Pharmacology and Therapeutics Flashcards

Which class of drugs for COPD works by blocking muscarinic receptors to cause bronchodilation?

Answer: Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs)

LAMAs such as tiotropium block M3 muscarinic receptors in airway smooth muscle, reducing bronchoconstriction and mucus secretion in COPD.

A 28-year-old woman with bipolar disorder is planning pregnancy. Which mood stabilizer poses the GREATEST teratogenic risk?

Answer: Valproate

Valproate has the highest teratogenic risk among mood stabilizers, causing neural tube defects, cognitive impairment, and fetal valproate syndrome.

Which medication used for alcohol use disorder works by causing an aversive reaction when alcohol is consumed (disulfiram-like effect)?

Answer: Disulfiram

Disulfiram inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, causing acetaldehyde accumulation when alcohol is consumed, resulting in flushing, nausea, and tachycardia.

Thiazide diuretics cause which electrolyte abnormality as a common side effect?

Answer: Hypokalemia

Thiazides increase sodium and water excretion while also enhancing potassium secretion in the distal tubule, leading to hypokalemia.

Which drug class is used to treat opioid-induced constipation by acting as a peripherally restricted mu-opioid receptor antagonist?

Answer: Methylnaltrexone (PAMORA)

PAMORAs like methylnaltrexone block peripheral gut opioid receptors without crossing the blood-brain barrier, relieving constipation without reversing analgesia.

Clopidogrel is a prodrug that requires activation by which enzyme system to inhibit platelet aggregation?

Answer: CYP2C19

Clopidogrel is converted to its active thiol metabolite by CYP2C19; poor metabolizers (common in certain populations) have reduced platelet inhibition.