PHARMACOLOGY

Question 1

Example of antacids

Answer 1

Aluminium Hydroxide

Magnesium Hydroxide

Question 2

How to antacids work

Answer 2

Neutralise stomach acid

Treat the symptoms of GORD and dyspepsia but not the cause

Question 3

Side effects of aluminium/magnesium hydroxide (antacids)

Answer 3

Aluminium - constipation

Magnesium- diarrhoea

Question 4

Proton pump inhibitor example

Answer 4

Omeprazole

Question 5

Mechanism of action of PPIs

Answer 5

Activated by HCl
Block active H+ pumps
Prevent pumping of H+ ions therefore inhibits the secretion of HCl (stomach acid)

Question 6

What are PPIs used to treat and what are their side effects

Answer 6

GORD
Peptic Ulcer
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (gastrin secreting tumour in pancreas)

Side effects
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Headache

Question 7

Example of an H2 receptor antagonist

Answer 7

Ranitidine

Question 8

Mechanism of H2 receptor antagonist

Answer 8

Blocks the action of histamine secreted by enterochromaffin cells
Histamine triggers the production of HCl so therefore decreases HCl production

Question 9

What are H2 receptors used to treat and what are their side effects

Answer 9

Dyspepsia
Peptic ulcers
GORD

Side effects
Hypotension
Headache
Diarrhoea/constipation

Question 10

Example of mucosal strengtheners

Answer 10

Sucralfate

Bismuth chealate

Question 11

What is the mechanism of action of mucosal strengtheners

Answer 11

Binds to the base of an ulcer as it is +vely charged

Forms a protective mucosal barrier over the ulcer

Question 12

What are mucosal strengtheners used to treat and what are their side effects

Answer 12

GORD
Ulcers

Side effects
Constipation

Question 13

Examples of anti motility drugs

Answer 13

Loperamide

Codeine

Question 14

Mechanism of action of anti motility drugs

Answer 14

Decrease peristalsis and segmentation therefore causing constipation

Cause sphincter constriction and increased fluid absorption

Question 15

What are anti-motility drugs used to treat and what side effects to they have

Answer 15

Diarrhoea

Side effects
Drowsiness
Constipation
Urinary retention

Question 16

What are some examples of 5ASAs (5-aminosalicylic acid)

Answer 16

Sulfasaline

Mesalazine

Question 17

What is the mechanism of action of 5ASAs

Answer 17

Anti-inflammatory drug

Derived from salicylic acid and is thought to trap free radicals

Question 18

What are 5ASAs used to treat and what are some of the side effects

Answer 18

Ulcerative Colitis

Side effects
Diarrhoea
Nausea
Cramps

Question 19

Example of corticosteriods used for GI

Answer 19

Prednisolone

Budesonide

Question 20

Mechanism of action of corticosteriods

Answer 20

Mimic natural steroid hormones eg. cortisol

Powerful anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs

Bind onto glucocorticoid receptors to induct/repress different genes to suppress inflammation

Question 21

What GI conditions are corticosteriods used to treat and what are the side effects

Answer 21

Ulcerative Colitis
Hepatitis
Crohns disease

Side effects 
Candidiasis -oropharyngeal 
Dysphonia (hoarse and weak voice) 
Growth restrictions 
Glaucoma (damage to optic nerve)
Diabetes 
Cushings syndrome

Question 22

Example of a bulk forming laxative/purgative

Answer 22

Methylcellulose

Question 23

Example of a stimulant laxative/purgative

Answer 23

Bisacodyl

Question 24

Example of a faecal softening laxative/purgative

Answer 24

decussate sodium

Question 25

Example of osmotic laxative/purgative

Answer 25

Magnesium sulphate/Hydroxide

Question 26

Mechanism of action of laxatives/purgatives

Answer 26

Increase water volume in faeces

Question 27

What are laxatives/purgatives used to treat and what are the side effects

Answer 27

Straining (detrimental to health in angina) Painful defecation (haemorrhoids) To clear bowel before surgery/colonoscopy Constipation Possible side effects dehydration Abdo pain/cramps Dizziness

Question 28

What is pancreatin used for

Answer 28

Reducing pancreatic secretions

Question 29

What are thiamine tablets (vitamins B1 tablets used to treat)

Answer 29

Given to alcoholics as alcohol inhibits vitamin B1 absorption

Question 30

What does metroclopramide to

Answer 30

Increases gastric emptying

Question 31

What is metrocopramide used to treat and what are the side effects

Answer 31

GORD Gastroperesis Side effects Dizziness Drowsiness

Question 32

What is the mechanism of action for 5-HT3 (serotonin) receptor antagonists

Answer 32

Block 5-HT3 receptors which are prevalent in the chemoreceptor trigger zone and reduce emesis

Question 33

What are 5-HT3 receptor antagonists used to treat and what are some side effects

Answer 33

Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and post-operative induced emesis Side effects Headaches Constipation

Question 34

Examples of muscarinic antagonists

Answer 34

Hyoscine Scopolamine Meberveine

Question 35

How do muscarinic antagonists work in GI

Answer 35

Block muscarinic receptors in vomiting centre Inhibit GI movements and cause GI relaxation Antispasmodic

Question 36

What are muscarinic antagonists used to treat in GI and what are their side effects

Answer 36

Motion sickness IBS ``` Side effects Dry mouth Blurred vision Sedation Urinary retention ```