Pharmacology Flashcards

Which condition is a contraindication to the use of vasoconstrictors like epinephrine in local anesthetics?

Answer: Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism

Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism increases sensitivity to epinephrine and can lead to severe cardiovascular reactions, making it a contraindication.

Which antifungal medication is commonly prescribed for oral candidiasis (thrush) in dental patients?

Answer: Nystatin

Nystatin is an antifungal agent that disrupts fungal cell membranes and is a first-line treatment for oral candidiasis.

A patient taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) should NOT receive which drug combination in dentistry?

Answer: Vasoconstrictors with indirect sympathomimetic activity

MAOIs inhibit breakdown of sympathomimetic amines; indirect-acting vasoconstrictors can trigger a dangerous hypertensive crisis in these patients.

Which route of drug administration bypasses first-pass metabolism in the liver?

Answer: All of the above except oral

Oral drugs undergo first-pass hepatic metabolism; sublingual and rectal routes absorb drugs directly into systemic circulation, bypassing the liver.

Tetracycline antibiotics are generally avoided in children under 8 years of age because they can cause:

Answer: Permanent tooth discoloration

Tetracyclines bind to calcium in developing teeth, causing permanent intrinsic staining ranging from yellow to gray-brown.

An opioid analgesic such as hydrocodone carries the risk of which serious adverse effect requiring patient education?

Answer: Respiratory depression

Opioids can suppress the respiratory drive, leading to life-threatening respiratory depression, especially in high doses or in combination with other CNS depressants.

When a drug is described as having a half-life of 4 hours, this means:

Answer: The plasma concentration of the drug decreases by 50% every 4 hours

Half-life is the time required for the plasma concentration of a drug to decrease by 50%, which determines dosing intervals and time to elimination.