pharmacology

what drugs are used for pain?

* amitriptyline
* carbamazepine 
* codeine
* fentanyl
* gabapentin
* ibuprofen
* morphine
* naproxen
* paracetamol
* tramadol

what are the uses of paracetamol?

* aches
* mild to moderate pain
* fever

what are the brand names for paracetamol?

* disprol
* hedex
* medinol
* panadol

what is the correct dosage of paracetamol?

* 1 tablet: 500mg
* max adult: 8 tablets/24 hours

paracetamol fun facts

* safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding
* risk of overdose
* unsafe in liver and kidney diseases
* allergic reactions
* side effects are rare

what is ibuprofen used for?

* pain
* inflammation

what type of drug is ibuprofen?

* NSAID
* reduces hormones that cause pain and inflammation:

reduction of prostaglandins by COX (Cyclooxigenase) inhibition

what is the dosage of ibuprofen?

* 1 tablet: 200/400/600mg
* max 1200g/24hr

what are the contraindications for ibuprofen?

* previous stomach bleeding
* requires stomach protection
* ulcer
* severe heart failure
* kidney failure
* liver failure
* crohn’s disease/ ulcerative colitis

what are the side effects of ibuprofen?

* feeling/being sick
* stomach pain
* tiredness/sleepiness
* black faeces
* blood in vomit
* tinnitus (ringing in ears)
* difficulty breathing
* arrythmias
* allergic reaction

what type of drug is naproxen?

prescription NSAID

what are the brand names for naproxen?

* naprosyn
* stirlescent wha

what are the uses of naproxen?

* pain and inflammation
* rheumatoid arthritis
* osteoarthritis
* gout
* menstrual pain
* back pain
* sprains and strains

what are the side effects of naproxen?

* confusion
* headache
* tinnitus
* changes in vision
* tiredness
* drowsiness
* dizziness
* rashes
* stomach issues (protection required)

what type of drug is codeine?

opiate

when is codeine indicated?

* when paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin do not work


* short term treatment

what are the side effects of codeine?

* constipation
* nausea
* sleepiness
* risk of addiction

what is tramadol used for?

* moderate-severe pain
* post-operative pain

what type of drug is tramadol?

opiate/narcotic (strong painkiller)

what are the side effects of tramadol?

* sickness
* dizziness
* confusion
* risk of dependance and withdrawal

what is morphine used for?

* severe pain
* cancer pain

what are the side effects of morphine?

* constipation
* sickness
* tiredness
* dizziness
* vertigo
* confusion
* headaches
* skin rashes

fentanyl fun facts

* strong opiate (controlled medicine)
* risk of addiction

what drugs are used for neuropathic pain?

* amitriptyline
* carbamazepine
* gabapentin and pregabalin

amitriptyline

* tricyclic antidepressants
* increases brain serotonin
* mood effects

carbamazepine

* decreases neuronal excitability
* anti-epileptic

gabapentin and pregabalin

* decreases release of excitatory neurotransmitters
* anti-epileptic

what drugs are used for inflammation?

NSAID:

* ibuprofen

steroids:

* prednisolone
* dexamethasone

steroid fun facts

* use: wide range of diseases
* anti-inflammatories
* immunosuppressant
* short term use
* endocrine side effects

what drugs are used for diabetes?

* metformin (enhance insulin sensitivity)
* insulin