Pharmacology.docx

**Pharmacology - Paracetamol** **What does 'antipyretic' mean?** It means to prevent or reduce fever. **What are three different forms of paracetamol?** Tablet, Capsule, and Oral liquid. **Describe paracetamol's mode of action?** Paracetamol prevents the production of prostaglandins, which res...

**Pharmacology - Paracetamol** **What does 'antipyretic' mean?** It means to prevent or reduce fever. **What are three different forms of paracetamol?** Tablet, Capsule, and Oral liquid. **Describe paracetamol's mode of action?** Paracetamol prevents the production of prostaglandins, which reset body temperature. It also causes sweating and dilation of blood vessels, which cool the body via radiation and evaporation. **Why is it so important to administer the correct dose of paracetamol?** Ensure that you do not exceed the recommended dose can cause a risk of overdosing, which can result in a risk of serious liver damage. **Pharmacology -- Topical medications** **What is meant by topical application in medical administration?** Medication is applied to a specific area of the body. **How do transdermal patches ensure the delivery of the medication?** Topical medications are applied to the skin by direct application, transdermal discs or patches, applying moist dressings, soaking body parts in a solution or giving medicated baths. These topical applications may be applied for as little as 24 hours or as long as 7 days. **What are two reasons nurses would use gloves for the application of topicals?** Using gloves protects nurses from contact with medication. To keep skin area clean from infection. **Describe the skin preparations of lotion?** Medication in liquid suspension applied externally to protect skin. **Describe the skin preparations of ointment?** (salve): semi-solid, externally applied preparation, usually containing one or more medications. **Describe the skin preparations of paste?** semi-solid preparation, thicker and stiffer than ointment; absorbed through skin more slowly than ointment. **Describe the skin preparations of cream?** Liniment: preparation usually containing alcohol, oil or soapy emollient that is applied to skin. **Why would you apply skin cleansers?** To remove dirt, sebum, oil, and dead skin cells **Why would you apply desloughing agents?** To help achieve and maintain wound bed and aid removal of wound biofilms, facilitating would healing. **Why would you apply counterirritants?** To make the skin feel cool and then warm **Why would you apply suncreen?** To protect your skin from sunburn, skin cancer and premature ageing. **What is Micreme used for and how often would you apply this application and are there any side effects?** To treat inflamed skin conditions, such as tinea, athletes foot, ringworm and thrush infections of the skin. Apply sparingly once or twice daily to the affected areas of affected areas of your body and rubbed gently with a finger into the skin. The side effects are skin irritation, itchy or itching rash, red or inflamed skin, pale areas of skin, burning skin sensation, blurred vision. **What is Zovirax used for and how often would you apply this application and are there any side effects?** To use against herpes simplex virus (HSV). Apply, 5 times daily at approx. 4 hourly intervals, omitting nighttime, application, treatment for 5 days. The side effects are, drying or flakey skin. **What is Aqueous cream BP used for and how often would you apply this application and are there any side effects?** To treat dry skin conditions. Apply as often as required. Used also as a soap substitute. The side effects are, high rates of skin irritation. **What is Betaline used for and how often would you apply this application and are there any side effects?** Treatment for common skin infections, such as skin around nails, minor burns, cuts and scratches. External use only, Apply directly to the affected area two to three times daily. The side effects are, not recommended during pregnancy. **Pharmacology -- Digestive System** **What are antacids?** Antacids are made from weak alkaline products and are used to neutralize or raise the pH of the stomach. They work by buffering the acidic environment in the stomach, which can help with symptoms associated with Gastric Oesophageal Reflux Disorder (GORD) also known as (GERD). **What happens to the pH of the stomach when someone uses antacids?** When someone uses antacids, the pH of the stomach increases as the antacids work to neutralize or raise the acidity level of the stomach. Antacids are weak alkaline products that help to balance the stomach\'s pH closer to a neutral level. **What are five common antacids which may be purchased over the counter (OTC)?** - Quick-Eze - Gaviscon. - Mylanta. - Tums - Rolaids. **What does acid rebound mean?** It refers to the phenomenon where the stomach produces more acid after the ingestion of certain foods or medications. This can result in an increase in gastric acidity, leading to symptoms such as heartburn or indigestion. **How do Proton Pump Inhibitors (Omeprazole / Losec) manage to reduce the production of HCL?** Proton pump inhibitors like Omeprazole (generic) or Losec work by reducing the action of the parietal cells in the stomach, which are responsible for producing hydrochloric acid (HCL) \[18a\]. By inhibiting these cells, proton pump inhibitors decrease the production of HCL, consequently making the environment of the stomach less acidic \[18a\]. This reduction in stomach acidity helps in alleviating symptoms associated with conditions like gastric oesophageal reflux disorder (GORD) \[18b\]. Overall, proton pump inhibitors play a crucial role in managing gastrointestinal issues by regulating the production of HCL in the stomach. **Describe how lactulose works?** Lactulose works by exerting an osmotic effect on the bowel, increasing fluid volume and keeping more water in the bowel. This results in an increased amount of water being absorbed into the bowel, causing faeces to become softer \[24b\]. The osmotic action of lactulose helps to stimulate peristalsis in the colon, making faecal matter easier to pass. It initiates reflex activity in the large intestine and anus, promoting bowel emptying. **Describe how diastop decreases peristalsis:** It acts on opioid receptors in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, resulting in a decrease in peristalsis. This medication works by altering the motility of the intestines, which slows down the movement of food through the digestive system. As a result, it increases the viscosity of the contents in the intestines, allowing for more water to be absorbed and leading to a firming of the stool and a decrease in bowel movements.