Remember some of basic considerations we discussed when drugs are used in pediatric vs. geriatric patients –especially key changes in pharmacokinetic processes (like absorption, metabolism and excretion)
• In general, know how drugs are dosed in pediatric patients vs. adults
• List the main (former) FDA pregnancy categories for drugs and their significance; what are the essential points to remember about medication use in pregnancy and medication use during lactation
• Know the difference in physiologic response between “fight or flight” and “rest and digest” --which neurotransmitters are involved and what are the effects of these neurotransmitters on the heart, lungs, eye, digestive system, and urinary tract
• What are examples of anticholinergic adverse effects and why are they important to recognize?
• You should know the MOA, common clinical indications, therapeutic class, side effects, monitoring parameters, and patient education points related to these drugs: bethanechol, atropine, epinephrine, propranolol, donepezil, physostigmine, oxybutynin, terbutaline, and albuterol
• Be able to educate a patient on the proper storage and use of an EpiPen
• What is the therapeutic benefit of adding epinephrine to local anesthetics?