Pharmacology

Question 1

Adrenaline - 4

Answer 1

A naturally occurring sympathomimetic agent
Causes peripheral vasoconstriction
Stimulation of cardiac conduction system causes increased contractions
Causes bronchodilation and dilation of blood vessels in muscles

Question 2

Amiodarone

Answer 2

Amiodarone has effects within the first four classes of the Vaughan-Williams classification. However it is primarily classified as a Class III antidysrhythmic agent that prolongs the action potential duration and hence the refractory period of atrial, nodal and ventricular tissue. It has characteristics of all Vaughan-Williams classes of antidysrhythmics

Question 3

Aspirin - 4

Answer 3

Analgesic
Antipyretic
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-platelet aggregation agent

Question 4

Atropine Sulphate - 2

Answer 4

An anticholinergic agent that inhibits the action of acetylcholine on post ganglionic nerves at the neuroeffector site. This blocks vagal stimulation to allow the sympathetic response to increase pulse rate by increasing SA node firing rate, and increasing the conduction velocity through the AV node.

An antidote to reverse the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors such as seen with organophosphate poisoning.

Question 5

Cophenylcaine

Answer 5

A topical local anaesthetic and haemorrhage control agent for the relief of surface pain, nasal and oral bleeding.

Question 6

Droperidol

Answer 6

Droperidol is a neuroleptic, antipsychotic agent that acts on Alpha and Dopamine receptors, resulting in sedation

Question 7

Fentanyl

Answer 7

A short acting synthetic narcotic analgesic

Question 8

Glucagon

Answer 8

A hyperglycaemic agent that converts stored liver glycogen to glucose to increase blood glucose concentration.

Question 9

Glucose 10% (IV)

Answer 9

A hypertonic crystalloid solution that provides a readily available source of energy (glucose)

Question 10

Glucose Oral Gel

Answer 10

Rapidly absorbed from oral/buccal mucosa to increase blood glucose concentration.

Question 11

Glyceryl Trinitrate - 6

Answer 11

Nitrates cause the relaxation of vascular smooth muscle resulting in:

Vasodilation
Peripheral pooling and reduced venous return
Reduced left ventricular and diastolic pressure (preload)
Reduced systemic vascular resistance (afterload)
Reduced myocardial energy and oxygen requirements
Relaxes spasm of coronary arteries

Question 12

Heparin

Answer 12

A naturally occurring anticoagulant which inhibits the clotting of blood by enhancing the rate at which antithrombin III neutralises thrombin and activated factor X (Xa).

Question 13

Hydrocortisone

Answer 13

Hydrocortisone is an adrenocortical steroid that produces an anti-inflammatory process. This inhibits the accumulation of inflammatory cells at inflammation sites, phagocytosis, lysosomal enzyme release and synthesis and/or release of mediators of inflammation. Additionally, it prevents and suppresses cell mediated immune reactions.

Question 14

Intravenous Crystalloid Solution

Answer 14

A sterile isotonic crystalloid solution

Question 15

Ipratropium Bromide - 2

Answer 15

An anticholinergic bronchodilator. It inhibits the vagal reflexes that mediate bronchospasm.

Combined with a nebulised beta-2 agonist (Salbutamol), Ipratropium bromide produces significantly greater bronchodilation than a beta-2 agonist alone.

Question 16

Ketamine

Answer 16

Rapid acting dissociative anaesthetic

Question 17

Lignocaine

Answer 17

Sodium Channel blocker

Question 18

Methoxyflurane - 2

Answer 18

A halogenated ether that produces powerful modification of the awareness of pain with an associated light headed sensation.

6-8 breaths/ 1-2 min onset with maximum level after 2-4 minutes.

Question 19

Midazolam - 2

Answer 19

A water-soluble benzodiazepine that has anxiolytic, sedative and anticonvulsive characteristics. This is due to its bonding with receptors in the CNS; its action to increase the inhibitory effect of the g-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter on the GABA receptors and subsequent membrane threshold.

Midazolam is lipid-soluble in physiological pH and it reaches the CNS quickly.

Question 20

Naloxone

Answer 20

Naloxone is a pure opioid antagonist that exerts its effect by competitive inhibition at the opioid receptor sites. It prevents or reverses the effects of opioids, including respiratory depression, sedation and hypotension. In the absence of opioids it exhibits essentially no pharmacological activity.

Question 21

Olanzapine

Answer 21

Olanzapine is a second generation antipsychotic agent that acts on multiple receptors (incl. serotonin and dopamine receptors), resulting in sedation

Question 22

Ondansetron - 2

Answer 22

Anti-nauseant and anti-emetic

Selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist blocking serotonin centrally in the chemoreceptor trigger zone and peripherally on Vagus nerve terminals.

Question 23

Paracetamol

Answer 23

Paracetamol is a p-aminophenol derivative that exhibits analgesic and antipyretic activity.

Question 24

Prednisolone - 2

Answer 24

Redipred Oral 30ml elixir for oral administration

Prednisolone is a steroid. It prevents the release of inflammatory mediators

Question 25

Salbutamol

Answer 25

Short acting Beta 2 agonist that causes relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle (bronchodilation).

Question 26

Tranexamic Acid

Answer 26

Antifibrinolytic

Tranexamic Acid (TXA) is a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine that inhibits fibrinolysis (clot breakdown) by blocking the lysine binding site on plasminogen, competitively inhibiting the activation of plasminogen to plasmin.