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Pharmacology Flashcards

6 cards from real COMLEX-USA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. Which beta-blocker is cardioselective (beta-1 selective) and commonly used in heart failure?

    Answer: Metoprolol succinate

    Metoprolol succinate (extended-release) is a beta-1 selective blocker proven to reduce mortality in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

  2. The mechanism of action of metformin in type 2 diabetes primarily involves:

    Answer: Activating AMPK to reduce hepatic gluconeogenesis

    Metformin activates AMPK, which decreases hepatic gluconeogenesis and increases peripheral insulin sensitivity without causing hypoglycemia.

  3. A patient taking warfarin is started on trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for a UTI. Which effect is expected?

    Answer: Increased anticoagulation due to CYP2C9 inhibition

    TMP-SMX inhibits CYP2C9, which metabolizes S-warfarin, leading to increased warfarin levels and elevated INR/bleeding risk.

  4. Which opioid analgesic is contraindicated in patients with renal failure due to accumulation of its active metabolite morphine-6-glucuronide?

    Answer: Morphine

    Morphine's active metabolite morphine-6-glucuronide (M6G) accumulates in renal failure, causing prolonged sedation and respiratory depression.

  5. Atropine reverses bradycardia caused by organophosphate poisoning by which mechanism?

    Answer: Competitively blocking muscarinic receptors

    Atropine competitively antagonizes muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, reversing the excess cholinergic (SLUDGE) effects of organophosphate poisoning.

  6. Which class of antibiotics inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to PBPs and is bactericidal?

    Answer: Beta-lactams

    Beta-lactam antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems) bind penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) to inhibit cell wall cross-linking, causing bacterial lysis.