Dr Andy Stein

What is doxazosin? Type of drug: alpha-blocker Use: high blood pressure; benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) Dose: 2 mg once a day to 8 mg twice a day Side-effects: feeling weak; headache; ankle swelling Monitor: BP. Alpha-blockers work by reducing arteriolar tone, making them wider (vasodilatation). Other resources CKD drug side-effects CKD patient information (CKD Explained’s 30+ […]

What are the 10 most common mistakes in prescription writing? These are the 10 most common prescription errors: Wrong drug – especially when name is similar Wrong dose Wrong frequency Unclear or illegible prescription Lack of knowledge of drug interaction Incorrect signature Prescription delayed Giving a drug that is known to cause an allergy Error

How to write a prescription correctly In this article, we will describe how to write a prescription correctly. The following are minimum requirements for a legal prescription: Write legibly in indelible ink Write drug name in CAPITALS State the date State name and address, and hospital or NHS number of the patient – you need

What is the best antibiotic for a UTI? Let’s start with some basics. What is a UTI? A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary tract (system). The system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra (and prostate in a man). Urinary tract So. What is the best antibiotic

3 top tips for good prescribing Use one drug in each drug category – e.g. dapagliflozin OR canagliflozin – and know the standard dose and frequency of that drug, dose adjustments (e.g. in CKD) and when not to use Buy (or use) a clinical pharmacology textbook (paper or cyber) – and keep it near you

What is cinacalcet? Type of drug: calcimimetic tablet; reduces parathyroid hormone (PTH) which leads to a decrease in blood calcium level Use: hypercalcaemia due to secondary/tertiary hyperparathyroidism (CKD-related) Dose: 30-180 mg once a day (start at 30 mg) Side-effects: decreased appetite; constipation Monitor: calcium, PTH. Other resources CKD drug side-effects CKD patient information (CKD Explained

What is ciclosporin? Type of drug: calcineurin inhibitor Use: immunosuppressant after kidney transplant; other autoimmune disease Dose: 50-100 mg twice a day (2 mg/kg per day, after first year) Side-effects: Diabetes – 10% of patients Hair gain (hirsutes = male pattern in a woman) Liver dysfunction Neurological and/or psychiatric syndromes Swollen gums. Monitor: target blood

What is calcium acetate? Type of drug: phosphate binder Use: hyperphosphataemia (high phosphate level) Dose: 475-950 mg (Renacet) two to three times a day with food Side-effects: constipation/diarrhoea; hypercalcaemia (high calcium level) – that you will not normally notice Monitor: phosphate and calcium levels. Note 1 . Two preparations: Phosex® and Renacet® tablets (different dosages)

What is bisoprolol? Type of drug: beta-blocker Use: hypertension (high blood pressure), atrial fibrillation Dose: 2.5-10 mg once a day Side-effects: bradycardia (low pulse rate); cold fingers and toes Monitor: pulse rate (works by slowing the heart). Note 1. Other beta-blockers include Atenolol and Carvedilol Note 2. Do NOT use with Diltiazem or Verapamil –

What is bendroflumethiazide? Type of drug: thiazide diuretic Use: fluid overload states (including CKD and nephrotic syndrome); hypertension Dose: 2.5-10 mg once a day (5 mg is the standard dose) Side-effects: Dehydration – shown by dizziness and low blood pressure Hyponatraemia, hypokalaemia and hypercalcaemia (low sodium and potassium levels; high calcium level) – that you