FPGEE Pharmacology 5

Question 1

Which drug is used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepine overdose?

Accepted Answer

Flumazenil

Answer

Flumazenil is a competitive benzodiazepine receptor antagonist that rapidly reverses sedation, but has a short half-life and may precipitate seizures in dependent patients.

Question 2

Which antifungal mechanism involves disruption of ergosterol synthesis by inhibiting lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase?

Accepted Answer

Azole antifungals (e.g., fluconazole)

Answer

Azoles inhibit CYP51 (lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase), blocking ergosterol biosynthesis and disrupting fungal cell membrane integrity.

Question 3

In a patient with renal failure, which pharmacokinetic parameter is most directly affected for renally-cleared drugs?

Accepted Answer

Clearance decreases, leading to prolonged half-life

Answer

Reduced GFR directly decreases renal clearance of drugs, prolonging their half-life and increasing the risk of accumulation and toxicity.

Question 4

Which mechanism explains why aspirin irreversibly inhibits platelet aggregation?

Accepted Answer

Irreversible acetylation of cyclooxygenase (COX-1) preventing thromboxane A2 synthesis

Answer

Aspirin covalently acetylates a serine residue in COX-1, permanently blocking TXA2 production; since platelets lack nuclei, they cannot synthesize new COX.

Question 5

A patient with gout is prescribed allopurinol. What is the mechanism of this drug?

Accepted Answer

Inhibits xanthine oxidase, reducing uric acid production

Answer

Allopurinol and its active metabolite oxypurinol inhibit xanthine oxidase, the enzyme that converts hypoxanthine and xanthine to uric acid.

FPGEE Exam Practice Test

FPGEE Exam Practice Test

FPGEE Pharmacology 5