MFDS Pharmacology 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Articaine differs from other amide local anaesthetics in that it contains:
- A benzene ring
- A thiophene ring (Correct answer)
- A piperidine ring
- An ester linkage
Correct answer: A thiophene ring
Articaine uniquely contains a thiophene ring instead of a benzene ring, which increases its lipid solubility and ability to diffuse through bone.
Question 2: The maximum recommended dose of lidocaine with adrenaline for a healthy adult is approximately:
- 3 mg/kg (max 200 mg)
- 7 mg/kg (max 500 mg) (Correct answer)
- 10 mg/kg (max 700 mg)
- 2 mg/kg (max 100 mg)
Correct answer: 7 mg/kg (max 500 mg)
Lidocaine with adrenaline (epinephrine) has a maximum recommended dose of 7 mg/kg up to 500 mg in healthy adults, higher than plain lidocaine due to vasoconstriction.
Question 3: Which antibiotic is first-line for odontogenic infections in penicillin-allergic patients?
- Metronidazole
- Clindamycin (Correct answer)
- Erythromycin
- Ciprofloxacin
Correct answer: Clindamycin
Clindamycin is an appropriate first-line alternative for odontogenic infections in penicillin-allergic patients due to its excellent activity against streptococci and anaerobes.
Question 4: NSAIDs exert their analgesic effect primarily by inhibiting which enzyme?
- Lipoxygenase
- Cyclooxygenase (COX) (Correct answer)
- Phospholipase A2
- Thromboxane synthase
Correct answer: Cyclooxygenase (COX)
NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, thereby blocking prostaglandin synthesis and reducing pain, inflammation and fever.
Question 5: Fluconazole is the drug of choice for treating which oral fungal infection?
- Aspergillosis
- Cryptococcosis
- Oropharyngeal candidiasis (Correct answer)
- Mucormycosis
Correct answer: Oropharyngeal candidiasis
Fluconazole, a triazole antifungal, is highly effective and well tolerated for oropharyngeal and oesophageal candidiasis, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
Question 6: Bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption primarily by targeting:
- Osteoblasts
- Osteoclasts (Correct answer)
- Osteocytes
- Fibroblasts
Correct answer: Osteoclasts
Bisphosphonates bind to hydroxyapatite and are taken up by osteoclasts, inhibiting the mevalonate pathway and inducing osteoclast apoptosis.
MFDS Pharmacology 1
Articaine differs from other amide local anaesthetics in that it contains: