Pharmacology

Question 1

Mechanism of action of triptains

Answer 1

5HT receptor agonists (serotonin agonists)
Act on
- Smooth muscles in arteries –> vasoconstriction
- Peripheral pain receptors –> inhibit actviation
- Reduce neuronal activity in CNS

Question 2

Side effects of sodium valproate

Answer 2

Teratogenic
Liver damage + hepatitis
Hair loss
Tremor

Question 3

Side effects of carbamazepine

Answer 3

Agranulocytosis
Aplastic anaemia
Drug interactions (induces P450 system)

Question 4

Side effects of phenytoin

Answer 4

Folate + vitamin D deficiency
–> megaloblastic anaemia + osteomalacia

Question 5

Mechanism of aspirin

Answer 5

COX-1 inhibitor

Question 6

Mechanism of clopidogrel

Answer 6

P2Y12 inhibitor

Question 7

Serious side effects of clozapine

Answer 7

Weight gain
Excessive salivation
Agranulocytosis
Neutropenia
Myocarditis
Arrhythmias

Question 8

Adverse effects of atypical antipsychotics

Answer 8

Weight gain
Clozapine is associated with agranulocytosis
Hyperprolactinaemia

Question 9

Blood test monitoring when started on clozapine

Answer 9

Minimum 1 blood test per week for first 18 weeks
Reduced to fornightly until1 year
Then monthly blood tests

Question 10

Action of salmeterol

Answer 10

Long-acting beta agonist
Acts on smooth muscle receptors of the bronchi (and GI tract, uterus + blood vessels)
Works by stimulating G-protein coupled receptors –> smooth muscle relaxation –> bronchodilation