Pharmacology & Drug Administration Flashcards

A patient taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) presents for dental treatment. Which vasopressor in local anesthetic solutions poses a serious interaction risk?

Answer: Epinephrine

MAOIs can potentiate the cardiovascular effects of epinephrine, potentially causing hypertensive crisis.

Which route of drug administration provides the fastest onset of action in dental emergencies?

Answer: Intravenous (IV)

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

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is classified as which drug type and has what relevance to dental pharmacology?

Answer: Antihistamine; can cause sedation and is used for mild allergic reactions

Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine used for mild allergic reactions; its sedative side effect is also clinically relevant in dentistry.

Which benzodiazepine is most commonly used for oral pre-medication anxiolysis before dental procedures in the US?

Answer: Triazolam

Triazolam is widely used for oral premedication in dentistry due to its short half-life and effective anxiolytic properties.

What does the term 'drug half-life' refer to in clinical pharmacology?

Answer: Time for plasma concentration to decrease by 50%

Half-life is the time it takes for the plasma concentration of a drug to fall by half, influencing dosing intervals.

A ceramist lab assistant accidentally inhales methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer fumes. What system is primarily at risk?

Answer: Respiratory system

MMA monomer fumes are respiratory irritants and can cause occupational asthma, airway irritation, and pulmonary sensitization.

Which antidote is used to reverse benzodiazepine overdose in a dental emergency?

Answer: Flumazenil

Flumazenil is a competitive benzodiazepine receptor antagonist that rapidly reverses benzodiazepine-induced sedation.