After a few weeks on a drug, a patient reports profound thirst and the production of copious volumes of clear (diluted) urine each day. Which of the following drugs is most likely responsible for the signs and symptoms?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Acarbose (choice B) inhibits α-glucosidase, an enzyme in the small intestine that breaks down complex carbohydrates into glucose, delaying absorption and reducing postprandial glucose spikes in type 2 diabetes. Phosphodiesterase (choice A) is targeted by drugs like sildenafil, unrelated to glucose metabolism. Cyclo-oxygenase (choice C), inhibited by NSAIDs, affects prostaglandin synthesis, not carbohydrates. Cholinesterase (choice D), blocked by anticholinesterases, impacts acetylcholine, not glucose. α-glucosidase inhibition is Acarbose's specific action, making it effective for glycemic control without systemic insulin effects. This mechanism highlights its role in dietary glucose management, distinguishing it from other antidiabetic drugs and aiding in patient education about its GI side effects like flatulence.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Prednisone (choice C) is a prodrug converted to prednisolone, its active form, by liver 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, enhancing anti-inflammatory action. Cortisone (choice A) and Hydrocortisone (choice B) are distinct, Methylprednisolone (choice D) isn't a metabolite. This clarifies corticosteroid metabolism.