The Pharmacist Flashcards

1
Q

Internal and External Solutions:
Potassium Citrate:

What are two most likely purposes of ethanol in this product?

A

Ethanol could be used as a co-solvent to improve the drug solubility of the active ingredient, potassium citrate

It could be used in this product as a preservative to prevent bacterial growth

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2
Q

Internal & External Solutions:
Potassium Citrate:

Which groups of people may the ethanol content be important to?
(Two Examples)

A

Ethanol constant may be important to those who are religious (Christianity and Islam) as they may not want to take medication containing ethanol for religious reasons

Ethanol content may important in children as it could cause low blood glucose levels in children and have the potential to cause liver problems

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3
Q

Internal & External Solutions:
Potassium Citrate:

What are the two most likely purposes of citric acid?

A

The two most likely purposes of citric acid are:
As an antioxidant to stabilise the solution and prevent degradation of the drug
Or
As a buffer with potassium citrate as the salt in equilibrium to resist the change of the pH of the solution

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4
Q

Internal & External Solutions:
Potassium Citrate:

Which three excipients are used to improve palatability?

A

Three excipients that can be used to improve palatability include:
Flavourings - lemon oil terpeneless, quillaia tincture
Sweeteners - sucrose

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5
Q

Internal & External Solutions:
Potassium Citrate:

If this product were made extemporaneously, citric acid would need to ground before adding it to the product, why is this the case?

A

Grinding citric acid improves the drug solubility of the product by increasing the rate of dissolution making the product more soluble

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6
Q

Internal & External Solutions:
Potassium Citrate:

Sodium Benzoate is the main preservative in this product, if you made it extemporaneously, what is the most likely preservative you would use in place of sodium benzoate?

A

I would use double strength chloroform water as a preservative in place of sodium benzoate

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7
Q

Solid Oral Dosage Forms:
CosmoCol

Why has this product been formulated as a powder as opposed to a tablet or capsule?

A

This may have been formulated as a powder as a large dose may be required in order to reach therapeutic effect

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8
Q

Solid Oral Dosage Forms:
CosmoCol

What is the main function of colloidal anhydrous silica in this product?

A

Colloidal anhydrous silica is an excipient and it is used as a lubricant and it affects the flow properties of the powder

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9
Q

Solid Oral Dosage Forms:
CosmoCol

Once reconstituted, what are the directions for storage of product and why?

A

Reconstituted CosmoCol can be stored in the fridge up to 24 hours
After this it must be discarded
This may be because the powder may start to settle and this could lead to inaccurate dosing

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10
Q

Solid Oral Dosage Forms:
CosmoCol

What additional types of excipients are needed in oral powder compared to a standard tablet?
Please identify these in this formulation

A

CosmoCol contains flavourings such as orange flavour as well as sugar free sweetener- Saacharin
These are used to improve the palatability and mask the taste of the drug

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11
Q

Solid Oral Dosage Forms:
CosmoCol

When making powder extemporaneously the method used to mix the powders together is referred to as doubling up or the method of increasing proportions, describe how to carry out this technique

A

Doubling Up
Start with a small amount of each powder and then mix them well
Then continue to double the volume of each time as you add an equal amount of each powder

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12
Q

Solid Oral Dosage Forms:
CosmoCol

How would you package a powder extemporaneously? I

A

Powders can be packaged in either bulk pots and satchels

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13
Q

Solid Oral Dosage Forms:
Mebeverine Capsules

In the directions for use section of the PIL, one instruction to the patient is to swallow the capsule whole and not to chew it
Why is this?

A

Mebeverine is formulated as a modified release capsule which means the drug need to be released at a specific time or place (in the intestine)

If the capsule is chewed or crushed, the drug is immediately released into the body which potentially could harm the patient

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14
Q

Solid Oral Dosage Forms:
Mebeverine Capsules

Describe one benefit to the patient of this type of formulation as opposed to standard capsules

A

One benefit of this type of formulation compared to standard capsules is that it has a local effect as it is only broken down when it reaches the intestine

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15
Q

Solid Oral Dosage Forms:
Mebeverine Capsules

What is the function of titanium oxide in the formulation and why is it important in the formulation?

A

Titanium dioxide is used to improve the appearance of the product and can be used for identification

This is important as it could increase patient adherence to the drug and make patients more likely to take it

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16
Q

Solid Oral Dosage Forms:
Mebeverine Capsules

These capsules are made of gelatin
Identify two groups of people where gelatin may be unsuitable

A

One group of people where gelatin may be unsuitable for is vegetarians and people with conflicting religious beliefs due to the content of pork

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17
Q

Solid Oral Dosage Forms:
Mebeverine Capsules

In general when making capsules extemporaneously why would you need to add a diluent?

A

A diluent is if the minimum weight of the drug is less than 100mg and the smallest capsule is too big for the drug

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18
Q

Solid Oral Dosage Forms:
Mebeverine Capsules

Describe two methods used to fill capsules extemporaneously

A

Punch Press
When you place the capsule into a pile of mixture and fill it to capacity and then place the cap on top

Another method is using weighed aliquot sand fill each capsule individually

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19
Q

Vaginal & Rectal Formulations:
Boots Haemorrhoid Relief Suppositories

Why do the instructions for use in the PIL advise the patient to empty their bowels where possible before administering the suppository?

A

It is important for the patient to empty their bowels before administering the suppository so that the suppository does not fall out before reaching the therapeutic effect

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20
Q

Vaginal & Rectal Formulations:
Boots Haemorrhoid Relief Suppositories

Is this suppository made with a wax base or water soluble base and how should the patient be advise to lubricate the suppository before insertion?

A

It is a wax based suppository and the patient should be advised to lubricate the suppository by gently rubbing it between their fingers to warm the suppository

This removes a thin layer of fat covering the suppository

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21
Q

Vaginal & Rectal Formulations:
Boots Haemorrhoid Relief Suppositories

Based on what you about this type of formulation, why is it particularly important for this product to be stored at or below 25 degrees Celsius?

A

It is important because if it was stored above this temperature, it (lubricant) would start to melt and the drug will be released before it has been administered so it can’t be used

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22
Q

Vaginal & Rectal Formulations:
Boots Haemorrhoid Relief Suppositories

Describe the function of the Colloidal Silicon Dioxide in this formation and how it adds to the integrity of the product?

A

It increases the viscosity (makes suppository thicker) of the suppository and prevents the components of the suppository from settling and keeps the suppository hard

23
Q

Vaginal & Rectal Formulations:
Boots Haemorrhoid Relief Suppositories

When making the suppository, why might we need to consider the displacement value of the drug?

A

The displacement value needs to be taken into account to ensure that the total volume of the suppository is correct and the correct dose is administered by taking into account the density of the base and drug

24
Q

Vaginal & Rectal Formulations:
Boots Haemorrhoid Relief Suppositories

When making suppositories extemporaneously with a wax base, why is it important to know when to add the molten mixture to the mould?

A

It is important to know when to add the molten mixture to ensure there is an even distribution of the active ingredient throughout the suppository and the correct volume of the suppository is made

25
Q

Vaginal & Rectal Formulations:
Balance Activ Pessaries

The product is recommend to be used at bedtime why is this?

A

The product is recommended to be used at bedtime to ensure that the pessary does not fall out and had maximum retention

26
Q

Vaginal & Rectal Formulations:
Balance Activ Pessaries

Describe the function of polyethylene glycol in the product and how this adds to the integrity of the product?

A

Polyethylene glycol is used as water soluble base (solubilising agent) and dissolves to release the active ingredient to relieve symptoms of bacterial vaginosis

27
Q

Vaginal & Rectal Formulations:
Balance Activ Pessaries

Based on what you know about this type of formulation, why is it particularly important not to use the product if the foil packaging is damaged?

A

It is important to not use the pessary if the foil is damaged as moisture could’ve gotten inside the packaging, which can lead to lubrication and potentially the release of the drug

28
Q

Vaginal & Rectal Formulations:
Balance Activ Pessaries

In general, what advice should be given to ladies regarding the use of condoms after inserting a pessary?

A

It is advised to avoid and refrain from sexual intercourse whilst taking the balance activ pessaries as it can damage the condom by bursting or ripping holes, which can result in a STI or pregnancy

29
Q

Vaginal & Rectal Formulations:
Balance Activ Pessaries

When making water soluble pessaries or suppositories, why should the mould be lubricated?

A

It is lubricated using liquid paraffin
This is done using a pipette to place a drop of liquid paraffin in the mould and use a paper towel to spread it throughout the mould
This is done so that the suppository or pessary can be removed easily and intact

30
Q

Vaginal & Rectal Formulations:
Balance Activ Pessaries

When making water soluble based suppositories or extemporaneously why should the molten mixture be stirred gently?

A

The molten mixture should be stirred gently to ensure there is an even distribution of the powder throughout the mixture and to prevent the formation of air bubbles

31
Q

OSCE Station Two:
Potassium Citrate

What is the medicine used for?

A

It is used to treat a bladder and urine infection
It relieves the symptoms you are experiencing by making your urine less acidic to reduce irritation and stinging when urinating
It does not kill the bacteria

32
Q

OSCE Station Two:
Potassium Citrate

How do you use the medication?

A

Shake well before use
Take 2 x 5ml spoonfuls (using the spoon that comes with the medication) mixed with a regular glass of water 3 times a day for 2-3 days

If symptoms are still present after this then go to the doctor as you may need an antibiotic

33
Q

OSCE Station Two:
Potassium Citrate

What are the side effects if there are any?

A

Not everyone gets side effects but some that you may experience is feeling or being sick and stomach upsets

Not everyone has side effects but if you do experience any then just come back to the pharmacy

34
Q

OSCE Station Two:
Potassium Citrate

How do you store potassium citrate?

A

It shouldn’t be stored above room temperature and once opened use within 2 months
If you have any remaining return to pharmacy
Do not use after expiry date

35
Q

OSCE Station Two:
Otex Sodium Bicarbonate Ear Drops

How do you use the ear drops

A

Wash hands before use
Lying down is best
Turn cap anti clockwise and discard cap

Remove the dropper from packaging and insert it into the bottle
Tilt head or lay down and place 3-4 ear drops into the ear twice daily for up to 5 days and keep head tilted for 3 minutes to make sure drops stay in ear
Use tissue to remove any excess
Don’t plug ears
Make sure dropper does not touch ear to prevent contamination

Repeat in other ear if necessary

36
Q

OSCE Station Two:
Otex Sodium Bicarbonate Ear Drops

How to store?

A

Don’t store above room temperature
Keep out of reach of children
Once opened do not use after 4 weeks

37
Q

OSCE Station Two:
Otex Sodium Bicarbonate Ear Drops

What are the side effects?

A

Most people don’t get them but you may feel a tingling sensation when putting the drops in

38
Q

OSCE Station Two:
CosmoCol Orange Flavour

What is CosmoCol used for?

A

Laxative used to treat long term, persistent constipation
It makes your faeces softer and easier to pass giving relief and easing your constipation

(The salts help to regulate your body’s level of Na, K H2O to keep them normal while being treated by drawing fluid into the bowel to make it softer)

39
Q

OSCE Station Two:
CosmoCol Orange Flavour

How to take CosmoCol Orange

A

Recommend Dose for Constipation: 1 Sachet 1-3 times daily for no longer than 2 weeks
(Depending on how bad on constipation)

How to Mix
Open sachet and pour contents into a glass
Add about 1/4 of a pint of water (half a glass)
Stir well until dissolved (until powder disappears)
Drink it

If you forget to take it don’t worry take as soon as you remember
If getting close to next dose then skip it

40
Q

OSCE Station Two:
CosmoCol Orange Flavour

What are the side effects?

A

Does have side effects but not everyone gets them
Some include stomach pain, diarrhoea, feeling sick/vomiting, bloated, sore bottom

If you experience any of theses or those not listed then come back to you pharmacy

41
Q

OSCE Station Two:
CosmoCol Orange Flavour

How to store?

A

Keep medicine out of reach of children
Do not store above room temperature
Do you not use if sachets look damaged

42
Q

OSCE Station Two:
Mebeverine Modified Release Capsules

What is Mebeverine used for?

A

Used to treat symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome which is a condition that causes spasms and pain in the intestine or gutt
Relieves the pain you feel when the intestines squeezes too tightly
Also also relieves you from stomach pain bloatedness diarrhoea and small and hard faeces

Come back to pharmacy if symptoms do not improve

43
Q

OSCE Station Two:
Mebeverine Modified Release Capsules

How to take Mebeverine?

A

The recommended dose is one capsule twice a day
Take a capsule 20 minutes before a meal
Swallow the capsule whole with a drink of water
It is important that you do not chew the capsule Because It’s Been Made to Release over a Certain Period of Time

If you forget to take a capsule then take it as soon as you remember but if it’s close to taking your next dose then skip the dose do not double dose

Do you not stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor

44
Q

OSCE Station Two:
Mebeverine Modified Release Capsules

What are the side effects?

A

It can cause side-effects but not everyone gets them
you may experience skin rash or bad itchy skin
if you experience any of these just come back to the pharmacy

45
Q

OSCE Station Two:
Mebeverine Modified Release Capsules

How to store?

A

Keep out of sight of children
do not use after expiry date on the Carton
store in the original packaging
Do not store above room temperature
Returned any unused capsules to the pharmacy

46
Q

OSCE Station 2:
Balance Activ Pessary

What is the medicine used for?

A

To treat bacterial vaginosis where you imbalance of natural bacterial and pH which leads to symptoms

It restores the natural balance of pH in the vagina with the use of lactic acid

47
Q

OSCE Station 2:
Balance Activ Pessary

How to use the medicine?

A

The recommended dose is 1 pessary daily for 7 days before bedtime

To administer the pessary:
Wash hands, remove from packaging
Lie on your back knees bent
Insert pessary point end first into the vagina as far as comfortable and so it stays in
Patient should remain still so pessary does not fall out and go to bed
You may experience leakage so you may want to use a panty liner

48
Q

OSCE Station 2:
Balance Activ Pessary

What are the side effects?

A

Are you allergic to shellfish?
If not that’s fine you shouldn’t use it if you are allergic
Other than that no side effects

If you are not experiencing any relief of symptoms go back to see the doctor

49
Q

OSCE Station 2:
Balance Activ Pessary

How do you store?

A

Do not use if damaged
Do not use past expiry date
Keep out of reach of children
Store at room temperature

50
Q

OSCE Station 2:
Boots Haemorrhoid Relief Suppositories

What the medicine is used for?

A

Contains lidocaine which helps to relieve discomfort and you experience when you have piles (swollen inflamed vein in back passage)

Contains Allantoin helps with healing
To relieve the discomfort and pain of piles

51
Q

OSCE Station 2:
Boots Haemorrhoid Relief Suppositories

How to use suppository?

A

Wash your hands
Make sure you have gone to the toilet before using to make sure the suppository does not fall off

Check packaging is not broken and remove the suppository before packaging
Gently warm the suppository by rubbing it between your fingers until it start to feel slippery to insert it easier
Lie down on your side,bend your knees
Gently insert one suppository (point end first) into back passage as far as comfortable morning and night for 7 days
Clench to keep it in
If symptoms do not improve within days then go and see your doctor

52
Q

OSCE Station 2:
Boots Haemorrhoid Relief Suppositories

What are the side effects?

A

Most people don’t experience side effect but some people may get a red itchy skin rash from the local anaesthetic but if this happens just go and see your doctor

You may experience diarrhoea so if this occurs again just come back to the pharmacy

53
Q

OSCE Station 2:
Boots Haemorrhoid Relief Suppositories

How to store?

A

Store at or below room temperature
Keep out of sight of children
Do not use past expiry date