0.1mg/kg 1:10,000
What is the most common adverse effect of theophylline overdose?
Arrhythmia (it is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor but also acts on adenosine receptors such as on the AV node)
Note: other adverse effects agitation, restlessness or seizure
What is the initial treatment of a TCA overdose?
IV sodium bicarbonate
If reliable airway, activated charcoal. If < 1 hr since ingestion can do gastric lavage (but will need to be intubated for this)
Note: leads to QRS prolongation and possible tachyarhythmias due to Na channel blocking in the myocardium. Na bicarb increases TCA protein binding, dislodges TCA from the Na channel and increased TCA elimination. TCA OD renders the myocardium relatively insensitive to tradition antiarrhythmics.
What class of antidepressant is associated with GI bleeds?
SSRI
Doses in adrenaline pens for anaphylaxis?
EpiPen Jr 0.15mg (< 6yrs)
EpiPen 0.3mg (6-12 yrs)
IM adrenaline 0.5mg ( >12 yrs)
Indication for activated charcoal in drug overdose?
Within 1 hr of ingestion in a conscious patient (N +V are common post treatment so want to avoid in those with altered level of consciousness)
Trimethoprim can cause an elevation in urea and Cr T/F
F - only causes elevation in Cr. It completes with Cr for secretion into the renal tubules so causes asymptomatic elevation in serum Cr with no change in urea. This is not true renal injury
Where does cyclizine work?
Medulla oblongata
Beta blockers can cause difficulty sleeping/insomnia T/F
True
Can also cause hypoglycaemia
Side effect of prostaglandin
Apneoa
Treatment of hereditary angio-edema?
C1 inhibitor or kallikrein inhibitor ecallantide
Where does methylphenidate work?
Basal ganglia - inhibition of dopamine reuptake
Rifampicin reduces the levels of statin T/F
T
Clarithromycin increases the levels of statins
Antibiotic that increased the levels of statins?
Clarithromycin
Steroids are CI in the treatment of TB meningitis T/F
F - they are an adjunct to treatment with triple antiTB therapy
Mechanism of action of ipratropium bromide?
Anti muscarine bronchodilator
SE: mydriasis (dilated pupils), skin flushing, hyperthermia, dry skin and mouth, urinary retention and agitation
Usual stat tx dose of oral dex in croup tx?
0.15mg/kg
In patients with renal impairment the loading dose of drugs needs to be decreased T/F
F - loading doses remain unchanged - loading doses are related to the volume of distribution which remains unchanged.
Conversion of oral morphine to subcut diamorphine and subcut morphine?
10mg oral morphine = 3mg diamorphine
10mg oral morphine = 5mg subcut morphine
In the tx of allergic rhinitis when is an oral antihistamine 1st line (instead of intranasal)
Oral is first line if:
- pt 2-5 yrs
- preference to take oral
- conjunctivitis is also present
What is the MOA of baclofen?
Agonist of GABA beta receptor
What is the MOA of benzos?
Increase the potency of GABA at the GABA alpha receptors (AKA +ve allosteric modulator of GABA alpha receptor)
What medications should be avoid in those with Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy?
Carbamazepine
Phenytoin
Oxcarbazepine
They can aggravate the sz
Note: sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption can precipitate the sz; EEG will show periodic 3Hz spikes
What is considered a staggered dose of paracetamol? How does this impact treatment?
Staggered dose is any dose taken over longer than an hour. At greater than an hour the normogram cannot be used and hence if there is concern that a person has ingested a significant amount they should just be treated with NAC
What is the best steroid to use in a pt who already has HTN?
Dexamethasone - has little to no mineralocorticoid activity
Note: methylpred and pred have significant mineralocorticoid activity
What is a Type A drug reaction?
“Augmented” - eg hypotension with a beta blocker or hypoglycaemia with insulin
What is a Type B drug reaction?
“Bizarre” - anaphylaxis
What is a Type C drug reaction?
“Continued” - lasts for a long time, eg visual field defects with vigabatrin
What is a Type D drug reaction?
“Delayed” - eg neutropenia with chemo
What is a Type E drug reaction?
“End of use” - withdrawal symptoms
MOA of beta lactams?
Inhibition cell wall synthesis
Vancomycin also works in this way
MOA of colistin (a polymyxin)
Disrupts cell membrane integrity
MOA of co-trimoxazole ?
Inhibition of folate synthesis
MOA of quinolones?
Inhibition of mRNA synthesis (eg ciprofloxacin)
MOA of aminoglycosides?
Inhibition of protein synthesis by binding to 30s ribosome subunit
Antidote to unfractionated heparin?
Protamine
Note: it has limited utility against LMWH
How many half lives are needed for the drug to be mostly cleared?
5
Side effects of montelukast?
Common: GI upset and rash
Rare: can precipitate Churg Strauss syndrome (can present with worsening asthma, neuropathy and a peripheral eosinophilia)
When should a digoxin level be checked?
Anytime more than 6 hours post dose.
What antibiotics are C/I in those with myasthenia gravis?
Aminoglycosides (such as gentamicin or amikacin) as they cause blockade of the NMJ and can exacerbate the condition
What is the preferred opioid to be used for analgesia in a syringe driver?
Diamorphine - it has a high solubility that allows a large dose to be given in a small volume (hence more practical than morphine)
Inhibition of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase what drug?
Mercaptopurine
Which antibiotics are most strongly associated with c dif/pseudomembranous colitis?
Cephalosporins ( eg cephalexin, cefuroxime) is strong
Also common with clindamycin, ampicillin and amoxicillin
How does acute Vit A toxicity present?
Signs of raised ICP
Vincristine can have neurotoxicity side effects T/F
True - these can manifest as mobility issues, limb or back pain or cranial nerve neuropathies
Can also cause constipation, change in sensation, headaches
What type of drug is levomepromazine?
Antiemetic
Note: drowsiness is a side effect
Which is a stronger steroid HCT or prednisolone? How to convert HCT to pred
Prednisolone
Pred dose is 25% of the total dose of HCT. eg if on 25mg HCT this would be 25mg/4.
TB medication that can cause seizures in infant?
Isoniazid
Hoarse voice is a side effect of inhaled steroid use T/F
T - they deposit in the vocal cords leading to change in timbre
Coma is a feature of severe salicylate overdose T/F
F - can cause delirium or confusion but not typically coma
Sweating is a feature of salicylate overdose T/F
T - can interfere with the CNS autonomic function and increase basal metabolic rate leading to sweating
Common side effect of Efavirenz?
Depression (in those with no prior history of mental health problems)
Note: Rilpivirine can cause depression too but it is more likely in those which a hx of mental health problems
Common side effect of Rilpivirine?
Depression (more likely in those which a hx of mental health problems)
Most common side effect of Emtricitabine?
Rash and darkening of palms and sole
What lab abnormality does Cimetidine cause?
Elevation of creatinine without changing real GFR
What is the mechanism of cough due to ACE inhibitors?
Increased bradykinin
When given IV cotrimoxazole should be given as a slow IV bolus or an infusion?
As an infusion, preparation is very alkaline and hence can be caustic if given as a bolus
Note: although preferable to give via a central line can be given via a peripheral if it is diluted enough
Gentamycin gram + or gram -ve coverage?
Gram -ve only
Typical anticholinergic side effects?
Tachycardia
Pupil dilatation (mydriasis)
Dry mucus membranes
Urinary retention
HypoNa in MDMA ingestion can be due to SIADH T/F
True - can also be due to excessive fluid intake
HypoNa is the most common cause of death in MDMA overdose T/F
F - arrhythmia is most common
What are indications for hyperbaric O2 in carbon monoxide poisoning?
- CV dysfxn
- Pregnant (esp if carboxyHb >10%)
- CarboxyHb > 20%
- Unconscious / episode of syncope
- Neuro/psych features (excluding HA)
Is bradycardia a characteristic feature of opioid overdose?
Yes
2 drugs that can cause hyperventilation in overdose?
Theophyline
Salicylates
LSD is associated with serotonin syndrome T/F
F - LSD is not
Note: MDMA is assoc with serotonin syndrome
Typical features of serotonin syndrome?
Sweating Agitation Tachycardia Dilated pupils Muscle rigidity Nausea, diarrhoea In severe cases: seizures, clonus
Mechanism of action of loop diuretic is on the Na-K-Cl co transporter or the Na-Cl symporter
Na-K-Cl co transporter
Mechanism of action of thiazide diuretic is on the Na-K-Cl co transporter or the Na-Cl symporter
Na-Cl symporter
Seizures occur in about 50% of patients presenting with an NSAID overdose T/F
F - occurs in about 10-20%. It is more common in patients who have taken mefenamic acid
What are the main side effects of NSAID overdose?
Common: mild GI - epigastric tenderness, nausea, emesis and diarrhoea (due to inhibition of cycle-oxygenase mostly)
Large overdoses can also have drowsiness, coma , cerebellar signs and seizures. AKI and cardiorespiratory arrest, hypothrombinaemia
Desferrioxamine IV is a chelator used for what type of poisoning?
Significant iron overdose
Common side effects of cyclosporin?
Chronic interstitial nephritis
Hypertrichosis
Gum hypertrophy
Note: phenytoin also causes gum hypertrophy
In a patient starting on MTX NSAIDs use should be avoided, why?
NSAIDs can result in AKI or just mildly decreased kidney function. MTX relies on renal excretion and hence even a small decrease in kidney function can result in increased toxicity
In terms of teratogenic effects thalidomide causes phocomelia T/F
T - aka abnormalities of the limbs
What drug is known to cause chondrodysplasia punctata in the foetus?
Warfarin - these are skeletal abnormalities with punctate calcification of the cartilage of the epiphyses, larynx and trachea
What is the MOA of bosentan?
Endothelin receptor antagonist
Nore: endothelin is a potent vasoconstrictor, it is a polypeptide
What TB drug is known to cause red/orange discolouration of bodily fluids?
Rifampacin
What HIV medications are closely associated with fat loss/lipoatrophy?
Zidovudine, stavudine (nucleoside RTIs)
How should amiodarone be administered to a neonate
IV (ideally via a central line) diluted in 5% glucose
Note: it is incompatible with NaCl ; needs to be diluted as it is alkaline and can cause pain and inflammation on infusion if not
Oral abs in the neonatal period is unpredictable and in general abs is very slow
What labs are the best markers of severity in paracetamol overdose?
INR
pH
Serum Creatinine
What is the mechanism of action of terlipressin?
Vasopressin analogue - hence causes vasoconstriction of the splanchnic blood vessels.
What is the mechanism of action of activated charcoal in treatment of drug overdose?
Interrupts a drug’s enterohepatic circulation
What is the main reaction involved in the normal metabolism of paracetamol?
Glucuronidation
Note: when this pathway becomes overwhelmed in overdose cyto p450 pathway is used
What is the appropriate mgmt of a patient with an elevated gent trough and why?
trough = renal clearance peak = drug dose
–> keep dosing the same but less often so as to allow drug to still reach therapeutic peak and also give enough time to clear
What is a good inotrope to use if you do not want to increase HR?
Phenylephrine as it is purely alpha adrenergic and hence raises BP without effect on HR
What is the mechanism of action of dobutamine?
Pure beta 1 adrenergic –> increases HR and force of contraction
Note: good for cardiogenic shock
Why should codeine be used with caution in those < 6 yrs old/avoided if possible?
It metabolises v quickly to morphine
Which atypical antipsychotic has particularly high likelihood to cause the side effect of hyperprolactinaemia?
Risperidone
Note: other SEs: dyslipidaemia, abnormal LFTs, insulin resistance, increased BP, prolonged QTc, fatigue, lethargy, increased appetite, drooling
Statins block de novo cholesterol synthesis T/F
T - hmg CoA reductase inhibitor
What is the MOA of sildenafil?
Inhibits breakdown of cGMP (guanosine monophosphate) –> increasing cGMP
How does glucagon function in treatment of beta blocker overdose?
Increases cAMP (adenosine monophosphate) by direct stimulation of adenylate cyclase in the cardiac mycytes –> increasing rate and force of cardiac contraction
Note: mode of action is independent of the blocked beta receptors
What is the MOA of aminophylline and theophylline?
Phosphodiesterase inhibitor and adenosine antagonist
Leucopenia is a side effect of lithium T/F
F - leucocytosis
Leucocytosis is a side effect of lithium T/F
T
Acetazolamide can cause what acid base abnormality?
Met acidosis
Note: loop, thiazides cause alkalosis
Paracetamol is a non selective inhibitor of COX1 and 2 enzymes. T/F
F - inhibits cox 1 –> resulting in reduced prostaglandin synthesis
Dosing of mannitol and hypertonic saline for treatment of cerebral oedema
Mannitol 1g/kg (20%)
2.5 -5ml/kg hypertonic saline
Both over 10-15 minutes
On what cells do PPIs work?
Parietal cells
Blocks the H/K ATP pump
Where does mannitol act?
Entire loop of henle
For a child weighing 35kg the dose of NAC is 150mg/kg in 100ml 5% glucose T/F
T - for a child weighing 20-39kg this is the dose
For a child weighing 10kg what is the dose of NAC
150mg/kg in 3ml 5% glucose
This is the dose for a child < 20 kg
For a child weighing 45kg the dose of NAC is 150mg/kg in 100ml 5% glucose T/F
F - the NAC should be in 200ml, this is the dosing for anyone > 40kg (adult dosing)
NAC works in paracetamol overdose by reducing the formation or the circulation of toxic metabolites?
It reduces the circulation
Gum hypertrophy is a side effect of nifedipine T/F
T
Supportive care and antipyretics are the mainstay of treatment of serotonin syndrome T/F
F - supportive care is the mainstay of treatment but anti pyretics do not work (as the hyperthermia results from increased muscular activity)
Note: benzo and a serotonin antagonists (such as cyproheptadine) may help
What is flunitrazepam also known as?
Rohypnol
Drug class: benzo. Not approved for us in the US and it’s import is banned
Note: GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) is another date rate drug)
In gynaecomastia caused by exogenous steroid use what is the prolactin level?
Prolactin is normal
Phencyclidine and heroin overdose can both cause coma, what is the clinical difference?
PCP coma does not have associated respiratory depression
What is the treatment of clonidine overdose?
Supportive
Presentation of clonidine overdose?
CNS and resp depression, hypotension, bradycardia and pinpoint pupils
Similar to opioid toxicity but would not expect as much hypotension with opioid overdose
What medication can be used to treat tics in those with ADHD?
Clonidine or guanfacine
Note : treatment of ADHD with stimulants may unmask an underlying tic disorder or worsen existing tics. It stimulant is working, continue it and add clonidine or guanfacine
Features of ingestion of synthetic cathinones?
Tx?
AKA bath salts
Features - sympathomimetic syndrome with stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. Diaphoresis, tachycardia, mydriasis with anxiety, agitation, paranoid delusions and seizure.
Benzos for pyschomotor agitation
Excessive salivation, involuntary tongue and limb movements, anxiety and laryngospasm are adverse effects of what drug abuse?
Ketamine
Slurred speech, lacrimation, salivation, perioral rash and stupor - what drug abuse?
Inhalant
Note: also associated with pneumothorax and pneumomediastinium
Warfarin leads to a reduction in protein c and s T/F
T - also prothrombin (F2), F7, F9, F10
Features of in utero methotrexate exposure?
Craniosynostosis and/or skeletal abnormalities such as limb defects
Can be mis diagnosed as trisomy 18
Features of in utero phenytoin exposure?
Dysmorphic features such as arched eyebrows, hypertelorism and a short upturned nose Orofacial cleft Shortened digits with hypo plastic nails VSD GU defects
In utero exposure to retinoid acid is associated with facial nerve palsy T/F
T
Also associated with microcephaly, external auditory canal anomalies, cardiac defects, thymic hypoplasia and GU malformations
What is the MOA of organophosphate poisoning?
Inhibits anticholinestarase –> prevents the degradation of acetylcholine
Clinical features and tx of organophosphate poisoning?
DUMBBELLS Diarrhoea Urination Myosis Bradycardia Bronchospasm Emesis Lacrimation Lethargy Salivation/Seizures
Tx: atropine and pralidoxime
Brown recluse vs black widow spider bite?
Black widow: typically the bite is painful and then due to neurotoxin develop muscle rigidity and pain (local or spreads to abdo and back); can also have vomiting malaise and HTN
Brown recluse: bite typically not noticed; haemorrhagic blister that turned into a necrotic ulcer. Rarely can have systemic side effects such as fever, nausea, emesis and haemolysis.
Tx for both is supportive
Features of TCA overdose?
ECG changes such as QRS widening and conduction delays
Hypotension
Anticholingeric features - hyperthermia, flushing dilated pupils, urinary retention, ileus
Seizures, hyperactive reflexes, myoclonus
In a drowning event with asystole, children submerged in warm water have a better change of survival T/F
F - those submerged in water < 10 C (50 F) have a better change of survival
In a downing event both submersion time > 10 minutes and time to resus > 10 min are associated with poor prognosis T/F
T
Note: other factors assoc with poor prognosis asystole and resus time >25 min
Duration of cardiac monitoring after TCA ingestion?
Min 6 -8 hours
If symptomatic/abnormal need monitoring until 24 hrs post normalisation
A scorpion sting usually results in a small painful vesicle T/F
F - usually leaves not mark but is painful
Clinical presentation of a scorpion sting?
Pain at site of sting (but no mark) most commonly
More severe features - muscle fasciculation and rapid dyscongugate eye movement (can be mistaken for seizure); agitation; salivation; response distress and extreme tachycardia
At what age doe the highest rate of child maltreatment occur?
Birth - 1 yr old
What finding on UA is consistent with ethylene glycol (antifreeze) ingestion?
Ca oxalate crystals
Note: oxalic acid is a metabolite of ethylene glycol
Which is associated with rhabdomyolysis, PCP or LSD?
PCP
Contra indications to ketamine?
Age < 3 months (and relative CI to age < 12 months)
Psychosis
Note: does not cause hypotension
How long does it typically take a drug to reach therapeutic steady state (> 95%) if no loading dose is given?
5 doses
Eg if half life is 6 hours it will take 30 hours (5 x 6)
Levothyroxine should be take with breakfast T/F
F - should be taken on an empty stomach as requires an acidic environment to be absorbed.
Most azole antifungals and Fe should also be taken on empty stomach
In what situation can an involuntary drug test be done?
In a emergency - such as after an accident
Attempted suicide
Unexplained seizure
Propofol is CI in those with what allergies?
Soy or egg
PPIs lead to an increased risk of what?
Pneumonia
C diff
HypoMg