Pharmacology Flashcards
Common case scenarios (52 cards)
Provisional diagnosis and differentials for:
You are called to a rural home address for
an 83-year-old patient complaining of
severe nausea.
Bucket on floor; chesty cough.
C/o increasingly unwell for the last few days. Abnormal fatigue, difficulty breathing on exertion, cough, severe nausea, abdo pain, loss of appetite, and light-headedness.
Hx: Takes digoxin, spironolactone, captopril, pravastatin, isosorbide monotitrate, furosemide, bisoprolol and potassium. Also ventolin and spirits inhalers.
Was started on clarithromycin a few days ago.
Digoxin toxicity, due to recent clarithromycin commencement which interacts with renal clearance of digoxin (thus increasing serum levels). This causes N+V, anorexia, abdo pain, and weakness.
Differentials: ADR to clarithromycin, exacerbation of HF/COPD (but nil orthopnoea/oedema)
Pathophysiology of N+V and likely mechanism caused by digoxin toxicity
- Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone (CTZ): detects circulating toxins and drugs (e.g., digoxin) through dopamine (D2) and serotonin (5-HT3) receptors, as well as others.
- Vomiting Centre (brainstem): integrates inputs from CTZ, vestibular system, GI tract, and higher CNS.
- Vagal afferents from GI tract and vagal tone (enhanced by digoxin) contribute to nausea.
In this case:
- Stimulation of the CTZ as well as vagal afferents due to elevated digoxin levels.
- Digoxin acts centrally (CTZ) and peripherally (increased vagal tone → GI dysmotility), both of which contribute to nausea and vomiting.
Treatment for nausea and vomiting
Primary survey
1. Ensure airway patent, check if at risk of airway compromise
2. Breathing and circulation adequate.
Then positioning for comfort/ease breathing.
Ondansetron first line.
Would consider oxygen if SpO2 declined and fluids if BP declined.
Cardiac monitoring for digoxin toxicity
Transport due to high risk and suspected toxicity
Ondansetron:
- MOA
- Contraindications/ADRs/considerations
- Dose/route/repeat
MOA: antagonist of 5-HT3 receptors, which blocks the action of serotonin centrally (in CTZ) and peripherally (in GI tract), therefore preventing activation of vomiting reflex.
CI: <2y, concurrent apomorphine administration, allergy/hypersensitivity
ADRs: headache, movement disorders/seizures, visual disturbance
Considerations: use in the elderly and pregnancy, give slowly
Dose: 4mg IV or IM, no repeat
(2-<8y, 2mg)
Metoclopramide:
- MOA
- Contraindications/ADRs/considerations
- Dose/route/repeat
- D2 receptor antagonist in the CTZ which blocks dopamine from activating the vomiting centre.
- Contraindications: <16y, Parkinson’s, suspected bowel obstruction, haematomesis/malaena, previous dystonic reaction, allergy/hypersensitivity to metoclopramide
- ADRs: restlessness/drowsiness/fatigue, extrapyramidal reactions, hypotension
- Considerations: undiagnosed abdominal pain
Dose: 10mg IM/IV nil repeat >=16
What are these home medications used to treat and do they have any influence on the presentation/trx of N+V:
Digoxin, spironolactone, captopril,
pravastatin, isosorbide mononitrate,
furosemide, bisoprolol and potassium – all
packed into a dose administration aid
(webster pack). Ventolin and Spiriva inhalers
Digoxin: heart failure/AF, toxic at high levels and interacts with clarithromycin.
Spironolactone: K+ sparing antihypertensive/HF, risk of dehydration
Captopril: Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor for HTN/HF
Pravastatin: for high hyperlipidaemia
Isosorbide monotitrate: angina prevention, HF
Furosemide: loop diuretic for fluid overload from HF
Bisoprolol: beta blocker for HTN
Potassium: for hypokalaemia
Ventolin: beta2 agonist for COPD
Spiriva: Long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA); inhaled corticosteroid for COPD
Asthma pathophysiology
Chronic inflammatory airway disease characterised by smooth muscle hypertrophy, increased mucus production and subepithelial fibrosis due to airway remodelling over time. In acute attacks, a trigger (antigen) initiates the release of IgE which activates mast cells to release histamine, leukotrienes and prostaglandins. This leads to bronchospasm, mucus production and airway oedema —> narrowed airways and increased resistance (wheeze, reduced BS, incr. HR/RR)
Treatment of asthma
Primary survey: airway? O2?
Position sitting upright, loosen tight clothing, remove from trigger, reassurance about slowing breathing
Salbutamol and ipratropium bromide nebulised, if severe may require adrenaline and hydrocortisone.
Consider ICP/exctrication backup and transport urgently.
Salbutamol:
1. MOA
2. CI, ADR, considerations
3. Route/dose/repeats
- Short-acting beta2 adrenergic receptor agonist that acts on bronchiole smooth muscle to cause relaxation of smooth muscle and thus bronchodilation. Opens up airways to improve airflow and relieve bronchospasm
- Nil CIs, ADR tachycardia, dysrhythmias, tremors/shakes. Considerations is 2 different preparations and can use spacer or nebuliser (Mod-sev)
- 5mg nebulised repeat prn no max (>=5y). 2.5mg for <5.
Ipratropium bromide
1. MOA
2. CI, ADR, considerations
3. Route/dose/repeats
- Muscarinic antagonist which inhibits the M3 receptor on bronchial smooth muscle to reduce muscle contraction of smooth muscle stimulated by ACh, leading to bronchodilation and reduced mucus secretion
- CI <6m, glaucoma, allergy/hypersensitivity. ADR: mild anticholinergic effects (urinary retention). Two different preparations.
- > =6y 500mcg neb, one repeat.
2-<6y 250mcg neb, 1 repeat
6m-<2y 125mcg 1 repeat
Home meds: what do they treat?
Seretide
Ventolin
Seretide is a combination inhaler made up of salmeterol (long-acting b2 agonist) and fluticasone (corticosteroid) to maintain asthma.
Ventolin is a short-acting b2 agonist used for acute exacerbations of asthma
Adrenaline for the use of asthma:
1. MOA
2. CI/ADR
3. Route/dose/repeat
- Non-selective adrenergic receptor agonist which stimulates beta 2 receptors in lungs to cause bronchodilation (reverse bronchoconstriction), alpha 1 receptors (peripheral vasoconstriction increasing BP and decreases vascular permeability (reduces swelling)), beta 1 receptors (increased HR and contractility to support CO)
- CI: Nil, ADRs: tachycardia, HTN, dysrhythmias, anxiety, N+V. Different preparations
- > =16y IM 500mcg (1:1000) q5min no max or IV 50mcg (1:10,000) q1min no max
<16 IM 10mcg/kg (max 500mcg), q5min, no max OR IV 2mcg/kg (max 50mcg, q2min, no max)
Hydrocortisone in asthma:
1. MOA
2. CI/ADR
3. Route/dose/repeat
- binds to glucocorticoid receptors to reduce airway inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines, suppressing immune cells, and decreasing capillary permeability. It also upregulates β2 receptors, enhancing the effect of bronchodilators during asthma exacerbations.
- CI: active peptic ulcer disease, allergy to corticosteroids, sodium succinate, or sodium phosphate. ADR may elevate BGL, caution in diabetics.
- Adult IM/IV 100mg no repeat. Paediatric (only for severe if <6y) IM/IV 4mg/kg max 100mg (no repeats)
Anaphylaxis: Pathophysiology
Allergen binds to IgE antibodies attached to mast cells and basophils, which causes the release of mediators including histamines, leukotrienes, cytokines and prostaglandins leading to smooth muscle contraction (bronchospasm, V+D), vasodilation and incr. vascular permeability (reduced BP, swelling), and urticaria.
Anaphylaxis trx plan
ABCs: adjunct, high flow O2 via BVM, IV ventilation
Adrenaline (IM up to x4 then needs infusion), compound sodium lactate if signs of hypovolaemia, glucagon in pts taking b-blockers if signs of hypovolaemia persist after initial bonus, salbutamol, hydrocortisone if wheeze persists, nebulised adrenaline if continuing signs of upper airway obstruction after IM adrenaline.
Non-pharm: positioning supine for venous return, or sitting with legs straight if trouble breathing, reassurance, stop from standing or walking.
Consider ICP backup if long transport time, early notification to hospital prn
Urgent transport, continually re-assess
Adrenaline in anaphylaxis
1. MOA
2. CI/ADR/considerations
3. Route/dose/repeat
- Non-selective adrenergic agonist. Acts on alpha 1 receptors to vasoconstrict vessels and reduce permeability; beta 2 to reduce bronchoconstriction; beta 1 to improve contractility and incr. HR
- Nil. ADRs: tachycardia, dysrhythmias, HTN, N+V. Precaution: 2 different preparations
- IM 500mcg q5min no max for >=16y. IM 10mcg/kg (max 500mcg) q5min no max. If unresponsive after 4 doses then can nebulise or infusion if >=16y
Home meds:
Perindopril
Pantoprazole
Atorvastatin
ACE inhibitor for HTN
Proton pump inhibitor for GORD, contraindicated with hydrocortisone
Used for dyslipidemia
Fexofenadine
1. MOA
2. CI/ADR
3. Route/dose/repeat
- Selective H1 receptor antagonist which block the effects of histamine released during allergic reactions
- CI <12, previous admin within 24hrs. ADR drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, headache
- 180mg PO no repeat (>12)
Patho of pain
Nociceptors activated by stimuli (mechanical deformation, inflammation, tissue damage) and covert it into an electrical impulse (transduction). The electrical impulse is conducted along afferent nerve fibres from the injury site to the spinal cord (conduction). Pain signals enter the dorsal horn and are relayed to second-order neurons, which ascend the spinothalamic tract to the thalamus then the cortex (Transmission). Pain is then perceived in the cerebral cortex (and heightened by emotional and cognitive factors) (perception).
Treatment plan for pain (e.g. femur fracture)
ABCs and rapport/reassurance/positioning, consider c-spine.
Stop bleeding, splint fracture
Methoxyflurane, fentanyl, IV fluids if signs of hypovolaemia, antiemetic prn
Consider ICP backup if unable to control emotions
Fentanyl
1. MOA
2. CI/ADRs/Considerations
3. Dose/route/repeat
- Opioid agonist at mu (kappa and delta) receptors at the neurons pre- and post-synaptically. Agonism of mu receptors pre-synaptically inhibits Ca2+ ions from entering the cell in response to incoming AP, preventing release of neurotransmitters such as glutamate into the synapse and thus preventing signal transmission. Post-synaptically it increases the amount of K+ leaving the cell, hyperpolerising it and thus making it harder to reach threshold and potentiate action potentials.
- CI: pregnant >=20w, IN is epistaxis and occluded nasal passages. ADRs: N+V, constipation, rash, bradycardia
- ADULT: IN 50-100mcg initial, q5min, no max. IV 25-50mcg, max 5mcg/kg
CHILD: IN 1.5mcg/kg (max 50) q10min undiluted max 5mcg/kg. IV 0.5-1mcg/kg diluted (max 25) q5min max 5mcg/kg
Morphine
1. MOA
2. CI/ADR
3. Route/dose/repeat
- Opioid receptor agonist in the CNS; Ca2+ influx presynaptic and K+ postsynaptically to prevent electrical impulse transmission
- CI: neonates <40w, pregnant >20w, kidney disease. ADRs: N+V, drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, miosis, urinary retention. Consider resp depression, and shock pts, and elderly
- ADULT: IV 2.5-5mg diluted, q5min, total 0.5mg/kg. IM 5-10mg q15m, total 2 doses
PAED (>1y) IV 100mcg/kg diluted max 5mg, q5min, total 0.5mg/kg. IM 100mcg/kg, q15min, max 2 doses.
Naloxone
1. MOA
2. CI/ADR
3. Dose/route/repeat
- Mu receptor antagonist which prevents the inhibition of Ca2+ channels and prevents the stimulation of K+ channels to promote AP conduction/transmission
- CI neonates born to opioid addicted mothers due to risk of inducing opioid withdrawal. ADRs: opioid withdrawal, PO in pts with pre-exisiting cardiac disease, dysrhythmias
- > 16 IV 100mcg diluted bonus, q2min, max 2mg. IM 400mcg undiluted bonus q2min, max 2mg.
<16 IM/IV 5mcg/kg diluted max 100mcg. Q2min, max 2mg
Home meds:
Fluticasone
Salbutamol
Topical corticosteroid
Fluticasone: inhaled corticosteroid for asthma maintenance
Salbutamol: SABA for asthma exacerbations
Topical corticosteroid for asthma