Year 1 medicine you need to know

Question 1

What is Codeine?

Answer 1

Codeine is a prescription medication classified as an opioid analgesic, meaning it’s used to relieve pain. It is also a cough suppressant.

Question 2

How does Codeine work?

Answer 2

Codeine works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. When it binds to these receptors, it inhibits the transmission of pain signals and alters the perception of pain. This mechanism also suppresses coughing by acting on the brain’s cough center.

Question 3

What are the indications for codeine?

Answer 3

Pain Relief: Codeine is commonly prescribed for mild to moderate pain relief, such as that caused by injuries, dental procedures, or chronic conditions.

Cough Suppression: It is also used as a cough suppressant, often in combination with other medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Question 4

Cautions and Contraindications for codeine

Answer 4

Respiratory depression
Addiction and dependence
Sedation and dizziness
Contraindications: Codeine is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to opioids, in patients with severe respiratory depression, and in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma.

Question 5

Common side effects for codeine

Answer 5

Constipation
Nausea and Vomiting
Drowsiness and Dizziness
Sedation
Itching

Question 6

What is Omeprazole?

Answer 6

Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. It is available both over-the-counter and with a prescription.

Question 7

How does omeprazole work?

Answer 7

Omeprazole works by irreversibly blocking the proton pump (H⁺/K⁺-ATPase) in the gastric parietal cells, which are responsible for producing stomach acid. By inhibiting this enzyme, omeprazole effectively reduces the secretion of acid into the stomach, thereby alleviating symptoms associated with excess stomach acid.

Question 8

What are the indications for omeprazole?

Answer 8

Omeprazole is commonly used to treat conditions such as:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD)
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
Erosive esophagitis

Question 9

Cautions and Contraindications for omeprazole

Answer 9

Omeprazole should be used with caution in individuals with liver disease, as it is primarily metabolized by the liver.
Patients with osteoporosis or those at risk of fractures should be monitored, as long-term use of PPIs may increase the risk of bone fractures.
Omeprazole may interact with certain medications, such as warfarin, diazepam, and clopidogrel, potentially affecting their effectiveness.
Contraindications include hypersensitivity to omeprazole or any component of the formulation.

Question 10

Common side effects for omeprazole

Answer 10

Headache
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Diarrhea
Constipation
Flatulence
Rash

Question 11

What is amlodipine?

Answer 11

Amlodipine is a medication commonly used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and certain types of chest pain (angina). It belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers.

Question 12

How does amlodipine work?

Answer 12

Amlodipine works by blocking the influx of calcium ions into smooth muscle cells in blood vessels and the heart. By doing so, it relaxes and widens blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood and thereby reducing blood pressure. Additionally, it increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle, which can help relieve chest pain (angina).

Question 13

What are the indications for amlodipine?

Answer 13

Hypertension
Chronic Stable Angina and Vasospastic Angina (Prinzmetal’s or Variant Angina)

Question 14

Cautions and Contraindications for amlodipine

Answer 14

Cautions: Amlodipine should be used cautiously in patients with liver disease, as it is primarily metabolized by the liver. Dose adjustments may be necessary in such cases. Patients with heart failure should also be monitored closely when using amlodipine.
Contraindications: Amlodipine is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug or any of its components. It should also be avoided in patients with severe hypotension (low blood pressure) or shock.

Question 15

Common side effects for amlodipine

Answer 15

Swelling in the ankles, feet, or hands (peripheral edema)
Flushing
Dizziness
Fatigue
Headache
Nausea
Abdominal pain

Question 16

What is aspirin?

Answer 16

Aspirin is a synthetic compound derived from salicylic acid, which is found naturally in plants such as willow bark. It’s widely used for its analgesic (pain-relieving), antipyretic (fever-reducing), and anti-inflammatory properties.

Question 17

How does aspirin work?

Answer 17

Aspirin works by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX). This enzyme plays a crucial role in the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances involved in inflammation, pain, and fever. By inhibiting COX, aspirin reduces the production of prostaglandins, leading to its therapeutic effects.

Question 18

What are the indications for aspirin?

Answer 18

Pain relief: Aspirin is commonly used to relieve mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, and joint pain.
Fever reduction: It’s effective in reducing fever, especially in conditions like influenza or common cold.
Anti-inflammatory: Aspirin can reduce inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis.
Cardiovascular protection: In low doses, aspirin is sometimes used for its antiplatelet effects, helping to prevent blood clot formation and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Question 19

Cautions and contraindications for aspirin

Answer 19

Allergy: Individuals with a known allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs should avoid it.
Gastrointestinal issues: Aspirin can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly in those with a history of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Bleeding disorders: Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding, so caution is needed in individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications.
Asthma: Aspirin can trigger asthma attacks in some people with aspirin sensitivity or asthma exacerbated by NSAIDs.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Aspirin should be used with caution during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, and should generally be avoided during breastfeeding.

Question 20

Common side effects for aspirin

Answer 20

Upset stomach or heartburn
Nausea and vomiting
Increased risk of bleeding, including gastrointestinal bleeding
Allergic reactions, such as rash or swelling

Question 21

What is bisoprolol?

Answer 21

Bisoprolol is a beta-blocker medication used primarily to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure, and certain heart rhythm disorders.

Question 22

How does bisoprolol work?

Answer 22

Beta-blockers like bisoprolol primarily work by blocking the effects of adrenaline (epinephrine) on the heart. This causes the heart to beat more slowly and with less force, which reduces blood pressure and helps to improve blood flow throughout the body.

Question 23

Indication for bisoprolol

Answer 23

Hypertension
Heart failure
Heart rhythm disorders