HAAD EXAM Review: Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice

Flashcards covering essential pharmacology, medication safety, and clinical practice guidelines based on HAAD exam preparation notes.

First-Generation Antihistamines

Older antihistamines (e.g., Diphenhydramine, Chlorpheniramine) that can cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to pronounced central nervous system ($CNS$) effects such as sedation.

Third-Generation Antihistamines

Metabolically active derivatives or enantiomers of second-generation drugs, such as Levocetirizine (active enantiomer of cetirizine) and Desloratadine (active metabolite of loratadine), designed to improve efficacy and minimize sedation.

Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists ($LTRA$)

Drugs like Montelukast and Zafirlukast that block leukotriene receptors to reduce inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus production in asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Short-Acting Beta-Agonist ($SABA$)

Quick-relief bronchodilators such as Albuterol (Salbutamol) and Levalbuterol; a significant side effect of these medications is hypokalemia (potassium < $3.5\,mmol/L$).

Theophylline

A methylxanthine drug used for long-term control of $COPD$ and asthma; it has a slow onset of action, making it unsuitable for quick relief during an acute attack.

Dysphonia

The most common side effect of inhaled corticosteroids ($ICS$), characterized by difficulty speaking or hoarseness due to local effects on the vocal cords.

Ciprofloxacin

A second-generation fluoroquinolone that can chelate with calcium or magnesium, significantly decreasing its absorption; it is contraindicated in pregnancy and carries a risk for tendon rupture.

Ototoxicity

A potentially irreversible side effect of Aminoglycosides (e.g., Gentamicin, Amikacin) that results in hearing loss and balance issues due to damage to the auditory and vestibular systems.

Warfarin

An anticoagulant that requires monitoring of the International Normalized Ratio ($INR$); patients must maintain a consistent intake of green leafy vegetables (high in Vitamin K) to avoid therapeutic fluctuations.

Basal Insulin

Long-acting insulin, such as Glargine (Lantus) or Detemir (Levemir), that provides a steady, continuous level of insulin throughout the day and night to maintain background glucose control.

Hypoalbuminemia

A condition (Albumin < $3.5\,g/dL$) that increases the free (active) fraction of highly protein-bound drugs like Phenytoin, potentially leading to toxicity even if total serum levels appear within the normal range ($10-20\,\mu g/mL$).

Category F Medication Error

A medication error that reaches the patient and results in temporary harm, requiring initial or prolonged hospitalization.

Monitored Dosage System ($MDS$)

A tray or blister pack for pre-sorting dry oral medications; suitable for consistent daily dosing (e.g., Candesartan) but inappropriate for dispersible aspirin, light-sensitive drugs, or cytotoxic drugs like Methotrexate.

Tall Man Lettering

The practice of using upper case letters within a drug name (e.g., CloZAPine versus CloNIDine) to help distinguish sound-alike and look-alike ($LASA$) medications.

Type I Glass

Highly resistant borosilicate glass used for intravenous preparations of Methotrexate and alkaline parenteral solutions.

Allopurinol

A xanthine oxidase inhibitor used for the long-term management of gout; it must be discontinued immediately if a rash occurs due to the risk of life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions.

Fingolimod

A treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis that requires a $6\,hour$ observation period with hourly heart rate monitoring after the first dose due to the risk of bradycardia.

P-glycoprotein ($P-gp$)

An efflux pump located in the gastrointestinal mucosa that decreases drug absorption by pumping substances back into the $GI$ lumen.

Narcotic Prescription Validity

According to the healthcare policy in Abu Dhabi, a prescription for a narcotic medication is valid for a maximum of $3\,days$ from the date of issuance.

Root Cause Analysis ($RCA$)

A systematic process used to identify the underlying cause of a medication error; step one involves identifying the event, and step two involves collecting data and documentation.