Pharmacology and Polypharmacy

Question 1

acidic drugs require an acidic environment for absorption true/false

Answer 1

true - same with basic drugs lol

Question 2

give examples of acidic drugs

Answer 2

phenytoin
aspirin
penicillin

Question 3

give examples of basic drugs

Answer 3

diazepam

morphine

Question 4

which protein binds to acidic drugs normally

Answer 4

albumin

Question 5

which protein binds to basic drugs

Answer 5

Alpha-1 acid glycoprotein

Question 6

which of these two proteins is usually lower in elderly people

Answer 6

albumin, alpha-1 acid glycoprotein is higher too

Question 7

what implication does increased fat proportion in the elderly have on drug absorption

Answer 7

lipophyllic drugs such as diazepam and anaesthetics have a longer half life and causes implications

Question 8

describe the impact ageing has on pharmacodynamics

Answer 8

a lower dose will have a similar effect on an older person, similar with alcohol

Question 9

name some drugs with a narrow therapeutic index

Answer 9

theophylline 
warfarin 
lithium 
digoxin 
gentamicin 
vancomycin 
phenytoin
carbamazepine

Question 10

what do opioids require prophylactically when commenced

Answer 10

laxatives

Question 11

what do steroids require when commenced

Answer 11

osteoporosis prevention

Question 12

what are the risks of antibiotics in the elderly

Answer 12

increased risk of developing C. Diff

only use when patient has objective signs of infection such as consolidation, +ve blood culture not just confusion

Question 13

which drugs are big risk for renal function

Answer 13

ACEi and antibiotics

Question 14

what are the main side effects of anticholinergics

Answer 14

confusion/hallucination 
tachycardia 
urinary retention 
constipation 
blurred vision 
dizziness 
long term can increase risk of dementia