Master of Pharmacy: Pharmacology and Therapeutics Flashcards
7 cards from real MPharm Master of Pharmacy practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Master of Pharmacy: Pharmacology and Therapeutics flashcards as text
A 60-year-old diabetic patient develops hypoglycemia while on a sulfonylurea. Which mechanism directly causes insulin secretion with this drug class?
Answer: Closure of ATP-sensitive potassium channels in beta cells
Sulfonylureas bind the SUR1 subunit of K-ATP channels, closing them and causing membrane depolarization that triggers insulin release regardless of glucose levels.
Which pharmacokinetic parameter best predicts antibiotic efficacy for beta-lactams?
Answer: Time above MIC (T>MIC)
Beta-lactam antibiotics exhibit time-dependent killing; their efficacy correlates with the duration free drug concentrations remain above the MIC.
A patient on methotrexate develops severe mucositis. Which rescue agent is administered?
Answer: Leucovorin (folinic acid)
Leucovorin bypasses DHFR inhibition by methotrexate by providing a reduced folate form, rescuing normal cells without diminishing antitumor effects.
Which adverse effect is most associated with long-term use of proton pump inhibitors?
Answer: Hypomagnesemia and increased fracture risk
Chronic PPI use impairs active magnesium absorption in the intestine and reduces gastric acid necessary for calcium salt dissolution, increasing fracture risk.
A patient taking clozapine develops an absolute neutrophil count of 500/mm³. What is the immediate action?
Answer: Discontinue clozapine immediately and never rechallenge
Agranulocytosis (ANC <500) from clozapine is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate discontinuation; rechallenge is contraindicated per REMS guidelines.
Which mechanism explains the antiarrhythmic action of adenosine in paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia?
Answer: Activates A1 receptors, hyperpolarizing AV nodal cells and slowing conduction
Adenosine activates A1 purinergic receptors, opening K+ channels that hyperpolarize AV nodal cells, transiently blocking AV conduction to terminate reentrant SVT.
A pharmacist calculates the volume of distribution (Vd) for a drug is 500 L in a 70 kg patient. What does this indicate?
Answer: The drug is highly distributed into tissues and not confined to plasma
A large Vd (>0.6 L/kg) indicates extensive tissue distribution, meaning the drug partitions preferentially into tissues rather than remaining in plasma.