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Clinical Pharmacy & OTC Flashcards

6 cards from real PSI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 6 Clinical Pharmacy & OTC flashcards as text

  1. Which medication used for OTC heartburn works by neutralising gastric acid?

    Answer: Aluminium/magnesium hydroxide antacids

    Antacids (aluminium and magnesium salts, calcium carbonate) act quickly to neutralise existing stomach acid, providing rapid but short-lived relief. They do not reduce acid production.

  2. Emergency hormonal contraception (morning-after pill) available OTC in Ireland works primarily by:

    Answer: Delaying or preventing ovulation

    Levonorgestrel (e.g., Levonelle, NorLevo) primarily prevents or delays ovulation when taken before the LH surge. It is most effective within 72 hours. It does not terminate an established pregnancy.

  3. Which OTC product is recommended for treating head lice in children?

    Answer: Dimeticone 4% lotion (physical insecticide) applied for 8 hours

    Dimeticone is a physical agent that coats and suffocates lice — resistance does not develop. It is preferred first-line in Ireland and the UK. Two applications 7 days apart are needed to kill newly hatched lice.

  4. A patient requests an OTC decongestant (xylometazoline nasal spray). What is the maximum recommended duration of use?

    Answer: 5–7 days

    Nasal decongestant sprays (alpha-agonists: xylometazoline, oxymetazoline) should not be used for more than 5–7 days to avoid rhinitis medicamentosa (rebound congestion from nasal blood vessel supersensitisation).

  5. Which OTC laxative class acts by softening stools and lubricating the bowel — suitable for patients who should not strain?

    Answer: Osmotic laxatives (lactulose/macrogol)

    Osmotic laxatives draw water into the bowel, softening stool. They are suitable post-surgery, post-MI or post-haemorrhoidectomy when straining must be avoided. Stimulants cause cramping.

  6. Which OTC topical preparation is used to treat cold sores (herpes labialis) and should be applied at the first sign of tingling?

    Answer: Aciclovir 5% cream

    Topical aciclovir 5% cream inhibits herpes simplex virus DNA polymerase. Application at the prodromal tingling/itching stage (before vesicles form) is most effective in limiting lesion size and duration.