Top 100 drugs Flashcards
what is the treatment for paracetamol overdose ?
IV acetylcysteine (parvolex or generics)
When should acetylcysteine be given in a paracetamol overdose?
With a timed plasma paracetamol level on or above a single treatment line joining points of 100mg/l at 4 hrs and 15mg/l at 15 hours after ingestion based on treatment nonogram
how are the risk of common dose-related adverse reactions to acetylcysteine avoided ?
- First infusion is given over 60 minutes
How is acetylcysteine given if there is doubt over timing of ingestion including if ingestion occurred over a period of one hour or more
Given without delay (nomogram not used)
what is the mechanism of action of NSAIDs?
Reduce inflammation and pain by prevention of prostaglandin synthesis through inhibition of COX
- Non specific inhibitors of cyclo-oxygenase
- COX-2 selective inhibitors
What is co prescribed with NSAIDs for people over 45 and why
PPI - prevention of peptic ulceration
Give the 3 most important adverse effects of NSAIDs
- GI toxicity
- Renal impairment
- Increased risk of CV events (MI and stroke)
What is the most common indication for nitrofurantoin ?
- Uncomplicated UTI
Mechanism of action for nitro
- Metabolised in bacterial cells by nitrofuran reductase
- Damages bacterial DNA and causes cell death.
Most common adverse effects of nitro
- GI upset including nausea and diarrhoea
Give 2 warnings for nitro
- Not in pregnant women in the THIRD TRIMESTER.
- NOT in babies in the FIRST 3 MONTHS of life
- CI in RENAL IMPAIRMENT
What is the dose for of nitro for a child >12yrs or an adult with a lower UTI
- 50mg 4 times a day for 3 days (7 days in males and pregnanct women)
Most common indication for phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin V)
- Bacterial tonsilitis caused by strep A bacteria.
What is the mechanism of action of penicillin V
- They are bactericidial and act by interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Most common adverse effects of penicillin v
GI upset : nausea and diarrhoea
