UPSC-CMS 2022 - Pharmacology PYQs Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following drugs should be avoided in labouring women with bronchial asthma?

Prostaglandin F2α. ***Prostaglandin F2α*** - **Prostaglandin F2α** (e.g., **carboprost**) is a potent **bronchoconstrictor** and can exacerbate asthma, leading to severe respiratory distress in susceptible individuals. - Its use for **uterine atony** in labouring women with a history of asthma is generally contraindicated due to the risk of inducing an **asthma attack**. *Ergometrine* - **Ergometrine** is an **ergot alkaloid** used to prevent or treat **postpartum hemorrhage** by causing sustained uterine contractions. - While it can cause some adverse effects like nausea or hypertension, it is **not generally contraindicated** in asthma and does not directly cause bronchoconstriction. *Prostaglandin E1* - **Prostaglandin E1** (e.g., **misoprostol**) is used for cervical ripening and induction of labour, or for preventing postpartum hemorrhage. - It generally has **bronchodilating** properties and is therefore considered safe for use in patients with asthma. *Opioid analgesics* - **Opioid analgesics** (e.g., **pethidine**, **morphine**) are commonly used for pain relief during labour. - While they can cause respiratory depression at high doses, they do **not directly induce bronchoconstriction** and are generally safe for use in asthmatic patients when carefully monitored. [Practice more Pharmacology PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: All of the following are correct regarding drospirenone EXCEPT:

It is safe in renal failure patients.. ***4. It is safe in renal failure patients*** - **Drospirenone** has **antimineralocorticoid activity**, which can lead to **hyperkalemia**, especially in patients with **renal impairment**. - Therefore, it is **contraindicated** and not safe in patients with **renal failure** due to the increased risk of potentially life-threatening **hyperkalemia**. *3. It has antimineralocorticoid action* - Drospirenone is a unique progestin derived from **spironolactone**, giving it a distinct **antimineralocorticoid effect**. - This effect helps to reduce symptoms like **bloating** and **fluid retention**, which are often associated with other hormonal contraceptives. *2. It has antiandrogenic property* - Drospirenone possesses significant **antiandrogenic properties**, which are beneficial in treating conditions like **acne** and **hirsutism**. - This action helps to counteract the androgenic side effects some other progestins might exhibit, making it a favorable choice for women who experience these issues. *1. It is a fourth generation progestin* - Drospirenone is classified as a **fourth-generation progestin**, developed to offer an improved side effect profile compared to older progestins. - These newer progestins often have more selective receptor binding and distinct pharmacological properties like **antiandrogenic** and **antimineralocorticoid** effects. [Practice more Pharmacology PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: For the treatment of kala-azar, the daily dose of miltefosine in a 3-year-old child who weighs 15 kg is

40 mg. ***40 mg*** - Miltefosine dosage for children weighing 12 to 29 kg (including a 15 kg child) is typically **2.5 mg/kg body weight per day orally**. - For a 15 kg child, this translates to 2.5 mg/kg * 15 kg = **37.5 mg**, which is rounded to **40 mg** for practical dosing since miltefosine capsules come in 10 mg or 50 mg sizes. *20 mg* - This dose is lower than the recommended **2.5 mg/kg/day** for a 15 kg child, which would be 37.5 mg. - An underdose of miltefosine could lead to **treatment failure** and the development of drug resistance. *10 mg* - This dose is significantly lower than the recommended therapeutic dose for a 15 kg child, which requires approximately **37.5 mg daily**. - Such a low dose would be **ineffective** in treating kala-azar, risking worsening disease. *30 mg* - While closer than 10 mg or 20 mg, 30 mg is still below the calculated **37.5 mg/day** for a 15 kg child. - An insufficient dose may compromise the efficacy of treatment and lead to **suboptimal parasitic clearance**. [Practice more Pharmacology PYQs on OnCourse]

Question 1

Which of the following drugs should be avoided in labouring women with bronchial asthma?

Accepted Answer

Prostaglandin F2α

Answer

Ergometrine

Answer

Prostaglandin E1

Answer

Opioid analgesics

Question 2

All of the following are correct regarding drospirenone EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

It is safe in renal failure patients.

Answer

It has antimineralocorticoid action.

Answer

It is a fourth generation progestin.

Answer

It has antiandrogenic property.

Question 3

For the treatment of kala-azar, the daily dose of miltefosine in a 3-year-old child who weighs 15 kg is

Accepted Answer

40 mg

Answer

20 mg

Answer

10 mg

Answer

30 mg

UPSC-CMS 2022 — Pharmacology