CPGs Flashcards
Adrenaline Pharmacology
Alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonists
Beta 1: Increases HR, increases conduction velocity through AV node, increases myocardial contractility and increases irritability of the ventricles
Beta 2: Causes bronchodilatation
Alpha: Causes peripheral vasoconstriction
Contraindications and Precautions Adrenaline
Contra: Hypovolamic shock without adequate fluid replacement
Precaution: Elderly patients, pts with cardiovascular disease, pts on monoamine oxidase inhibitors, if pt beta blocked higher dosage may be required
Metabolism + Excretion of Adrenaline
By monoamine oxidase and other enzymes in the blood, in the liver and around nerve endings, and is excreted by the kidneys
Side Effects Adrenaline
Sinus tachycardia, supra-ventricular arrhythmia’s, ventricular arrhythmia’s, hypertension, papillary dilatation, may increase size of MI, anxiety / palpitations, muscle tremour
Aspirin Pharmacology
An analgesic, antipyretic, anti inflammatory and anti plate agent - which reduces platelet aggregation and inhibits synthesis of prostaglandins which has anti inflammatory actions
Metabolism and Excretion Aspirin
Converted to salicylate in the gut mucosa and liver, excreted mainly by the kidneys
Contraindications and Precautions Aspirin
Contras: hypersensitivity to aspirin / salicylates, actively bleeding peptic ulcer, bleeding disorders, suspected dissecting AAA, chest pain associated with psychostimulant overdose of BP >160
Precautions: peptic ulcer, asthma, on anticoagulants
Side effects aspirin
Heartburn, nausea, GI bleeding, increased bleeding times, hypersensitivity reactions
Why is aspirin contraindicated for use in active febrile illness for those under 12 years old?
It may lead to renal function impairment and Reye’s syndrome
Ceftriaxone Pharmacology
Cephalosporin Antibiotic
Ceftriaxone Metabolism and excretion
Excreted unchanged in urine and in bile
Contraindications Ceftriaxone and Precautions
Contra: Allergy to cephalosporin antibiotics
Precaution: Allergy to penicillin antibiotics
Side effects Ceftriaxone
Nausea and vomiting, skin rash
What alterations are made to ceftriaxone IM and IV administration?
IV: make up to 10ml per 1g and administer over 2 minutes
IM: Make up to 4ml per 1G and must be administered to lateral upper thigh.
Dexamethosone Pharmacology
A corticosteroid secreted by the adrenal cortex, it relieves inflammatory reactions and provide immunosuppresion.
Metabolism and excretion Dexamethasone
Metabolised by the liver and excreted predominantly by the kidneys
Contraindications and Precautions of dexamethasone
Contra: known hypersensitivity to dexamethasone or other corticosteroids
Precautions: usually only relevant with prolonged use and high dosages
Side effects Dexamethasone:
Except for allergens. adverse effects are usually only associated with prolonged use and high dosages
Diazapam Pharmacology
Member of the benzodiazapam family, inhibits anxiolytic, muscle relaxant and sedative effects. muscle- relaxant, a Most of these effects are thought to result from a facilitation of the action of GABA (The allosteric binding increases the frequency at which the chloride channel opens, leading to an increased conductance of chloride ions. This shift in charge leads to a hyperpolarization of the neuronal membrane and reduced neuronal excitability)
Metabolism / Excretion diazepam
Diazepam is metabolized in the liver to its active metabolite which is excreted in the urine as inactive metabolite
Contraindication / Precautions Diazepam
Contra: Known allergy to benzodiazapines and myasthenia gravis
Precaution: CNS depression or ingestion of CNS depressing agents, hypotension,
children and elderly, impaired renal or hepatic function, respiratory insufficiency
Define Myasthenia gravis
A chronic autoimmune, neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles
Side effects diazepam
Extrapyramidal reactions, drowziness, bradycardia, respiratory depression, hypotension
What are extra pyramidal reactions?
Drug-induced movement disorders aincluding dystonia, akathisia, and parkinsonism.