Prescribing Safety Assessment: Drug Monitoring & ADRs Flashcards
Which patients are statins associated with myopathy in?
Personal or family history of muscular disorders, previous history of muscular toxicity, renal impairment, high alcohol intake, hypothyroidism, elderly. Check CK at baseline in these patients only.
What monitoring level is done for phenytoin?
Pre-dose (trough)
Checking ALT when starting statin?
Should be done in all patients. If ALT/AST are 3* normal, statins are contraindicated (or if have active liver disease). Should be checked at 3 and 12 months after starting treatment.
Normal range for lithium?
0.4-0.8mmol/L
When to monitor lithium?
12 hours post dose
When should routine lithium monitoring be done?
Weekly after initiation, after each dose change until stable, and every 3 months thereafter
Sodium and lithium?
Sodium depletion is known to increase the risk of lithium toxicity and patients are advised to avoid making dietary changes that increase/decrease sodium intake
What parameters need monitoring for lithium?
Serum concentration, U&E, TFTs, ECG, BMI/weight
When to monitor methotrexate?
FBC regularly, but can be 2-3 months when established
Starting methotrexate if LFTs abnormal?
Should not be done!
Key parameter at baseline when starting APS?
Fasting blood glucose; ECG only indicated in those with CVD or RFs
Key parameter when starting COCP?
Cardiovascular e.g. blood pressure.
What thyroid bloods need monitoring for amiodarone?
Full panel e.g. T3/T4/TSH
Key baseline investigation in amiodarone?
CXR (risk of pulmonary toxicity), LFTs, U&E (K+), TFTs
Amiodarone and potassium?
Should be used with caution when hypokalaemic (risk of arrhythmia)
Which doses need checking for multiple daily dose regimen in gentamicin?
Pre-dose (trough) and peak dose
When is plasma digoxin concentration measured?
Not routinely done! Only if toxicity/ non-compliance or inadequate effect suspected
Key blood to monitor in digoxin?
U&E (renally excreted)
One advantage of digoxin over CCBs and B-blockers?
Does not cause hypotension so may be better for hypotensive patients