pharmacology Flashcards
what drug class is hydroxocobalamin?
a synthetic form of vitamin B12
what is hydroxocobalamin a precursor for?
methylcobalamin and vitamin B12
what is vitamin B12 important for?
fat and carbohydrate metabolism coenzyme protein synthesis coenzyme growth cell proliferation myelin synthesis
what can a deficiency in vitamin B12 cause?
anaemia
neurological lesions due to less myelin synthesis
what is methyl cobalamin important for?
metabolism of folic acid
what are the indications of hydroxocobalamin?
vitamin B12 deficiency
pernicious anaemia
microcytic anaemia associated with B12
Leber’s optic atrophy
what are the side effects of hydroxocobalamin?
diarrhoea dizziness headache hot flush nausea skin reactions urine discolouration
how is hydroxocobalamin administered?
intramuscular injection
what drug class is folic acid?
A member of the vitamin B family/ a DNA precursor
what is the mechanism of folic acid?
folic acid is converted into tetrahydrofolic acid and methyltetrahydrofolate (by dihydrofolate reductase). these products travel across cells by endocytosis and are required to maintain erythropoiesis, synthesis nucleic acids, generate and use formate and interconvert amino acids
what are the side effects of folic acid?
abdominal distension, decreased appetite, flatulance, nausea, vitamin B12 deficiency exacerbation
what are the indications of folic acid?
folate-deficiency causing megaloblastic anaemia
prevent of neural tube defects
where is folic acid found in the diet?
mushrooms, spinach, green leaves, liver, fortified breakfast cereals
where is vitamin B12 found in the diet?
meat, fish, dairy products, eggs, fortified breakfast cereals
where is iron found in the diet?
meat, seafood, beans, dark leafy greens, dried fruit, peas, fortified breakfast cereals
how is folic acid administered?
subcutaneously, intramuscularly or intravenously
what drug class is ferrous sulphate?
iron supplement therapy
what are the indications of ferrous sulphate?
anaemia and pregnancy
what is the mechanism for ferrous sulphate?
it replaces iron levels in the blood/stored and therefore maintains heme production and therefore erythrocyte production.
what are the side effects of ferrous sulphate?
constipation
diarrhoea
stomach cramps
how is ferrous sulphate administered?
orally, on an empty stomach 1 hour before a meal with vitamin C
