Clinical Pharmacology

Question 1

To which class of drugs does mirtazapine belong?

Answer 1

SNRI

Question 2

To which class of drugs does pamidronate belong?

Answer 2

Bisphosphonate

Question 3

What is the mechanism of thiazide diuretics?

Answer 3

Inhibit the sodium-chloride transporter in the distal tubule

Question 4

How is diuretic-induced hyponatremia managed?

Answer 4

Cease diuretic

If mild: isotonic saline

If severe or symptomatic: hypertonic saline

Question 5

Is aspirin a reversible or irreversible inhibitor of COX?

Answer 5

Irreversible

All other agents are reversible

Question 6

What is the mechanism of infliximab?

Answer 6

TNF-a inhibitor

An inflammatory cytokine

Question 7

List 3 TNF-a inhibitors

Answer 7

1. Adalimumab
2. Entanercept
3. Infliximab
4. Certolizumab
5. Golimumab

Question 8

What is the function of angiotensin II?

Answer 8

Increased aldosterone secretion → increased sodium reabsorption

Vasoconstriction

Increased NHE3 transporters in the PCT → increased sodium reabsorption

Question 9

What is the mechanism of benztropine?

Answer 9

Anticholinergic

Question 10

What role do anticholinergics have in the management of Parkinson’s disease?

Answer 10

Reducing tremor

For patients < 65 with no significant bradykinesia, gait disturbance or congitive impairment

Question 11

Which drugs are dopa decarboxylase inhibitors and what do they do?

Answer 11

Carbidopa, benserazide

Reduce peripheral dopamine production

Given with L-dopa

Question 12

What is clopidogrel’s MoA?

Answer 12

P2Y12 inhibtor (inhibits platelet activation)

Question 13

What is the mechanism of antihistamines?

Answer 13

Antagonise the H₁ receptor

H₂ receptor is in the stomach