Pharmacology

Question 1

Factors which favour passage through the BBB include?

Answer 1

• molecular weight of drug <600 daltons
• degree of ionisation (non-polar)
• high lipid solubility
• low protein binding
• tertiary structure.

Question 2

Hyoscine ?

Answer 2

Hyoscine is a tertiary amine antimuscarinic with peripheral and central effects.

Question 3

Glycopyrrolate ?

Answer 3

Glycopyrrolate however is a quaternary amine and cannot cross the BBB in significant amounts.

Question 4

Paracetamol ?

Answer 4

• Paracetamol diffuses readily into the cerebrospinal fluid.
• central analgesic and antipyretic action of intravenous paracetamol.
• It has low protein binding and
• low molecular weight.

Question 5

The beta blockers propranolol, metoprolol and oxprenolol?

Answer 5

• Lipid soluble and readily cross the BBB
• Central nervous system side effects such as nightmares and hallucinations are manifestations of this.

Question 6

What are the symptoms of cholinergic crisis ?

Answer 6

• Abdominal colic
• Sweating
• Fasciculations
• Miosis