OCC Pharmacology & Therapeutics Flashcards

A DO prescribes a patient metformin for type 2 diabetes. Which mechanism of action best describes metformin?

Answer: Decreases hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity

Metformin primarily works by activating AMPK to reduce hepatic gluconeogenesis and increase peripheral insulin sensitivity.

Which drug interaction results in increased risk of bleeding when warfarin is combined with aspirin?

Answer: Additive anticoagulant and antiplatelet effect increases hemorrhagic risk

Warfarin inhibits clotting factors while aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation — combined use additively increases bleeding risk.

A patient on a fluoroquinolone antibiotic develops tendon pain. Which tendon is most commonly affected?

Answer: Achilles tendon

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics carry a black box warning for Achilles tendon rupture, with the Achilles being the most commonly affected tendon.

Which class of antihypertensive medication is contraindicated in bilateral renal artery stenosis?

Answer: ACE inhibitors and ARBs

ACE inhibitors and ARBs reduce efferent arteriolar tone, which drops GFR critically in bilateral renal artery stenosis where GFR depends on angiotensin II.

Which Schedule II controlled substance requires a written or electronic prescription and cannot be refilled?

Answer: Oxycodone

Oxycodone is Schedule II; prescriptions cannot be refilled and require a new written or e-prescribe for each fill.

A patient taking a statin develops myalgias with markedly elevated CK levels. What is the most appropriate next step?

Answer: Discontinue the statin immediately and monitor renal function

Markedly elevated CK with myalgia suggests statin-induced myopathy/rhabdomyolysis — the statin must be stopped immediately to prevent acute kidney injury.