Pharmacology Flashcards
(16 cards)
Give 3 contra-indications for the prescription of Warfarin
- Pregnancy
- Significant risk of major bleeding
- Active bleeding
How long to changes in Warfarin dosage take to take effect?
2-3 days
How is Warfarin normally taken?
Once daily tablet normally taken in the evening
What is the normal treatment course length for patients prescribed Warfarin?
DVT - 3 months
PE - 6 months
AF - Lifelong
What is the starting dose for Warfarin?
5mg
What are the initial monitoring requirements for a patient being started on Warfarin?
INR taken on days 3,4 and 5 of therapy and the dose titrated to attain target INR of 2.5
Give 4 side effects of Warfarin therapy
- Bleeding
- Diarrhoea and nausea
- Rash
- Hair loss
Interactions with Warfarin that a patient should be counselled about?
- Avoid eating liver and spinach
- Cranberry juice
- Alcohol binges
- NSAIDS
- Aspirin
Give 3 contra-indications to the prescription of DOACs
- Significant renal impairment
- Significant risk of major bleeding
- Active bleeding
How are DOACs normally taken?
Once/ twice daily tablets taken with a full glass of water whilst sitting upright
What are the monitoring requirements for DOACs?
No regular monitoring required, check renal function before initiation of therapy and annually
How is levothyroxine normally taken?
Once daily tablet before breakfast
How long will a change in dose of levothyroxine take to take effect?
4-6 weeks for dose change to take effect
What are the initial monitoring requirements for a patient just starting levothyroxine therapy?
TFTs every 2-3 months until they are stable
Once markers are stable - only need to reassess annually
Give a contra-indication to the prescription of statins
Pregnancy
How are statins most commonly taken?
Once daily tablet in the evening
