Rheum. Pharmacology Flashcards
Which drugs provide symptom relief in inflammatory arthritis?
Paracetamol
NSAIDs
Opiates
Atypical analgesics
Which two groups of drugs are classed as disease-modifying drugs in rheumatology?
DMARDs
Biologics
Give examples of DMARDS
Methotrexate
Sulphasalazine
Hydroxychloroquine
Give examples of biologics
Anti-TNF
Ritixumab
List some analgesic drugs
Co-codamol
Tramadol
Amitryptilline
Gabapentin
List some NSAIDs
Ibuprofen
Diclofenac
Celecoxib
Naproxen
DMARDs are fast-acting drugs. True/False?
False
Slow to act - weeks to months
What effect do DMARDs have?
Anti-inflammatory but NO DIRECT ANALGESIA
Reduce rate of joint damage
What is the “window of opportunity” for DMARDs and arthritic patients?
Start DMARD within 3 months of symptom onset
What are the 2 DMARDs of choice?
Methotrexate
Sulfasalazine
What is the supposed mode of action of methotrexate?
Folate antagonist
Methotrexate is teratogenic. What implication does this have?
Male and females must stop drug 3 months prior to conception of child
Does hydroxychloroquine have effect on joint damage?
No
What is the main anti-TNF drug?
Infliximab
Are anti-TNF drugs more effective than DMARDs?
Yes