NEET-PG 2018 - Pharmacology PYQs Practice Questions

Q: What is the primary use of Pirenzepine?

Gastric ulcer. ***Gastric ulcer*** - **Pirenzepine** is a selective **M1 muscarinic antagonist** used to block acetylcholine's effects on gastric parietal cells. - By inhibiting M1 receptors, it **reduces gastric acid secretion**, thus facilitating the healing of gastric ulcers. *Glaucoma* - **Glaucoma** treatment primarily involves reducing intraocular pressure, often with **beta-blockers** or **prostaglandin analogs**. - Pirenzepine's mechanism of action is irrelevant to the **pathophysiology of glaucoma**. *Hypertension* - **Hypertension** is managed by various classes of drugs that target blood pressure regulation, such as **ACE inhibitors** or **calcium channel blockers**. - Pirenzepine does not have a direct role in the **management of blood pressure**. *Congestive cardiac failure* - **Congestive cardiac failure** treatment focuses on improving cardiac output and reducing fluid overload with drugs like **diuretics** or **ACE inhibitors**. - Pirenzepine has no therapeutic application in the **treatment of heart failure**. [Practice more Pharmacology PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: What is the physiological dose of hydrocortisone (mg/m2/day)?

10-12 mg/m²/day. ***10-12 mg/m²/day*** - This range represents the typical **physiological replacement dose** of hydrocortisone, mimicking the body's natural cortisol production. - This dose is used for patients with **adrenal insufficiency** to maintain normal metabolic functions without causing significant side effects. *8-10 mg/m²/day* - This dose is slightly on the lower side of the accepted physiological range and might not be sufficient for complete replacement in all individuals. - While close, it is not the most commonly cited optimal physiological dose for hydrocortisone replacement. *15-18 mg/m²/day* - This dose is typically considered above the physiological replacement level and may begin to cause **mild corticosteroid side effects** with prolonged use. - It might be used for short periods or in specific conditions, but not as a standard physiological replacement. *20-25 mg/m²/day* - This dose is well above the physiological range and would be considered a **pharmacological dose** often used for its anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive effects. - Prolonged use at this dose would likely lead to significant **corticosteroid side effects** such as Cushingoid features, osteoporosis, and hyperglycemia. [Practice more Pharmacology PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Niacin therapy is contraindicated in diabetes because it

Increases the blood sugar levels. ***Increases the blood sugar levels*** - **Niacin** can cause an increase in **insulin resistance** and glucose production, leading to elevated **blood sugar levels**. - This effect makes it contraindicated or used with extreme caution in patients with **diabetes mellitus**, as it can exacerbate **hyperglycemia**. *Causes scleroderma* - **Scleroderma** is a **chronic autoimmune** disorder characterized by widespread **fibrosis** and vascular dysfunction; it is not typically caused by niacin. - While niacin can have various side effects, **scleroderma** is not a known adverse reaction of this medication. *Difficult to give injection* - **Niacin** is available in various formulations, including **oral tablets** and **extended-release preparations**, which are easy to administer. - The mode of administration (injectable difficulty) is not a primary reason for its **contraindication in diabetes**. *Increases the metabolism of oral hypoglycemic drugs* - **Niacin** does not typically increase the **metabolism of oral hypoglycemic drugs**; rather, its primary concern in diabetes is its direct impact on **glucose metabolism**. - The interaction of niacin with **antidiabetic medications** is mainly related to its effect on **blood glucose levels**, requiring dose adjustments. [Practice more Pharmacology PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Which drug requires continuous monitoring of prothrombin time?

Coumadin. ***Coumadin*** - **Coumadin (warfarin)** is an oral anticoagulant that inhibits vitamin K epoxide reductase, thereby reducing the synthesis of **vitamin K-dependent clotting factors** (II, VII, IX, X). - Its narrow therapeutic index and significant variability in dosage requirements necessitate continuous monitoring of the **prothrombin time (PT)**, reported as the **International Normalized Ratio (INR)**, to ensure efficacy and prevent bleeding complications. *Aspirin* - **Aspirin** is an antiplatelet agent that irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), preventing the synthesis of thromboxane A2, which is crucial for platelet aggregation. - It does not directly affect the coagulation cascade or prothrombin time; its antiplatelet effects are typically monitored by patient response and bleeding time, though routine monitoring is not usually required for standard antiplatelet therapy. *Digoxin* - **Digoxin** is a cardiac glycoside used to treat heart failure and atrial fibrillation by increasing myocardial contractility and slowing AV nodal conduction. - Its therapeutic effects and potential toxicity are monitored through serum digoxin levels, electrolyte balance (especially potassium), and electrocardiograms for signs of dysrhythmias, not by prothrombin time. *Lepirudin* - **Lepirudin** is a direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI) used in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). - Its anticoagulant effect is typically monitored using the **activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)**, not prothrombin time. [Practice more Pharmacology PYQs on OnCourse]

Question 1

What is the primary use of Pirenzepine?

Accepted Answer

Gastric ulcer

Answer

Glaucoma

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Congestive cardiac failure

Question 2

What is the physiological dose of hydrocortisone (mg/m2/day)?

Accepted Answer

10-12 mg/m²/day

Answer

20-25 mg/m²/day

Answer

15-18 mg/m²/day

Answer

8-10 mg/m²/day

Question 3

What is the mechanism of action of Curare drugs as muscle relaxants?

Accepted Answer

Act competitively on Ach receptors blocking post-synaptically

Answer

Persistently depolarizing at Neuromuscular junction

Answer

Repetitive stimulation of Ach receptors on muscle end plate

Answer

Inhibiting the calcium channel on presynaptic membrane

Question 4

Niacin therapy is contraindicated in diabetes because it

Accepted Answer

Increases the blood sugar levels

Answer

Causes scleroderma

Answer

Difficult to give injection

Answer

Increases the metabolism of oral hypoglycemic drugs

Question 5

Which drug requires continuous monitoring of prothrombin time?

Accepted Answer

Coumadin

Answer

Digoxin

Answer

Aspirin

Answer

Lepirudin

Question 6

Which drug decreases the bone resorption in osteoporosis?

Accepted Answer

Risedronate

Answer

Teriparatide

Answer

Cortisone

Answer

Cimetidine

Question 7

What is mechanism of action of colchicine in acute gout?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of leukocyte migration and microtubule function

Answer

Inhibition of purine metabolism

Answer

Inhibition of uric acid conversion

Answer

Migration of leukocytes

Question 8

At pKa = pH, what is the relationship between the ionic and non-ionic forms of a drug?

Accepted Answer

Conc. of drug is 50% ionic and 50% non-ionic

Answer

Absorption of drug is 50% ionic and 50% non-ionic

Answer

Conc. of drug is 25% ionic and 75% non-ionic

Answer

Conc. of drug is 75% ionic and 25% non-ionic

Question 9

Which drug is primarily used to promote fetal lung maturity?

Accepted Answer

Dexamethasone

Answer

Folic acid

Answer

Beclomethasone

Question 10

Which antiretroviral drug also has anti-hepatitis activity?

Accepted Answer

Tenofovir

Answer

Abacavir

Answer

Nevirapine

Answer

Emtricitabine

NEET-PG 2018 — Pharmacology