GI GI Pharmacology & Medications 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which class of drugs is used as first-line therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by irreversibly inhibiting the H+/K+ ATPase pump?
- H2 receptor antagonists
- Proton pump inhibitors (Correct answer)
- Antacids
- Prokinetics
Correct answer: Proton pump inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole irreversibly block the gastric proton pump, providing the most effective acid suppression for GERD.
Question 2: What is the mechanism of action of metoclopramide in GI disorders?
- Inhibits gastric acid secretion
- Blocks dopamine receptors to enhance gastric motility (Correct answer)
- Neutralizes stomach acid
- Inhibits serotonin reuptake
Correct answer: Blocks dopamine receptors to enhance gastric motility
Metoclopramide is a dopamine antagonist that accelerates gastric emptying and reduces nausea by enhancing upper GI motility.
Question 3: Which antibiotic combination is used in H. pylori triple therapy alongside a proton pump inhibitor?
- Amoxicillin + clarithromycin (Correct answer)
- Vancomycin + metronidazole
- Ciprofloxacin + azithromycin
- Doxycycline + rifampin
Correct answer: Amoxicillin + clarithromycin
Standard H. pylori triple therapy consists of a PPI plus amoxicillin and clarithromycin for 10–14 days.
Question 4: Which medication is used to treat C. difficile colitis as the preferred first-line agent over metronidazole?
- Vancomycin (oral) (Correct answer)
- Ciprofloxacin
- Rifaximin
- Neomycin
Correct answer: Vancomycin (oral)
Oral vancomycin is now the preferred first-line treatment for C. difficile infection due to superior clinical cure rates.
Question 5: Mesalamine (5-ASA) is primarily used to treat which GI condition?
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's) (Correct answer)
- Gastroenteritis
Correct answer: Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's)
Mesalamine is an anti-inflammatory aminosalicylate used to induce and maintain remission in inflammatory bowel disease, especially ulcerative colitis.
Question 6: Which laxative class works by drawing water into the intestinal lumen via osmosis?
- Stimulant laxatives
- Bulk-forming laxatives
- Osmotic laxatives (Correct answer)
- Lubricant laxatives
Correct answer: Osmotic laxatives
Osmotic laxatives such as polyethylene glycol and lactulose draw water into the colon by osmotic pressure, softening stool and promoting bowel movements.
GI GI Pharmacology & Medications 1
Which class of drugs is used as first-line therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by irreversibly inhibiting the H+/K+ ATPase pump?