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Pharmacology and Drug Mechanisms Flashcards

7 cards from real NAPLEX QBANK practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. Statins lower cholesterol by inhibiting which enzyme?

    Answer: HMG-CoA reductase

    Statins competitively inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme of cholesterol synthesis.

  2. Which opioid is also an NMDA receptor antagonist, useful in neuropathic pain?

    Answer: Methadone

    Methadone provides mu-opioid agonism plus NMDA antagonism.

  3. The primary mechanism of proton pump inhibitors is:

    Answer: Irreversible inhibition of gastric H+/K+ ATPase

    PPIs irreversibly block the parietal cell H+/K+ ATPase proton pump.

  4. Which drug class can cause hyperkalemia due to aldosterone antagonism?

    Answer: Potassium-sparing diuretics

    Spironolactone and similar agents block aldosterone, retaining potassium.

  5. Phenytoin exhibits which pharmacokinetic property at therapeutic doses?

    Answer: Zero-order (nonlinear) elimination

    Phenytoin shows saturable metabolism, so small dose changes cause large level swings.

  6. Which mechanism underlies the bronchodilation of tiotropium?

    Answer: Long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonism

    Tiotropium is a LAMA that blocks muscarinic receptors in airway smooth muscle.

  7. DPP-4 inhibitors such as sitagliptin lower glucose by:

    Answer: Preventing incretin (GLP-1) degradation

    DPP-4 inhibitors prolong incretin action, enhancing insulin secretion.