Pharmacology

Question 1

• Anticonvulsant used to treat epilepsy
• Mood stabilization for bipolar disorder patients
• May also be used for chronic neuropathic pain, migraine prophylaxis, and other uses

Answer 1

Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, Equetro, or Epitol)

Question 2

• Anticoagulant drug that inhibits the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin
• Can cause a decreased platelet count, known as thrombocytopenia, which increases the risk of bleeding

Answer 2

Heparin

Question 3

Side effects or adverse reactions to Heparin

Answer 3

• Thrombocytopenia
• Rashes
• Uticaria (itching)
• Anemia
• Fever
• Alopecia
• Osteoporosis (with long term use)

Question 4

Proton pump inhibitor used to reduce gastric acid secretion in the prevention and treatment of gastric ulcers
(ulcer side note: stress ulceration usually begins in the proximal region of the stomach in the hours that follow a major trauma or serious illness)

Answer 4

Pantoprazole (Protonix)

Question 5

Serotonin 5-HT3 receptor agonist used to treat nausea

Answer 5

Ondansetron (Zofran or Zuplenz)

Question 6

Cytoprotective agent used in the treatment of gastric ulcers and their prevention when associated with NSAID use

Answer 6

Sulcrafate (Carafate)

Question 7

Loperamide (Imodium, Select, or Fad) are used as..

Answer 7

An antidiarrheal

Question 8

Aspirin side effects (mnemonic)

Answer 8

A - asthma
S - salicyaslism
P - peptic ulcer disease
I - intestinal blood loss (tarry stool and coffee ground emesis are signs of potential GI bleed)
R - reyes syndrome (swelling of liver and brain in children)
I - idiosyncracy (abnormal reaction to drug)
N - noise (tinnitus)

Question 9

• A dopamine agonist (stimulates dopamine production in the brain) used to treat Parkinson’s disease and can also treat restless leg syndrome
• Side effects include psychosis, somnolence, and hallucinations (because of the dopamine stimulation)

Answer 9

Ropinirole (Requip)

Question 10

These drugs are used to treat schizophrenia and antagonize or work against dopamine, serotonin, and other receptors in the brain, which allows fewer of these chemicals to bind to receptors and stimulate the brain

Answer 10

Antipsychotics

Question 11

This drug has a black box warning due to the risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and bone marrow suppression which can lead to leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and agranulocytosis

Answer 11

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Question 12

Side effects of Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Answer 12

Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Bone marrow suppression 
Liver damage
Thyroid damage
Drowsiness
Nausea
Blurred vision
Dizziness
Dry mouth

Question 13

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is caused by..

Answer 13

BAPS & HM

• Barbiturates (sedative or sleep inducing drugs)
• Antibiotics such as penicillins
• Phenytoin & other anticonvulsants
• Sulfonamides
• Herpes simplex
• Mycoplasmas (bacteria)

Question 14

Antiplatelet medication (also considered an anticoagulant) used in the prevention of vascular ischemic events such as an acute MI, stroke, or peripheral arterial disease

Answer 14

Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Question 15

ACE inhibitors treat..

Answer 15

Hypertension

Question 16

Diuretics treat..

Answer 16

HTN, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, or peripheral edema

Question 17

Statins treat..

Answer 17

High cholesterol

Question 18

Medication commonly used in the treatment of seizures and bipolar disorders

Answer 18

Valproic acid (Depakote)

Question 19

Common side effects of Valproic acid (Depakote)

Answer 19

N/V
Hair loss
Tremors
Vertigo
Fatigue
Thrombocytopenia

Question 20

This drug is used to treat petit mal seizures or absence seizures - it works by depressing the morot cortex of the brain and raising the threshold for seizures
Most commonly causes GI stress such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea
-other common side effects include ataxia, irritability, hyperactivity, headaches, rashes, and gingival hyperplasia

Answer 20

Ethosuximide (Zarontin)

Question 21

Side effects of anticholinergic medications

Answer 21

Urinary retention, lethargy, and blurred vision

“Cant see, spit, pee, or shit”

Question 22

The most common side effects of Medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera) which is an IM injection, are…

Answer 22

Weight gain
Decreased bone density
Increased spotting
Amenorrhea

Question 23

Used in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer in women
Most common side effects include flushing, altered menses, amenorrhea, bone pain, and nausea

Answer 23

Tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox)

Question 24

This is an anticonvulsant same as Carbamazepine, used to treat epilepsey and bipolar disorders. This medications intended effects are to get rid of seizures

Answer 24

Lamotrigine (Lamictal)

Question 25

This antiplatelet drug or blood thinner is known to cause pancytopenia, which is a reduction of WBC (including neutrophils), red blood cells, and platelets
-it is also known to cause hyponatremia but not hypokalemia

Answer 25

Ticlopidipine (Ticlid)

Question 26

These must be rotated every application to prevent skin irritation and sensitization
The preferred site for this is the chest and it must be dry, clean, and hairless, avoid irritated sites with cuts
These must be applied for 12-14 hours followed by a 10-12 hour nitrate-free period to avoid developing a tolerance

Answer 26

Nitroglycerin transdermal patch

Question 27

What is a common side effect of oral contraceptives that should always be assessed

Answer 27

Blood pressures should always be assessed on a patient taking oral contraceptives because HTN is a common side effect – also assess for abnormal vaginal bleeding, unilateral numbness, weakness, or leg pain