Primary Care

Question 1

Levothyroxine

Answer 1

• Treats hypothyroidism
• SE: reduced appetite, insomnia, diarrhea, exacerbation of existing heart problems
• Not for weight loss, take on an empty stomach, avoid antacids and iron for 4 hours after does, may take up to 2 months for symptoms to improve

Question 2

Lisinopril

Answer 2

ACE inhibitor
Uses: hypertension, heart failure, after an MI
SE: nausea, dizziness, elevated potassium, DRY COUGH, angiogenesis,a (rare but serious)
Other: May protect kidney function in diabetics, avoid during pregnancy, avoid potassium supplements

Question 3

Atorvastatin

Answer 3

Statin
Uses: hyperlipidemia, prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, prevent a second heart attack/stroke
SE: common = HA, muscle pain, diarrhea; rare = increased liver enzymes, pain, increase blood sugar, rhabdomyolosis, tendon rupture
Other: not for use during pregnancy, limit alcohol consumption, labs to monitor effect and side effects

Question 4

Metformin

Answer 4

Brand name: Glucophage
Uses: DM II, PCOS
SE: common = diarrhea, nausea, low energy, vomiting; less common: headaches, vitamin deficiencies, weight loss, lactic acidosis, severe liver problems
Other: First line treatment for type two diabetes, take with food, avoid alcohol, does not cause hypoglycemia

Question 5

Amlodipine

Answer 5

Brand: Norvasc
CCB
Uses: HTN, angina, Raynaud’s Phenomenon
SE: common = fluid retention/edema; less common = dizziness, fatigue, high potassium, low blood pressure, change in heart rate, rash, itching, severe liver/blood problems
Other: monitor BP, avoid alcohol, monitor for dizziness

Question 6

Metoprolol

Answer 6

Brand: Lopressor
Beta-blocker
Uses: angina, heart failure, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, cardiac dysrhythmia
SE: common = dizziness, fatigue, low BP; less common = Weakness, breathing problems, diarrhea, changes in blood glucose, headache, rash
Other: should be tapered (do not stop abruptly), avoid alcohol, watch for low BP, monitor BG

Question 7

Omeprazole

Answer 7

Brand: Prilosec
Class: PPI
Uses: treats ulcers, H. pylori, erosive esophagitis, protection from other meds (NSAIDs)
SE: diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, C. diff, pancreatitis, liver/kidney issues, potential long-term issues like decreased bone density (fractures)
Other: recommended use 4 to 8 weeks, best 30 to 60 minutes before a meal, discuss long-term use with prescriber

Question 8

Simvastatin

Answer 8

Brand: Zocor
Class: HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor, statin
Uses: Hyperlipidemia, prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, MI/stroke prevention
SE: nausea, headache, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle pain, increase liver enzymes, rash, rhabdomyolosis, liver toxicity, tendon rupture
Other: Monitor affect and side effects with labs, do not use during pregnancy, avoid alcohol, may affect blood glucose, side effects more likely with higher doses

Question 9

Losartan

Answer 9

Brand: Cozaar
Class: ARB
Uses: HTN, diabetic nephroprathy (kidney protective), reduce cardiac risk event
SE: headache, nausea, loss of appetite, constipation, back pain, leg pain, muscle cramps, dizziness, low blood pressure, increase potassium, angioedema
Other: avoid use during pregnancy, labs to monitor for side effects, avoid potassium supplements, dehydration increases risk of side effects

Question 10

Albuterol

Answer 10

Brand: ProAir, Ventolin, Proventil
Class: Beta2 Agonist - causes bronchial smooth muscle relaxation
Uses: asthma, exercise induced asthma, acute respiratory issues
SE: nausea, throat irritation, runny nose, sore throat, rapid heartbeat, and Gina, nervousness, insomnia, headache, cough, pulmonary edema, atrial fibrillation
Other: teach proper inhaler technique, excessive use may indicate need for other medication‘s, spacer may improve effectiveness

Question 11

Gabapentin

Answer 11

Brand: Neurontin
Class: Anticonvulsant
Uses: Seizures, nerve pain, restless leg syndrome, anxiety
SE: Dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, slurred speech, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, we gain, dry mouth, serious rash, suicidal thoughts
Other: dosage should be slowly increased, may affect mental alertness, do not suddenly stop - taper off, avoid at the same time as ant acids

Question 12

Hydrochlorothiazide

Answer 12

Brand: HCTZ
Class: Thiazide Diuretic
Uses: Edema, hypertension
SE: Low blood pressure, dizziness, headache, constipation, decreased appetite rash, skin sensitivity to light, decreased potassium, magnesium, and sodium
Other: labs to monitor electrolytes, best taken early in the day, avoid alcohol, full effect in 2 to 3 weeks

Question 13

Acetaminophen/Hydrocodone

Answer 13

Brand: Lortab, Norco, Vicodin
Class: Opioid
Uses: severe pain, inhibits cough
SE: Constipation, stomach upset, drowsiness, rash, itchiness, difficulty breathing, dependence/addiction potential, decrease in sex hormones
Other: May need to prescribe laxative, avoid alcohol, caution with other medications, avoid tasks requiring alertness, may need to taper, avoid other products with acetaminophen

Question 14

Sertraline

Answer 14

Brand: Zoloft
Class: SSRI
Uses: Depression, OCD, panic disorder
SE: Headache, insomnia, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, decreased appetite and libido, dry mouth, sweating, tremor, weight gain, bleeding, serotonin syndrome
Other: caution engaging in activities requiring alertness, avoid alcohol and NSAIDs, may take several weeks for symptoms to improve, best to taper

Question 15

Furosemide

Answer 15

Brand: Lasix
Class: Loop Diuretic
Uses: HTN, edema
SE: Increases uric acid, headache, constipation, vomiting, Muscle spasms, rash, tinnitus, kidney issues, low calcium, potassium and magnesium,
Other: Monitor electrolytes, avoid alcohol, avoid NSAIDs, caution to sun exposure/light sensitivity, increases potassium

Question 16

Fluticasone

Answer 16

Brand: Flonase (RX & OTC)
Class: Glucocorticosteroid
Uses: Allergic rhinitis, nonallergic rhinitis, runny/stuffy nose
SE: Nose bleeds, nasal irritation, burning
Other: N/A