You should be familiar with the principle that drug management is based upon symptom severity and often requires patient lifestyle changes in order to achieve maximal success.

The following as typical type substances

Appreciation of the potential for reduced absorption of other important drugs.

Antimuscarinics

Specific knowledge is not required but you should be aware of the limited clinical utility of hyoscine butylbromide based upon its poor absorption.

The introductory section of the BNF gives a useful overview of management issues in ulcer disease but you are not expected to know the recommended therapy regimens.

The section entitled NSAID-associated ulcers is however required *knowledge.**

Specific knowledge:

Omeprazole as a type substance: dosages (PO & IV)

Awareness of the need to focus management upon fluid & electrolyte losses
The limitations of antimotility drugs, especially in children
The lack of role for antispasmodics in emergency management and in children

Specific drug knowledge is NOT required

Patients who present with acute exacerbations of a known inflammatory bowel disease often require specialist advice and input

Treatment of acute exacerbations:

Specific knowledge of drug types (eg mesalazine) is NOT required.

The principles of laxative prescribing outlined in the relevant section of the BNF should be understood in order to appreciate the very limited role for their use in the Emergency Department, especially in children.

Likewise the risks of prescribing stimulant laxatives (eg sodium picosulphate) should be understood.

Specific drug knowledge is NOT required.

#pharmacology #primary-curriculum