Pharmacology Exam Mock Questions Flashcards
According to the BNF, what are the recommendations regarding prescribing Clozapine during breastfeeding ?
It should be avoided
Which ONE of these describes the type of adverse drug reaction when an opioid drug taken whilst breastfeeding results in a neonate with respiratory depression? A, B, C or D
Type A
Which describes the passage of a drug between the mother’s plasma and the breastmilk?
An equilibrium is maintained, as the mother’s plasma drug levels increase or decrease so does the drug concentration in the breast milk
According to the Summary of Product Characteristics, which statement best describes the elimination of Warfarin?
It has a mean half-life of 40 hours
What reason is specified in the BNF for giving Doxycycline 2 to 3 hours after iron?
Oral iron decreases the absorption of oral doxycycline
Which statement best describes the term phase 1 reaction?
The metabolism of drugs by cytochrome P450 enzymes
Which aspect of pharmacokinetics is MOST likely to be affected by changes in gastric pH?
Absorption
According to the Summary of Product Characteristics, which statement best describes the pharmacodynamics of oral Atorvastatin?
It is an enzyme inhibitor
Which term best describes the term affinity?
How tightly a ligand binds to a receptor
Which term best describes an ion channel blocker?
A drug which prevents the movement of ions across a membrane
Which statement best describes what the Summary of Product Characteristics advises about the dosing of Ramipril in older adults?
The initial dosing should be lower, and subsequent dose titration should be more gradual
Which is most likely to occur with advanced age?
Increased half-life of renally excreted drugs
According to the BNFC, what would be an appropriate dose of oral Levetiracetam for a 17 year old boy who weighs more than 50kg, for adjunctive therapy of focal seizures?
250mg twice daily, then increased every 2-4 weeks up to maxiumum of 1.5g twice daily
Which statement best describes the development of kidney function in children?
Renal function is low in neonates but reaches full maturity after 6-12 months
Which route of administration might lead to reduced absorption in a vomiting child?
Absorption
According to the BNF, what are the recommendations regarding prescribing Ramipril during breastfeeding?
It is not recommended as alternative treatment options with better safety information are available
Which aspect of pharmacokinetics is most likely to be affected by the increase in renal blood flow during pregnancy?
Excretion
What reason is specified in the BNF for giving Doxycycline 2 to 3 hours after iron?
Oral iron decreases the absorption of oral doxycycline
Which statement best describes the term enzyme induction?
The process by which a drug which increases the production of liver enzymes that metabolise other drugs
Which statement best describes the term enzyme induction?
The process by which a drug which increases the production of liver enzymes that metabolise other drugs
Which aspect of pharmacokinetics is MOST likely to be affected by changes in liver function?
Metabolism
According to the Summary of Product Characteristics, describe the pharmacodynamics of oral Mefenamic Acid?
Enzyme inhibitor
According to the BNF, what is the mechanism of action of Canagliflozin?
It inhibits sodium-glucose co-transporter 2
Describe the term selectivity?
The preference of a ligand for one receptor over another
What does the Summary of Product Characteristics advise about the dosing of Gabapentin in older adults?
Dose adjustment may be required depending on renal function
Which is most likely to decrease the volume of distribution of a hydrophilic drug in older adults?
Decreased proportion of body water
According to the Summary of Product Characteristics for Midazolam for injection, what best describes the half-life of the drug in children aged 3-10 years?
The half-life is shorter than in adults, this is most likely due to the increased metabolism rates in children of this age
According to the Summary of Product Characteristics, what are the recommendations regarding prescribing Aspirin during pregnancy?
It can be used at low doses if required for obstetric indications
According to the BNF, what are the recommendations regarding prescribing Clozapine during pregnancy?
If required, use with caution. Neonate should be monitored after birth if used during the third trimester
Describe the relationship between the degree of plasma protein binding and whether the drug passes into breastmilk?
Only free drug can enter breast milk, so drugs which are highly plasma protein bound are less likely to transfer into the breast milk
According to the Summary of Product Characteristics, what relates to the absorption of oral Amitriptyline?
Oral bioavailability is 53%
According to the BNF, what happens to the clearance of Mirtazapine if creatinine clearance is less than 40 mL/minute?
Mirtazapine clearance is reduced by 30%
Describes the term phase 1 reaction?
The metabolism of drugs by cytochrome P450 enzymes
According to the Summary of Product Characteristics, describe the pharmacodynamics of oral Mefenamic Acid?
It is an enzyme inhibitor
According to the BNF, what is the mechanism of action of Sertraline?
It is a serotonin re-uptake inhibitor
What is a kinase linked receptor?
A slow acting cell surface receptor which activates intracellular enzymes
What is an enzyme inhibitor?
A drug which binds to and reduces the effects of an enzyme
Describe what the Summary of Product Characteristics advises about the dosing of Ramipril in older adults?
The initial dosing should be lower, and subsequent dose titration should be more gradual
What is MOST likely to be a concern when prescribing new medications for an older adult?
Reduced renal function
According to the BNFC, what would be an appropriate dose of oral Paracetamol for a 1 month old with post-operative pain?
20-30mg/kg for 1 dose then 15-20mg/kg every 4-6 hours
What best describes the development of drug metabolism in children?
Drug metabolism is low in neonates, increases up to the age of 10-12, then decreases to adult levels
What is most likely to reduce the oral bioavailability of drugs in children?
Diarrhoea
What does Lipophilic mean?
Tending to combine with or dissolve in lipids or fats.
According to the Summary of Product Characteristics, what are the recommendations regarding prescribing Ondansetron during pregnancy?
It should not be used in the first trimester as studies have shown an increased risk of oral clefts
Which type of adverse drug reaction when a drug taken in pregnancy has adverse effects in the child many years later?
Type D
Describe the relationship between degree of plasma protein binding and whether the drug passes into breastmilk?
Only free drug can enter breast milk, so drugs which are highly plasma protein bound are less likely to transfer into the breast milk
What does the BNF advise regarding the dose of Trimethoprim in an adult with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 25 mL/minute/1.73m2?
Reduce to half normal dose after 3 days
Describe the term volume of distribution?
The volume into which a drug appears to be distributed with a concentration equal to that of plasma
Which aspect of pharmacokinetics is MOST likely to be affected by changes in renal function?
Excretion
According to the Summary of Product Characteristics, which ONE of the following statements best describes the pharmacodynamics of oral Mefenamic Acid?
It is an enzyme inhibitor
According to the BNF, what is the mechanism of action of Sertraline?
It is a serotonin re-uptake inhibitor
What is most likely to increase the volume of distribution of a lipophilic drug in older adults?
Increased proportion of body fat
What is MOST likely to reduce the absorption of a drug from the gastrointestinal tract?
Diarrhoea
According to the BNFC, what would be an appropriate dose of Beclometasone Dipropionate (Clenil Modulite brand) inhaler for prophylaxis of asthma for a 5 year old child?
100-200 micrograms twice daily
What best describes the volume of distribution of hydrophilic drugs in children?
Volume of distribution is high in neonates and reduces with age
What is most likely to affect the bioavailability of intramuscular drugs in children?
Low muscle mass
