General Pharmacology Practice Questions

Q: Opium is derived from which part of the opium poppy?

Unripe capsule. ***Unripe capsule*** - **Opium** is collected from the **latex** that seeps out of incisions made in the **unripe seed capsules** of the opium poppy (*Papaver somniferum*). - This milky latex contains various **alkaloids**, including **morphine**, **codeine**, and **thebaine**, which are responsible for its medicinal and psychoactive properties. *Leaf* - The leaves of the opium poppy do not contain significant amounts of the **therapeutic alkaloids** found in opium. - They are not used for the production or extraction of **opium**. *Root* - The root of the opium poppy is not the part where **opium alkaloids** are concentrated or harvested. - The primary site of alkaloid synthesis and storage is within the **capsule**. *Poppy seed* - **Poppy seeds** themselves contain very low levels of opium alkaloids, typically negligible after processing. - They are primarily used in cooking and baking, and while they can test positive for **opiates** in drug screens, they do not yield opium.

Q: Which of the following is NOT caused by Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)?

None of the options. ***None of the options*** - All three listed effects (water retention, uterine contraction, and flushing) **ARE caused by Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)**, making this the correct answer to the question asking what is NOT caused by PGE2. - Since PGE2 actually causes all the listed effects, "None of the options" is the accurate response. *Water retention* - PGE2 **stimulates ADH (vasopressin) release** from the posterior pituitary gland. - PGE2 also **enhances ADH action** on renal collecting ducts, promoting water reabsorption. - While PGE2 has complex renal effects including natriuresis, its net effect includes **promoting water retention** through the ADH mechanism. - This is an important effect of PGE2 on fluid balance. *Uterine contraction* - PGE2 is a **potent stimulator of uterine smooth muscle contraction**. - It is used clinically for **labor induction** and **cervical ripening** (dinoprostone). - PGE2 plays a crucial role in **parturition** and is involved in **dysmenorrhea**. *Flushing* - PGE2 causes **peripheral vasodilation**, particularly in cutaneous blood vessels. - This vasodilatory effect leads to **increased skin blood flow**, manifesting as **flushing** and warmth. - This is commonly seen as part of the **inflammatory response** and contributes to erythema.

Q: What type of compound is Tibolone?

Synthetic steroidal estrogen. ***Synthetic steroidal estrogen*** - **Tibolone** is a **synthetic steroid** that acts as a selective tissue estrogenic activity regulator (STEAR), mimicking some effects of estrogen, progesterone, and androgens. - Its **steroidal structure** means it is derived from the basic steroid nucleus, setting it apart from non-steroidal compounds. *Natural steroidal estrogen* - **Natural steroidal estrogens** like estradiol are produced endogenously in the body and have a specific chemical structure. - **Tibolone** is a man-made compound developed in a laboratory, not found naturally. *Natural non-steroidal estrogen* - **Natural non-steroidal estrogens** would refer to compounds found in nature (e.g., phytoestrogens) that do not possess a steroid backbone. - **Tibolone** is synthetic and has a **steroidal structure**. *Synthetic non-steroidal estrogen* - **Synthetic non-steroidal estrogens** are man-made compounds (e.g., diethylstilbestrol) that mimic estrogen but lack the steroid nucleus. - **Tibolone**, however, possesses a **steroidal structure**, making this option incorrect.

Q: What is the standard amount of diphtheria toxoid in the DT vaccine?

30 Lf. ***30 Lf*** - The **DT vaccine** (pediatric diphtheria-tetanus vaccine) contains **30 Lf** of **diphtheria toxoid** per dose according to traditional formulations, along with tetanus toxoid. - This higher diphtheria toxoid content is standardized for vaccines administered to children younger than 7 years. - Note: Modern vaccine standards often express potency in **International Units (IU)** where ≥30 IU corresponds to approximately 15-25 Lf, though 30 Lf was the traditional specification. *5 Lf* - This reduced amount of diphtheria toxoid is present in adult formulations like **Tdap vaccine** and **Td vaccine** (typically 2-5 Lf). - The lower diphtheria toxoid content in adult vaccines is sufficient to maintain immunity in individuals with pre-existing immunity from childhood vaccination. *10 Lf* - This amount of diphtheria toxoid is not a standard specification for DT, Td, or Tdap vaccines. - Standard diphtheria toxoid amounts are typically 15-30 Lf for pediatric formulations (DT/DTP) and 2-5 Lf for adult formulations (Td, Tdap). *15 Lf* - While approximately 15 Lf may correspond to the minimum potency when measured in International Units (≥30 IU), the traditional standard specification for DT vaccine is **30 Lf**. - Vaccine formulations are precisely standardized to ensure optimal immunogenicity and safety.

Q: What is the name of the mumps vaccine?

Jeryl Lynn. ***Jeryl Lynn*** - The **Jeryl Lynn strain** is a widely used and highly effective **live attenuated mumps vaccine virus** found in many combined MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccines. - It was developed by **Maurice Hilleman** and is known for its **low reactogenicity** and good safety profile. *Edmonston-Zagreb* - The **Edmonston-Zagreb strain** is a specific type of **live attenuated measles vaccine virus**, not mumps. - It is used in some combinations of the **MMR vaccine** but is distinct from the mumps component. *Schwarz* - The **Schwarz strain** is another variant of **live attenuated measles vaccine virus**, primarily distinguished by its passage history. - Like Edmonston-Zagreb, it targets **measles prevention** and is not used for mumps. *Moraten* - The **Moraten strain** is a specific **live attenuated measles vaccine virus** that is derived from the **Edmonston B strain**. - It is one of the most common measles vaccine strains, also used in **MMR vaccines**, but it does not protect against mumps.

Q: What is Dinoprost?

Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α). ***Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α)*** - **Dinoprost** is the generic name for **Prostaglandin F2α**. - It works by stimulating **myometrial contractions** and promoting cervical ripening, making it useful in obstetrics. *Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)* - **PGE2** is known as **Dinoprostone** and is also used for cervical ripening and labor induction. - While similar in function, **Dinoprostone** (PGE2) is distinct from **Dinoprost** (PGF2α). *Prostaglandin I2 (PGI2)* - **PGI2** is also known as **Prostacyclin** and acts as a potent **vasodilator** and **inhibitor of platelet aggregation**. - Its primary therapeutic uses are in conditions like **pulmonary hypertension**, which differs from Dinoprost's obstetric uses. *Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1)* - **PGE1** is also known as **Alprostadil** and is used to maintain the **patency of the ductus arteriosus** in neonates with certain congenital heart defects. - It is distinct from Dinoprost and has different clinical applications.

Q: Finasteride is classified as a:

5-alpha reductase inhibitor. ### ***5-alpha reductase inhibitor*** - **Finasteride** specifically inhibits the enzyme **5-alpha reductase**, preventing the conversion of **testosterone** to **dihydrotestosterone (DHT)** [2], [4]. - This reduction in DHT is clinically useful for treating conditions like **benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)** and **androgenetic alopecia** [4]. ### *Phosphodiesterase inhibitor* - **Phosphodiesterase inhibitors** (e.g., sildenafil) typically work by increasing levels of **cyclic GMP**, leading to **vasodilation** and are used for **erectile dysfunction** [3]. - Their mechanism of action is distinct from finasteride's effect on **hormone metabolism**. ### *Alpha-1 blocker* - **Alpha-1 blockers** (e.g., tamsulosin) primarily relax **smooth muscle** in the prostate and bladder neck, improving **urine flow** in BPH [3], [5]. - They act on **adrenergic receptors** and do not affect **hormone synthesis** or **metabolism** [3]. ### *Androgen receptor antagonist* - **Androgen receptor antagonists** (e.g., flutamide) directly block the binding of **androgens** (like testosterone and DHT) to their receptors [1], [4]. - While they also affect androgen action, their mechanism is different from finasteride's **enzyme inhibition** [4].

Q: What is the iodine content percentage in amiodarone?

20 - 40%. ***20 - 40%*** - **Amiodarone** is highly lipophilic and contains a significant amount of **iodine**, typically comprising around **37.5%** of its molecular weight. - This high iodine content is responsible for many of its **adverse effects**, particularly those related to thyroid dysfunction. *10 - 20%* - This range is too low; the actual iodine content in **amiodarone** is considerably higher, making it a prominent feature of the drug's chemical structure. - A lower iodine percentage would likely result in fewer **thyroid-related side effects**. *40 - 60%* - While amiodarone has a high iodine content, 40-60% is slightly above the generally accepted range. - Iodine constitutes a substantial but not an overwhelming majority of the drug's molecular mass. *60 - 80%* - This range is significantly higher than the actual iodine content in **amiodarone**. - Such a high percentage would imply an even greater propensity for **iodine-induced adverse effects**.

Q: Which of the following is a guanosine analogue?

Abacavir. ***Abacavir*** - **Abacavir** is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) used in HIV treatment. - It is a **carbocyclic analogue of guanosine** (specifically, a 2'-deoxyguanosine analogue). - Structurally, it contains a modified cyclopentane ring instead of the ribose sugar, but retains the guanine base, making it a guanosine analogue. *Acyclovir* - **Acyclovir** is also a **guanosine analogue** - specifically an acyclic guanosine analogue. - It is an antiviral drug used to treat herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infections. - Note: Both Abacavir and Acyclovir are technically guanosine analogues; in this PYQ context, Abacavir is the expected answer. *Bromodeoxyuridine* - **Bromodeoxyuridine** is a **pyrimidine analogue**, specifically a thymidine analogue. - It is incorporated into DNA during replication and is used in research and as a radiosensitizer. *Allopurinol* - **Allopurinol** is a purine analogue (hypoxanthine analogue) that inhibits xanthine oxidase. - It is primarily used to treat **gout** and prevent kidney stones by reducing uric acid production. - While it's a purine derivative, it is not specifically a guanosine analogue.

Q: What is the classification of Buprenorphine in terms of its action on opioid receptors?

Partial agonist. ***Partial agonist*** - **Buprenorphine** acts as a **partial agonist** at the **mu-opioid receptor**, meaning it binds to the receptor and produces some but not all of the effects of full opioid agonists. - This property contributes to its **ceiling effect** for respiratory depression and analgesic effects, making it safer in overdose compared to full agonists. - It has **high receptor affinity** but **lower intrinsic activity** compared to full agonists. *Pure agonist* - A **pure agonist** would fully activate opioid receptors, producing the maximum possible effect at the receptor. - Examples include **morphine** and **fentanyl**, which carry a higher risk of respiratory depression and overdose at higher doses. - These lack the ceiling effect seen with buprenorphine. *Pure antagonist* - A **pure antagonist** would block opioid receptors without activating them, reversing or preventing the effects of agonists. - An example is **naloxone**, which is used to treat opioid overdose by competitive inhibition. *Mixed agonist-antagonist* - **Mixed agonist-antagonists** (e.g., **pentazocine**, **nalbuphine**) act as agonists at some opioid receptors (kappa) and antagonists at others (mu). - Unlike buprenorphine, which is a partial agonist at mu receptors, mixed agonist-antagonists have different actions at different receptor subtypes. - They can precipitate withdrawal in opioid-dependent patients.

Question 1

Opium is derived from which part of the opium poppy?

Accepted Answer

Unripe capsule

Answer

Leaf

Answer

Root

Answer

Poppy seed

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT caused by Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)?

Accepted Answer

None of the options

Answer

Water retention

Answer

Flushing

Answer

Uterine contraction

Question 3

What type of compound is Tibolone?

Accepted Answer

Synthetic steroidal estrogen

Answer

Natural steroidal estrogen

Answer

Natural non-steroidal estrogen

Answer

Synthetic non-steroidal estrogen

Question 4

What is the standard amount of diphtheria toxoid in the DT vaccine?

Accepted Answer

30 Lf

Answer

5 Lf

Answer

10 Lf

Answer

15 Lf

Question 5

What is the name of the mumps vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Jeryl Lynn

Answer

Moraten

Answer

Edmonston-Zagreb

Answer

Schwarz

Question 6

What is Dinoprost?

Accepted Answer

Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α)

Answer

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)

Answer

Prostaglandin I2 (PGI2)

Answer

Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1)

Question 7

Finasteride is classified as a:

Accepted Answer

5-alpha reductase inhibitor

Answer

Phosphodiesterase inhibitor

Answer

Alpha-1 blocker

Answer

Androgen receptor antagonist

Question 8

What is the iodine content percentage in amiodarone?

Accepted Answer

20 - 40%

Answer

10 - 20%

Answer

40 - 60%

Answer

60 - 80%

Question 9

Which of the following is a guanosine analogue?

Accepted Answer

Abacavir

Answer

Bromodeoxyuridine

Answer

Allopurinol

Answer

Acyclovir

Question 10

What is the classification of Buprenorphine in terms of its action on opioid receptors?

Accepted Answer

Partial agonist

Answer

Pure agonist

Answer

Pure antagonist

Answer

Mixed agonist-antagonist

General Pharmacology — MCQs

General Pharmacology — MCQs

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