B13 W1

Question 1

What is Paclitaxel?

Answer 1

Anti-microtubules agent which binds to tubulin, a component of microtubules which is important for separation of chromosomes in mitosis. It is a chemotherapeutic drug used in Lung cancer and Kaposi’s sarcoma, however it cannot be given for haem biosynthesis defect.

Question 2

What is Cisplatin?

Answer 2

Alkylating agent which creates DNA cross links that leads to fragmentation. Used in the treatment of lung cancer and leads to bone marrow failure and sepsis.

Question 3

Rifampicin

Answer 3

Used to treat tuberculosis along with isoniazid and ethambutol. It inhibits RNA polymerase to prevent RNA synthesis and leads to urine and saliva discolouration to orange. Cannot cause acute porphyria

Question 4

Isoniazid

Answer 4

Used in the treatment of tuberculosis. It inhibits mycolic acid enoyl reductase, a component of tuberculosis. It can lead to gynaecomastia, nerve disorders and aplastic anaemia.

Question 5

Ethambutol

Answer 5

Used in the treatment of tuberculosis. It inhibits the transferase enzyme arabinosyltransferase and reduces binding sites for myocolic acid. It can lead to visual loss and cannot be given for optic neuropathy. Ethambutol can result in high Uric acid levels and cause nerve disorders.

Question 6

Pyrazinamide

Answer 6

Works at a slightly acidic pH by disrupting the energetic and membrane transport of mycobacterium tuberculosis. It can aggravate gout and peptic ulcers and leads to anaemia.

Question 7

Ciproflaxacin

Answer 7

Inhibits toposimerase to prevent DNA supercoiling for replication. It is used for susceptibility to bacterial infection from otitis externa, pyelonephritis and eye infection. Cannot be given for tendon disorders.