Ultimate BNF Flashcards
Amiodarone indication
Arrythmias
Amiodarone dosage
200mg td 7 days
200mg bd 7 days
200mg od continue
Amiodorone Side effects
Reversible corneal deposits, Phototoxicity, Jaundice, Slate grey discolouration, Taste disturbance, Vomiting, Hyper/Hypothyroidism, Pulmonary toxicity Nausea, Tremor, Sleep disorder
Amiodarone monitoring
LFT Thyroid function test before and 6 monthly Serum Potassium concentration before Chest X ray before ECG/Resuscitation during IV
Half life Amiodarone
Weeks/months
Amiodarone interactions
Warfarin inhibited by, (anticoagulant effect up)
BB, (bradycardia, AV block, Myocardial depression)
Lithium, (Ventricular arrhythmias)
Digoxin conc increase by,
Digoxin indication
Cardiac Glycoside used in AF, AF, tachycardias, HF
Digoxin mechanism action
Positive ionotrope - increases force of myocardial contraction,
reduces conductivity within AV node
Desired serum concentration Digoxin
1-2mcg/L
toxic = 1.5-3
Digoxin monitoring
Serum electrolytes (potassium) and renal function
Risks of Digoxin and management of risks
Digitalis toxicity (esp elderly) Made worse by hypokalaemia so give Potassium sparing diuretics or potassium supplements
Side effects of Digoxin
Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Dizziness, Blurred vision
Digoxin interacts with
These increase Digoxin plasma conc:
Amiodarone, Erythromycin, Calcium Channel blockers
These decrease Digoxin plasma conc:
Rifampacin, SJW
If hypokalaemia occurs with Loop/Thiazide risk toxicity
Lithium indication
Mania, Bipolar disorder, Recurrent depression
Desired Lithium serum concentration
- 4-1mmol/Litre
1. 5mmol and above is toxic
Lithium toxicity presents as
Tremor, Ataxia (shake), Dysarthria (speech problem), Nystagamus (rapid involuntary eye movements), Renal impairment, Convulsions, Blurred vision
Monitoring on Lithium
Lithium serum conc (3months)
Renal/Thyroid function (6-12 months)
Maintain sodium levels
Counselling with Lithium
Adequate fluid intake, avoid diet’s sodium increase or decrease
Interaction of Lithium
Excretion of Lithium reduced by: ACEI, Loops/Thiazides, probably NSAIDs
Risking toxicity/sodium depletion with Diuretics
Amiodarone: Ventricular arrhythmias
Methotrexate indication
Rheuatoid Arthiritis, Crohns, Malignant disease, Psoriasis
Problems with methotrexate and how to spot them
Blood dyscrasias: Sore throat, signs of infection, bruising, mouth ulcers
Liver toxicity/cirrhosis: Nausea, voimiting, abdominal discomfort, dark urine
Pulmonary toxicity: SOB, cough, fever
Methotrexate monitoring
FBC
LFT (and renal)
Methotrexate interactions
Increased methotrexate with Aspirin, NSAIDs
Dose of methotrexate
7.5mg once weekly (max 20mg/week)
Side effects of methotrexate
GI Ulcer, bleeding, hepatotoxicity
Other problems with methotrexate
Folate antagonist, give Folic Acid 5mg (not at the same time)
This prevents Methotrexate-induced mucositis, myelosuppression
Phenytoin indication
Epilepsy (not absence), neuropathic pain
Desired serum Pheytoin concentration
10-20mg/L
Monitoring with Phenytoin
FBC, LFT
Side effects of Phenytoin
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, gingival hypertrophy, rash, acne, hirsutis (coarse pigmented hair on face), Coarse poo, blood/skin disorders
Counselling with Phenytoin
Report signs of blood/skin disorders: Fever, Sore throat, rash, mouth ulcers, bruising, bleeding, Leucopenia
Take with or after food
Phenytoin interacts with
NSAIDs enhances effects, Warfarin metabolism accelerated, Amiodarone inhibits metabolism, Cimetidine inhibits metabolism, Fluoxetine increases plasma conc, SJW reduces plasma conc,
Theophylline indication
Bronchodilator for Asthma, COPD
Desired Theophylline plasma concentration
10-20mg/L
Over 20 = severe side effects
Theophylline side effects
Tachycardia, Palpitation, Nausea, GI, Headache, Convulsions
RISK: Hypokalaemia
Theophylline monitoring
Plasma conc, Lung function test
Theophylline interacts with
Quinolones: Convulsions
Plasma conc reduced by: SJW, Rifampacin
Plasma conc increased by: Cimetidine, Fluconazole
Warfarin indication
Anticoagulant (48 - 72 hours for full effect)
What are the risks with Warfarin INR
Too high INR: bleeding (stop warfarin)
Too low INR: Blood clotting (increase dose)
Dose of Warfarin
Initial dose 10mg, 3-9mg maintenance thereafter
Side effects of Warfarin
Haemorrhage, Rash, Hypersensitivity, Alopecia, Diarrhoea, Drop in haematocrit (packed cell volume), Purple toes, skin necrosis, Jaundice, Hepatic dysfunction
Warfarin monitoring
INR, Renal function
Warfarin Counselling
Take same time each day, avoid diet change (especially salads/vegetables), report signs of bleeding/bruising
Warfarin interacts with
Anticoagulant effect enhanced by: NSAIDs, Fluconazole, Statins, Ciprofloxacin, Erthyromycin, Metronidazole, Cranberry Juice
Anticoagulant effect reduced by: Griseofulvin, SJW, Antiepileptics
Anticoagulant effect anatgonised by Vitamin K
Anticoagulant control effected by Alcohol
Enzyme inhibitors
Sodium Valproate, Isoniazid, Cimetidine, Ketoconazole, Fluconazole, Amiodarone, Ciproflaxacin, Erythromycin, SJW, Omeprazole, Metronidazole, Grapefruit
Fluoxetine, Cranberry juice
Enzyme inducers
Carbamazapine, Rifampacin, Alcohol (chronic), Phenobarb/Primidone, Griseofulvin, Phenytoin, Sulfonylureas, Smoking, SJW
Alcohol interactions
Metronidazole: reaction like Disulfiram
Warfarin: Anticoagulant control effected
MAOI: Beverage containing tyramine - hypertensive crisis
Mirtazapine/TCA: increase sedative effect
What effect do enzyme inhibitors have
inhibit (decrease) metabolism of other drugs therefore increasing their conc
What effect do enzyme inducers have
Increase (induce) metabolism of other drugs therefore decreasing their conc/effect
COC interactions
Enzyme inducers - condom 4-8 weeks/tricylcing with 50mcg for 3-4 packs + 4 day pill free
Rifampacin/Rifabutin so potent - use IUD
Sympathomimetic (Pseudoephedrine) interactions
MAOI: Hypertensive crisis
BB: hypertension risk
Orlistat interactions
plasma conc Amiodarone reduced
Acarbose = GI effects
Ciclosporin absporption reduced
Anticoagulant effect - monitor
When H Pylori suspected
Confirm
PPI + 2AB bd (clarithromycin + Amox/Metronidazole)
Hypertension in
ACEI/ACE2 -> BB
Hypertension >55 White or Afro-Caribbean
CaCB -> Thiazide
Treatment for HF
ACEI + BB
Low dose Spiranolactone = reduce symptoms, mortality
Digoxin - improve symptoms, exercise tolerance
How does Colestyramine work
Bile acid sequestrant - binds bile acid and promotes cholesterol to turn into bile acids
Counselling with Colestyramine
Give other drugs one hour before or 4 - 6 hours after
Colesevelam/statin same time ok
Tiotropium indicated for
COPD not asthma
Antimuscarinic bronchodilator
Metocloperamide guidance
> 18 Nausea Vomiting only 10mg td 3days
Dose by weight
Only post op, radio induced, chemo, symptomatic/migraine vomiting
Domperidone guidance
Small serious risk of cardiac side effects
Only for Nausea Vomiting, lowest dose (>12 10mg td), 1 week
Contraindicated in heart and hepatic problems
Treatment of migraine
Acute: Aspirin, Paracetamol (both sol), NSAIDS + anti-emetic (domperidone, metocloperamide, phenothiazine, antihistamine)
5HT1receptoor agonists - Naratriptan, Sumatriptan
Prophylaxis: BB (propanolol) bring HR down especially if anxiety too, Pizotifen, Valproic Acid, Sodium Valproate, Topiramate, TCA, Gabapentin, (Lithium/Oxygen cluster)
NOT recommended Clonidine - insomnia/depression
Meningitis treatment
Urgent transfer to hospital + Benzylpenicillin/Cefotaxime
Lower UTI treatment
Trimethoprim/Nitrofuantoin
Amoxcillin/Cephlosporin
3 - 7 days
TB treatment
2 months initial phase: Isoniazid, Rifampacin, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol (colour blindness)
4 months: Isoniazid, Rifampacin
High anaerobic activity
Metronidazole
Insulin admin
SC injection but soluble insulin IV - urgent
Who needs insulin
Diabetes Type 1 and 2
Ketoacidosis and for people who have rapid onset of symptoms, substantial weight loss, weakness, ketonuria (ketones in urine), first degree relative with diabetes
Tell me about short acting Sulphonylureas
Gliclazide, Tolbutamide
Increase insulin secretion B cells
Patients not overweight/metformin contraindicated
Tell me about long acting Sulphonylureas
Chlorpropamide, Glibenclamide
Higher chance hypoglycaemia, avoid in elderly
Tell me about Metformin
Biguanide, first line
Decreases glucogenesis and increases peripheral utilisation of glucose
No weight gain/no hypoglycaemia
Tell me about Pioglitazone/Rosiglitazone
Decrease peripheral insulin resistance
Tell me about Acarbose
Delays digestion and absorption of starch and sucrose
Inhibits alpha glucosidases
Add on therapy
Soft stools, farting, diarrhoea, abdodicomfort
-no point giving anatacid
Tablets chewed with first mouthful/liquid right before food
Carry glucose because risk hypoglycaemia
Who should carry glucose with them
Patients on Insulin, Sulphonylureas, Acarbose
What is Diabetic Ketoacidosis
A life threatening hyperglycaemic emergency
Nausea, Vomiting, Abdopain, Extreme thirst, Blurred vision
How is Ketoacidosis treated
IV Soluble insulin,
IV NaCl fluid replacement
IV KCl so no hypokalaemia (from insulin)
Cause of hypoglycaemia
Too much insulin, too little carbohydrate, delayed meal, too much exercise, hot weather, stress, alcohol
Symptoms of hypoglycaemia
Tremor, Sweating, Anxiety, Paleness, Irritability, Faint feeling, stomach ache, headache, tingling sensation, blur vision
Treatment of hypoglycaemia
Give some sugar after carbohydrate snack
If unconscious: IV glucose/Glucagon injection. When conscious carbohydrate snack
Hypoglycaemia major caution with
BB - mask symptoms
Why are ACEI used in diabetes
for diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes, minimise decline in renal function
Risk of Levothyroxine
If metabolism increases too much: Diarrhoea, nervousness, rapid pulse, insomnia, tremor, angina pain (if latent MI)
If this happens - reduce/withhold dose for 1-2 days then restart again
Corticosteroids indications include
Addison’s disease - replacement therapy, Acute Adrenal insufficiency, hypopitruitism, anti-inflammatory treatment, immunosuppression
Prolonged use of corticosteroids leads to
increased susceptibility to infections/severity infections
Adrenal suppression, psychiatric reactions, growth restriction children
Avoid contact with what when on steroids
Chicken pox: unless patient has had them then they are at risk if oral/parenteral treatment of severe chicken pox
Measles - avoid people
How long to mention you’ve been on steroids
one year after finishing
When is withdrawal tapered
Systemic treatment with corticosteroids longer than 3 months
short course within a year of long course
Other possible cause adrenal suppression
>40mg prednisolone (equivalent)
had many doses in evening (mimicked diurnal rhythm)
>3weeks treatment
HRT for
treat menopausal symptoms: Vaginal atrophy, vasomotor instability (heat, sweating) and menopausal osteoarthiritis
For
What risks are associated with HRT
Breast cancer (within 1-2 years, stops after 5 yrs stopping)
Endometrial cancer (add progestogen 10/28 days if uterus)
Ovarian cancer (especially with combined use/oestrogen only HRT)
DVT/PE
Stroke (especially Tibolone)
CHD (especially starting 10 years after menopause)
HRT and contraception
HRT doesn’t provide contraception so in women
When to stop HRT immidiately
Sudden severe Chest pain, Sudden breathlessness, unexplained swelling/pain in calf one leg, severe stomach pain, hepatitis, jaundice, liver enlargement, BP >160/95, long immobility, contraindicated, neurological effects (unusual severe long headache, loss vision, disturbance in hearing, dysphagia, fainting attack, collapse, first time seizure, weakness, motor disturbance, numbness)
Bisphosphonates are used for what and what is the dosage
Alendronic Acid, Disodium Etidronate, Riserdronate sodium)
Reduce bone turnover - treat osteoporosis/cortico induced osteoporosis
Alendronic Acid 70mg once week for postmenopausal oseteoporosis
How do COCs work
Oestrogen and progestogen changes endometrial and inhibits ovulation (progestogen less)
Progestogen inhibits fallopian tube motiliy, thickens cervical mucous - hostile to sperm
Risks with COCs
DVT especially first year (increased with age, obesity, by travelling (GCS/exercise), immobility)
Breast cancer, cervical cancer more so. Less ovarian, endometrial cancer risk)
Missed COCs
24 hours take ASAP take active pill
2 pills missed: active + condom 7 days - omit pill free if these run past end of packet (especially if from first 7 pills)
Vomiting and diarrhoea with COCs
If vomit/diarrhoea >24 hours - condoms 7 days
Counselling for first time user of COC
Take on day 1 of menstruation
If > 4days, 7 days condom
COC to POP
Complete whole pack, start without 7 day break otherwise 7 days condom
POP to COC
Day 1 menstruation
Amenorrhoea - start any time with 7 days condom
Starting Contraceptive after child birth, abortion, miscarriage
3 weeks after birth (thrombosis/breakthrough bleeding risk before this) if > 3 weeks condom 7 days
After abortion, miscarriage - start same day
Who are POPs more suitable for
COC contraindicated - older women, heavy smokers, hypertension, heart disease, diabetics, migraine sufferers
Starting POP
Start day 1, 1od at same time each day
Missed pill POP
> 3hrs, 2 days condom (12hrs desogestrel)
Vomiting and diarrhoea with POPs
within 2 hours take another one, if >3hr - 2 days condom
Risks with POPs
Breast cancer
Acute attack of Gout treat with
NSAID (high dose): Diclofenac, Etoricoxib, indometacin, ketoprofen, naproxen, sulindac
Colchine
NOT Aspirin, Allopurinol, Uricosurics - these 2 prophylactic, start 1-2 weeks after acute attack settled
NSAIDs selective, non-selective and GI
Selective: Etoricoxib, Celecoxib - least s.e
Non-selective: Azapropazone (highest), Ibuprofen (least)
Intermediate s.e: Piroxicam, Ketoprofen, Indometacin, Naproxen, Diclofenac
NSAIDs and Asthma
Can worsen asthma - bronchospasm s.e.
Cardio risk NSAIDs
More with selective
Renal risk in NSAIDs
caution, can impair
HF and NSAIDs
Contraindicated
NSAIDs and peptic ulcers
contraindicated unless imperative need (severe RA) give them a PPI
Side effects of Mg containing antacids
Laxative effect. Belching (CO2 liberated)
Side effects of Aluminum containing antacids
Constipation
Side effects of Hyoscine (antimuscarinic)
Constipation, Transient Bradycardia, Reduced bronchial secretions, Urinary urgency and retention, Dilatation of pupils (problematic for patients with angle closure glaucoma), Photophobia, Dry mouth, Flushing, Dryness of the skin
Side effect H2 Receptor Antagonists
Diarrhoea, GI disturbance, Altered Liver Function Tests, Headache, Dizziness, Rash, Tiredness
Side effects of PPI
GI disturbance, headache
Side effect liquid paraffin
anal seepage, granulomatous reactions (especially from the emulsion), lipoid pneumonia and interference with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
Side effect Thiazides
Mild GI disturbance, Postural hypotension, Altered plasma lipid concentrations, Hypokalaemia, Hyponatraemia (low sodium in the blood), Hypomagnesaemia, Hypercalcaemia, Hyperglycaemia, Hyperuricaemia and Gout (uric acid). Less common – impotence.
Side effect Loops
Mild GI disturbance (nausea), Hypotension, Hypokalaemia, Hyponatraemia (low sodium in the blood), Hypomagnesaemia, Hypocalcaemia, Hyperglycaemia (less common than with thiazides), Hyperuricaemia, Gout (uric acid).
Side effects Potassium Sparing Diuretics
Hyperkalaemia
Side effects BB
GI disturbance, Bradycardia, Heart Failure, Hypotension, Peripheral vasoconstriction (cold hands and feet), Bronchospasm, Dyspnoea, Headache, Fatigue, Sleep disturbance (Nightmares), Sexual dysfunction, Pins and needles, Dizziness, Interference with glucose tolerance
Side effects ACEI
profound hypotension and renal impairment, Persistent dry cough, Angioedema, Rash, Pancreatitis, Upper Respiratory symptoms, GI disturbances, Altererd LFTs (jaundice), Hyperkalaemia, Hypoglycaemia, Blood disorders, Taste disturbance.
Side effects Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
Dizziness (if taking high dose diuretics as well), Hyperkalaemia (occasional), Angioedema (occasional).
Side effects Nitrates
Postural Hypotension, Tachycardia, Throbbing Headache, Dizziness, Flushing.
Side effects CaCB
Oedema (ankles)
Side effects of Aspirin
Bronchospasm, Gastro-intestinal bleeding (PPI can be added)
Side effects Statins
Myositis, Myalgia and Myopathy (Muscle Effects) - Serious, Liver toxicity, GI disturbance (flatulence, abdominal pain)
Side effects Beta2 agonists
Fine tremor, Nervous tension, Headache, Muscle cramps, Palpitations, hypokalaemia.
Side effects Antimuscarinic Bronchodilators (Ipratropium, Tiotrpium)
Dry mouth
Side effects inhaled corticosteroids
Oral candidiasis, Hoarseness, Adrenal suppression
Side effects antihistamines
Antimuscarinic side effects – urinary retention, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation and sedation with the older generation
Side effects Benzodiazepines
Drowsiness, Light-headedness the next day, Amnesia, In elderly: Confusion and ataxia, Dependence.
Side effects Chlorpromazine
Marked Sedative effects, Moderate antimuscarinic effects, Moderate extrapyramidal effects
Side effects Prochlorperazine
Marked Extrapyramidal effects, fewer sedative effects, fewer antimuscarinic effects
Side effects Atypical Antipsychotics (Amisulpiride, Olanzapine)
Weight gain, Dizziness, Postural hypotension, Extra-pyramidal effects (usually mild), Hyper-glycaemia and diabetes
Side effects TCA
Dry mouth, Sedation, Blurred vision, Constipation, Nausea, Difficulty with urination, Cardiovascular side effects, Sweating, Tremor, Rashes, Hypersensitivity reactions, Confusion, Suicidal behaviour
Side effects SSRI
Gastro-intestinal effects, Anorexia/weight loss or opposite, Hypersensitivity reactions, Urticaria, Angioedema, Anaphylaxis, Arthralgia, Myalgia, Photosensitivity
Side effects Mirtazapine
Increased appetite and weight gain, oedema, sedation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache – which commonly lead to the need for withdrawal but this should be done over several weeks
Side effects Venlaflaxine
GI disturbance, headache, anxiety, dizziness, sleep disturbance – which commonly lead to the need for withdrawal but this, should be done over several weeks
Side effects Orlistat
oily leakage from rectum, flatulence, faecal urgency, liquid or oily stools, faecal incontinence, abdominal distension and pain (minimised by reduced fat intake), tooth and gingival disorders, respiratory infections, fatigue, anxiety, headache, menstrual disturbance, UTI, hypoglycaemia
Side effects of Metocloperamide
Extrapyramidal s.e.
Side effects of 5HT1 agonists (Naratriptan, Sumitriptan)
Tingling, heat, heaviness, pressure, or tightness of any part of the body, flushing, dizziness, weakness
Side effects Opioids
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, biliary spasm, respiratory depression in larger doses
Side effects of Penicillins (Flucloxacillin, Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Co-amoxiclav, Co-fluampicil)
Hypersensitivity reactions can be fatal (uticaria, fever, joint pains, rashes, angioedema, anaphylaxis)
Side effects Cephlasporins (Cefaclor, Cefalexin)
Hypersensitivity reactions (0.5-6.5% of penicillin allergic patients will also be allergic to cephalosporins), diarrhoea and antibiotic associated colitis (more likely with higher doses), nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, headache, liver problems.
Side effects of Tetracyclines (Tetracyline, Doxycycline, Lymecycline, Minocycline, Oxytetracycline)
nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, Dysphagia, oesophageal irritation
Side effects of Aminoglycosides (Gentamicin, Neomycin)
Ototoxicity (inner ear or balance of hearing toxicity) and nephrotoxicity
Side effects of macrolides (Erythromycin)
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort and diarrhoea (Clarithromycin - also dyspepsia and tongue/tooth discolouration. Smell and taste disturbances).
Side effects Clindamycin
Diarrhoea (discontinue treatment as associated with fatal antibiotic associated colitis), abdominal discomfort, oesophageal ulcers
Side effects Trimethoprim
GI effects, pruritus, rashes, hyperkalaemia
Side effects Rifampacin
- GI effects (diarrhoea – antibiotic associated colitis reported, anorexia, nausea, vomiting), hepatic disorders, coloured bodily fluids (urine red)
Side effects Metronidazole
GI effects, taste disturbance, furred tongue, oral mucositis, and anorexia
Side effects Quinolones (ciprofloxacin)
Nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, rash, sleep disturbances.
Side effects Nitrofurantoin
Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, acute and chronic pulmonary reactions.
Side effects Terbinafine
Abdominal discomfort, anorexia, nausea, diarrhoea, headache, rash and urticaria
Side effects Insulin
fat hypertrophy at injection site, hypoglycaemia (heavy sweating, shakiness, dizziness, visual disturbance, tingling of hands and lips, speech disturbance)
Side effects Sulphonylureas
Weight gain, GI effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation), hypoglycaemia.
Side effects Biguanides (Metformin)
Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, metallic taste, vitamin B12 deficiency
Side effects Levothyroxine
Diarrhoea, vomiting, angina pain, arrhythmias, palpitation, tachycardia, tremor, restlessness, excitability, insomnia, headache, flushing, sweating, fever, heat intolerance, weight loss, muscle cramps, transient hair loss in children
Side effects Carbimazole
nausea, mild GI disturbance, headache, rash, bone marrow suppression (neutropenia, agranulocytosis)
Side effects Oral Corticosteroids
Euphoria, nightmares, insomnia, irritability, mood lability, suicidal thoughts, psychotic reactions, immunosupression, adrenal suppression
Side effects mineralocorticoids
Hypertension, sodium and water retention, potassium and calcium loss.
Side effects Glucocorticoids
Diabetes, osteoporosis, muscle wasting and weakness, peptic ulceration and perforation, Cushing’s syndrome (moon face, striae, acne occurs with higher doses and is reversal on withdrawal), growth suppression in children, GI effects, menstrual irregularities, hirsutism, weight gain, increased susceptibility to infection, insomnia, glaucoma, uticaria, skin atrophy, myocardial rupture following MI or congestive heart failure, hypersensitivity, thromboembolism, nausea, malaise, hiccups, headache, vertigo
Side effects of COCs
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, changes in body weight, liver impairment, hepatic impairment, fluid retention, and hypertension
Side effects POPs
Menstrual irregularities, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, breast discomfort, depression, skin disorders, disturbance of appetite, weight changes, changes in libido.
Side effects NSAIDs
GI discomfort, nausea, diarrhoea, bleeding and ulceration, hypersensitivity (bronchospasms), headache, dizziness, nervousness, depression, drowsiness, insomnia, vertigo, hearing disturbance, photosensitivity, blood disorders, fluid retention, renal failure
Side effects Methotrexate
anorexia, abdominal discomfort, dyspepsia, GI ulceration and bleeding, diarrhoea plus many more
Drugs that Colour Urine (and what colour)
Dantron (co-danthramer) - red Sulfasalazine - orange Triamterene (potassium sparing) - Blue in some lights Rifampacin - orange/red Nitrofurantoin - Orange/brown Levodopa - dark red
Which drugs cause sensitisation/phototoxicity
Chlorpromazine - contact and photo: avoid contact, do not crush, handle solution with care + avoid sunglight
Amiodarone - Phototoxicity/slate grey discolouration. Shield skin from light during treatment and several months after. Wide spectrum sunscreen.
Doxycycline - photosensitivity
Azapropazone (NSAID) - photosensitivity
CSM warning for Sucralfate
Bezoar formation. Extra care - enteral feed/predisposing condition (delayed gastric emptying)
CSM warning for Pancreatin
High strength - certain recommendations in CF
CSM warning for BB
not in asthma - rarely cardioselective BB given with caution (including eye drops)
CSM warning for Sotalol
only fro ventricular arrythmias/prophylaxis supraventricular arrythmias
NOT for Angina, hypertension, thyrotoxicosis, secondary prevention after MI - stop for these gradually
CSM warning Heparin
Hyperkalaemia. More likely if diabetes, chronic renal failure, acidosis, high plasma potassium, pt taking potassium sparing drugs, >7 days treatment
CSM warning for Lipid lowering drugs
Rhabdomyolysis with fibrates/statins especially renal impairment/hypothyroidism
Concomitant use with increase plasma statin increase risk of muscle toxicity
CSM warning for Salbutamol
Hypokalaemia from beta2 agonists (measure plasma conc in severe asthma)
Especially use concomitantly with Theophylline and its derivatives, corticosteroids, diuretics, hypoxia
CSM warning for inhaled corticosteroids
Monitor height
Spacer device
CSM warning for Leukotriene receptor antagonists
Chrug-Strauss syndrome (severe asthma with high eosinophil count) occurs especially when reduction/withdrawal concomitant oral corticosteroid
Advise patient to report eosinophilia, vasculitic rash, worsening pulmonary symptoms, cardiac complications, or peripheral neuropathy
CSM warning for Bee and Wasp Allergen extract/Grass and tree pollen extracts
Cardiopulmanary resuscitation facilities must be immidiately available
Monitor patient closesly after each injection
CSM warning for Benzodiazapines
Indicated for short term relief (2-4weeks) for anxiety which is bad causing problems
In mild anxiety inappropriate
Insomnia when its really bad
CSM warning for Antipsychotics and Stroke
Olanzapine and Risperidone are associated with an increased risk of stroke in elderly parients with dementia
CSM warning for Clozapine
a. Withdrawal b. Agranulocytosis c. Myocarditis and Cardiomyopathy d. GI obstruction
CSM warning for Hyponatraemia and antidepressants
All but SSRI more
Watch out for drowsy, confusion, convulsion
Depression in children CSM
Fluoxetine only
CSM warning for Fluvoxamine
AVOID Fluvoxamine + Theophylline/Aminophylline
CSM warning for Paroxetine
Of all SSRi most extrapyramidal effects (and orofacial dystonias) and withdrawal symptoms
20mg daily for depression, SAD, GAD, PTSD
40mg daily for PD and OCD
Higher doses not effective
CSM warning for Sumatriptan
Not for use in IHD or Prinzmental’s Angina
Do not use with ergotamine
NOT for IV
Driving
No response initial dose - don’t take another dose for same attack
CSM warning for Lamotrigine
Serious skin reaction - SJS/Toxic epidermal necrolysis
Rash associated with hypersenstivity syndrome and usually first 8 weeks
Withdraw if rash/hypersensitivity signs
Risks: use with Valproate/Higher initial dose than recommended/faster dose escalation than recommended
CSM warning for Topiramate
acute myopia with secondary angle-closure glaucoma within one month usually
Also reported: Choroidal effusions -> anterior displacement of lens/iris
If raise IOP, try reduce and stop use
CSM warning for Vigabatrin
visual defects from 1 month - several years
Visual field test before treatment and 6 month intervals (available for
CSM warning for Dopamine Receptor Agonists
Ergot-derived dopamine receptor agonists (bromocriptine, cabergoline, lisuride and pergolide) associated with pulmonary/retroperitoneal/pericardial fibrotic reactions
Before treatment get erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum creatinine and chest X-ray
Watch out for Patients should be monitored for dyspnoea, persistent cough, chest pain, cardiac failure, and abdominal pain or tenderness
CSM warning for Buproprion (Zyban)
Contraindicated if history of seizure/eating disorder/CNS tumour/experience acute symptoms of alcohol/benzo withdrawal
Not if pt risk of seizures unless smoking cessation benefit very high
Seizure threshold lowered by use with: antidepressants, antimalarials [such as mefloquine and chloroquine], antipsychotics, quinolones, sedating antihistamines, systemic corticosteroids, theophylline, tramadol
and also with alcohol abuse, history of head trauma, diabetes, and use of stimulants and anorectics
CSM warning for Flucloxacillin
Cholestatic jaundice and hepatitis - several weeks after especially had for >2weeks/older/risk factors
Don’t use if history hepatic dysfunction with Fluclox
Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment
Find out if hypersensitivity reaction to beta lactam antibacterials
CSM warning for Co-amoxiclav
Cholestatic jaundice during/short after. Esp over 65yo and men. Usually self limiting not troublesome
Liver toxicity
Use only for indication at correct dose. NOT >14 days
CSM warning for Linezolid
Haemotopoetic disorders: thrombocytopenia, anaemia, leucopenia, and pancytopenia – simultaneous decrease in the blood cells
Monitor weekly FBC especially if >14days, have myelosuppression, using other drugs which cause effect haemoglobin/blood counts/plateley function, have renal impairment
Optic neuropathy especially >28days
Report visual impairment
CSM warning for Co-trimoxazole
SJS, Blood dyscrasias, bone marrow suppression, agranulocytosis
Use only when good reason
CSM warning for Quinolones
Tendon damage within 48hrs.
Contraindicated in history tendon disorder, elderly, risk increased with corticosteroids, discountinue if tendinitis suspected
Arthropathy in children in weight bearing joints (animals) so NOT recommended in children/growing adolescent unless justifiable/short term
Convulsions risk - don’t give if history (NSAID increases risk)
What are Quinolones used for in childen
NOT recommended but used in:
Nalidixic acid -UTIs in children over 3 months
Ciprofloxacin - pseudomonal infections in CF >5
treatment/prophylaxis of inhalational anthrax
CSM warning for Amphotericin B
Anaphylaxis from IV therefore test dose observe patient for 30 mins
If had previous adverse reaction and treatment essential give prophylactic antipyretic and hydrocortisone
CSM warning for Itraconazole
HF - caution in pt at risk of HF/high dose/long course/older/cardiac disease/negative iontropic drugs (eg CaCB)
CSM warning for Ketoconazole
Fatal hepatotoxicity especially >10days
biochemical and clinical monitoring
Not used by mouth for superficial fungal infections
CSM warning for Mefloquine (Lariam)
Warn travellers of adverse effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, dizziness, loss of balance, headache, and sleep disorders
- if get these then use alternative antimalarial
PIL always provided
CSM warning for Carbimazole
Bone marrow suppression - stop immediately
Confirm no sign of infection (sore throat) -> do a WBC count, if neutropenia stop immediately