Pharmacist Only Medicines Flashcards
Adapalene requirements of pharmacist supply
For severe acne, not more than 30g.
Adapalene instructions
Apply thinly OD at night to clean, dry skin. Review after 3 months. Wash off in the morning
Adapalene mechanism of action
Topical retinoid:
Inhibits keratinisation, reduces sebum production and modulates antiinflammatory response
Adapalene contraindications (can’t supply)
Pregnant or breastfeeding (and those wanting to)
Adapalene adverse effects
Redness, dryness, burning sensation at the application site
Adapalene advice and self-care
There will be an initial flare up. Should see improvement after 8 weeks
Moisturise and apply sunscreen - increased photosensitivity.
Brompheniramine
Not available by itself in NZ. Is a first-generation antihistamine. Could be sold to adults and children older than 2 for insomnia containing no more than 10 dosage units.
Is available as a pharmacy-only medicine with other cold medicines.
Calcipotriol requirements of pharmacist supply
For mild-moderate psoriasis in an adult previously diagnosed by a doctor. Not more than 30g.
Calcipotriol instructions
Apply twice daily. Wash hands thoroughly after.
Calcipotriol mechanism of action
Is a vitamin D analogue. It is an antiproliferative, reducing kertatinocyte proliferation and induces cell differentiation, normalising epidermal growth.
Calcipotriol contraindications (can’t supply)
Calcium disorders
Calcipotriol adverse effects
Local skin reactions (sting, itch, rash, peeling, redness)
Calcipotriol advice and self-care
Do not apply to face
Protect skin (photosensitivity)
Keep away from dog - can be fatal for them
Chloramphenicol requirements of pharmacist supply
For bacterial conjunctivitis in patients older than 2
Chloramphenicol instructions
1-2 drops every 2-6 hours for 2-3 days, then reduce frequency. Continue treatment for 48 hours after symptoms subside. Do not wear contact lenses.
Discard 4 weeks after opening
Chloramphenicol mechanism of action
Broad spectrum antibiotic
Chloramphenicol contraindications (can’t supply)
Contact lens wearer, pregnant or breastfeeding
Chloramphenicol adverse effects
Stinging, itching eyes. Usually mild and short-lived.
Hypersensitivity rare
Chloramphenicol advice and self-care
Wash hands and do not share face cloths to avoid spread.
To minimize systemic absorption, apply pressure to the tear duct immediately after administration
Chlorpheniramine requirements of pharmacist supply
For oral treatment of insomnia from age 6 not containing more than 10 dosage units.
Allergic rhinitis and skin disorders
Chlorpheniramine instructions
5mL ut 8 times daily.
Chlorpheniramine mechanism of action
First generation antihistamine
Chlorpheniramine contraindications (can’t supply)
Under 2 (or 6), acute asthma, pregnancy and breastfeeding
Chlorpheniramine adverse effects
Sedation uncommon but still possible
GI: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
Antimuscarinic effects
Ciclopirox requirements of pharmacist supply
Is POM if it is stronger than 2%, cannot be more than 8%. For external use of fungal infections
Nail laquer (rejuvenail)
Ciclopirox instructions
Apply to infected nails every 2 days for 1 month, then twice weekly for the second month and once weekly thereafter for up to 6 months.
Before first application and once weekly remove as much of the affected nail as possible. Once weekly cleanse all lacquer from nail.
If skin irritation persists, discontinue treatment
Ciclopirox mechanism of action
Broad spectrum antifungal
Ciclopirox contraindications (can’t supply)
Under 18 years of age?? Pregnant/breastfeeding
Ciclopirox adverse effects
Skin irritation, nail discolouration, inflammation of the skin
Ciclopirox advice and self-care
Good hygiene
Clobetasone requirements of pharmacist supply
For dermal use no stronger than 0.005% or more than 30g. Must be in original pack.
Clobetasone instructions
Apply sparingly to the affected are 1-2 times daily. Do not use for more than 2 weeks
Clobetasone mechanism of action
Moderately potent CC. Act on glucocorticoid receptors to initiate antiinflammatory action
Clobetasone contraindications (can’t supply)
Untreated bacterial, viral or fungal infections of the skin. Do not use for acne, rosacea, perioral dermatitis or skin ulcerations.
Clobetasone adverse effects
Thinning of skin
Dexchlorpheniramine requirements of pharmacist supply
For the treatment of insomnia for patients olfer than 2. Must be in manufacturer’s pack and contain no more than 10 tablets.
Dexchlorpheniramine instructions
1 tablet nocte for 7-10 days
Dexchlorpheniramine mechanism of action
First generation antihistamine
Dexchlorpheniramine contraindications (can’t supply)
Under 2, pregnant or breastfeeding, use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Dexchlorpheniramine adverse effects
Sedation and anticholinergic effects
Dextromethorphan requirements of pharmacist supply
In liquid form: containing no more than 600mg and a recommended daily dose of max 120mg.
For dry cough aged 6 and over.
In tablet form: 25mg max but no more than 30 tablets.
Dextromethorphan instructions
10-20mg q4h or 30mg q6-8h. Max 120mg daily.
Dextromethorphan mechanism of action
Suppresses cough reflex by acting on the cough centre of the brain (medulla oblongata)
Dextromethorphan contraindications (can’t supply)
Monoamine oxidase inhibitor usage (moclobemide)
Dextromethorphan adverse effects
GI: nausea, vomiting, constipation
Neuro: confusion, drowsiness, dizziness
General: fatigue, allergic reaction
Diclofenac requirements of pharmacist supply
In tablets 12.5-25mg strength. No more than 30 tablets. For pain and inflammation
Diclofenac instructions
2 tablets (50mg) as a loading dose, then another 1-2 tablets every 8 hours as necessary. Take with food and a large glass of water.
Max 150mg for adults, 75mg for children older than 14
Diclofenac mechanism of action
Reduces prostaglandin production by inhibiting COX 2 resulting in anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects.
Diclofenac contraindications (can’t supply)
Under 14 years
GIMIRI risk/history
Caution in asthmatics
Pregnancy/breastfeeding
Diclofenac adverse effects
Heartburn, dyspepsia, nausea, stomach discomfort, diarrhoea.
Report unusual signs of bleeding