General Pharmacology Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following is a long-acting local anesthetic?

Dibucaine. ***Dibucaine*** - **Dibucaine** is a **long-acting amide local anesthetic** with a duration of action up to 10 hours. - Its high **lipid solubility** contributes to its prolonged effect and greater potency compared to other local anesthetics. *Prilocaine* - **Prilocaine** is considered an **intermediate-duration amide local anesthetic**, with a duration of action typically 1-2 hours. - It carries a risk of **methemoglobinemia** at higher doses, which differentiates it from longer-acting agents. *Procaine* - **Procaine** is a **short-acting ester local anesthetic**, with a duration of action usually less than 1 hour. - It is known for its relatively **high allergenicity** due to its metabolism to para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). *Lignocaine* - **Lignocaine (Lidocaine)** is an **intermediate-acting amide local anesthetic**, with a duration of action around 1-3 hours. - It is one of the most commonly used local anesthetics, but its duration is not as long as that of dibucaine.

Q: From which part of the Papaver somniferum plant does the latex, commonly referred to as 'milk', exude?

Unripe capsule of the plant. ***Unripe capsule of the plant*** - The **latex** (or 'milk') containing **opioid alkaloids** like morphine and codeine is primarily harvested by incising the **unripe seed capsules** of the *Papaver somniferum* plant. - This milky sap is then collected and dried to produce **crude opium**. *Leaf of the plant* - The leaves of *Papaver somniferum* do not contain significant amounts of the latex and are not the primary source of **opium alkaloids**. - While some **alkaloids** might be present in trace amounts, they are not extracted commercially from the leaves. *Root of the plant* - The roots of the poppy plant are not known to exude latex or to be a significant source of medically relevant **opioid alkaloids**. - Their primary function is absorption of water and nutrients, and anchoring the plant. *Seeds of the plant* - While the dried seeds are used for culinary purposes (poppy seeds), they contain very low levels of **opioid alkaloids** compared to the latex. - The latex is produced within the **capsule** before the seeds fully mature.

Q: What is the primary component extracted from the Cannabis Indica plant used in traditional medicine?

Flowers of Cannabis Indica. ***Flowers of Cannabis Indica*** - The **flowers** (also called buds or flowering tops) are the primary component extracted from *Cannabis Indica* for traditional and modern medicinal use. - The female flowers contain the highest concentration of **trichomes**, which produce cannabinoids such as **THC** and **CBD**. - In traditional medicine systems including Ayurveda, the **flowering tops** were the principal medicinal part used. - The flowers are the **primary botanical source** from which all cannabis-based medicines are derived. *Resin of Cannabis Indica* - Resin refers to concentrated **secondary extracts** like hashish or cannabis oil, which are processed products derived from the flowers. - While resin has high cannabinoid content, it is not the primary plant component but rather a concentrated derivative. - Resin is obtained by processing the trichomes from the flowers, making it a downstream product. *Leaves of Cannabis Indica* - While leaves contain some cannabinoids, their concentration is generally much **lower** compared to the flowers. - Leaves are less commonly used as the primary medicinal component due to their significantly lower potency. - They may be used in some traditional preparations but are not the primary component. *Stem of Cannabis Indica* - The stem primarily consists of **fibrous material** and has minimal cannabinoid concentration. - It is not traditionally used as a medicinal component due to its lack of significant active ingredients. - Stems are primarily used for fiber (hemp) rather than medicinal applications.

Q: Which of the following vaccines is not freeze-dried?

Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus (DPT) Vaccine. ***Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus (DPT) Vaccine*** - The DPT vaccine is a **liquid vaccine** that contains inactivated toxins and bacterial components, making it stable in liquid form. - It does not require **freeze-drying** because its components are chemically stable and do not degrade significantly in solution. *Measles Vaccine* - The measles vaccine is a **live attenuated vaccine** that needs to be freeze-dried to maintain the viability and stability of the live virus. - Freeze-drying helps preserve the vaccine's potency by removing water, which prevents degradation during storage and transport. *Rubella Vaccine* - Similar to the measles vaccine, the rubella vaccine is a **live attenuated vaccine** and is therefore provided in a freeze-dried form. - This process ensures the long-term stability and efficacy of the viral components, which would otherwise degrade in a liquid state. *BCG Vaccine* - The BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) vaccine is a **live attenuated bacterial vaccine** used against tuberculosis, and it is also manufactured as a freeze-dried product. - Freeze-drying is essential for maintaining the viability of the live attenuated *Mycobacterium bovis* strain.

Q: Propranolol is most commonly prescribed as first-line therapy for which condition?

Thyrotoxicosis (excessive thyroid hormones). ***Thyrotoxicosis (excessive thyroid hormones)*** - **Propranolol** is commonly prescribed as **first-line symptomatic therapy** for **thyrotoxicosis** to manage symptoms such as **tachycardia, tremors, palpitations, and anxiety**. - It works by **blocking peripheral conversion of T4 to T3** and providing rapid **symptomatic relief** through beta-blockade. - While it does not treat the underlying thyroid disorder, it is the **immediate first-line agent** for symptom control while definitive treatment (antithyroid drugs, radioiodine, or surgery) is being arranged. - **Clinical pearl:** Propranolol is preferred over selective beta-blockers due to its additional effect on T4 to T3 conversion. *Hypertension (high blood pressure)* - **Propranolol** is **NOT a first-line agent** for hypertension in current guidelines (JNC 8, ESC/ESH). - First-line agents include **ACE inhibitors, ARBs, thiazide diuretics, and calcium channel blockers**. - Non-selective beta-blockers like propranolol are typically **third-line or later** due to unfavorable metabolic effects and side effect profile. - Selective beta-blockers (atenolol, metoprolol) may be used in specific hypertension scenarios, but propranolol is rarely first-line. *Atrioventricular (AV) block* - **Propranolol** is **absolutely contraindicated** in **AV block** as it further slows conduction through the AV node. - Beta-blockers can precipitate **complete heart block** in patients with pre-existing conduction abnormalities. *Cardiac arrest* - **Propranolol** is **contraindicated** in acute management of **cardiac arrest** as it reduces cardiac contractility and can worsen outcomes. - Cardiac arrest management involves **CPR, defibrillation, epinephrine, and amiodarone**.

Q: Which of the following statements about glucocorticoids is true?

Glucocorticoids downregulate MHC class II expression.. ***Glucocorticoids downregulate MHC class II expression.*** - Glucocorticoids exert **immunosuppressive effects** by reducing the expression of **MHC class II molecules** on antigen-presenting cells. - This downregulation impairs the ability of antigen-presenting cells to activate **CD4+ T-helper cells**, thereby suppressing adaptive immune responses. *Glucocorticoids directly activate T-helper cells.* - Glucocorticoids do not directly activate T-helper cells; rather, they have an **inhibitory effect** on T-cell function and proliferation. - They tend to promote **T-cell apoptosis** and reduce cytokine production, thus dampening T-helper cell responses. *Glucocorticoids have no effect on immune cells.* - This statement is incorrect as glucocorticoids have profound and widespread **immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects** on various immune cells. - They influence the function, proliferation, and survival of **lymphocytes, macrophages, and granulocytes**. *Glucocorticoids enhance the activity of cytotoxic T cells.* - Glucocorticoids generally **suppress immune responses**, including the activity of **cytotoxic T cells (CTLs)**, rather than enhancing it. - They tend to inhibit the production of **interleukins** necessary for CTL activation and proliferation.

Q: Which of the following is an example of topical administration producing only local effects (not systemic)?

Topical corticosteroid cream. ***Topical corticosteroid cream*** - When applied to the skin for conditions like dermatitis, topical corticosteroids primarily exert their effects at the site of application, reducing **local inflammation** and itching. - While systemic absorption can occur with potent steroids over large areas, typical use aims for **localized action** without significant systemic effects. *Sublingual nitroglycerin* - This route is designed for **rapid systemic absorption** through the oral mucosa, bypassing first-pass metabolism to quickly treat angina. - The goal is a **widespread vasodilatory effect** throughout the body, not a local one within the mouth. *Transdermal patch* - Transdermal patches, such as those for nicotine or fentanyl, are specifically designed to deliver medication **systemically** through the skin into the bloodstream over a prolonged period. - They provide a **sustained release** and systemic therapeutic effect throughout the body. *Rectal diazepam* - Administered rectally, diazepam is absorbed into the systemic circulation to produce **CNS effects** such as sedation, anxiolysis, or anticonvulsant activity. - Although the administration is local, the intended clinical effect is **systemic** and widespread throughout the body.

Q: Which of the following is a PGE1 analogue used in medical treatments?

Alprostadil. ***Alprostadil*** - **Alprostadil** is a synthetic **prostaglandin E1 (PGE1)** analogue. - It is used in neonates to maintain the **patency of the patent ductus arteriosus** and in adults for the treatment of **erectile dysfunction**. *Carboprost* - **Carboprost** is a synthetic analogue of **prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2α)**. - It is primarily used to manage **postpartum hemorrhage** due to its potent uterotonic effects. *Epoprostenol* - **Epoprostenol** is a synthetic analogue of **prostacyclin (PGI2)**. - It is known for its potent **vasodilatory** and **antiplatelet** properties, making it useful in treating **pulmonary arterial hypertension**. *Dinoprostone* - **Dinoprostone** is a synthetic form of **prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)**. - It is used to **induce labor** or **cervical ripening** due to its role in uterine contractions and cervical dilation.

Q: Which of the following pairs are considered physiological antagonists in pharmacology?

Histamine and Adrenaline. ***Histamine and Adrenaline*** - **Physiological antagonism** occurs when two drugs produce opposite effects by acting on different receptors or pathways. - **Histamine** causes bronchoconstriction and vasodilation, while **adrenaline** causes bronchodilation and vasoconstriction, counteracting each other's effects through different mechanisms. *Adrenaline and Isoprenaline* - Both **adrenaline** and **isoprenaline** are **adrenergic agonists** that produce similar physiological effects, primarily through beta-adrenergic receptor activation. - They are not physiological antagonists but rather have **synergistic** or similar pharmacological actions. *Isoprenaline and Propranolol* - **Isoprenaline** is a **beta-adrenergic agonist**, while **propranolol** is a **beta-adrenergic antagonist**. - This is an example of **pharmacological antagonism (receptor antagonism)**, where one drug blocks the effect of another at the same receptor site, rather than physiological antagonism.

Question 1

A patient undergoing a minor surgical procedure is given lignocaine injection. Assertion: Local anaesthetics act by blocking nerve conduction. Reason: Small fibers and non-myelinated fibers are blocked more easily than large myelinated fibers.

Accepted Answer

Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion

Answer

Assertion is false, but Reason is true

Answer

Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion

Answer

Assertion is true, but Reason is false

Question 2

Which of the following is a long-acting local anesthetic?

Accepted Answer

Dibucaine

Answer

Prilocaine

Answer

Procaine

Answer

Lignocaine

Question 3

From which part of the Papaver somniferum plant does the latex, commonly referred to as 'milk', exude?

Accepted Answer

Unripe capsule of the plant

Answer

Leaf of the plant

Answer

Root of the plant

Answer

Seeds of the plant

Question 4

What is the primary component extracted from the Cannabis Indica plant used in traditional medicine?

Accepted Answer

Flowers of Cannabis Indica

Answer

Leaves of Cannabis Indica

Answer

Resin of Cannabis Indica

Answer

Stem of Cannabis Indica

Question 5

Which of the following vaccines is not freeze-dried?

Accepted Answer

Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus (DPT) Vaccine

Answer

Measles Vaccine

Answer

Rubella Vaccine

Answer

BCG Vaccine

Question 6

Propranolol is most commonly prescribed as first-line therapy for which condition?

Accepted Answer

Thyrotoxicosis (excessive thyroid hormones)

Answer

Atrioventricular (AV) block

Answer

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Answer

Cardiac arrest

Question 7

Which of the following statements about glucocorticoids is true?

Accepted Answer

Glucocorticoids downregulate MHC class II expression.

Answer

Glucocorticoids directly activate T-helper cells.

Answer

Glucocorticoids have no effect on immune cells.

Answer

Glucocorticoids enhance the activity of cytotoxic T cells.

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of topical administration producing only local effects (not systemic)?

Accepted Answer

Topical corticosteroid cream

Answer

Sublingual nitroglycerin

Answer

Transdermal patch

Answer

Rectal diazepam

Question 9

Which of the following is a PGE1 analogue used in medical treatments?

Accepted Answer

Alprostadil

Answer

Carboprost

Answer

Epoprostenol

Answer

Dinoprostone

Question 10

Which of the following pairs are considered physiological antagonists in pharmacology?

Accepted Answer

Histamine and Adrenaline

Answer

Adrenaline and Isoprenaline

Answer

Isoprenaline and Propranolol

Answer

All of the options

General Pharmacology — MCQs

General Pharmacology — MCQs

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