Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Flashcards
6 cards from real Pharm.D. Doctor 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 6 Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics flashcards as text
Which drug class is the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus in most patients without contraindications?
Answer: Metformin (biguanide)
Metformin is the first-line pharmacological treatment for type 2 diabetes due to its efficacy, safety profile, low cost, and cardiovascular benefits.
A patient with hypertension also has heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Which antihypertensive class provides the greatest mortality benefit?
Answer: ACE inhibitors or ARBs
ACE inhibitors (or ARBs if ACE-intolerant) are first-line for HFrEF due to proven mortality reduction by blocking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
Which beta-blocker is considered cardioselective due to its preferential beta-1 receptor blockade?
Answer: Metoprolol succinate
Metoprolol succinate is cardioselective, primarily blocking beta-1 receptors in the heart with less effect on beta-2 receptors in the lungs, making it safer in patients with mild asthma.
Which anticoagulant is first-line for the initial and long-term treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in most patients?
Answer: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as rivaroxaban or apixaban
DOACs (e.g., rivaroxaban, apixaban) are preferred for VTE treatment due to their predictable pharmacokinetics, fewer interactions, and no need for routine monitoring.
Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) used for acute bronchospasm. Its primary mechanism is:
Answer: Stimulating beta-2 receptors to relax bronchial smooth muscle
Albuterol selectively activates beta-2 adrenergic receptors on bronchial smooth muscle, causing relaxation and bronchodilation through increased cAMP.
Which drug is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose in the US?
Answer: N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
N-acetylcysteine replenishes glutathione stores, allowing detoxification of NAPQI (the toxic acetaminophen metabolite) and preventing hepatocellular necrosis.