Pharmacology

Question 1

Which antibiotics should you avoid in those with a history of epilepsy

Answer 1

Quinolones e.g. ciprofloxacin

Often question is about a lady with epilepsy on Sodium Valproate.

Question 2

When is it necessary to measure blood gentamicin levels for monitoring?

Answer 2

Pre-dose and 1 hour post-dose

Question 3

What antidote can you use for B-blocker induced bradycardia that is resistant to atropine

Answer 3

Glucagon

Question 4

First line antidote for ethylene glycol

Answer 4

Fomepizole

(NOT ethanol any more)

Alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor

Question 5

What conditions contra-indicate the use of triptans?

Answer 5

History of ischaemic heart disease or cerebro-vascular disease

Question 6

Indications for using the Yellow Card Scheme

Answer 6

1) all suspected adverse drug reactions for new medicines (identified by the black triangle symbol).

2) all suspected adverse drug reactions occurring in children, even if a medicine
has been used off-label.

3) all serious* suspected adverse drug reactions for established vaccines and
medicines, including unlicensed medicines, herbal remedies, and medicines used off-label

serious = fatal, life-threatening, disabling or incapacitating

Question 7

First line agents for trigeminal neuralgia

Answer 7

Carbamazepine

Question 8

p450 inducers

Answer 8

PS CARB G

Phenytoin
St John’s Wort

Carbamazepine
Alcohol
Rifampcin
Barbiturates

Griseofulvin

Question 9

Which antibiotics is associated with lowering the seizure threshold?

Answer 9

Ciprofloxacin

Question 10

Which antibiotic is associated with suppression of haemateopoeisis?

Answer 10

Trimethoprim

Do not use concomitantly with methotrexate

Question 11

Organophosphate overdose antidote

Answer 11

Atropine

Role of pralidoxime unclear

Question 12

Which antibiotic should patients with G6PD deficiency avoid?

Answer 12

Ciprofloxacin

Question 13

Most common side effect of ondasetron?

Answer 13

Constipation