MOH Pharmacology & Drug Regulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which class of antibiotics is contraindicated in children under 8 years of age due to dental staining?
- Penicillins
- Macrolides
- Tetracyclines (Correct answer)
- Fluoroquinolones
Correct answer: Tetracyclines
Tetracyclines chelate calcium and deposit in developing teeth and bones, causing permanent yellow-brown staining when given to children under 8 years.
Question 2: A patient taking ACE inhibitors develops a dry persistent cough. The MOST appropriate action is:
- Reduce the dose of ACE inhibitor
- Add an antitussive medication
- Switch to an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) (Correct answer)
- Stop all antihypertensives
Correct answer: Switch to an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)
ACE inhibitor-induced cough is caused by bradykinin accumulation and is a class effect; switching to an ARB avoids this side effect while maintaining renin-angiotensin system blockade.
Question 3: Heparin overdose is treated with:
- Vitamin K
- Protamine sulfate (Correct answer)
- Fresh frozen plasma
- Tranexamic acid
Correct answer: Protamine sulfate
Protamine sulfate binds and neutralizes heparin through ionic interaction, rapidly reversing anticoagulation in heparin overdose.
Question 4: Which diuretic class is the first-line treatment for nephrogenic diabetes insipidus?
- Loop diuretics
- Potassium-sparing diuretics
- Thiazide diuretics (Correct answer)
- Osmotic diuretics
Correct answer: Thiazide diuretics
Thiazide diuretics paradoxically reduce urine output in nephrogenic DI by inducing mild volume depletion, increasing proximal tubular water reabsorption.
Question 5: What is the maximum safe daily dose of acetaminophen (paracetamol) in a healthy adult?
- 2 grams
- 3 grams
- 4 grams (Correct answer)
- 6 grams
Correct answer: 4 grams
The maximum recommended dose of acetaminophen in healthy adults is 4 grams per day; doses exceeding this risk hepatotoxicity due to accumulation of the toxic NAPQI metabolite.
Question 6: Which medication requires monitoring of serum potassium levels due to risk of hyperkalemia?
- Furosemide
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- Spironolactone (Correct answer)
- Acetazolamide
Correct answer: Spironolactone
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that blocks aldosterone receptors, reducing potassium excretion and risking hyperkalemia, especially in patients with renal impairment.
MOH Pharmacology & Drug Regulations 2
Which class of antibiotics is contraindicated in children under 8 years of age due to dental staining?