Pharmacology and Medications Flashcards

Which reversal agent is used for opioid-induced respiratory depression in a neonate?

Answer: Naloxone

Naloxone is a competitive opioid receptor antagonist used to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression in neonates.

A neonate with congenital hypothyroidism requires levothyroxine therapy. What is the main reason for urgent treatment?

Answer: Prevent irreversible neurodevelopmental impairment

Early thyroid hormone replacement is critical because thyroid hormone is essential for brain maturation; untreated hypothyroidism causes permanent intellectual disability.

Which antifungal is most commonly used for invasive candidiasis in premature neonates?

Answer: Fluconazole IV

Fluconazole IV is the first-line treatment for invasive neonatal candidiasis due to its established safety profile and good CNS penetration.

Dexamethasone given postnatally for BPD carries a significant risk of:

Answer: Neurodevelopmental impairment and GI perforation

Postnatal dexamethasone for BPD is associated with increased risk of cerebral palsy and gastrointestinal perforation, limiting its use to severe, refractory cases.

What is the mechanism of action of phenytoin in treating neonatal seizures?

Answer: Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels to stabilize neuronal membranes

Phenytoin stabilizes neuronal membranes by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels, reducing the frequency and spread of seizure activity.

A neonate with early-onset GBS sepsis. After 48 hours of ampicillin and gentamicin with confirmed GBS sensitivity, gentamicin should be:

Answer: Discontinued and ampicillin continued alone as narrower-spectrum therapy

Once GBS is confirmed as the pathogen and sensitivity verified, treatment can be narrowed to ampicillin alone, reducing nephrotoxicity risk from aminoglycosides.