Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Flashcards
In what context is phenytoin used? What precautions should be taken with administering phenytoin? What are the signs of toxicity? What is the treatment?
Phenytoin is used to control seizures. One should be aware that it can saturate the liver and accumulate in the blood. Signs of toxicity include ataxia and nystagmus. Treatment involved omitting or reducing the dose, and managing the patient supportively (ABCDE)
In what context is lithium used? What precautions should be taken with administering lithium? What are the signs of toxicity? What is the treatment?
Lithium is used to control a relapse of mania in bipolar disorder. One should be aware that its excretion is impaired with hyponatraemia and it also reduced renal function. Signs of overdose include tremor, lethargy, fits and renal failure. Treatment is with omitting the drug and reducing the dose. Renal failure may require haemodialysis.
In what context is digoxin used? What precautions should be taken with administering digoxin? What are the signs of toxicity? What is the treatment?
Digoxin is used to control arrhythmias. One must be aware that patients with renal failure or the elderly must use lower doses. Signs of overdose include arrhythmias, heart block, confusion and xanthopsia. Treatment is by omitting the drug and using digibind to reduce the digoxin levels.
In what context is gentamicin used? What precautions should be taken with administering gentamicin? What are the signs of toxicity? What is the treatment?
Gentamicin is used to treat an uncontrolled infection. When administering, only one dose should be given a day, and the peak and trough levels should be measured before administering the next dose. Signs of toxicity include tinnitus, deafness and renal failure. Treatment involved omitting or reducing the dose.
In what context is theophylline used? What precautions should be taken with administering theophylline? What are the signs of toxicity? What is the treatment?
Theophylline is sued in later more severe stages of an asthma attack. One must be aware that it has a long half life. Signs of overdose include arrhythmias, anxiety, tremors and convulsions. Treatment involves omitting or reducing the dose.
