DHA Pharmacist 2

Question 1

A patient is prescribed simvastatin 40mg and is started on clarithromycin for a respiratory infection. What is the most significant drug interaction concern?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis due to elevated simvastatin levels

Answer

Reduced clarithromycin efficacy

Answer

Reduced simvastatin cholesterol-lowering effect

Answer

Clarithromycin-induced cardiac arrhythmia only

Question 2

Under UAE Federal Law No. 14 of 1995 and DHA regulations, which category of medications requires a special permit for import and is subject to strict quantity limits on prescriptions?

Accepted Answer

Controlled substances (Schedule 1 narcotics/psychotropics such as morphine, tramadol, alprazolam)

Answer

Antihypertensives

Answer

Antibiotics

Answer

Over-the-counter analgesics

Question 3

A 70-year-old patient with atrial fibrillation is on warfarin. The pharmacist reviewing the medication list notices the patient was recently started on amiodarone. What action should the pharmacist take?

Accepted Answer

Alert the prescriber about the significant drug interaction — amiodarone inhibits warfarin metabolism, increasing bleeding risk, and INR monitoring must be intensified

Answer

No action needed as both are cardiac medications

Answer

Recommend switching warfarin to aspirin immediately

Answer

Recommend increasing the warfarin dose immediately

Question 4

What is the maximum number of days' supply for which a community pharmacist in Dubai can dispense a Schedule H (prescription-only) medication without a valid prescription for a known regular patient in an emergency?

Accepted Answer

A 1-day supply (enough to continue until a prescription is obtained)

Answer

No emergency supply is permitted under any circumstances

Answer

A 30-day supply to save the patient inconvenience

Answer

A 7-day supply is always permitted

Question 5

A patient with renal impairment (eGFR 20 mL/min) is prescribed a medication. Which of the following drugs is LEAST likely to require dose adjustment in renal failure?

Accepted Answer

Atorvastatin

Answer

Metformin

Answer

Digoxin

Answer

Gentamicin

Question 6

The term 'bioequivalence' in pharmacy regulation refers to:

Accepted Answer

Two pharmaceutical products with the same active ingredient that achieve equivalent drug concentrations in blood (similar AUC and Cmax within acceptable limits, typically 80–125%)

Answer

Two drugs with the same chemical name but different manufacturers

Answer

Two drugs that have the same therapeutic effect regardless of blood levels

Answer

Generic drugs that are manufactured in the same country as the originator