50 Must-Know Pharmacology Questions: Test Your Knowledge and Elevate Your Expertise

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Calcitonin works by increasing calcium deposition in bone through direct stimulation of osteoblast activity and inhibition of osteoclast activity, as well as by increasing calcium excretion in the kidneys, leading to a reduction in serum calcium levels in patients with hypercalcemia.

Leuprolide (Lupron) is a GnRH agonist that initially stimulates the release of gonadotropins (FSH and LH) but with continuous use leads to downregulation of GnRH receptors and suppression of gonadotropin release, resulting in a hypogonadal state and reduction in estrogen levels, which can alleviate the symptoms of endometriosis.

Myelosuppression, which can manifest as leukopenia, anemia, or thrombocytopenia, is a common side effect of certain DMARDs, such as methotrexate and leflunomide, due to their inhibition of folate metabolism or pyrimidine synthesis, respectively.

Bisphosphonates, such as zoledronic acid (Reclast), work by decreasing bone resorption through the inhibition of osteoclast activity, leading to normalization of bone turnover and reduction in bone pain and deformities in patients with Paget’s disease of bone.

Ritonavir (Norvir) is a protease inhibitor that blocks the activity of the HIV protease enzyme, which is essential for the production of mature, infectious viral particles, thereby reducing viral replication and slowing the progression of HIV infection.

Hypokalemia (low blood potassium levels) is a potential side effect of beta-2 agonists, particularly when used in high doses or in combination with other medications that can lower potassium, such as corticosteroids or diuretics.

5-alpha reductase inhibitors, such as finasteride (Propecia), work by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is the primary androgen responsible for miniaturization of hair follicles in androgenetic alopecia.

Conivaptan (Vaprisol) is a vasopressin receptor antagonist that blocks the action of vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) on V1a and V2 receptors, leading to increased water excretion and correction of hyponatremia (low blood sodium levels).

Extrapyramidal symptoms, such as dystonia, akathisia, and tardive dyskinesia, are common side effects of antipsychotic medications, particularly first-generation antipsychotics, due to their blockade of dopamine receptors in the basal ganglia.

Cholinesterase inhibitors, such as donepezil, work by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down acetylcholine, thereby increasing the levels of this neurotransmitter in the brain and improving cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Memantine (Namenda) is an NMDA receptor antagonist that blocks the excitotoxic effects of excessive glutamate signaling, potentially slowing cognitive decline in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease.

Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a common side effect of tricyclic antidepressants, as these drugs have anticholinergic properties that can reduce saliva production.

Prokinetic agents, such as metoclopramide, work by stimulating 5-HT4 receptors and blocking dopamine receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to increased motility and improved gastric emptying in patients with gastroparesis.

Raloxifene (Evista) is a SERM that acts as an estrogen agonist in bone, increasing bone mineral density and reducing the risk of vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

Weight gain is a potential side effect of oral contraceptives, particularly those containing higher doses of estrogen, as estrogen can cause fluid retention and increase fat deposition.

Anticholinergic drugs, such as oxybutynin, work by blocking muscarinic receptors in the bladder, leading to decreased detrusor muscle contractility and increased bladder capacity, improving symptoms of overactive bladder.

Montelukast (Singulair) is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that blocks the action of leukotrienes, which are inflammatory mediators that cause bronchoconstriction and increased mucus production in asthma.

Oral thrush (candidiasis) is a common side effect of inhaled corticosteroids, as these drugs can suppress local immune function in the mouth and throat, allowing for the overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans.

Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonists, such as doxazosin, work by blocking alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, leading to relaxation of smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck, improving urinary flow in men with BPH.

Finasteride (Proscar) is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that reduces the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), thereby decreasing prostate size and improving urinary symptoms in men with BPH.

Diarrhea is a common side effect of metformin, particularly during the initiation of therapy, as the drug can cause changes in the gut microbiome and increase intestinal motility.

Sulfonylureas, such as glimepiride, work by stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells, making them useful in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Cyclosporine is a calcineurin inhibitor that suppresses T-cell activation by inhibiting the production of interleukin-2 (IL-2), making it useful in preventing organ rejection after transplantation.

Hypokalemia (low blood potassium levels) is a common side effect of loop diuretics, as these drugs can increase potassium excretion in the urine.

Bisphosphonates, such as alendronate, work by decreasing bone resorption through the inhibition of osteoclast activity, leading to increased bone mineral density and reduced fracture risk.

Apixaban (Eliquis) is a direct oral anticoagulant that inhibits factor Xa, thereby preventing the formation of thrombin and blood clots.

Hyponatremia (low blood sodium levels) is a potential side effect of thiazide diuretics, as these drugs can increase sodium excretion in the urine.

ACE inhibitors, such as lisinopril, work by inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, leading to decreased vasoconstriction and reduced blood pressure.

Empagliflozin (Jardiance) is an SGLT2 inhibitor that reduces blood glucose levels by increasing urinary glucose excretion, as it inhibits glucose reabsorption in the kidneys.

Hypomagnesemia (low blood magnesium levels) is a potential side effect of long-term PPI use, as these drugs can interfere with magnesium absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.

Thiazide diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide, work by inhibiting the sodium-chloride cotransporter in the distal convoluted tubule, leading to increased urinary excretion of water and electrolytes.

Sitagliptin (Januvia) is a DPP-4 inhibitor that enhances insulin secretion and suppresses glucagon secretion by increasing the levels of active incretin hormones, such as GLP-1 and GIP.

Sexual dysfunction, including decreased libido and difficulty achieving orgasm, is a common side effect of SSRIs due to their impact on serotonin levels.

Loop diuretics, such as furosemide, work by inhibiting the sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, leading to increased urinary excretion of water and electrolytes.

Liraglutide (Victoza) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that enhances insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon secretion, and slows gastric emptying, making it useful in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Hyperkalemia (elevated blood potassium levels) is a potential side effect of ARBs, as these drugs can decrease aldosterone secretion, which regulates potassium excretion in the kidneys.

Calcium channel blockers work by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions through voltage-gated calcium channels, leading to vasodilation and reduced cardiac contractility.

Ranitidine (Zantac) is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist that reduces gastric acid secretion by blocking the action of histamine on parietal cells in the stomach.

Constipation is a common side effect of opioid analgesics, as these drugs can slow down gastrointestinal motility by activating opioid receptors in the gut.

Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione that improves insulin sensitivity by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), making it useful in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, leading to sedative, anxiolytic, and muscle relaxant effects.

Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-2 agonist that provides prolonged bronchodilation, making it useful for the maintenance treatment of asthma.

NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal bleeding by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which protect the stomach lining from the acidic environment.

Beta-blockers work by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, thereby reducing the effects of sympathetic nervous system activation on the heart and blood vessels.

Fluoxetine (Prozac) is a well-known example of an SSRI, which selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, leading to increased serotonin levels and antidepressant effects.

Muscle pain (myalgia) is a common side effect of statins, which are used to lower cholesterol levels. In rare cases, statins can cause rhabdomyolysis, a severe form of muscle damage.

PPIs work by irreversibly blocking the hydrogen/potassium adenosine triphosphatase enzyme system (proton pump) of the gastric parietal cell, thereby inhibiting gastric acid secretion.

Dry cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors, as these drugs can increase levels of bradykinin, which can irritate the airways.

Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic that is particularly effective against gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic, is considered a first-line treatment for hypertension due to its efficacy and safety profile.