Dental Pharmacology Flashcards

Which drug is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis occurring in the dental office?

Answer: Epinephrine

Epinephrine rapidly reverses bronchospasm and vasodilation by stimulating adrenergic receptors and is the definitive treatment for anaphylaxis.

Ibuprofen and naproxen belong to which drug class commonly used for dental pain management?

Answer: NSAIDs

Ibuprofen and naproxen are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that inhibit COX enzymes to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation.

Which local anesthetic is classified as an ester type and is most commonly used as a topical surface anesthetic?

Answer: Benzocaine

Benzocaine is an ester-type local anesthetic hydrolyzed by plasma pseudocholinesterase and is the most widely used topical dental anesthetic.

What is xerostomia, and which drug class is a common cause?

Answer: Dry mouth caused by antihistamines and other medications

Xerostomia is dry mouth resulting from reduced salivary flow, a common side effect of antihistamines, antidepressants, and antihypertensives.

Which antibiotic is the recommended alternative for infective endocarditis prophylaxis in patients allergic to penicillin?

Answer: Clindamycin

Clindamycin 600 mg orally is the AHA-recommended alternative prophylaxis for patients with a penicillin allergy.

What is the dental assistant's legal role regarding patient prescriptions?

Answer: Document patient medications and alert the dentist to potential interactions

Dental assistants are not licensed to prescribe; their role includes recording medications in the chart and flagging potential interactions for the dentist.

True allergic reactions to amide local anesthetics are considered:

Answer: Rare; most adverse reactions are vasovagal or toxic in nature

True IgE-mediated allergies to amide local anesthetics are rare; most reactions are vasovagal syncope or toxic overdose responses.