Common Drug Names

Question 1

Ramipril?

Answer 1

ACEi

Question 2

Iosartan?

Answer 2

Angiotensin Receptor Blocker

Question 3

Amlodipine?

Answer 3

Calcium Channel Blocker

Question 4

Simvastatin?

Answer 4

Calcium Channel Blocker

Question 5

Verapamil?

Answer 5

Phenylalkylamine

Question 6

Bisoprolol?

Answer 6

Beta blocker/Beta-adrenoceptor antagonist

Question 7

Diltiazem?

Answer 7

Benzothiazapine

Question 8

Bendroflumethiazide?

Answer 8

Thiazide diuretic

Question 9

Indapamide?

Answer 9

Thiazide diuretic

Question 10

Doxazosin?

Answer 10

Alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist

Question 11

Amiloride?

Answer 11

K+ sparing diuretic, acts on DCT

Question 12

Labetalol?

Answer 12

Reduces sympathetic outflow

Can be given during pregnancy

Question 13

Spironolactone?

Answer 13

Mineralocorticoid/aldosterone receptor antagonist

Question 14

What is Hyoscine hydrobromide often used for?

Answer 14

Antiemetic, useful for motion sickness as acts on the vestibular nuclei in the inner ear.

Question 15

What is ondansetron?

Answer 15

5HT3/serotonin receptor antagonist, used as an antiemetic

Question 16

Metacloperamide, domperidone?

Answer 16

D2 receptor antagonists/antiemetic

Question 17

What are cyclizine and promethazine used for? What is their drug classification?

Answer 17

Antiemetics - H1 receptor antagonists

Question 18

Side effects of hyoscine hydrobromide?

Answer 18

It is a mAChr antagonist, therefore blocks parasympathetic action, side effects: dry mouth and constipation, memory problems, sedation, glaucoma.

Question 19

Why is hyoscine hydrobromide useful for people who can’t take tablets?

Answer 19

It comes in patch form.

Question 20

What are the side effects of the antiemetic ondansetron?

Answer 20

Constipation, headache, elevated liver enzymes, long QT syndrome, extra-pyramidal effects

Question 21

What is ileus?

Answer 21

When the gut is paralysed and normal peristalsis is lost, often occurs after bowel surgery.

Question 22

Name a drug that would be useful to treat ileus.

Answer 22

A D2 receptor antagonist e.g. Metacloperamide

Question 23

What is the MOA of D2 antagonists metacloperamide and domperidone?

Answer 23

Increases gut motility - by increasing tone at oesophageal sphincter and stomach, and decreasing tone at pyloric sphincter.

Question 24

What drug classification is halperidol? Why is it usefu for chemotherapy and palliative care?

Answer 24

D2 receptor antagonist acting on CTZ.

Because it is slightly sedative so can relax patients.

Question 25

Name some side effects of cannabinoids such as nabilone?

Answer 25

Dizziness and drowsiness.

Question 26

What is the MOA of neurokinin 1 antagonists?

Answer 26

Prevents action of substance P at neurokinin 1 receptors.

Question 27

In any of the common gut problems e.g. GORD, IBD, obstruction, what is your set antiemetic treatment?

Answer 27

Ondansetron and/or cyclizine | Then add dexamethasone

Question 28

What is hyperemesis gravidarum?

Answer 28

Severe case of morning sickness where patients also have dehydration, weight loss, electrolyte imbalance or urinary ketones.

Question 29

What cause hyperemesis gravidarum?

Answer 29

Rapid rise in beta hcg. Therefore it's worse in multiple pregnancies.

Question 30

What is the set antiemetic treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum?

Answer 30

Promethazine or prochlorperazine. Then add metacloperamide. Then add ondansetron.

Question 31

What is the set treatment of antiemetics given for chemotherapy?

Answer 31

Dexamethasone (and ondansetron if severe) | For rescue, metacloperamide.

Question 32

What is the set antiemetic treatment for post-operative nausea and vomiting?

Answer 32

Pick 1, 2 or more antiemetics (any) depending on severity

Question 33

What are loperamide, codeine and morphine used for? What drug class are they?

Answer 33

Antidiarrhoeals, opiod receptor agonists.

Question 34

As well as being pain relievers, what can morphine and codeine help treat?

Answer 34

Antidiarrhoeals.

Question 35

What is paralytic ileus? Name a drug that could cause this.

Answer 35

Constipation due to gut contents being slowed down too much. | Could be caused by antidiarrhoeals such as loperamide, codeine or morphine.

Question 36

What is the difference between MOA for lactulose and macrogols? (Both osmotic laxatives).

Answer 36

Lactulose osmotically draws fluid into the gut. | Macrogols e.g. Movicol keeps original fluid in the gut.

Question 37

What is the MOA of stimulant laxatives?

Answer 37

Increase intestinal motility, helping to reduce constipation.

Question 38

What is the MOA of Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)?

Answer 38

Irreversibly inactivate the H+K+ATPase/proton pump in parietal cells in the stomach.

Question 39

What type of drugs are omeprazole and lansoprazole?

Answer 39

Proton pump inhibitors.

Question 40

How do alginates e.g. Gaviscon work?

Answer 40

Form a viscous layer over exposed mucosa (e.g. Due to an ulcer), so that acid can't get in.

Question 41

Why do PPIs take a few days to become effective?

Answer 41

Can only inhibit proton pumps when they're in the active state, therefore have to wait for all the pumps to become active.

Question 42

Is PPI action reversible or irreversible?

Answer 42

Irreversible - once treatment is stopped, takes a few days for acid secretion to return to normal as you need to re-synthesise pumps.