Pharmacology and toxicology Flashcards
(153 cards)
pathophysiology amiodarone induced hypothyroidism
The pathophysiology of amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism (AIH) is thought to be due to the high iodine content of amiodarone causing a Wolff-Chaikoff effect, an autoregulatory phenomenon where thyroxine formation is inhibited due to high levels of circulating iodide
Amiodarone may be continued if this is desirable
Amiodarone induced thyrotoxicosis type 1
Excess iodine-induced thyroid hormone synthesis
present goitre
Mx
Carbimazole or potassium perchlorate
Amiodarone induced thyrotoxicosis type 2
Amiodarone-related destructive thyroiditis
no goitre
corticosteoids Mx
common causes of drug induced peripheral neuropathy
I AM Very Numbed
Isoniazid Amiodarone Metronidazole Vinicristine Nitrofurantoin
p450 inducers
PC BRAS- phenytoin,carbamazepine,barbiturates,rifampicin,alcohol (chronic),sulfonylurea
p450 inhibitors
SICKFACES.COM Sodium valproate Isoniazid Cimetidine Ketoconazole Fluconazole Alcohol...binge drinking Chloramphenicol Erythromycin Sulphonamides (.) Ciprofloxacin Omeprazole Metronidazole
heparin mechanism of action
Activates antithrombin III. Forms a complex that inhibits thrombin, factors Xa, IXa, Xia and XIIa
low molecular weight heparin mechanism of action
Activates antithrombin III. Forms a complex that inhibits factor Xa
heparin monitoring
Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT)
LMWH monitoring
Anti-Factor Xa (although routine monitoring is not required)
pathophysiology HIT
immune mediated - antibodies form against complexes of platelet factor 4 (PF4) and heparin
these antibodies bind to the PF4-heparin complexes on the platelet surface and induce platelet activation by cross-linking FcγIIA receptors
usually does not develop until after 5-10 days of treatment
despite being associated with low platelets HIT is actually a prothrombotic condition
features include a greater than 50% reduction in platelets, thrombosis and skin allergy
address need for ongoing anticoagulation:
direct thrombin inhibitor e.g. argatroban
danaparoid
heparin reversal
protamine sulphate, although this only partially reverses the effect of LMWH.
pathophysiology paracetamol overdose
The liver normally conjugates paracetamol with glucuronic acid/sulphate. During an overdose the conjugation system becomes saturated leading to oxidation by P450 mixed function oxidases*. This produces a toxic metabolite (N-acetyl-B-benzoquinone imine)
Normally glutathione acts as a defence mechanism by conjugating with the toxin forming the non-toxic mercapturic acid. If glutathione stores run-out, the toxin forms covalent bonds with cell proteins, denaturing them and leading to cell death. This occurs not only in hepatocytes but also in the renal tubules
why is NAC used in paracetamol overdose
N-acetyl cysteine is used in the management of paracetamol overdose as it is a precursor of glutathione and hence can increase hepatic glutathione production
ciclosporin side effects
(note how everything is increased - fluid, BP, K+, hair, gums, glucose) nephrotoxicity hepatotoxicity fluid retention hypertension hyperkalaemia hypertrichosis gingival hyperplasia tremor impaired glucose tolerance hyperlipidaemia increased susceptibility to severe infection
what should be checked before starting allopurinol
The most significant adverse effects are dermatological and patients should be warned to stop allopurinol immediately if they develop a rash:
severe cutaneous adverse reaction (SCAR)
drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Certain ethnic groups such as the Chinese, Korean and Thai people seem to be at an increased risk of these dermatological reactions.
Patients at a high risk of severe cutaneous adverse reaction should be screened for the HLA-B *5801 allele.
allopurinol interactions
Azathioprine
metabolised to active compound 6-mercaptopurine
xanthine oxidase is responsible for the oxidation of 6-mercaptopurine to 6-thiouric acid
allopurinol can therefore lead to high levels of 6-mercaptopurine
a much reduced dose (e.g. 25%) must therefore be used if the combination cannot be avoided
Cyclophosphamide
allopurinol reduces renal clearance, therefore may cause marrow toxicity
Theophylline
allopurinol causes an increase in plasma concentration of theophylline by inhibiting its breakdown
avoid ciprofloxacin in whcih genetic disorder
G6PD
MDMA use features
neurological: agitation, anxiety, confusion, ataxia
cardiovascular: tachycardia, hypertension
hyponatraemia
hyperthermia
rhabdomyolysis
MDMA management
supportive
dantrolene may be used for hyperthermia if simple measures fail
aspirin overdose management
urinary alkalinization with IV bicarbonate
haemodialysis
benzodiazipine overdose management
Flumazenil
The majority of overdoses are managed with supportive care only due to the risk of seizures with flumazenil. It is generally only used with severe or iatrogenic overdoses.
TCA overdose management
IV bicarbonate may reduce the risk of seizures and arrhythmias in severe toxicity
arrhythmias: class 1a (e.g. Quinidine) and class Ic antiarrhythmics (e.g. Flecainide) are contraindicated as they prolong depolarisation. Class III drugs such as amiodarone should also be avoided as they prolong the QT interval. Response to lignocaine is variable and it should be emphasized that correction of acidosis is the first line in management of tricyclic induced arrhythmias
dialysis is ineffective in removing tricyclics
Lithium overdose management
mild-moderate toxicity may respond to volume resuscitation with normal saline
haemodialysis may be needed in severe toxicity
sodium bicarbonate is sometimes used but there is limited evidence to support this. By increasing the alkalinity of the urine it promotes lithium excretion