Women's health (including Pharmacology) Flashcards
What is the definition of hypertension in pregnancy?
Either SBP > 140mmHg or DBP > 90mmHg based upon >1 measurements at least 4 hours apart
What is the definiton of severe hypertension in pregnancy?
SBP > 160 mmHg and/or DBP > 110 mmHg based upon > 1 measurements
What is the definition of chronic HTN?
Pre-existing HTN or new onset HTN before 20 weeks gestation
What is the definition of gestational HTN?
New onset HTN without proteinuria after 20 weeks gestation
What is the definition of chronic HTN with superimposed preeclampsia?
New onset proteinuria in a woman with chronic HTN but no proteinuria, before 20 weeks’ gestation
What is the definition of Preeclampsia?
New onset HTN after 20 weeks gestation PLUS any one of following:
1) Proteinuria or
2) signs of end organ damage or
3) Uteroplacental dysfunction
What is used for prevention of preeclampsia and when should it be started?
Low dose aspirin
Start after 12 weeks (ideally before 16 wk) and continued till delivery
Which of the following can be used to treat HTN in pregnancy?
a) Labetalol
b) Diltiazem
c) Lisinopril
d) Spironolactone
e) Nifedipine ER
Labetalol and Nifedipine ER
Which of the following can be used to treat HTN in pregnancy?
a) Levodopa
b) Methyldopa
c) Lorsartan
d) Hydrochlorothiazide
e) Hydralazine
Methyldopa, Hydrochlorothiazide, Hydralazine
State the contraindications for use of condoms (both male and female)
Male condom: allergy to latex
Female condom: Hist of toxic shock syndrome, Allergy to polyurethane
What is the only advantage that condoms provide that other forms of contraception do not?
STD protection
What are the contraindications for using Diaphragms with spermicide and cervical caps? (4 total)
1) Allergy
2) History of toxic shock syndrome
3) Abnormal gynecological anatomy
4) recurrent UTI
Which barrier technique is reusuable?
Diaphragm and cervical cap
What are the disadvantages of using cervical caps/diaphragm other than high user failure rate?
1) Increase risk of UTI
2) Cervical irritation
3) Low/no protection against STD
State the MOA/role of estrogen in birth control pills
1) inhibits FSH release, preventing follicle maturation and hence prevent ovulation.
2) Helps to stabilise endometrial lining and provide cycle control
State MOA of progestins in birth control
1) Thicken cervical mucus to prevent sperm penetration
2) Slows tubal motility (delay sperm transport)
3) Induces endometrial atrophy
4) blocks LH surge, hence preventing ovulation
When would high dose estrogen be favoured in COC?
1) Obese patient or weight > 70.5kg
2) Problem with adherence
3) Early to mid cycle breakthrough bleeding
Which Progestins have less Androgenic side effects and can be solely used for contraception?
Drospirenone (4th gen)
What are the potential side effects of using Drospirenone? (4 total)
Hyperkalemia, bone loss, thromboembolism, increased frequency of urination (mild diuretic)
When will higher progestin activity be required?
1) Mid to late cycle breakthrough bleeding
2) Painful menstrual cramps
What are the side effects that early generation Progestins have that 4th gens have less of?
Oily skin, Hirsutism, Acne
What are the common side effects of using COC? (7 total)
1) Breakthrough bleeding
2) Bloating
3) Acne (for early gen progestin users)
4) Menstrual cramps
5) Breast tenderness/weight gain
6) Headache/dizziness
7) Nausea/vomiting
What are the rare side effects of using COC? (4 total)
1) Breast cancer
2) Venous Thromboembolism (estrogen and 4th gen progestin)
3) MI/Stroke (more due to estrogen)
4) Liver damage (estrogen SE, pharmaco lecture)
What are the risk factors for VTE development?
1) > 35 y.o
2) obese
3) immobile
4) smoking
5) cancer
6) family history
What are the absolute contraindications to use of COC? (total 12)
1) Current / recent history of breast cancer (within 5 years)
2) History of DVT/PE, acute DVT/PE or currently with DVT/PE and on anticogulant tx
3) Major surgery with prolonged immobilisation
4) Thrombogenic mutations
5) < 21 days postpartum
6) Migrane with aura
7) SBP> 160mmHg or DBP > 100mmHg
8) HTN with vascular disease
9) Current/history of ischemic heart disease
10) Cardiomyopathy
11) Smoking ≥ 15 sticks/day AND age ≥ 35yo
12) History of cerebrovascular disease
What are the DDIs for COC?
1) Rifampin
2) Anticonvulsants
3) HIV antiretrovirals
State how you would counsel a patient who is on COC and missed one dose.
Take the missed dose immediately and continue the rest as usual. This may mean taking 2 pills on the same day. No additional contraception methods required.
State how you would counsel a patient who is on COC and missed 2 or more consecutive doses.
Take the missed dose immediately and discard the rest of the missed doses. Continue the rest as usual. This may mean taking 2 pills on the same day. Backup contraception methods required for 1 week.
State how you would counsel a patient who is on COC and missed 2 or more doses during the last week of hormonal tablets (day 15-21).
Finish the remaining active pills in the current pack and start a new pack the next day. Skip the hormone-free interval. Backup contraceptive required for at least 1 week