Drug Classifications Flashcards

Which antifungal drug class works by inhibiting ergosterol synthesis through inhibition of lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase?

Answer: Azoles

Azole antifungals (e.g., fluconazole) inhibit CYP51 (lanosterol demethylase), blocking ergosterol synthesis in fungal cell membranes.

A patient is prescribed a beta-1 selective adrenergic blocker for heart failure. Which of the following is beta-1 selective?

Answer: Metoprolol

Metoprolol is cardioselective (beta-1 selective), while propranolol and carvedilol are non-selective beta-blockers.

Which drug class is first-line for treating an acute asthma attack by causing rapid bronchodilation?

Answer: Short-acting beta-2 agonists

SABAs (e.g., albuterol) provide rapid bronchodilation within minutes, making them the drug of choice for acute asthma attacks.

Which classification describes warfarin's mechanism of action?

Answer: Vitamin K antagonist

Warfarin inhibits vitamin K epoxide reductase, preventing the recycling of vitamin K needed for synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X.

Metformin belongs to which drug class for treating type 2 diabetes?

Answer: Biguanide

Metformin is a biguanide that primarily reduces hepatic glucose output and improves insulin sensitivity.

Which drug class used to treat HIV prevents the virus from integrating its genetic material into the host cell DNA?

Answer: Integrase strand transfer inhibitors

Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) like raltegravir block HIV integrase, preventing viral DNA from inserting into host chromosomes.

Which class of drugs is used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by relaxing smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck?

Answer: Alpha-1 blockers

Alpha-1 blockers (e.g., tamsulosin) relax smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck, improving urinary flow in BPH.