PTCB Drug Test #4 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which of these drugs contains the active components ethinyl estradriol and drospirenone?

Xanax
Yaz (Correct answer)
Qbrelis
Hytrin

Correct answer: Yaz

Yaz is a brand name for a combination oral contraceptive containing the active ingredients ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) and drospirenone (a progestin). This combination works by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and altering the uterine lining to prevent pregnancy. Drospirenone is unique among progestins for its anti-androgenic and anti-mineralocorticoid properties.

Question 2: What is the active ingredient in SandIMMUNE, Neoral, and Gengraf, for example?

Azathioprine
Trimethoprim
Cyclosporine (Correct answer)
Colchicine

Correct answer: Cyclosporine

SandIMMUNE, Neoral, and Gengraf are all brand names for cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant medication. Cyclosporine is primarily used to prevent organ rejection after transplantation and to treat certain autoimmune diseases. It works by inhibiting T-lymphocyte activation, thereby suppressing the immune system's response.

Question 3: Which of these is a calamine lotion active ingredient?

Benzoyl peroxide
Isopropyl alcohol
Zinc oxide (Correct answer)
Benzyl benzoate

Correct answer: Zinc oxide

Calamine lotion is a topical medication used to relieve itching and skin irritation from conditions like insect bites, poison ivy, or chickenpox. Its primary active ingredient is zinc oxide, which acts as a mild astringent and antiseptic. Zinc oxide helps to dry out weeping or oozing skin and provides a protective barrier, reducing irritation.

Question 4: What other active ingredient is found in the drug, Night Time, except acetaminophen?

Dextromethorphan
Pseudoephedrine
Codeine
Diphenhydramine (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Diphenhydramine

'Night Time' refers to various over-the-counter cold and flu medications formulated for nighttime use. Besides acetaminophen for pain and fever, these products commonly include diphenhydramine, an antihistamine with sedative properties. Diphenhydramine helps alleviate allergy symptoms like sneezing and runny nose, while also inducing drowsiness to aid sleep.

Question 5: Baycadron, what is the active ingredient in the medicine?

Phenoxymethylpenicillin
Dexamethasone (Correct answer)
Aspirin
Mefenamic acid

Correct answer: Dexamethasone

Baycadron is a brand name for dexamethasone, a potent corticosteroid medication. Dexamethasone is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including inflammatory and allergic disorders, autoimmune diseases, and certain cancers. It works by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation throughout the body.

Question 6: What is the medicine's active ingredient, Invokana?

Infliximab
Imipramine
Canagliflozin (Correct answer)
Sumatriptan

Correct answer: Canagliflozin

Invokana is a brand name for canagliflozin, an oral medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. Canagliflozin belongs to the class of SGLT2 inhibitors, which work by blocking the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys. This leads to increased glucose excretion in the urine, thereby lowering blood sugar levels.

Question 7: What is the active ingredient in the Lunesta medication?

Eszopiclone (Correct answer)
Diazepam
Memantine
Donepezil

Correct answer: Eszopiclone

Lunesta is a brand name for eszopiclone, a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic medication used to treat insomnia. Eszopiclone works by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep. It helps patients fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Question 8: Neurontin's active ingredient is

Metformin
Gabapentin (Correct answer)
Sertraline
Nifedipine

Correct answer: Gabapentin

Neurontin is a brand name for gabapentin, a medication primarily used to treat neuropathic pain and partial seizures. Gabapentin's exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, but it is thought to modulate neurotransmitter release and reduce neuronal excitability. It is also sometimes prescribed off-label for conditions like restless legs syndrome.

Question 9: What is the other active ingredient in Stalevo 50, besides levodopa and entacapone?

Teniposide
Carbidopa (Correct answer)
Tolcapone
Benserazide

Correct answer: Carbidopa

Stalevo 50 is a combination medication used to treat Parkinson's disease, specifically designed to reduce 'wearing-off' periods. It contains three active ingredients: levodopa, carbidopa, and entacapone. Carbidopa prevents the peripheral breakdown of levodopa, allowing more levodopa to reach the brain, while entacapone further extends levodopa's action by inhibiting its metabolism.

Question 10: Which of the following active compounds is not present in Fioricet?

Acetaminophen
Sulbactam (Correct answer)
Butalbital
Caffeine

Correct answer: Sulbactam

Fioricet is a combination medication commonly prescribed for tension headaches. Its active ingredients are acetaminophen (for pain relief), butalbital (a barbiturate for relaxation), and caffeine (to enhance pain relief and counteract sedation). Sulbactam, an antibiotic, is not an ingredient in Fioricet and is used to treat bacterial infections.

Question 11: Pamelor, what is the active ingredient in the medicine?

Amiodarone
Nortriptyline (Correct answer)
Diclofenac
Valproate sodium

Correct answer: Nortriptyline

Pamelor is a brand name for nortriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) used to treat depression. Nortriptyline works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine, in the brain. It is also sometimes prescribed for neuropathic pain and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Question 12: "Oral administration" is referred to by which of the following pharmacy terms?

po (Correct answer)
or
ou
ud

Correct answer: po

In pharmacy, 'po' is a common Latin abbreviation meaning 'per os,' which translates to 'by mouth' or 'orally.' This abbreviation is frequently used on prescriptions and medication orders to indicate that a drug should be administered by swallowing. It ensures clear communication regarding the route of administration.

Question 13: What does the abbreviation pc stand for in pharmacy?

With a full glass of water
With food
Before meals
After meals (Correct answer)

Correct answer: After meals

In pharmacy, 'pc' is a Latin abbreviation for 'post cibum,' meaning 'after meals.' This instruction is often included on prescription labels to advise patients to take their medication after eating. Taking certain medications after meals can help reduce gastrointestinal upset or improve drug absorption.

Question 14: How long is a prescription for a non-controlled substance drug valid from the date it was issued?

3-months
6-months
12-months (Correct answer)
1-month

Correct answer: 12-months

For non-controlled substances, a prescription is typically valid for one year (12 months) from the date it was written. This means that refills can be dispensed within this timeframe, provided the prescriber has authorized them. After 12 months, a new prescription is generally required from the prescriber to continue the medication.

Question 15: What does the abbreviation stat. in pharmacy mean?

Expired
Dispense
Immediately (Correct answer)
Store

Correct answer: Immediately

The abbreviation 'stat.' in pharmacy is derived from the Latin word 'statim,' meaning 'immediately' or 'at once.' When a medication order includes 'stat.,' it signifies an urgent need for the drug to be administered without delay. This is crucial in critical situations where prompt treatment is essential for patient safety and outcome.

Question 16: Which of these pharmacy abbreviations stands for "twice daily"?

qd
cib.
b.i.d. (Correct answer)
a.u.

Correct answer: b.i.d.

The abbreviation "b.i.d." stands for "bis in die" in Latin, which translates to "twice a day." This is a standard medical abbreviation used in prescriptions to indicate the frequency of medication administration. Pharmacy technicians must accurately interpret these abbreviations to ensure correct dosing and patient safety.

PTCB Drug Test #4

Which of these drugs contains the active components ethinyl estradriol and drospirenone?