A drug whose toxic dose results in prolonged sleep reversed by flumazenil

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Triazolam. Triazolam is a benzodiazepine used for its sedative and hypnotic properties. In high doses, it can lead to prolonged sleep, which is a sign of toxicity. Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist that can reverse the sedative effects of benzodiazepines like Triazolam. Option B) Buspirone is an anxiolytic medication that works through a different mechanism than benzodiazepines, so it would not cause prolonged sleep reversed by flumazenil. Option C) Pentobarbital and Option D) Phenobarbital are barbiturates, not benzodiazepines like Triazolam. Barbiturates can also cause prolonged sedation, but they are not reversed by flumazenil. In an educational context, understanding the pharmacological properties of different drug classes is crucial for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions regarding drug therapy. This question reinforces the importance of recognizing the toxic effects of medications and understanding how specific antidotes or reversal agents work to manage drug toxicity. It also highlights the significance of differentiating between drug classes to provide appropriate treatment interventions.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is D) Moclobemide/ selective monoamine oxidase - B inhibitor. Moclobemide is a reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase type A (MAO-A), not type B. MAO-A is responsible for the breakdown of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. By inhibiting MAO-A, moclobemide increases the levels of these neurotransmitters, leading to its antidepressant effects. A) Fluoxetine is correctly matched as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by specifically inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, increasing its levels in the synaptic cleft. B) Mirtazapine is correctly matched as a presynaptic α2 receptor blocker. By blocking these receptors, mirtazapine enhances the release of both norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. C) Venlafaxine is correctly matched as a norepinephrine serotonin reuptake inhibitor (NSRI). It inhibits the reuptake of both norepinephrine and serotonin, leading to increased levels of both neurotransmitters in the brain. Educationally, understanding the mechanisms of action of different antidepressants is crucial for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions when prescribing these medications. Knowing how each drug affects neurotransmitter levels helps in selecting the most appropriate treatment for patients based on their symptoms and individual needs.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Hypersensitivity reactions may occur. Aspirin and other NSAIDs share the potential for causing hypersensitivity reactions due to their mechanism of action as non-selective COX inhibitors. This can lead to adverse effects such as skin rashes, asthma exacerbation, and even anaphylaxis in susceptible individuals. It is crucial for healthcare providers to be aware of this common side effect to prevent serious complications in patients taking these medications. Option A) Reversibly inhibit COX enzyme is incorrect because while both aspirin and NSAIDs inhibit COX enzymes, aspirin irreversibly acetylates COX-1 leading to its antiplatelet effect, while NSAIDs reversibly inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2. Option B) Prolonged antiplatelet effect is specific to aspirin due to its irreversible inhibition of COX-1, which leads to decreased platelet aggregation and prolonged antiplatelet effects compared to other NSAIDs. Option C) Prophylaxis against myocardial infarction is a unique benefit of aspirin due to its antiplatelet effects, which reduce the risk of clot formation and subsequent myocardial infarction. Other NSAIDs do not have this specific cardioprotective effect. Understanding the commonalities and differences between aspirin and other NSAIDs is essential in clinical practice to ensure safe and effective pharmacological management of patients. Healthcare professionals must be knowledgeable about the side effects and benefits of these medications to make informed decisions regarding their use in various clinical scenarios.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this question about paracetamol, the correct statement is B) The maximum recommended daily dose in adults is 4 gm. This is because exceeding this dose can lead to liver damage due to the metabolite produced when the liver processes paracetamol. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to understand the correct dosing guidelines to prevent adverse effects in patients. Option A is incorrect because paracetamol is primarily metabolized by the liver and only a small percentage is excreted unchanged by the kidney. Option C is incorrect as paracetamol is not a strong anti-inflammatory agent; it is mainly used for its analgesic (pain-relieving) and antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties. Option D is incorrect as paracetamol is a suitable alternative for patients allergic to aspirin, making it a valuable option in managing pain and fever in such individuals. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding pharmacological principles, such as dosing, metabolism, and contraindications, when prescribing or recommending medications to patients. It emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to be knowledgeable about common drugs like paracetamol to ensure safe and effective patient care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is B) Ibuprofen because it reversibly inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by blocking the enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, which are involved in the production of prostaglandins that cause inflammation, pain, and fever. Option A) Aspirin irreversibly inhibits COX-1 enzyme, leading to its antiplatelet effects. However, aspirin does not significantly inhibit COX-2. Option C) Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor used to treat gout by decreasing uric acid production. It does not inhibit COX-1 or COX-2 enzymes. Option D) Celecoxib is a selective COX-2 inhibitor, meaning it specifically targets the COX-2 enzyme while sparing COX-1. However, in this question, we are looking for a drug that inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2. Understanding the mechanisms of action of different pharmacological agents is crucial in the field of medicine to make informed decisions about drug selection based on the desired effects and potential side effects. By knowing which drugs target specific enzymes, healthcare professionals can tailor treatment plans to individual patient needs, maximizing therapeutic benefits while minimizing adverse reactions.