Drugs

Question 1

What SE do these drugs have on hair growth?
a) sodium valproate
b) phenytoin

Answer 1

a) can cause hair loss/hirsutism - ie hair growth in androgen dependent areas. Not to be given in child bearing age
b) can cause hypertrichosis - excessive growth everywhere

Question 2

SE of vincristine (chemo used in ALL)

Answer 2

Motor and sensory neuropathies e.g. limping, back pain

Question 3

SE of dexamethasone

Answer 3

Increased appetite
High BMs
Fluid retention with oedema

Question 4

MOA + site of action of cyclizine as anti-emetic

Answer 4

• Histamine 1 rec antagonist
• Via chemoreceptor trigger zone in medulla oblongata

Question 5

Why is Doxycycline avoided <12yo?

Answer 5

Risk of permanent Dental staining

Question 6

Benzodiazepines MOA

Answer 6

GABA A (inhibitory) rec agonist

Question 7

Baclofen MOA

Answer 7

GABA B rec agonist
(Inhibitory against spasticity etc)

Question 8

Amphetamine OD signs/sx

Answer 8

STIMULANT
Triggers presynaptic leakage of dopamine

HTN
Tachy
Reduced consciousness
Hypokalaemia
Mydriasis (dilated pupils)
Agitation, excitability
Intracerebral haemorrhage -> reduced consciousness

Question 9

Vigabatrin mnemonic

Answer 9

Anti-epileptic

V isual field loss - permanent
I ncreases GABA (inhibitory)
G ABA transaminase inhibitor
A djunctive therapy for refractory seizures / infantile spasms

Question 10

Pred MOA

Answer 10

• Suppress migration of neutrophils to sites of inflamm
• Reduce vasodilation and capillary permeability
• Bind glucocorticoid rec -> modulate gene expression -> promote up-reg of anti-inflamm genes and down-reg of pro-inflamm genes
• Inhibit phospholipase A2/PLA2 (usually releases arachidonic acid from cell membs) -> prevents prod of pro-inflamm mediators e.g. prostaglandins / leukotrienes

Question 11

Methotrexate side effects

Answer 11

Can affect haematopoeisis
Hepatotoxic
Pulmonary fibrosis