Reading 02 : Drug Therapy Across Lifespans Flashcards
What proportion of pregnant women take at least one medication during pregnancy?
Two-thirds of pregnant women take at least one medication; many take more.
Do all drugs cross the placenta?
Yes, all drugs cross the placenta.
Why are drugs used during pregnancy?
To treat pregnancy-related conditions (e.g., nausea, constipation) and chronic disorders.
Have the risks of most drugs used during pregnancy been determined?
No, the risks for most drugs used during pregnancy have not been determined.
Why is it important to balance risk and benefits when using drugs during pregnancy?
Because the health of the fetus depends on the health of the mother; conditions that threaten the mother’s health must be addressed.
What is the origin of the word “teratogen” and what does it mean?
The Greek word “teras” means “monster”; teratogen literally means “to create a monster.”
What are examples of birth defects caused by teratogens?
(A) Cleft Lip
(B) Clubfoot
(C) Hydrocephalus
Do all birth defects result in physical deformities?
No, they can also include neurobehavioral and metabolic anomalies.
Can drugs taken by lactating women be excreted in breast milk?
Yes, drugs can be excreted in breast milk.
How does the concentration of a drug affect the risk to an infant?
The higher the concentration of a drug, the higher the probability of harm to an infant.
Is there extensive research on the safety of drugs taken during breastfeeding?
No, very little systematic research has been done, and only a few drugs are known to be hazardous.
What percentage of drugs are ineffective in children despite being effective in adults?
About 20%.
What percentage of drugs cause unanticipated side effects in children?
About 30%, with some side effects being potentially lethal.
What percentage of drugs require different dosages for children compared to adults?
About 20%.
What is critical to achieving timely and accurate dosing in pediatric medication?
Informed participation of the child’s parents or guardian, and if possible, active involvement of the child.
What are the key components of effective education for pediatric medication adherence?
(A) Dosage size and timing,
(B) Route and technique of administration,
(C) Duration of treatment, and drug storage,
(D) The nature and time course of desired response, and
(E) The nature and time course of adverse response.
ow much more common are adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in the elderly compared to younger adults?
ADRs are 7 times more common in the elderly than in younger adults.
What percentage of hospital admissions among older individuals are due to ADRs?
About 16% of hospital admissions among older individuals are due to ADRs.
What percentage of all medication-related deaths are accounted for by the elderly?
The elderly account for 50% of all medication-related deaths.
What are common nonspecific symptoms of ADRs in the elderly?
Dizziness and cognitive impairment.
Is aging the direct cause of ADRs in the elderly?
No, ADRs in the elderly are due to multiple factors, not aging per se.
What are the most common factors contributing to ADRs in the elderly?
(A) Drug accumulation due to reduced renal function
(B) Polypharmacy
(C) Greater severity of illness
(D) Multiple pathologies
(E) Greater use of drugs with a low therapeutic index (e.g., digoxin)
(F) Increased individual variation due to altered pharmacokinetics
(G) Inadequate supervision of long-term therapy
(H) Poor patient adherence
Are the majority of ADRs in the elderly avoidable?
Yes, the majority of ADRs in the elderly are avoidable.
Why is it important to take a thorough drug history in elderly patients?
To include all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, and reduce the risk of ADRs.
