AMCA Pharmacology Flashcards

Which route of drug administration provides the fastest onset of action in an emergency?

Answer: Intravenous (IV)

Intravenous administration delivers the drug directly into the bloodstream, providing the fastest onset of action.

Which of the following is a beta-1 selective adrenergic blocker used primarily to treat hypertension and heart failure?

Answer: Metoprolol

Metoprolol is a beta-1 selective (cardioselective) beta-blocker, making it preferable in patients with respiratory conditions such as asthma.

A patient taking MAO inhibitors should avoid which food to prevent hypertensive crisis?

Answer: Aged cheese

Aged cheese contains high levels of tyramine, which can trigger a life-threatening hypertensive crisis in patients on MAO inhibitors.

What is the primary purpose of a loading dose when initiating drug therapy?

Answer: To rapidly achieve therapeutic drug levels

A loading dose is a larger initial dose given to rapidly reach the desired therapeutic concentration in the blood.

Which of the following drug interactions describes one drug increasing the blood levels of another by inhibiting its metabolism?

Answer: Pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction

A pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction occurs when one drug alters the absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion of another, such as by inhibiting cytochrome P450 enzymes.

Aspirin is contraindicated in children with viral infections primarily due to the risk of:

Answer: Reye's syndrome

Aspirin use in children with viral illnesses (such as chickenpox or influenza) is associated with Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition affecting the liver and brain.

The term 'half-life' of a drug refers to:

Answer: The time required for the drug concentration to decrease by 50%

Half-life is the time required for the plasma concentration of a drug to decrease by 50%, which influences dosing frequency.