Pharmacy Exam Points (to remember)... Set 6

1. Active uptake of 5-HT, noradrenaline and dopamine occurs into neurones, platelets and other storage cells, but no uptake mechanism exists for histamine. 
2. H1-antihistaminics are beneficial in certain type I allergic reactions only. 
3. Erythromycin should not be given to a patient being treated with terfenadine because dangerous ventricular arrhythmias can develop. 
4. With the exception of the 5-HT3 receptor, a ligand- gated ion channel, all other serotonin receptors are G protein-coupled receptors that activate an intracellular second messenger cascade to produce an excitatory or inhibitory response. 
5. The smooth muscle stimulating action of 5-HT is most marked in the intestines. 
6. 5-HT appears to play NO role in the regulation of normal BP. 
7. 5-HT appears to play a role in the regulation of intestinal peristalsis, haemostasis and causation of migraine.
8. The cephamycins are a special subset of 2nd generation cephalosporins, noted for their activity against anaerobic bacteria especially Bacteroides fragilis. Common examples of cephamycins are cefotetan and cefoxitin.
9. Antiinflammatory dose of aspirin given to diabetics is prone to cause hypoglycaemia.
10. The plasma half-life of aspirin (along with salicylic acid released from it) is longer for anti-inflammatory doses compared to that for analgesic dose.