The use of medicines - clinical pharmacology

Question 1

What does the MHRA ensure?

Answer 1

human medicines meet acceptable safety, quality and efficacy standards
safety and effectiveness balance

Question 2

MHRA product

Answer 2

clinical trial authorisation

product license - marketing authorisation

Question 3

MHRA company

Answer 3

company licenses

manufacturers and wholesalers

Question 4

Marketing authorisation

Answer 4

ensures medicine meets standards

Question 5

How long does an MHRA product license last?

Answer 5

5 years

Question 6

SMC role

Answer 6

advice to NHS Scotland about new licensed meds

review medications given license by MHRA or EMA

Question 7

Before a new medication is prescribed in Scotland who has to approve it?

Answer 7

SMC

Question 8

SMC looks at what 4 things before approving a drug for use?

Answer 8

how well it works
which patients could benefit
whether it is as good or better than current drugs
value for money

Question 9

off label

Answer 9

prescribed outwith terms of marketing authorisation

Question 10

unlicensed

Answer 10

no marketing authorisation

Question 11

specials

Answer 11

special formulations for clinical reasons when existing formulation is unsuitable for patient - unlicensed

Question 12

POM

Answer 12

prescription only medicines - practitioner

Question 13

Who can prescribe POM?

Answer 13

doctor, dentist, nurse prescriber etc

Question 14

OTC

Answer 14

pharmacy

general sales list

Question 15

General prescriptions requirements - primary care

Answer 15

name and address 
age - under 12 
drug name, dose, frequency, formulation, quantity
signature by practitioner 
date of signature 
type of prescriber and address

Question 16

Controlled drugs

Answer 16

5 schedules
2 - eg opiates
3 - eg tramadol

Question 17

How many days are schedule 2-4 drugs limited to?

Answer 17

30 days prescription

Question 18

Important things to include on controlled drug prescription

Answer 18

formulation and strength
dose
total amount in words and figures

Question 19

Where can you find information on all medicines generally prescribed in the UK?

Answer 19

BNF

Question 20

Local health board formularies

Answer 20

only prescribe medicines on this when possible

looks at SMC guidance, local clinician, funding

Question 21

PAR principles

Answer 21

must have max of 2 at any time 
permanent black ink, capitals, sign, print name
use 24 hour clock 
routes of administration 
generic prescribing

Question 22

What is an exception to the general prescribing rule on the Kardex?

Answer 22

insulins

Question 23

Combination medicines prescription

Answer 23

medicine name and form

one dose =

Question 24

Combination inhalers prescription

Answer 24

medicine/form
dose =
additional instructions eg accuhaler

Question 25

Prescribing liquids

Answer 25

use milligrams not ml of active ingredient

eg paracetamol 120mg/5ml

Question 26

Name some other prescription sheets

Answer 26

diabetes 
warfarin chart 
fluid additive 
insulin infusion
variable rate IV infusion