Pharmacology Facts Flashcards
Which factor in the clotting cascade do Enoxaparin and Rivaroxaban act on ?
Enoxaparin inhibts Factor Xa (activated factor 10)
Which factor in the clotting cascade does Apixaban act on?
Apixaban inhibits factor Xa (activated factor 10)
How does Dabigatran work?
Direct thrombin inhibition preventing fibrin formation and hence clot development
What is the standard treatment for TB and what are their major side effects?
Rifampicin - Hepatitis, rashes, febrile reaction, orange/red secretions (N.B. contact lenses), many drug interactions including warfarin and OCP
Isoniazid - Hepatitis, rashes, peripheral neuropathy, psychosis
Pyrazinamide - Hepatitis, rashes, vomiting, arthralgia
Ethambutol - Retrobulbar neuritis
Therefore, MUST do a baseline visual acuity test and LFT’s which must be monitored closely
Give 3 examples of loop diuretics
Furosemide, bumetanide, torsemide
What is the main indication use of loop diuretics
Fluid overload
What is the mechanism of action of loop diuretics
Inhibit the NA K Cl- transporter in the loop of Henle
Name 2 thiazide or thiazide like diuretics
bendroflumethiazide, indapamide
main indications for use of thiazide diuretics
Hypertension, fluid overload
What is the mechanism of action of thiazide diuretics
Inhibits NaCl channel in distal convoluted tubule
The common side effects of thiazide diuretics
Hyponatraemia, hypokalaemia, dehydration, hypercalcaemia, hyperuricaemia, hypomagnesaemia, alkalosis
Where are loop diuretics metabolised
Liver and kidney
Where are thiazide diuretics metabolised
Kidney
Name 2 types of potassium sparing diuretics and name one drug in each category
Aldosterone antagonists (spironolactone) epithelial Na channel blockers (amiloride)
1 of the main indications for use of potassium sparing diuretics
Potassium losing tubulopathies, hypertension, heart failure
Common side effects of potassium sparing diuretics
Hypokalaemia, gynaecomastia
To avoid risk of hyperkalaemia which medications would you not prescribe along with potassium sparing diuretics
ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers
Name 2 carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
Acetazolamide, brinzolamide
Which ions do carbonic anhydrase inhibitors increase the renal excretion of
Sodium, potassium, bicarbonate
4 common side-effects of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
Flushing, metabolic acidosis, liver failure and agranulocytosis
What effect do carbonic anhydrase inhibitors have in the eye
Decrease production of aqueous humour (thus used for glaucoma)
Name 4 examples of corticosteroids
Prednisolone, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, triamcinolone
6 of the common side effects of corticosteroids
Adrenal suppression, hyperglycaemia, psychosis, insomnia, indigestion, mood swings
Lists some important but uncommon side effects of corticosteroids
Diabetes, cataracts, glaucoma, peptic ulceration, susceptibility to infections, osteoporosis, muscle wasting, skin thinning, Cushingoid appearance
What should you consider prescribing with corticosteroids
PPI, bisphosphonates, (and issue them with a steroid card if long-term)
How does tolvaptan work?
Vasopressin receptor 2 antagonist
5 side effects of beta blockers
bronchospasm, cold peripheries, fatigue, sleep disturbances, including nightmares. erectile dysfunction
Which types of oral hypoglyceamiac agents (anti-diabetic drugs) typically cause weight loss?
GLP-1 agonists (-tides)
SGLT-2 inhibitors (-gliflozins)
How does digoxin work?
Decreases conduction through the AV node (thus slowing ventricular rate in AF and A.flutter)
Increases force of cardiac muscle contraction due to inhibition of the Na+/K+ ATPase pump. Also stimulates vagus nerve.
Why should verapamil not be given with beta blockers?
May cause heart block
5 commonly used drugs that can cause peripheral neuropathy
Phenytoin
Amiodarone.
Isoniazid.
Nitrofurantoin
Metronidazole. (also Ciprofloxacin)
.
(PAIN MC)
Mechanism of action for salbutamol
ß2-selective adrenergic agonists Increase cAMP in SMC’s resulting in relaxation and thus bronchodilation
Name 2 long acting beta agonists
Formeterol, Salmeterol
What type of drug is Ipratropium?
Anti-muscarinic
Common side effects of ipratropium
Effects
Dry mouth, constipation, cough, headache
What category of drugs are Aminophylline and Theophylline?
Xanthines
Mechanism of action of Aminophylline
Block phosphodiesterases resulting in decreased cAMP breakdown causing bronchodilation (also positive chronotropic and inotropic effects, diuretic action)
What are the toxic effects of aminophylline if overdosed?
Toxic effects are serious arrhythmias, seizures, N&V, hypotension (theraputic window is 10-20mg/L)
Common side effects of aminophylline
Headache, GI upset, reflux, palpitations, dizziness
Name 3 glucocorticoid steroids for inhalation
Beclomethasone, Budesonide, Fluticasone
