Introduction Donepezil is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. The introduction of Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI) in 1997 had a great impact in the management of Alzheimer's disease (AD), (Birks, 2006). AChEI are usually…
Introduction Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are used for their anti-inflammatory effects in asthma and COPD. They are available as single agents, or in combination with other inhaled medications, such as beta-agonists…
There are loads of types of inhalers! You need to be able to tell a patient how to use each type, and what type of drugs can go in each…
Introduction These are given in oral tablet form and are used to treat severe chronic asthma. They are only ever used in conjunction with corticosteroids. Mechanism They block the LTD4…
Introduction Loop diuretics are the strongest type of diuretic - they cause an increase in the excretion of sodium and water from the kidney. They are very effective, and prevent the…
Memantine is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist and is licensed for use in moderate-severe Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Mechanism of Action Memantine is an NMDA antagonist (AKA Glutamate receptor antagonist) NMDA receptor…
Mood Stabilisers e.g. lithium, valproate, gabapentin, carbamazepine Mood stabilisers are mainly used to treat bipolar disorder although they may be used in lots of other psychiatric conditions. Lithium Lithium has…
Introduction Morphine is a commonly used analgesic in acute and chronic pain. It has been around for a very long time! It can be given intravenously, intramuscularly and orally. In…
Nausea and vomiting in palliative care is a common problem and can sometimes be difficult to manage. Nausea = sensation of the desire to vomit Vomiting = action of expelling…
Osmotic diuretics e.g. mannitol Osmotic diuretics are drugs that are filtered at the glomerulus and then not reabsorbed along the nephron, thus resulting in a greater osmotic pressure within the…