Compared with epinephrine, ephedrine produces all of the following features EXCEPT:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Identify the key difference between epinephrine and ephedrine - epinephrine is a direct-acting sympathomimetic. Step 2: Ephedrine is a mixed-acting sympathomimetic, acting indirectly by releasing norepinephrine from nerve terminals. Step 3: Therefore, the correct answer is A because ephedrine is not a direct-acting sympathomimetic like epinephrine. Summary: B is incorrect because ephedrine does have oral activity, C is incorrect as ephedrine is not resistant to MAO and has a shorter duration of action, and D is incorrect as ephedrine is less potent than epinephrine.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Step 1: Zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic medication used for treating insomnia by enhancing the effects of GABA in the brain. Step 2: Zolpidem causes significant effects on sleep patterns, not minor ones, making option A incorrect. Step 3: Zolpidem has a lower risk of tolerance and dependence compared to benzodiazepines, making option B correct. Step 4: Zolpidem primarily acts as a sedative and does not have significant muscle relaxing or anticonvulsant effects, making option C incorrect. Step 5: Combining the above points, option D is correct as it encompasses the accurate statements about zolpidem.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Valproate. Valproate is contraindicated in patients with hepatic disease because it can cause severe liver damage. Patients with a history of hepatic dysfunction are at higher risk of developing hepatotoxicity with valproate use. A: Lamotrigine is generally safe in patients with hepatic disease and does not have a significant impact on liver function. C: Carbamazepine can also be used cautiously in patients with hepatic disease, although dose adjustments may be necessary. D: Phenytoin is metabolized in the liver, but it is not as strongly associated with liver toxicity as valproate. Therefore, valproate is the correct answer due to its potential for severe hepatotoxicity in patients with hepatic disease or dysfunction.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Morphine. Morphine is a natural opioid analgesic that acts as an agonist at the mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system, producing pain relief and sedation. It is derived from the opium poppy plant, making it a natural agonist. Meperidine (A) and Fentanyl (B) are synthetic opioids, while Naloxone (D) is an opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid overdose by blocking the effects of opioids. Therefore, the natural agonist among the options is Morphine.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: All of the above. Non-narcotic analgesics, such as NSAIDs and acetaminophen, have multiple effects including anti-inflammatory (A), analgesic (B), and antipyretic (C) effects. Anti-inflammatory effect helps reduce inflammation, analgesic effect helps relieve pain, and antipyretic effect helps reduce fever. Therefore, the correct answer is D as non-narcotic analgesics exhibit all these effects. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because non-narcotic analgesics do not have just one of these effects but rather a combination of all three.