UPSC-CMS 2013 - Pharmacology PYQs Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following anti-hypertensive drugs is/are best avoided during pregnancy ?

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. ***Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors*** - **ACE inhibitors** are contraindicated in pregnancy due to their association with **fetal renal abnormalities**, **oligohydramnios**, and **fetal death**. - They can cause severe **birth defects** and are categorized as pregnancy category D drugs, meaning there is positive evidence of human fetal risk. *Nifedipine* - **Nifedipine**, a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, is considered a **safe** and effective antihypertensive in pregnancy. - It is frequently used for managing **hypertension** and **preterm labor** in pregnant women. *Methyldopa* - **Methyldopa** is often considered the **first-line drug** for chronic hypertension in pregnancy due to its established safety profile for both mother and fetus. - It has a long history of use and is one of the most studied antihypertensives in pregnancy. *Labetalol* - **Labetalol**, a combined alpha and beta-blocker, is also considered a **safe** and effective option for managing hypertension in pregnancy. - It is often used for **gestational hypertension** and **preeclampsia** and has a good fetal safety record. [Practice more Pharmacology PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Complications of heparin therapy in pregnancy include all except :

Teratogenicity. ***Teratogenicity*** - **Heparin** does not cross the placenta due to its large molecular weight, making it a safe anticoagulant choice during pregnancy regarding fetal malformations. - Therefore, it is **not associated with teratogenicity**, unlike some other anticoagulants like warfarin. *Thrombocytopaenia* - **Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)** is a known complication, where antibodies against heparin-platelet factor 4 complexes lead to platelet activation and consumption. - While typically Type II HIT is more severe, a mild, transient drop in platelet count (Type I) can also occur. *Osteoporosis* - **Long-term heparin therapy**, particularly unfractionated heparin, is associated with an increased risk of bone demineralization and **osteoporosis** due to its direct effect on osteoblasts and osteoclasts. - This complication is less common with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) but still a potential concern. *Bleeding* - As an anticoagulant, **heparin's primary mechanism of action** involves inhibiting coagulation factors, which inherently increases the risk of **bleeding**. - The risk of bleeding can range from minor ecchymoses to life-threatening hemorrhages depending on the dose and individual patient factors. [Practice more Pharmacology PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Mifepristone used for inducing abortion acts on :

Progesterone receptors. ***Progesterone receptors*** - **Mifepristone** is a **progesterone receptor antagonist**, meaning it blocks the action of progesterone [1]. - In pregnancy, **progesterone** is crucial for maintaining the uterine lining and preventing contractions, so blocking its action leads to **endometrial shedding** and uterine contractions [1].*Uterine contractility* - While mifepristone ultimately affects **uterine contractility**, this is an **indirect effect** of blocking progesterone [1]. - The direct action is on the **receptors themselves**, not the contractility mechanism.*Hypothalamopituitary ovarian axis* - Mifepristone does **not primarily act** on the **hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis**. - Its main effect is directly on the **uterine tissue** by blocking progesterone's local action.*All of the options* - As mifepristone's primary and direct mechanism is through **progesterone receptor antagonism**, this option is incorrect [1]. - The effects on uterine contractility are secondary to its receptor blockade. [Practice more Pharmacology PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: The total osmolarity of new oral rehydration solution formulation is:

245 mmol/litre. ***245 mmol/litre*** - The **New Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)** formulation has a reduced osmolarity of **245 mOsm/L** compared to the original WHO ORS. - This reduced osmolarity aims to minimize stool output and vomiting, making it more effective for treating dehydration in children with acute diarrhea. *210 mmol/litre* - This osmolarity is lower than the recommended new ORS formulation and could potentially lead to a higher risk of **hyponatremia** if not carefully monitored. - While lower osmolarity solutions can reduce stool output, a substantially lower value might compromise adequate rehydration. *300 mmol/litre* - This value is characteristic of the **original WHO ORS** formulation, which had a higher osmolarity. - Higher osmolarity solutions, like the original ORS, can sometimes worsen diarrhea by drawing water into the lumen due to osmotic effects. *255 mmol/litre* - This osmolarity is slightly above the recommended **245 mOsm/L** for the new ORS formulation. - While possibly still effective, the optimal balance between efficacy and minimizing stool volume has been established with the 245 mOsm/L formulation. [Practice more Pharmacology PYQs on OnCourse]

Question 1

Which of the following anti-hypertensive drugs is/are best avoided during pregnancy ?

Accepted Answer

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors

Answer

Nifedipine

Answer

Methyldopa

Answer

Labetalol

Question 2

Complications of heparin therapy in pregnancy include all except :

Accepted Answer

Teratogenicity

Answer

Thrombocytopaenia

Answer

Osteoporosis

Answer

Bleeding

Question 3

Mifepristone used for inducing abortion acts on :

Accepted Answer

Progesterone receptors

Answer

Uterine contractility

Answer

Hypothalamopituitary ovarian axis

Answer

All of the options

Question 4

The total osmolarity of new oral rehydration solution formulation is:

Accepted Answer

245 mmol/litre

Answer

210 mmol/litre

Answer

300 mmol/litre

Answer

255 mmol/litre

UPSC-CMS 2013 — Pharmacology