Pharma Tips-276

1396. A meta-analysis should be used to determine the efficacy of an antibiotic.

1397. Trifluridine (Viroptic) is stored under refrigeration.

1398. Valacyclovir is recommended for the treatment of ocular viral infections caused by both herpes simplex virus (HSV) and herpes zoster virus (VZV).

1399. Raloxifene (Evista) is used to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

1400. Phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are irreversible MAOIs that can cause edema, postural hypotension, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and a hypertensive crisis when taken with tyramine-rich foods.

Pharma Tips-275

1391. ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) are the drug of choice for treating blood pressure in patients with diabetes.

1392. Doxycycline should not be taken with iron or food, and may cause photosensitivity.

1393. Levothyroxine needs 6 weeks to reach steady state after initial dose adjustment.

1394. Beta-antagonists side effects may include bronchospasm, heart failure, sleep disturbances, dizziness, fatigue, anorexia, nausea, AV block, bradycardia, claudication, Raynaud's, and drowsiness. 

1395. Rizatriptan (maxalt) fastmelt (wafers) can be taken without water.

Pharma Tips-274

1386. Sulfasazine decreases the gastrointestinal absorption of digoxin.

1387. Gentamycin in high doses causes nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity (reversible).

1388. Type I diabetes mellitus has beta cell destruction (insulin deficiency). 

1389. Type II diabetes mellitus is characterised by insulin resistance and defects in secretion (obese).

1390. Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus:-

• Random plasma glucose ⩾ 11.1 mmol/L.
• Fasting plasma glucose (FBG) 8 hours ⩾ 7 mmol/L.
• Plasma glucose level ⩾ 11.1 mmol/L (2 hrs after 75g oral glucose).
• HbA1c ≥ 6.5% (48 mmol/mol).

Pharma Tips-273

1381. Ipratropium (atrovent) causes nosebleeds, dryness of the nose, mouth or throat.

1382. Beclomethasone (maximum effect 7-14 days). Liquids have a greater effect than MDIs.

1383. Olopatadine eye drops cause pruritus, photophobia, and headache.

1384. Hypothyroidism symptoms are fatigue, weight gain, impaired memory, constipation, cold intolerance, dry skin and hair, and bradycardia.

1385. Hyperthyroidism symptoms are weight loss, heat intolerance, diarrhoea, anxiety, palpitations, moist skin, hypertension and hyperflexia.

Pharma Tips-272

1376. Fexofenadine; aluminium, magnesium antacids decrease levels, and fruit juices decrease bioavailability.

1377. Loratadine causes xerostomia and is taken on an empty stomach.

1378. Pseudoephedrine decreases the antihypertensive effect of beta-blockers, and its use is contraindicated with MAOIs or within 14 days of MAOIs discontinuation.

1379. Montelukast causes flu-like symptoms, headache, and abdominal pain.

1380. Levocabastine needs priming; discontinue if no improvement for 3 days.

Pharma Tips 271

1371. Intranasal corticosteroids (INCS) are the preferred treatment for allergic rhinitis.

1372. Aspirin toxicity may include pulmonary oedema, respiratory alkalosis, systemic acidosis, tremor, confusion, and coma; give charcoal and IV fluids plus bicarbonate. 

1373. TCA toxicity may include tachycardia, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention; give charcoal, bicarbonate to protect the heart. 

1374. First-generation antihistamines to be stopped 2-4 days before skin testing for allergy.

1375. Cetrizine causes somnolence, vomiting, and pharyngitis; it is a metabolite of hydroxyzine.

Pharma Tips-270

1366. Zidovudine (AZT) causes myositis, myocarditis, leukopenia, and liver steatosis (fat formation).

1367. Oxybenzone protects against UVA and UVB. 

1368. First-generation antihistamines cause sedation, learning impairment in children, and increase intraocular pressure (narrow-angle glaucoma). 

1369. Mometasone and fluticasone are recommended in the treatment of allergic rhinitis because of their low systemic bioavailability and absence of growth suppression. 

1370. Budesonide is used as a nasal spray in allergic rhinitis in children.