Therapeutics & Law Flashcards
(32 cards)
Prescribing is governed by which 3 laws?
Medicines Act 1968
Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
NHS Act 1977
What is the purpose of the Medicines Act 1968?
To ensure the safety, quality and efficacy of prescription medicines.
What is a medicinal product?
A substance sold/supplied for administration for medicinal purposes or as an ingredient for preparation of medicines.
What are the 3 classes of medicinal product as defined by the Medicines Act 1968?
General Sales List (GSL)
Prescription only medicines (POM)
Pharmacy medicines (P)
What is a GSL class medicinal product?
Medicinal products that can be sold/supplied without the presence of a pharmacist or prescription, but quantity of purchase per person is limited.
What are some examples of GSL products?
Aspirin
Paracetemol
What is a POM class medicinal product?
Medicinal products that can only be sold/supplied from pharmacies by a pharmacist, from a prescription given by an appropriate practitioner.
What are some examples of POM products?
LA
Antimicrobials e.g. amoxicillin
What is a P class medicinal product?
Medicinal products that are not listed as GSL or prescription drugs. They are sold OTC, but must be in a pharmacy with a pharmacist present at time of sale.
What are some examples of P products?
Emergency contraceptive pill
What is a drug?
A chemical which is administered to the patient to affect normal bodily functions. Can be internal or external.
What is therapeutics?
The actual administration of drugs for a medical purpose.
Which drugs can a dentist prescribe?
Any drug that is clinically necessary, including drugs in the dental practitioner’s formulary (DPF).
Which dental drugs are available on an NHS prescription?
All drugs in the DPF. Any other relevant dru must be prescribed on a private prescription.
Which publications are useful for medicines and drugs?
BNF
MIMS - monthly index of medical specialties
British Pharmacopoeia
SPC - summary of product characteristics
What are PILS?
Patient information leaflets. They must be given with any medicines supplied directly to patients.
What details must a prescription include?
Patient’s name, address, DOB and age
The date
Name and quantity of drug
Directions to dispenser e.g. tablets, capsules
Directions to patient e.g. take 2x daily, with food
Dentist’s signature, address and job role
What must a DHT have before administering medication e.g. LA, fluoride application, antimicrobial agents?
A written prescription from a dentist.
At what age can a patient give consent for administering drugs?
16 years old. Gillick competency applies. COnsent must be informed and for GA, must be written.
What does the Patient Group Directive mean for DHT?
DHT can supply or administer medicines to a defined group of patients without a written patient specific prescription from a dentist.
Why is sugar in medicine taken orally, a dental concern?
Sucrose is a cariogenic agent. Prolonged use increases caries risk.
Which groups are most at risk of medicine related caries?
Young children, adolescents and the elderly.
Which drugs are commonly prescribed to children?
Analgesics - paracetemol, SF calpol Antibiotics - amoxicillin, Cough medicines Kaolin for diarrhoea Asthma drugs - corticosteroids can cause oral thrush. Rinse with water to prevent this. Epilepsy drugs - phenytoin
What advice is given concerning sugar medication for children/young people?
Sugar free versions should be used, esp for liquid suspensions or chew-able tablets.
SF must be stated on prescription.
SF esp important if medication taken at before bed.
Switch to tablets - esp for older children.
