GPhC OTC & Self-Care 3

Question 1

A patient with type 2 diabetes requests an OTC decongestant for a blocked nose. What is the concern?

Accepted Answer

Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine can raise blood glucose and blood pressure

Answer

Oral sympathomimetic decongestants (pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine) can raise blood glucose via glycogenolysis and raise blood pressure, making them unsuitable without medical advice in diabetics.

Question 2

Which OTC product should be recommended for vaginal thrush?

Accepted Answer

Clotrimazole pessary and/or cream (Canesten Combi)

Answer

Clotrimazole 500 mg pessary and topical cream (Canesten Combi) is the standard OTC treatment for vaginal candidiasis. Oral fluconazole 150 mg is available as a Pharmacy medicine.

Question 3

What is the WWHAM mnemonic used for in OTC consultations?

Accepted Answer

Who, What, How long, Action taken, Medication — a framework for OTC symptom consultation

Answer

WWHAM (Who is it for? What are the symptoms? How long? Action taken? Medicines already taken?) is a structured framework pharmacists use to triage OTC requests and assess appropriateness of self-care.

Question 4

A 70-year-old patient requests a sleep aid OTC. Which is the most appropriate recommendation?

Accepted Answer

Sleep hygiene advice and referral if persistent; avoid sedating antihistamines in elderly

Answer

Sedating antihistamines (diphenhydramine, promethazine) are on the Beers Criteria as inappropriate for the elderly due to risks of falls, confusion, urinary retention, and next-day sedation. Sleep hygiene and GP referral are preferred.

Question 5

A patient asks about using Gaviscon Advance for heartburn. What is its mechanism?

Accepted Answer

It forms a raft on top of stomach contents, reducing acid reflux into the oesophagus

Answer

Gaviscon Advance contains sodium alginate and potassium bicarbonate, forming a viscous gel raft on top of gastric contents, acting as a physical barrier against reflux into the oesophagus.

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GPhC OTC & Self-Care 3