Pharmacology

Question 1

Which antibiotics can cause long QT syndrome?

Answer 1

Clarithromycin

Question 2

What is ciclosporin? And what is an associated side effect?

Answer 2

Immunosuppressant (calcineurin inhibitor) used for RA, psoriasis, Crohn’s etc.
Can cause hypertrophy of gums, hypertension, hyperkalaemia, hyperglycaemia.

Question 3

What is Donepezil?

Answer 3

Achetylcholinesterase inhibitor used as a first line treatment in Alzheimer’s.

Question 4

What does metoclopramide do?

Answer 4

Enhances gastric emptying and has a central role for amtiemesis. Can be used in patients with gastroparesis.

Question 5

What electrolyte abnormality is associated with salbutamol?

Answer 5

Hypokalaemia

Question 6

What is adesonine and what does it do to the heart?

Answer 6

Inhibitory neurotransmitter and CNS depressant. Slows down heart rate and reduced blood pressure.

Question 7

Which epilepsy drug should be avoided in pregnancy?

Answer 7

Sodium valproate

Question 8

Which antibiotic for a UTI can cause bone marrow suppression?

Answer 8

Trimethoprim, especially if prescribed with methotrexate. Both are folate antagonists

Question 9

What is Clozapine?

Answer 9

Anti- psychotic, used in schizophrenia, can sometimes cause agranulocytosis (drug induced bone marrow suppression)

Question 10

What is a common side effect of lithium that is important to monitor?

Answer 10

Fine tremor

Question 11

What are the side effects of bisphosphonates?

Answer 11

Fever and flu like symptoms, diarrhoea, nausea, tiredness. Long term can cause atypical fractures and osteonecrosis of the jaw- take drug holiday.