MACE Pharmacology Principles & Drug Classifications 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A medication with a 'narrow therapeutic index' means:
- It can be given in a wide range of doses safely
- There is only a small difference between the therapeutic dose and a toxic dose (Correct answer)
- It must be taken with food
- It is available only in liquid form
Correct answer: There is only a small difference between the therapeutic dose and a toxic dose
Drugs with a narrow therapeutic index, like warfarin and digoxin, require careful dose management because toxicity can occur near therapeutic levels.
Question 2: Which class of drugs is commonly prescribed to reduce stomach acid production?
- Antihistamines
- Proton pump inhibitors (Correct answer)
- Beta-blockers
- ACE inhibitors
Correct answer: Proton pump inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole block the gastric acid pump, significantly reducing stomach acid.
Question 3: When a drug is described as 'teratogenic,' it means:
- It causes dependence over time
- It can cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy (Correct answer)
- It must be refrigerated
- It interacts with alcohol
Correct answer: It can cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy
Teratogenic drugs can cause fetal abnormalities and are contraindicated or used with extreme caution during pregnancy.
Question 4: Anticoagulants like warfarin are used to:
- Dissolve existing blood clots
- Prevent new blood clots from forming (Correct answer)
- Increase platelet count
- Lower blood pressure
Correct answer: Prevent new blood clots from forming
Anticoagulants do not dissolve clots but prevent the formation of new clots by interfering with clotting factors.
Question 5: Which of the following is an example of a Schedule II controlled substance?
- Cough syrup with codeine
- Oxycodone (Correct answer)
- Alprazolam
- Tramadol
Correct answer: Oxycodone
Oxycodone is a Schedule II opioid with high abuse potential and no refills allowed without a new written prescription.
Question 6: The 'trade name' of a drug is also called the:
- Chemical name
- Generic name
- Brand name (Correct answer)
- Pharmacological name
Correct answer: Brand name
The brand name (trade name) is the proprietary name given by the manufacturer, distinct from the generic chemical name.
Question 7: Statins like atorvastatin are used primarily to:
- Reduce blood sugar
- Lower cholesterol levels (Correct answer)
- Thin the blood
- Treat bacterial infections
Correct answer: Lower cholesterol levels
Statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis, thereby reducing LDL cholesterol levels.
MACE Pharmacology Principles & Drug Classifications 3
A medication with a 'narrow therapeutic index' means: