POM to P Supply of Infections in Community Pharmacy Flashcards
What is amorolfine 5% nail lacquer used for?
For mild fungal infections affecting the tips/sides of up to 2 toenails only
When should you refer a patient who wishes to buy amorolfine 5% nail lacquer?
Diabetic
Immunocompromised
<18 years old
If >2 nails are affected
If the whole nail/bottom of the nail is affected
What is the presentation of a fungal infection of a toenail?
Crumbly/flaky nail
Thickening of nail
Discolouration
Nail separating from nail bed
Yellow/white colour
Brittle
What happens to amorolfine 5% nail lacquer when it is applied?
The solvent evaporates and leaves a highly conc. deposit which penetrates into the nail
What is the mechanism of action of amorolfine?
It is a topical antifungal which inhibits sterol synthesis. preventing the fungal cell membrane from forming
What is the dosing of amorolfine 5% nail lacquer?
Must be applied ‘like nail polish’ once a week at the same day for a min. of 9 months
What are some counselling points to consider for amorolfine 5% nail lacquer?
Nail must be filed down/cleaned before application
Do not wipe any excess nail lacquer onto the neck of the bottle to avoid contamination
Avoid contact with eyes/ears
Applicator must be cleaned after every use
Debris from the infected nail can restart another infection e.g. athletes foot - treat with e.g. terbinafine/clotrimazole
What are some contraindications for the use of amorolfine 5% nail lacquer?
<18 years old
Avoid if pregnant/breastfeeding
If any allergies to amorolfine
What is chloramphenicol used for?
Acute bacterial conjunctivitis for >2 years old
What is the dosing of chloramphenicol?
1 drop every 2h for the first 2 days, then 1 drop every 4h for the next 3 days.
How many times a day should a patient apply chloramphenicol eye ointment?
3-4 times a day
When should you refer a patient who wishes to buy chloramphenicol?
<2 years old
Pregnant/breastfeeding
Photophobia
Blurred/cloudy vision
Pain
Bloody discharge/bloodshot eye
No response after 2 days of treatment
Distorted pupils
Swelling of eye
Using other eye drops
Restricted eye movement
Bone marrow suppression present
If they wear contact lenses
What are the counselling points for chloramphenicol?
Bathe eyes in lukewarm water to remove discharge
Condition is self-limiting
Use 1 bottle per infected eye
Avoid sharing bottles if >1 person affected
Avoid sharing towels/facecloths/eye cosmetics
Wash/dry hands before/after using eye drops
Store in fridge and discard after 5 days
What are the symptoms of acute bacterial conjunctivitis?
Inflamed watery pink eye
Burning/gritty around the eye (no pain)
Dried crusts when waking up
Yellow/sticky discharge
What are the symptoms of malaria?
Fever
Sweats/chills
Muscle pains
Lethargy
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
