Pharmacology & Pain Control Flashcards
6 cards from real MJDF practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Pharmacology & Pain Control flashcards as text
What antibiotic prophylaxis is currently recommended for dental procedures in patients at risk of infective endocarditis in the UK?
Answer: No routine antibiotic prophylaxis — NICE guideline NG64 no longer recommends prophylaxis for dental procedures
NICE guideline NG64 (updated) advises that antibiotic prophylaxis is not routinely recommended for dental procedures in at-risk patients; excellent oral hygiene is emphasised instead.
What is the pharmacological basis for the use of tranexamic acid mouthwash in anticoagulated dental patients?
Answer: Antifibrinolytic — inhibits plasminogen-plasmin conversion, stabilising the clot locally without systemic effect
Tranexamic acid (4.8% mouthwash) inhibits fibrinolysis locally in the extraction socket, stabilising the clot and controlling post-operative bleeding in anticoagulated patients without altering their systemic anticoagulation.
What is the clinical presentation of local anaesthetic toxicity?
Answer: CNS excitation then depression (tinnitus, circumoral numbness, seizures, then cardiovascular collapse)
LA systemic toxicity follows a progressive pattern: early CNS excitation (tinnitus, metallic taste, circumoral tingling, agitation), then convulsions, followed by CNS depression and finally cardiovascular collapse.
Which topical anaesthetic is most commonly used before intraoral injections in UK dental practice?
Answer: Benzocaine or lidocaine (EMLA-type gel) applied for 1–2 minutes before injection
Topical benzocaine or lidocaine gels are most commonly applied to dry mucosa for 1–2 minutes before needle insertion to reduce injection discomfort by anaesthetising superficial nerve endings.
What is the drug of choice for managing acute herpetic gingivostomatitis in a child?
Answer: Aciclovir (antiviral) if started within 72 hours of symptom onset, plus analgesia and supportive care
Primary herpes simplex infection is viral; aciclovir (200 mg five times daily in children over 2 years) is effective if started within 72 hours of onset, shortening duration; supportive care (analgesia, hydration) is essential.
What is the relevance of the P450 CYP system in dental pharmacology?
Answer: Enzyme system responsible for hepatic metabolism of many drugs (e.g., midazolam, erythromycin, warfarin) — interactions occur when drugs inhibit or induce CYP enzymes
The CYP450 system (especially CYP3A4, CYP2C9) metabolises many drugs used in or relevant to dentistry; inhibitors (e.g., erythromycin, azole antifungals) or inducers (rifampicin) can significantly alter drug plasma levels.