Pharmacology & Drug Regulations Flashcards

Which drug schedule in the UAE requires a special narcotic prescription form?

Answer: Controlled Drugs (Schedule 4)

Controlled drugs in Schedule 4 under UAE Federal Law No. 14 of 1995 require special narcotic prescription forms, with strict dispensing and documentation requirements.

What is the mechanism of action of metformin in type 2 diabetes?

Answer: Inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis and improves insulin sensitivity

Metformin primarily works by inhibiting hepatic gluconeogenesis and improving peripheral insulin sensitivity, reducing blood glucose without causing hypoglycemia.

A patient on warfarin is prescribed ciprofloxacin. What is the expected drug interaction?

Answer: Increased anticoagulant effect with risk of bleeding

Ciprofloxacin inhibits CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 enzymes, reducing warfarin metabolism and increasing INR, which can lead to serious bleeding complications.

Which of the following is the antidote for acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose?

Answer: N-acetylcysteine

N-acetylcysteine replenishes glutathione stores, neutralizing the toxic metabolite NAPQI that causes hepatotoxicity in paracetamol overdose.

Beta-1 selective blockers are preferred over non-selective beta-blockers in patients with:

Answer: Reactive airway disease (asthma/COPD)

Beta-1 selective agents (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol) minimize bronchospasm risk by avoiding beta-2 receptor blockade in the airways, making them safer in asthma and COPD patients.

The first-line pharmacological treatment for Helicobacter pylori eradication in the UAE MOH guidelines is:

Answer: Triple therapy: PPI + clarithromycin + amoxicillin

UAE MOH guidelines follow standard triple therapy (PPI + clarithromycin + amoxicillin for 7-14 days) as first-line H. pylori eradication, consistent with international guidelines.