QuestionQA
Concept
Chapter
#### Monitoring

The BNF advises to monitor lung function (in patients with a history of obstructive airway disease).

#### Overdoses

Overdosages with beta-blockers may cause cardiac effects such as bradycardia, hypotension, syncope, conduction abnormalities, and heart failure. Bradycardia is the most common arrhythmia, but some beta-blockers may induce ventricular tachyarrhythmias secondary to prolongation of QT interval (e.g. sotalol) or QRS duration (e.g. propranolol).
Non-cardiovascular effects include central nervous system effects (including drowsiness, confusion, convulsions, hallucinations, and in severe cases coma), respiratory depression, and bronchospasm.

Management
 - Airway protection 
 - Activated charcoal within 1 hour
 - IV Fluids
 
IV glucagon is the first-line management.
 
For symptomatic bradycardia, IV atropine may be used.

2618
2855
Drug Calculations
Topic
75
GP
Dose of pholcodine = 5mg TDS
Concentration = 5mg/5mL
Volume of pholcodine per dose = 5mg ÷ 5mg/5mL = 5mL
Volume of pholcodine required a day = 5mL x 3 = 15 mL
Volume needed for 3 days = 15mL x 3 = 45mL
6923
QuestionQAAnswer
45
mL
A 12-year-old boy is came to the GP complaining of dry cough. The GP started him on pholcodine 5mg TDS PO.

Pholcodine solution is available in bottles of 5mg/5mL.
Weight 50kg.

What volume (mL) of pholcodine solution is required for a course of 3 days?