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Questions and Answers
A patient taking acarbose reports experiencing significant flatulence and abdominal discomfort. Which mechanism of action of acarbose is most likely responsible for these side effects?
A patient taking acarbose reports experiencing significant flatulence and abdominal discomfort. Which mechanism of action of acarbose is most likely responsible for these side effects?
- Increased potassium efflux in intestinal cells, altering electrolyte balance
- Inhibition of alpha-glucosidase enzymes in the small intestine, resulting in undigested carbohydrates (correct)
- Direct stimulation of colonic motility, accelerating the passage of digestive contents
- Inhibition of amylase in the stomach, leading to delayed gastric emptying
A patient with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is administered adenosine. After the injection, the patient experiences flushing, chest pain, and a transient episode of bradycardia. What is the primary mechanism by which adenosine produces these effects?
A patient with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is administered adenosine. After the injection, the patient experiences flushing, chest pain, and a transient episode of bradycardia. What is the primary mechanism by which adenosine produces these effects?
- Inhibiting phosphodiesterase, leading to increased cAMP levels and enhanced cardiac contractility.
- Increasing potassium efflux and inhibiting calcium influx in the sinoatrial node, leading to a decrease in heart rate and AV node conduction. (correct)
- Stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors, causing vasoconstriction and increased heart rate.
- Blocking calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, resulting in vasodilation and reduced blood pressure.
A patient on alendronic acid is also prescribed an antacid for heartburn symptoms. What is the most appropriate advice regarding the timing of these medications?
A patient on alendronic acid is also prescribed an antacid for heartburn symptoms. What is the most appropriate advice regarding the timing of these medications?
- Take alendronic acid at night and the antacid in the morning to separate their administrations.
- Take the antacid at least 2 hours after alendronic acid to avoid reducing its absorption. (correct)
- Take both medications together to enhance the absorption of alendronic acid.
- Take the antacid with food and alendronic acid on an empty stomach to minimize gastrointestinal irritation.
An elderly patient with a history of mild renal impairment is started on aciclovir for herpes zoster. Which potential side effect of aciclovir warrants close monitoring in this patient population?
An elderly patient with a history of mild renal impairment is started on aciclovir for herpes zoster. Which potential side effect of aciclovir warrants close monitoring in this patient population?
Why is it important to avoid co-administration of digestive enzymes (e.g., amylase, lipase) with acarbose?
Why is it important to avoid co-administration of digestive enzymes (e.g., amylase, lipase) with acarbose?
Which of the following patients would be most at risk if prescribed Adenosine?
Which of the following patients would be most at risk if prescribed Adenosine?
A patient taking aciclovir also requires treatment with an aminoglycoside antibiotic. What concern should the healthcare provider have regarding this combination?
A patient taking aciclovir also requires treatment with an aminoglycoside antibiotic. What concern should the healthcare provider have regarding this combination?
What is the primary mechanism of action of alendronic acid in treating osteoporosis?
What is the primary mechanism of action of alendronic acid in treating osteoporosis?
Flashcards
Acarbose MOA
Acarbose MOA
Inhibits alpha-glucosidase, delaying carbohydrate absorption to lower postprandial blood glucose.
Aciclovir MOA
Aciclovir MOA
Inhibits viral DNA synthesis by incorporating into viral DNA, causing chain termination.
Aciclovir Side Effects
Aciclovir Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, renal toxicity.
Adenosine MOA
Adenosine MOA
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Adenosine Side Effects
Adenosine Side Effects
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Alendronic Acid MOA
Alendronic Acid MOA
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Alendronic Acid Side Effects
Alendronic Acid Side Effects
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Alendronic Acid Interactions
Alendronic Acid Interactions
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Study Notes
Acarbose
- Class: Alpha-glucosidase inhibitor
- Mechanism of Action: Inhibits alpha-glucosidase enzymes in the small intestine to delay carbohydrate absorption
- Postprandial blood glucose levels are lowered
- Side Effects: Flatulence, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and in rare instances, increased liver enzymes
- Interactions: Reduces the effectiveness of oral contraceptives
- Avoid administering with digestive enzymes, e.g., amylase and lipase
- Contraindications: Not for use in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease, colonic ulceration, intestinal obstruction, or severe renal impairment
- Monitoring: Regularly check blood glucose levels, liver function (ALT, AST), and renal function
Aciclovir
- Class: Antiviral (Nucleoside analogue)
- Mechanism of Action: Inhibits viral DNA synthesis
- Incorportates into viral DNA resulting in chain termination
- Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, renal toxicity (rare with high doses), and neurotoxicity in the elderly or those with renal impairment
- Interactions: Use caution with nephrotoxic drugs, such as aminoglycosides
- Contraindications: Not for use in individuals with hypersensitivity to aciclovir/valaciclovir, or with already severe renal impairment unless the dose is adjusted
- Monitoring: Assess renal function, liver enzymes, and watch for signs of neurotoxicity
Adenosine
- Class: Antiarrhythmic (Nucleoside)
- Mechanism of Action: Increases potassium efflux and inhibits calcium influx in the sinoatrial node
- Decreases heart rate and AV node conduction
- Used for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT)
- Side Effects: Hypotension, flushing, chest pain, bradycardia, dyspnea, and transient arrhythmias
- Interactions: Use caution with other drugs causing bradycardia, e.g., beta-blockers, and verapamil
- Contraindications: Not for individuals with AV block, sick sinus syndrome, severe hypotension, or bronchospastic lung disease
- Monitoring: Continuously monitor ECG during administration, and track blood pressure
Alendronic Acid
- Class: Bisphosphonate
- Mechanism of Action: Inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, increasing bone mineral density
- Side Effects: Includes gastrointestinal irritation, musculoskeletal pain, and hypocalcaemia
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