CPhT Drug Classifications 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which drug class do atorvastatin and simvastatin belong to?
- Fibrates
- Bile acid sequestrants
- HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (Correct answer)
- PCSK9 inhibitors
Correct answer: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
Statins like atorvastatin and simvastatin inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis.
Question 2: Benzodiazepines are classified under which DEA schedule?
- Schedule II
- Schedule III
- Schedule IV (Correct answer)
- Schedule V
Correct answer: Schedule IV
Benzodiazepines such as diazepam and alprazolam are Schedule IV controlled substances with lower abuse potential than Schedules II and III.
Question 3: Which drug class includes losartan and valsartan, used for hypertension?
- ACE inhibitors
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) (Correct answer)
- Beta-blockers
- Alpha-blockers
Correct answer: Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
Losartan and valsartan are ARBs that block angiotensin II receptors to reduce blood pressure.
Question 4: Amoxicillin belongs to which class of antibiotics?
- Cephalosporins
- Macrolides
- Penicillins (Correct answer)
- Fluoroquinolones
Correct answer: Penicillins
Amoxicillin is a penicillin-class antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Question 5: A patient is prescribed glipizide. This medication is classified as a:
- Biguanide
- Sulfonylurea (Correct answer)
- Alpha-glucosidase inhibitor
- Meglitinide
Correct answer: Sulfonylurea
Glipizide is a sulfonylurea that stimulates insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells.
Question 6: Which classification describes drugs like morphine, codeine, and hydrocodone?
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Opioid analgesics (Correct answer)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Muscle relaxants
Correct answer: Opioid analgesics
Morphine, codeine, and hydrocodone are opioid analgesics that bind to opioid receptors to relieve pain.
Question 7: Ciprofloxacin belongs to which antibiotic class?
- Penicillins
- Macrolides
- Fluoroquinolones (Correct answer)
- Tetracyclines
Correct answer: Fluoroquinolones
Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV.
CPhT Drug Classifications 3
Which drug class do atorvastatin and simvastatin belong to?