H6.viii · Autonomic Drugs & Toxins

Official V5 objective

Understand the pharmacology of drugs and/or toxins acting upon the autonomic nervous system.

4 SAQ topics 5 SAQ appearances 1 VIVA station

Written examination

SAQ history

5 appearances

Autonomic Pharmacology — Anticholinesterases

2 exam appearances

2018A Q14

Classify anticholinesterase drugs according to chemical interaction with an example of each (30% of marks). Outline the pharmacodynamic effects of anticholinesterase drugs and their clinical indications (70% of marks).

32%

2015A Q21

Describe the pharmacodynamic effects and indications for the use of anticholinesterase drugs.

25%

Autonomic Pharmacology — Atropine

1 exam appearance

2019B Q19

Describe the pharmacology of atropine.

53%

Autonomic Pharmacology — Atropine vs Glycopyrrolate

1 exam appearance

2011A Q03

Compare and contrast the pharmacology of intravenously administered atropine and glycopyrrolate

50%

Autonomic Pharmacology — Organophosphate Poisoning

1 exam appearance

2009A Q20

Describe the pharmacological basis of the management of organophosphate poisoning.

40%

Oral examination

VIVA history

1 station

2016B · Day 1 · VIVA 2
This viva tested knowledge related to cholinergic receptors. The pharmacology of Atropine was specifically discussed. The second part of the viva discussed the pharmacology of propofol including rationale for its use in ICU, contents of the ampoule and adverse effects.

Pass rate not reported

Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.