GPhC Pre-Reg Exam Preparation Specialists
This is the first chapter in the British National Formulary (BNF) which introduces the following areas: dyspepsia and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), antispasmodics (i.e. drugs used irritable bowel syndrome), antisecretory drugs and mucosal protectants (i.e. proton pump inhibitors, H2-receptor antagonists), acute diarrhoea, chronic bowel disorders (i.e. Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis), constipation (i.e. opioid-induced constipation in palliative care, faecal impaction in children), and drugs affecting intestinal secretions.
There will also be slight overlaps with the infections section which covers gastrointestinal system infections such as, Clostridioides difficile, Campylobacter enteritis, acute diverticulitis, and Helicobacter pylori infection.
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AMINOSALICYLATE: MESALAZINE | |||
Drug action | What is it used for? | Cautions | (Very) common side effects |
· Blocks cyclooxygenase and inhibits prostaglandin production in the colon thus, combats inflammation. | · Treatment of acute attack of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis and maintenance of remission | · Renal function – to be monitored before starting treatment, at 3 months and annually thereafter | · Arthralgia (joint pain) · Cough · Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, GI discomfort · Dizziness, headache · Leucopenia (reduced white blood cells) · Skin reactions |
IMMUNOSUPPRESSANT: AZATHIOPRINE | |||
Drug action | What is it used for? | Cautions | (Very) common side effects |
· Inhibits metabolism of purine which causes inhibition of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis | · Severe acute Crohn’s disease · Maintenance of remission of Crohn’s disease · Maintenance of remission of acute ulcerative colitis | · Individuals experiencing any hypersensitivity reaction will need to be taken off the drug immediately · Full blood count to be monitored weekly for first 4 weeks, and then every 3 months | · Bone marrow depression · Leucopenia · Pancreatitis · Thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count) · Higher risk of infections |
Written by Fatima Sazzad, GPhC Reg No. 2212805
