DPM Pharmacology & Therapeutics 3

Question 1

Which class of medication used for diabetic peripheral neuropathy acts by inhibiting the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine?

Accepted Answer

SNRIs

Answer

SNRIs such as duloxetine are FDA-approved for diabetic peripheral neuropathy and work by inhibiting serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake.

Question 2

A podiatrist performs a digital nerve block using lidocaine with epinephrine. What is the primary risk associated with epinephrine in this location?

Accepted Answer

Digital ischemia and necrosis

Answer

Epinephrine causes vasoconstriction in digital end-arteries, risking ischemia and necrosis in toes, making it contraindicated for digital blocks.

Question 3

Colchicine is used to treat acute gout. At the cellular level, what is its primary mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Binds tubulin and inhibits microtubule polymerization

Answer

Colchicine binds tubulin dimers and prevents microtubule assembly, impairing neutrophil migration and phagocytosis of urate crystals.

Question 4

A patient with MRSA foot osteomyelitis requires IV antibiotic therapy. Which agent has excellent bone penetration and is active against MRSA?

Accepted Answer

Vancomycin

Answer

Vancomycin remains a first-line agent for MRSA osteomyelitis with adequate bone penetration and proven efficacy.

Question 5

Which prostaglandin analogue is used topically to treat onychomycosis via a different mechanism than azoles or allylamines?

Accepted Answer

Ciclopirox

Answer

Ciclopirox is a hydroxypyridinone antifungal that chelates polyvalent cations essential for fungal enzymes, unlike azoles or allylamines.

(DPM) Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Practice Test