Pharmacists' Reminders and Patient Safety Quiz

Sympathomimetics

• Pseudoephedrine is a vasoconstrictor used to treat congestion of mucous membranes in the upper respiratory tract.
• It should not be given to children under 6 years old in over-the-counter cough and cold medicines.
• Monoamine oxidase B inhibitors increase the risk of a hypertensive crisis when taken with pseudoephedrine.
• Counselling points for pseudoephedrine include:
  • Do not take for longer than recommended by your doctor.
  • Limit caffeine and chocolate intake to avoid nervousness, shakiness, and a fast heartbeat.
  • Take with or without food, but take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

Beta2-adrenoceptor Agonists

• Salbutamol is a short-acting beta2-adrenoceptor agonist used to treat acute asthma and prevent allergen- or exercise-induced bronchospasm.
• Beta-blockers (such as propranolol) may antagonize the effects of salbutamol.
• Counselling points for salbutamol include:
  • Read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack before using the inhaler.
  • Use the inhaler properly to ensure effective treatment.

Nitrates

• Nitroglycerin (glyceryl trinitrate) is a coronary vasodilator used to treat and prevent angina.
• It should be supplied in glass containers and discarded after 8 weeks in use.
• Counselling points for nitroglycerin include:
  • Dose may be repeated at 5-minute intervals if required, but not more than 3 doses.
  • Interacts with avanafil (sildenafil).

Adrenaline

• Adrenaline is a sympathomimetic used in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, acute hypotension, and emergency treatment of acute anaphylaxis.
• Non-cardio-selective beta-blockers can enhance the pressor response to adrenaline.
• Counselling points for adrenaline include:
  • Carry two injection devices at all times to treat symptoms until medical assistance is available.
  • Administer a second injection 5-15 minutes after the first if symptoms do not improve.

Antimuscarinics

• Hyoscine butylbromide is an antimuscarinic used to relieve symptomatic gastro-intestinal or genito-urinary disorders characterized by smooth muscle spasm.
• Contraindications include gastro-intestinal obstruction, myasthenia gravis, significant bladder outflow obstruction, and urinary retention.
• Counselling points for hyoscine butylbromide include:
  • Avoid driving and skilled tasks, as antimuscarinics can affect performance.
  • Rise slowly after sitting or lying down to lower the chance of dizziness or fainting.

Antidiarrheals

• Loperamide is an antipropulsive used to treat acute and chronic diarrhea.
• Contraindications include active ulcerative colitis.
• Counselling points for loperamide include:
  • Avoid large overdoses, as they can cause serious cardiovascular events, including fatalities.
  • Cimetidine and clarithromycine can inhibit the metabolism of loperamide.

Test your knowledge on pharmacist reminders for patient safety, including not exceeding recommended doses and precautions with pseudoephedrine. Explore important drug interactions, cautions, and counselling points. This quiz covers topics related to medication safety and patient education.