Use LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to navigate between flashcards;
Use UP and DOWN arrow keys to flip the card;
H to show hint;
A reads text to speech;
31 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
Didronel PMO
|
- Given in 90 day cycles
- 1 Didronel tablet daily for 14 days, then 1 Cacit tablet daily for 76 days - For didronel: avoid food for at least 2 hours before and after oral treatment, particularly calcium containing foods such as calcium - For didronel: avoid iron and mineral supplements and antacids - Serum phosphate, serum alkaline phosphatase and (if possible) urinary hydroxyproline should be measured before starting and at intervals of 3 months |
|
Pyridoxine
|
- Do not take on an empty stomach
- High doses for long periods of time not recommended |
|
Steroids
|
- Do not stop suddenly if taken for more than 3 weeks
- Take in the morning - Report any indigestion - If patient has never had chickenpox, inform doctor when coming into contact with it - Apply topical steroids thinly to intact skin - Inform GP if psychological changes occur |
|
Cholestyramine
|
- Other drugs should be taken at least 1 hour before or 4-6 hours after cholestyramine to reduce possible interference with absorption
- Mix the contents of one sachet with at least 150ml of water or other suitable liquid |
|
Ispaghula
|
- Swallow carefully with water as it swells in contact with water
- Do not take immediately before going to bed - Counsel on the importance of adequate fluid intake and a balanced diet high in fibre |
|
Slow K
|
- Swallow whole with plenty of water during meals while sitting or standing
- Stop immediately if develop severe vomiting, abdominal pains or flatulence or gastrointestinal haemorrhage |
|
Amiodarone
|
- Liver and thyroid function tests required before taking then every 6 months
- Chest x-ray required before treatment - Measure serum potassium before treatment - Stop if vision becomes impaired due to risk of corneal microdeposits - Shield skin from sunlight |
|
Malathion
|
- Rub into hair, allow to dry naturally, then remove by washing after 12 hours
- Repeat application after 7 days - Do not use for 3 consecutive weeks - Avoid contact with eyes and broken/secondarily infected skin |
|
Statins
|
- Take at night
- Report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness - Should expect LFTs to be carried out every 6 months - Patients may expect to suffer from headaches, nausea and gastrointestinal pain. These should improve as treatment continues - Lifestyle and dietary changes also important for lowering cholesterol |
|
Isotretinion
|
- Avoid wax epilation (risk of epidermal stripping), dermabrasion, and laser skin treatment during treatment and 6 months after stopping
- Avoid exposure to UV light - Use sunscreen and emollient treatments from the start of treatment - Women must practice effective contraception 1 month before, during, and 1 month after treatment - Measure hepatic function and serum lipids before treatment, 1 month after starting then every 3 months onwards - Take with or after food |
|
Dioralyte
|
- Take according to fluid loss (i.e. after any loose motion)
- After reconstitution any unused solution should be discarded no later than 1 hour after preparation unless when stored in a fridge where it may be kept for up to 24 hours - Reconstitute 1 sachet with at least 200ml water |
|
CFC-Free Inhalers
|
- Works just as well as CFC inhalers
- Aerosol may feel and taste different - Discuss any difficulties using the new inhaler with GP - Doses may change in the switch |
|
Lithium
|
- Baseline measurements of blood urea and electrolytes, serum creatinine, thyroid function, a full blood count and the exclusion of pregnancy are required before the initiation of treatment
- Measure serum creatinine every 6 months - Thyroid function tests every 6-12 months - Full blood count annually - Serum lithium levels every 3 months - Urea and electrolytes every 6 months - Maintain adequate fluid intake and avoid dietary changes leading to a change in sodium intake or the sudden introduction or discontinuation of caffeine - Alcohol intake should not exceed the recommended limits - A treatment card is available for patients from the NPA - Preparations may vary widely in bioavailability so monitoring may be required if brands are changed - Initial symptoms of drowsiness are usually transient - Signs of toxicity, including nausea, vomiting, tremor, lack of coordination, extreme thirst, diarrhoea and excessive urination, should be reported urgently - Symptoms of hypothyroidism e.g. lethargy, feeling cold and weight gain should also be reported - Do not take ibuprofen |
|
Doxycycline & Oxytetracycline
|
- Do not take at the same time as milk, iron or zinc supplements, calcium supplements or indigestion remedies that may hinder absorption. Separate dose by at least 2 hours
- Swallow whole with plenty of water whilst sitting or standing - Avoid exposure to the sun or use high factor sun cream |
|
Beta-blockers
|
- Beneficial effects may not be immediate and there may be a worsening of symptoms
- Male patients may experience impotence - Report any additional breathlessness, cold extremities or peripheral weakness - Do not stop taking suddenly |
|
Alendronate
|
- Normally only taken once a week
- Swallow whole with plenty of water whilst sitting or standing half an hour before food - Remain upright for half an hour after taking - Stop taking if the patient develops any symptoms of oesophageal ulceration |
|
Prazosin
|
- Beware effects of 1st dose hypotension, lie down if dizziness, fainting or sweating develop and remain lying down until the symptoms abate
|
|
Methotrexate
|
- Make sure the patient is clear on the dose and frequency
- Report signs of infection - Full blood count, renal and liver function required before starting treatment, repeated weekly after starting treatment until therapy stabilised and then every 2-3 months - Avoid taking aspirin and other NSAIDs - Determine if weekly dose - Important to take folic acid too - Avoid conception (applies to males and females) during for at least 6 months after stopping treatment - Contact the GP immediately with signs of breathlessness or a cough |
|
HRT
|
- HRT doesn’t provide contraception. Under 50, women are considered fertile until 2 years after their final period (1 year if over 50)
- HRT should be stopped 4-6 weeks before surgery - Stop immediately if experiencing: • Sudden chest pain • Sudden breathlessness • Unexplained swelling or severe pain in calf • Severe stomach pain • For others see BNF |
|
Combined oral contraceptives
|
- Inform on when to take in the cycle
- Still at risk of STIs |
|
Tamoxifen
|
- Report menstrual irregularities, vaginal discharge and pelvic pain or pressure
- Inform patient of the risk of endometrial cancer however the benefits outweigh the risks |
|
Acarbose
|
- Chew with the first mouthful of food or swallow whole with a little liquid immediately before food
- To counteract possible hypoglycaemia, patients receiving insulin or a sulphonylurea as well as acarbose need to carry glucose with them |
|
Captopril
|
- Renal function and electrolytes should be checked before starting
- Be aware or 1st dose hypotension, try to take the 1st dose before going to bed at night - Discuss a troublesome cough with your GP, iron supplements may be useful - Avoid potassium salts - Consult a pharmacist before starting any other medications - See GP if experiencing any symptoms of angioedema |
|
NSAIDs
|
- Report symptoms of indigestion, wheezing or rashes immediately
- Take with or after food - Diclofenac and indometacin have a tendency to cause dizziness – patients should be warned that caution is advised when driving - Swallow EC and slow release preparations whole - Do not take EC products at the same time as indigestion remedies |
|
Cyclosporin
|
- Different brands have different bioavailabilities
- Total daily dose should be taken in 2 divided doses - Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice for 1 hour before dose - Mix solution with orange or apple juice or with water immediately before taking then rinse with more water to ensure total dose |
|
Ferrous Sulphate
|
- May darken stools
- Contains iron, do not take with other iron products, keep out of reach of children as may be fatal in overdose - Doses should be evenly spaced or at least 6 hours apart - Do not take OTC antacids at the same time - Can take with food to reduce gastric irritation however this may reduce absorption - Constipation, diarrhoea and nausea are common |
|
Mefloquine
|
- Check if recommended for area visited
- Start 2 ½ weeks before entering endemic area and continue for 4 weeks after leaving - Important to also avoid mosquito bites and take prophylaxis regularly - Immediately visit doctor if ill within 1 year after travelling, especially if within 3 months - Tablet may be crushed and mixed with food such as jam or honey just before taking - Dizziness or a disturbed sense of balance may affect performance of skilled tasks |
|
Clindamycin
|
- Stop taking immediately and contact doctor if diarrhea develops
- Capsules should be swallowed with a glass of water |
|
Beconase nasal spray
|
- Patients should be warned of unpredictable and occasionally severe alcohol interactions
- Reactions can occur within ten minutes and last several hours - Patient should not ingest alcohol at all and should be warned of possible presence of alcohol in liquid medicines, remedies, tonics, foods, and even in toiletries - Alcohol should also be avoided for one week after stopping |
|
Nicotine replacement therapy
|
- Withdrawal symptoms include insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, and depression
- Chest symptoms such as increased secretions may occur initially due to the withdrawal of nicotine but these should abate within two to three weeks - Try to avoid situations associated with smoking - Encourage the patient to return with questions or difficulties - Avoid access intake of caffeine As this may worsen the withdraw effects of nicotine - List the benefits of smoking cessation such as improved taste and sense of smell, circulation and lung function, as well as money saving benefits |
|
HIV drugs
|
- Regular dosing is important
- Keep an alert card with you at all times |