Pharmacology

Question 1

What is the treatment for H. Pylori infection?

Answer 1

Triple Therapy: clarithromycin, amoxicillin & PPI (omeprazole)

Question 2

Give 10 complications of steroid use.

Answer 2

Weight gain (increased appetite), diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, glaucoma, reduced immunity, thin skin, mood swings, stomach ulcers, depression, anxiety, cretinism (children), acne, Cushing’s syndrome, muscle weakness, delayed wound healing, peptic ulcers

Question 3

What are the indications for magnesium sulphate?

Answer 3

Acute Asthma (refractory to beta-agonists and anticholinergics)
Acute Cardiac Arrest in Torsades de Pointes
Decreasing risk of preeclampsia progressing to eclampsia

Question 4

Why is it dangerous to prescribe tramadol and escitalipram together?

Answer 4

Tramadol has opioid and SNRI action, putting the patient at risk of serotonin syndrome

Question 5

Which medications may contribute to constipation?

Answer 5

Opioid analgesics
Pregabalin & gabapentin
Anticholinergics (e.g. TCAs, antihistamines)
Calcium (supplements, antacids) and calcium channel blockers
Antipsychotics
Iron supplements

Question 6

What is labetalol?

Answer 6

A combined alpha and beta blocker used to lower blood pressure (especially in pre-eclampsia)

Question 7

What is the mechanism of action of tamoxifen?

Answer 7

Selective oestrogen receptor modulator

• Antagonises oestrogen receptors in breast
• Agonises oestrogen receptors in endometrium, bone

Question 8

Give 5 common side effects of anticholinergic medications.

Answer 8

Dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, headache, dizziness, confusion, pupil dilation/blurred vision, tachycardia

Question 9

List 5 anticholinergic medications.

Answer 9

Antipsychotics (e.g. chlorpromazine, olanzepine)
TCAs (e.g. mirtazepine)
Antihistamines (e.g. promethazine
Urinary Incontinence Medications (e.g. oxybutynin)
Inhaled (e.g. ipratropium, tiotropium)
Other antimuscarinics (e.g. atropine)
Antinicotinics (e.g. bupropion)

Question 10

Which anticonvulsant is associated with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

Answer 10

Lamotrigine

Question 11

Which antibiotics should not be given in EBV infection and why?

Answer 11

Beta-lactam antibiotics can result in an itchy, morbilliform rash

Question 12

Which anticonvulsant is associated with the highest rate of in pregnancy?

Answer 12

Sodium valproate

Question 13

Which medications can be used for neuropathic pain?

Answer 13

Amytriptyline (endep)
Gabapentin/pregabalin (lyrica)
Duloxetine
Carbamazepine (tegretol)