Tick the drug belonging to lincozamides:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Lincomycin. Lincomycin belongs to the lincosamides class of antibiotics, which also includes clindamycin. Lincomycin works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. Erythromycin (A) is a macrolide antibiotic, not a lincosamide. Azithromycin (C) is another macrolide antibiotic. Aztreonam (D) is a monobactam antibiotic, not a lincosamide. Therefore, the correct answer is B because it is the only drug belonging to the lincosamides class.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Praziquantel. Praziquantel is the drug of choice for treating neurocysticercosis as it is effective against the tapeworm causing this condition. It works by affecting the tapeworm's cell membrane, leading to paralysis and death of the parasite. Pyrantel is used for treating intestinal parasites, not neurocysticercosis. Piperazine is used for treating roundworm infections. Bithionol is used for treating certain types of flukes. Therefore, the most appropriate choice for neurocysticercosis treatment is praziquantel due to its effectiveness against the tapeworm causing the condition.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Anastrozole. Aromatase inhibitors block the enzyme aromatase, which converts androgens into estrogens. Anastrozole specifically inhibits aromatase, reducing estrogen levels. Octreotide (A) is a somatostatin analogue, Flutamide (C) is an androgen receptor antagonist, and Tamoxifen (D) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), not an aromatase inhibitor. Thus, the only drug among the choices that directly targets aromatase is Anastrozole.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Lovastatin. Lovastatin is a statin drug that inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, a key enzyme in cholesterol synthesis. It is effective in reducing LDL cholesterol levels and decreasing the risk of cardiovascular events. Niacin (choice A) is also used for hyperlipidemia but has more side effects. Cholestyramine (choice B) is a bile acid sequestrant used for high cholesterol but is less effective than statins. Nicotinamide (choice D) is a form of vitamin B3 and is not indicated for hyperlipidemia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding the factors that predispose a patient to drug toxicity is crucial for safe medication administration. In the case of digitalis (digoxin) toxicity, hypercalcemia is a situation that can increase the risk. **Rationale for Option A (Hypercalcemia):** Hypercalcemia can potentiate the toxic effects of digitalis by increasing the sensitivity of the myocardium to the drug, leading to an increased risk of arrhythmias and other cardiac complications. Therefore, it is the correct answer in this scenario. **Rationale for Options B, C, D (Hyperkalemia, Hypermagnesemia, None provided):** - **Option B (Hyperkalemia):** Hyperkalemia is actually a condition that can mitigate the toxic effects of digitalis by counteracting its action on cardiac myocytes. - **Option C (Hypermagnesemia):** Hypermagnesemia does not predispose a digitalis-treated patient to toxicity; in fact, magnesium deficiency can potentiate digitalis toxicity. - **Option D (None provided):** This option is not applicable for analysis. **Educational Context:** Understanding the interactions and predisposing factors for digitalis toxicity is essential for healthcare professionals, especially in the context of managing cardiovascular conditions. By grasping these principles, clinicians can make informed decisions about medication dosages, monitoring parameters, and potential risks associated with digitalis therapy. In conclusion, hypercalcemia is a significant factor that can predispose a digitalis-treated patient to toxicity, making it crucial for healthcare providers to be vigilant and monitor for this potential risk factor during treatment.