PSA Flashcards
Can you give ACEis in pregnancy?
No, avoid where possible! Convert to labetalol before conception
How does Tamoxifen affect risk of VTE, endometrial cancer and Warfarin
Increases them all
Increased risk VTE and endometrial cancer
Increases efficacy of warfarin
Are lactic acidosis and hypoglycaemia more commonly associated with gliclazide than metformin?
Lactic acidosis = NO, it is more commonly associated with Metformin
Hypoglycaemia = YES, not commonly associated with Metformin
When should Gliclazide be taken?
In the morning with breakfast
If dose is >160mg take in 2 doses (both with meals)
How frequently is methotrexate given?
Once weekly! Give folic acid at least 24 hours after
Which 2 commonly used antibiotics should be avoided with methotrexate and why?
Trimethoprim and Co-Trimoxazole
They are folate antagonists and increase its affect!
Name the colours of warfarin tablets?
White = 0.5mg
Brown = 1mg
Blue = 3mg
Pink = 5mg
What INR should you aim for in warfarin treatment for AF, DVT or PE?
2.5
How does alcohol affect warfarin efficacy?
Acute intoxication causes increased affects of warfarin
Chronic excess causes reduced warfarin affects
Are diarrhoea and vomiting concerning in those taking ACEis?
Yes they can be, especially in the elderly - increased risk of AKI
When should you monitor renal function and K+ levels after starting ACEis?
1-2 weeks following initiation
You are prescribing steroids for >3 months to an elderly patient. What should you also prescribe?
Bisphosphonates. Also consider gastric protection
How long can SSRIs take to work?
Up to 6 weeks
Over how long a period does HbA1c give a view of glucose control?
3 months
What should you do to insulin dosage when a diabetic patient is ill?
Increase it - blood glucose levels will increase
Should you take AdCal with Aldendronic acid?
No, calcium salts reduced bisphosphonate absorption
How often should alendronic acid be taken?
Once weekly
Which type of HRT most increases breast cancer risk?
Combined HRT
How long does the increased risk of breast cancer persist after taking HRT?
10 years
What are the general rules for which fluid to give?
Give all patients NaCl 0.9% UNLESS:
- Hypernatraemic or Hypoglycaemic (give 5% dextrose)
- Has ascites (give Human Albumin Solution)
- Is shocked from bleeding (give blood products)
How much fluid should you give if the patient is tachycardic or hypotensive?
500ml bolus immediately
If known HF give 250ml!
How much fluid should you give if the patient is oliguric?
1L over 2-4 hours (providing oliguria is not due to urinary obstruction)
What type of drug should be given to prevent a clot enlarging in PE?
LMWH!
Which 2 drugs are the first line management of chronic Heart Failure?
ACEis and Beta Blockers
What medication should you give first to treat breathlessness in asthma attack?
Salbutamol
What medication should you give first to treat chest pain in MI?
GTN
What medications can treat breathlessness in acute AF?
CCBs or Beta blockers!
What is the treatment to LOWER potassium in hyperkalaemia?
Short acting insulin with glucose (Actrapid/Novorapid)
10 units of Actrapid/Novorpaid in 100ml of 20% dextrose over 30mins IV
Focal seizures are best treated with Carbamazepine or Lamotrigine. Under what circumstances would you prefer Lamotrigine?
Pregnancy or low sodium (Carbamazepine can cause SIADH)
How do you decide whether to use Metformin or Gliclazide?
Metformin = 1st line in overweight patients
Gliclazide = 1st line in normal/underweight patients or if the creatinine is >150
What are the 2 main side effects of Vancomycin and Gentamycin?
Nephrotoxicity and Ototoxicity
How often should liver function be measured when taking statins? When would LFTs mean statins are contraindicated
Before, at 3 months and at 12 months.
Statins are contraindicated if pre-treatment AST or ALT is raised more than 3 times normal!
Correct blood lithium concentrations are 0.4-0.8mmol/l. When are toxic effects likely to manifest?
Serum concentrations above 1.5mmol/l
How often should lithium levels be monitored?
Weekly then every 3 months once stable
What should you do if pre-treatment LFTs are abnormal when commencing Methotrexate?
NOT treat
What should you do if there is clinically significant drops in WCC or platelets when treating with methotrexate?
STOP treatment
Can you give amiodarone to patients with hypokalaemia?
Yes but with caution - increased risk of arrhythmias
What is a key side effect of carbimazole?
Bone marrow suppression and agranulocytosis - advise patients to report illness e.g. sore throat immediately
What should you always monitor with digoxin treatment?
Renal function - digoxin is excreted at the kidneys
Measure plasma digoxin levels if toxicity, non-compliance or inadequate doses are suspected
What is the crucial monitoring needed in clozapine? How long do you need to monitor for?
FBC - due to the risk of neutropenia and agranulocytosis
Monitor weekly for 18 weeks after starting! Then every 2 weeks for 1 year then monthly
What is a common ADR of broad spectrum Abx e.g. Cephalosporins or Ciprofloxacin?
C. difficile colitis
What are the common ADRs of ACEis?
Hypotension, electrolyte abnormalities, AKI and dry cough
What are the common ADRs of Beta Blockers?
Hypotension, bradycardia, wheeze in asthmatics, worsening of acute HF
What are the common ADRs of CCBs?
Hypotension, bradycardia, peripheral oedema and flushing
What are the common ADRs of Diuretics?
Hypotension, electrolyte abnormalities, AKI, gynaecomastia in spironolactone
What are the common ADRs of Heparins?
Haemorrhage (especially if renal failure or <50kg), heparin induced thrombocytopenia
What are the common ADRs of Warfarin?
Haemorrhage - initially warfarin is procoagulant so heparin should be prescribed alongside until INR >2
What are the common ADRs of Aspirin?
Haemorrhage, peptic ulcers, gastritis and tinnitus
What are the common ADRs of Digoxin?
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, blurred vision, confusion, drowsiness and xanthopsia (disturbed yellow/green visual perception)
What affect do potassium levels have on digoxin?
Low potassium increases its effect, high potassium reduces its effect
What are the common ADRs of Amiodarone?
ILD (pulmonary fibrosis), hypo- and hyper-thyroidism, skin greying and corneal deposits
What are the common ADRs of Lithium?
Early - tremor
Intermediate - tiredness
Late - arrhythmias, seizures, coma, renal failure, DI
What are the common ADRs of Haloperidol?
Acute dystonic reaction and drowsiness
What are the common ADRs of Steroids?
Stomach ulcers, Thin skin, oEdema, Right and left heart failure, Osteoporosis, Infection, Diabetes, cushing’s Syndrome
What additional ADR may be seen with fludrocortisone (aside from STEROID acronym)?
Hypertension, sodium and water retention
What are the common ADRs of NSAIDs?
No urine (renal failure), Systolic dysfunction (heart failure), Asthma, Indigestion, Dyscrasia (clotting abnormalities)
What are the common ADRs of Statins?
Myalgia, Abdo pain, increased AST/ALT and rhabdomyolysis
Name the common enzyme inducers?
PC BRAS: Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, Barbiturates, Rifampicin, Alcohol (chronic), Sulphonylureas
Name the common enzyme inhibitors?
AO DEVICES: Allopurinol, Omeprazole, Disulfiram, Erythromycin, Valproate, Isoniazid, Ciprofloxacin, Ethanol (acute intoxication), Sulphonamides
Which drug should NEVER be prescribed alongside beta blockers?
Verapamil (especially IV) as can cause hypotension and asystole
What should you search on the BNF to check vitamin K requirements for warfarin over anticoagulation?
Phytomenadione
Is Metformin of a Sulphonylurea more likely to cause hypoglycaemia?
Suphonylurea
Metformin is more likely to cause lactic acidosis
What is the 1st line medical treatment for croup?
One off PO Dexamethasone (150mcg/kg)
Name 3 drugs commonly associated with dyspepsia?
Steroids, bisphosphonates and NSAIDs
Which diabetes drug should be avoided in metabolic acidosis patients?
Metformin - it can cause lactic acidosis
Name 2 bulk forming laxatives?
Isphaghula husk and Sterculia
Which diabetes drugs are most associated with hypoglycaemia?
Insulin and sulphonureas
Name 3 types of women who should be given the higher dose (5mg) folic acid in pregnancy?
Previous child with a NTD
On antiepileptics
Has DM
How can you monitor the therapeutic benefit of diuretics in fluid overload treatment?
Daily weights
When can activated charcoal be given in paracetamol overdose?
If the patient presents within 1 hour of OD
How can you treat cellulitis in a person with a penicillin allergy (i.e. can not have fluclox)?
Clarithromycin but if pregnant give erythromycin
Who is diclofenac contraindicated in?
Those with a history of IHD, PAD, CVD
Which drugs should be given in the secondary prevention of CVD?
ACEis, Beta blockers, dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin and clopidogrel/ticagrelor) and a statin
Which investigations are required before starting amiodarone?
CXR, ECG, U&Es, TFTs, LFTs
What drug should you use as an alternative to PPIs in a patient on methotrexate?
Magnesium carbonate (PPIs increase the risk of toxicity)
What is a 10% solution equivalent to in g/ml?
10g/100ml
When should you refer a patient to same day secondary care with severe HTN (Systolic BP >180)?
If there is papilloedema or retinal haemorrhage on fundoscopy, signs of end organ damage (e.g. confusion, HF or AKI) or suspected phaeochromocytoma (e.g. postural hypotension, abdo pain or palpitations)
What is the first line management for confirmed PE in a haemodynamically stable patient?
Apixaban or Rivaroxaban
What is the first line management for confirmed PE in a haemodynamically unstable patient?
Unfractionated heparin and thrombolysis
What should patients do if they miss a dose of warfarin?
Carry on as normally prescribed (i.e. do NOT double dose)
How does binge drinking affect warfarin?
Increases the INR and increases risk of bleeding
What does a 0.025% solution mean in mg/mls?
25mg per 100mls or 0.25mg per 1 ml
How many micrograms are in a milligram?
1000
Name some notable side effects seen in anti-muscarinics e.g. Oxybutanin?
Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation and cognitive impairment
What drug class is Diclofenac? What is a common side effect to be aware of?
NSAID
Dyspepsia, GI ulceration and bleeding
Which type of diuretics are known to increase the risk of gout? Give an example?
Thiazide like diuretics
E.g. Indapamide and Metolazone
What is a common use for Prochlorperazine? What is the most important side effect?
Tx of Nausea/vomiting and vestibular disorders
Can cause extra pyramidal side effects e.g. acute dystonia
What is an important side effect of statins? When should treatment be stopped?
Myalgia, myositis and myopathy
If symptoms are severe of if Creatinine Kinase >5
What formula can be sued to estimate a child’s weight in an emergency situation?
(Age+4)x2
How do we convert:
g -> mg -> micrograms -> nanograms
Times each by 1000
What concentration is a 1:1000 drug?
1g in 1000ml or 1mg per ml
What is the conversion when changing oral morphine to s/c?
Divide the dose by 2!
If you prescribe 1L of fluids to be given over 8 hours, how many mls are given per hour?
125ml
Can bisphosphonates be crushed?
NO - they will cause GI upset
Who is Diclofenac contraindicated in?
Those with ischaemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease or cerebrovascular disease
Name 3 things that will reduce tetracycline antimicrobial absorption?
Calcium, antacids and iron
Name 1 thing that will reduce quinolone antimicrobial absorption?
Iron
Name 2 things that will reduce ciprofloxacin antimicrobial absorption?
Calcium and magnesium
What is the equivalence of digoxin elixir vs tablets?
50 micrograms of elixir is equivalent to 62.5 micrograms of tablet
Should SSRIs be taken at night?
NO! This can cause sleep disturbances
When should you take levotyroxine?
In the morning before breakfast
When should simvastatin be taken?
At night
How can vitamin C affect the absorption of iron salts?
It increases the speed of absorption
What is the initial treatment for acute and severe asthma attack?
Nebulised salbutamol with oxygen
True or false changing the preparation of lithium may require a dose change?
True
How often should TFTs be monitored for Thyroid dysfunction in a patient taking lithium?
Every 6 months
Is lithium safe for use in pregnancy?
No! Avoid where possible
What is the reversal agent for Benzodiazepine overdose
Flumazenil
How can we treat unruptured ectopic pregnancy with an adnexal mass <35 and a hCG <1500 with no foetal heat beat?
Oral methotrexate
What do we need to monitor with methotrexate therapy?
FBC, U&Es and LFTs
Mx of Meningitis in Children?
<3 months = IV Cefotaxime and Amoxicillin
>3 months = IV Ceftriaxone
What are the blood pressure targets?
<80:
Clinical <140/90, ABPM <135/85
>80
Clinical <150/90, ABPM <145/85
What should you ALWAYS monitor when treating with LMWH or unfractionated heparin for >4 days?
Platelet count
What is Acute Intermittent Porphyria?
Abdominal pain, hallucinations, polyneuropathy and urine discolouration seen by enzyme deficiency. Commonly caused by medications