Pharmacology Quiz: Drug Mechanisms and Effects

A monoclonal antibody that binds to TNF-alpha, reducing inflammation.

Serious infections (like sepsis), active TB, malignancy, or injection site reactions.

A retinoid derivative used to treat acne.

A topical antibiotic used to prevent infections.

A topical treatment for acne vulgaris.

Alpha 1 agonists like phenylephrine constrict blood vessels in the eyes and nose, reducing redness and congestion.

Nicotine polacrilex (Nicorette) is a smoking cessation aid that provides nicotine without the harmful effects of cigarettes.

H1 antagonists block the histamine receptors, reducing allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose.

Prednisolone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation by stopping white blood cells from causing damage and sealing leaky blood vessels.

Salicylic acid is a keratolytic agent that peels away the top layer of skin, treating acne and other skin conditions.

Terbinafine blocks the production of ergosterol, a vital component of fungal cell membranes, killing the fungi.

Timolol, a beta-blocker, lowers eye pressure by decreasing fluid production or increasing fluid drainage.

Tolnaftate disrupts the growth of fungal cells by deforming their structure.

Triamcinolone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in various parts of the body, depending on its form.

Chlorpheniramine, an H1 antagonist, blocks histamine receptors, relieving allergy symptoms in various tissues.

Alteplase is a thrombolytic agent used to break down clots in conditions like acute ischemic stroke, acute myocardial infarction, and pulmonary embolism.

Amiodarone acts as an antiarrhythmic by affecting sodium, potassium, and calcium channels, prolonging the action potential in heart cells and reducing the heart's ability to beat abnormally.

Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, relaxes blood vessels by preventing calcium from entering smooth muscle cells, leading to vasodilation.

Apixaban, a DOAC, directly inhibits factor Xa, a key enzyme in the clotting cascade, preventing clot formation.

Argatroban is a direct thrombin inhibitor, meaning it directly binds to thrombin, preventing its action and clot formation.

Aspirin irreversibly inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, reducing prostaglandin formation and preventing platelet aggregation, thus preventing clot formation.

Atenolol is a beta-blocker that selectively blocks beta1-receptors, reducing the heart's response to stress hormones and slowing down the heartbeat.

Atorvastatin, a statin, inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, lowering cholesterol levels by increasing the liver's uptake of LDL cholesterol.

Atropine is an anticholinergic that blocks acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, leading to increased heart rate, decreased secretions, and relaxed muscles.

Benazepril is an ACE inhibitor that lowers blood pressure by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor.

Chlorthalidone is a thiazide diuretic. It blocks sodium and chloride reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney, leading to increased urine production and decreased blood pressure.

Clonidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. It stimulates alpha-2 receptors in the brainstem, decreasing sympathetic outflow from the CNS, resulting in reduced peripheral resistance, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Clopidogrel inhibits platelet aggregation. It becomes active by blocking the platelet surface's P2Y12 ADP receptors, preventing activation of the GPIIb/IIIa receptor complex, thereby reducing platelet clumping.

Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that increases heart contractility by inhibiting the sodium/potassium ATPase pump in myocardial cells, leading to increased calcium influx and stronger contractions.

Hypertensive medications can cause various effects, including reduced cardiac output, exercise-induced tachycardia, decreased reflex orthostatic tachycardia, vasodilation, decreased peripheral vascular resistance, decreased renal vascular resistance, reduced plasma renin activity, and increased levels of atrial natriuretic peptide.

Bimatoprost is an ophthalmic prostaglandin used to decrease intraocular pressure by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor. It is also used to promote eyelash growth.

Brimonidine tartrate is an alpha2 agonist that reduces intraocular pressure by decreasing aqueous humor formation and increasing uveoscleral outflow. It is also used to treat redness in the eye.

Carbamide peroxide is a cerumenolytic (earwax remover) otic agent. It releases hydrogen peroxide, which foams upon contact with catalase and helps loosen earwax.

Clobetasol propionate is a corticosteroid that possesses anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties.

Dorzolamide (a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor) reduces aqueous humor secretion by blocking bicarbonate formation, while Timolol (a beta-blocker) reduces aqueous humor production and may increase outflow.

Hydrocortisone topical is a corticosteroid that provides anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive effects.

Hydroxyzine hydrochloride is an H1 antagonist with skeletal muscle relaxing, bronchodilator, antihistamine, antiemetic, and analgesic properties.

Infliximab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to TNF-alpha, interfering with cytokine-driven inflammatory processes. Used for autoimmune disorders.

Ketoconazole is an imidazole derivative antifungal that disrupts fungal cell wall permeability and inhibits triglyceride and phospholipid biosynthesis.

Ketotifen Fumarate is an H1 antagonist and mast cell stabilizer that interferes with eosinophil migration into the inflamed conjunctiva.

Latanoprost is an ophthalmic prostaglandin analog that increases aqueous humor outflow, reducing intraocular pressure.

Lidocaine hydrochloride is a local anesthetic that blocks nerve impulses by decreasing sodium ion permeability in neuronal membranes.

Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid that suppresses inflammation by inhibiting leukocyte migration and reducing capillary permeability.

Miconazole nitrate is an imidazole antifungal that disrupts fungal cell wall integrity, leading to increased permeability and nutrient leakage.

Naphazoline hydrochloride is a sympathomimetic agent used to constrict blood vessels in the eye, reducing redness.

A type of diuretic that increases urine production by blocking sodium reabsorption in the kidney's distal tubules.

Medications that block the enzyme ACE, preventing the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which lowers blood pressure by reducing vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion.

Drugs that block the angiotensin II receptors, preventing angiotensin II from binding and causing vasoconstriction and aldosterone release.

Diuretics that increase urine output while minimizing potassium loss, unlike most other diuretics.

A medication that widens blood vessels, decreasing blood pressure and improving blood flow.

A drug that blocks beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart and blood vessels, reducing heart rate and blood pressure.

A drug that lowers cholesterol levels by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is involved in cholesterol synthesis.

A substance that replenishes essential minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium, which are important for various bodily functions.

Side effects of thiazide diuretics can include electrolyte abnormalities like low potassium, dizziness, and hypotension (low blood pressure).

ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, the potent vasoconstrictor and aldosterone stimulator. This reduction in angiotensin II leads to lowered blood pressure and reduced fluid retention.

ARBs (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers) block the receptors where angiotensin II binds, effectively preventing its vasoconstrictive and aldosterone-stimulating effects, lowering blood pressure.

Potassium-sparing diuretics block sodium reabsorption in the renal tubules, increasing urine output while minimizing potassium loss, unlike other diuretics.

Vasodilators widen blood vessels (vasodilation), reducing resistance to blood flow and decreasing blood pressure, improving oxygen supply to tissues.

Beta-blockers block beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart and blood vessels, reducing heart rate and blood pressure, improving blood pressure control.

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors block the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is essential for cholesterol synthesis, lowering cholesterol levels in the blood.

Electrolyte supplements replenish the levels of essential minerals (electrolytes) like sodium, potassium, and magnesium, which are critical for nerve function, muscle contraction, and other bodily processes.

Diltiazem, a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, inhibits calcium entry into vascular smooth muscle and myocardium, causing vasodilation, increased myocardial oxygen delivery, and a decrease in heart rate. It's used to treat hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias.

Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin that enhances antithrombin activity, preventing clot formation. It's used for acute coronary syndrome, deep vein thrombosis treatment and prevention.

Dopamine is an alpha-beta agonist. Lower doses act mainly on dopamine receptors, causing vasodilation and increased renal blood flow. Higher doses also stimulate beta1 receptors, increasing heart rate and contractility. It's used for hemodynamic support.

Evolocumab is a PCSK9 inhibitor that binds to PCSK9, preventing it from binding to LDL receptors and increasing the number of receptors available to clear LDL from the blood, lowering LDL-C levels.

Ezetimibe is a selective cholesterol absorption inhibitor that blocks the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine, reducing cholesterol delivery to the liver and lowering blood cholesterol levels.

Fenofibrate is a fibrate that activates PPAR-alpha, regulating lipid metabolism and decreasing triglyceride levels. It's used for hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia and hypertriglyceridemia.

Flecainide is a Class Ic antiarrhythmic that slows conduction in the heart by altering ion transport across cell membranes, prolonging refractory periods and decreasing the rate of rise of the action potential. It's used for atrial fibrillation/flutter and ventricular arrhythmias.

Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption in the kidneys, causing increased urine production and fluid loss. It's used for edema.

Gemfibrozil is a fibric acid derivative that reduces triglyceride levels by inhibiting their production and increasing their breakdown. It's used for hypertriglyceridemia.

Heparin sodium is an anticoagulant that potentiates antithrombin activity, inactivating thrombin and preventing clot formation. It's used for anticoagulation.

Hydralazine is a direct-acting vasodilator that relaxes arterioles, lowering blood pressure. It's used for hypertension.

Doxazosin, an alpha-1 blocker, competitively inhibits alpha-1 receptors in veins and arterioles, causing vasodilation and lowering blood pressure. It's also used for benign prostatic hyperplasia by relaxing muscles in the prostate and bladder neck.

Epinephrine is an alpha/beta agonist that stimulates various receptors, causing bronchodilation, cardiac stimulation, and vasodilation of skeletal muscle vessels. It's used for hypersensitivity reactions, hypotension/shock, and mydriasis (pupil dilation) during surgery.

Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that slows down the heart rate by interfering with the flow of calcium into the heart muscle cells. It's used for atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and rapid ventricular rates.

Evolocumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets PCSK9, a protein that regulates the number of LDL receptors. By blocking PCSK9, Evolocumab increases LDLRs, resulting in lower LDL cholesterol blood levels. It's used for familial hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, and prevention of cardiovascular events.