Pharmacology and Pain Management Flashcards

A patient taking warfarin should NOT receive which pain medication without physician consultation?

Answer: Aspirin

Aspirin has antiplatelet properties that enhance warfarin's anticoagulant effect, significantly increasing the risk of excessive bleeding.

Which medication is the drug of choice for treating anaphylaxis in the dental office?

Answer: Epinephrine 1:1,000

Epinephrine 1:1,000 is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis because it rapidly constricts blood vessels, reverses bronchospasm, and counteracts the life-threatening allergic response.

What is the maximum recommended daily dose of acetaminophen for a healthy adult?

Answer: 4,000 mg

The maximum recommended dose of acetaminophen for adults is 4,000 mg per day; exceeding this limit poses a risk of serious hepatotoxicity.

Which drug is used during a dental emergency to relieve chest pain caused by angina?

Answer: Nitroglycerin

Nitroglycerin is a coronary vasodilator used sublingually to relieve angina by increasing blood flow to the heart muscle.

Patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) should avoid which component of local anesthetic solutions?

Answer: All vasoconstrictors

MAOIs inhibit the breakdown of catecholamines, so combining them with any vasoconstrictor (epinephrine, levonordefrin) can precipitate a dangerous hypertensive crisis.

What is the purpose of antibiotic prophylaxis before dental procedures?

Answer: To prevent infective endocarditis in high-risk cardiac patients

Antibiotic prophylaxis is administered before invasive dental procedures in high-risk patients to prevent transient bacteremia from seeding damaged heart valves and causing infective endocarditis.

Which agent is used to treat a hypoglycemic emergency in the dental office?

Answer: Glucagon or oral glucose

Glucagon (for unconscious patients) or oral glucose such as juice or glucose tablets (for conscious patients) rapidly raises blood sugar to reverse hypoglycemia.