Pharmacology Therapeutic Applications and Clinical Use 5

Question 1

A patient with rheumatoid arthritis is started on methotrexate. Folic acid is co-prescribed to reduce which common side effect?

Accepted Answer

Mucositis and bone marrow suppression

Answer

Methotrexate depletes folate, causing mucositis and myelosuppression; supplemental folic acid mitigates these effects without reducing efficacy.

Question 2

Amiodarone is used for refractory ventricular arrhythmias. Which serious adverse effect requires monitoring of thyroid function?

Accepted Answer

Hyper- or hypothyroidism

Answer

Amiodarone contains iodine and structurally resembles thyroid hormone, causing both hyper- and hypothyroidism.

Question 3

Which inhaled corticosteroid complication can be minimized by rinsing the mouth after each use?

Accepted Answer

Oropharyngeal candidiasis

Answer

Drug deposition in the oropharynx promotes fungal overgrowth; rinsing removes residual corticosteroid after inhalation.

Question 4

SSRIs are first-line for major depressive disorder. The full antidepressant effect typically takes how long to manifest?

Accepted Answer

2–4 weeks

Answer

SSRI antidepressant effects develop over 2–4 weeks due to gradual neuroadaptive changes rather than immediate receptor occupancy.

Question 5

A patient on long-term aspirin therapy for cardiovascular prophylaxis develops a peptic ulcer. Which drug should be added to protect the gastric mucosa?

Accepted Answer

Misoprostol or PPI

Answer

Misoprostol (a PGE1 analog) or a PPI restores mucosal protection lost due to COX-1 inhibition by aspirin.

Pharmacology Practice Test

Pharmacology Practice Test

Pharmacology Therapeutic Applications and Clinical Use 5