Symptoms In Pharmacy - Pain (w20) Flashcards
What is pain ?
An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage
What is an analgesic ?
A medication used to reduce pain
What is an anti-inflammatory ?
Reduces inflammation
What is the mode of action of paracetamol ?
Reduces the production of prostaglandins (PG) in the brain and spinal cord
What age can you not sell paracetamol 500mg tablets to unless advised by a doctor ?
Children <10
What cautions are there surrounding taking paracetamol ?
- people with kidney or liver dysfunction
- those taking warfarin - paracetamol can increase risk of bleeding if taken regularly
- overdose - nausea and vomiting then liver failure (after 4-6 days)
What NSAIDs can be sold in a pharmacy ?
Ibuprofen
Aspirin
Naproxen
What is the mechanism of action for NSAIDs ?
Inhibit prostaglandin (PG) synthesis by reversibly inhibiting cyclo-oxygenate (COX) enzymes
When may NSAIDs not be appropriate ?
- asthma patients (can induce asthma attack)
- kidney impairment (decreases renal function)
- cardiovascular disease and hypertension
- previous stomach ulcers (increases bleeding risk)
- inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- pregnancy
- lupus
What is the max dose of ibuprofen ?
1200mg in 24 hours
What is the max daily does of naproxen ?
No more than three 250mg tablets per day
- can’t take with any other NSAIDs
What makes up nurofen plus ?
Ibuprofen + codeine
What is the mechanism of action for codeine ?
Activates and binds to Mu opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord (CNS), this is then metabolised in the liver by enzymes into morphine.
What are the common side effects of codeine ?
- constipation
- nausea
- drowsiness
- contraindicated in breastfeeding
