Pharmacology Flashcards
What is the intended action of flurbiprofen lozenges (Strepsils)?
They relieve sore throat symptoms by reducing inflammation and pain through NSAID action.
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What additional effects do flurbiprofen lozenges have?
They may cause mild stomach irritation, dizziness, or allergic reactions.
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How might flurbiprofen lozenges confound the picture that your patient is presenting with?
They can mask symptoms of a bacterial throat infection, delaying proper treatment.
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What is the intended action of fluoride?
It strengthens enamel and reduces dental decay by promoting remineralization.
Fluoride benefits both children and adults.
What additional effects does fluoride have?
Excessive fluoride intake can cause dental fluorosis, leading to discoloration of teeth.
Dental fluorosis can occur in children.
How might fluoride confound the picture that your patient is presenting with?
Fluorosis can mimic signs of other enamel defects, such as hypoplasia, making diagnosis more challenging.
Fluoride toxicity can lead to systemic symptoms.
What is the intended action of statins?
They lower LDL cholesterol levels to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
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What additional effects do statins have?
They may cause muscle pain (myopathy), liver dysfunction, and a small increased risk of diabetes.
Statins include atorvastatin and simvastatin.
How might statins confound the picture that your patient is presenting with?
Muscle pain from statins may be mistaken for other causes, such as polymyalgia rheumatica or fibromyalgia.
Statins require monitoring of liver function.
What is the intended action of aspirin?
It acts as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antiplatelet agent.
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What additional effects does aspirin have?
It increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, can trigger asthma exacerbations, and may cause tinnitus at high doses.
Aspirin is contraindicated in children under 16.
How might aspirin confound the picture that your patient is presenting with?
It can mask fever and pain, potentially delaying the diagnosis of infections or inflammatory conditions.
Long-term use of aspirin may lead to peptic ulcers.
What is the intended action of blue asthma inhalers?
They provide rapid relief of asthma symptoms by relaxing airway smooth muscle.
Commonly include salbutamol.
What additional effects do blue inhalers have?
They may cause tremors, palpitations, and increased heart rate.
Overuse can indicate poorly controlled asthma.
How might blue inhalers confound the picture that your patient is presenting with?
Overuse may mask worsening asthma control, leading to delayed escalation of treatment.
Increased use can suggest inadequate asthma management.
What is the intended action of brown asthma inhalers?
They reduce airway inflammation to prevent asthma symptoms and exacerbations.
Includes inhaled corticosteroids.
What additional effects do brown inhalers have?
They can cause oral thrush, hoarseness, and, at high doses, systemic corticosteroid effects such as adrenal suppression.
Rinsing the mouth after use is recommended.
How might brown inhalers confound the picture that your patient is presenting with?
They may suppress signs of respiratory infection, leading to a missed or delayed diagnosis.
Regular use is important even when asymptomatic.
