Pharmacology Flashcards

A patient reports an allergy to penicillin. Which antibiotic is typically prescribed as an alternative for dental infections?

Answer: Clindamycin

Clindamycin is a common alternative for patients allergic to penicillin when treating or preventing dental infections.

Which term describes an unexpected, severe drug reaction that is not dose-dependent and is often immune-mediated?

Answer: Idiosyncratic reaction

An idiosyncratic reaction is an unusual, unpredictable drug response that is not related to the dose and often has an immunological or genetic basis.

Which drug interaction occurs when two drugs combined produce an effect greater than the sum of their individual effects?

Answer: Synergism (potentiation)

Synergism or potentiation occurs when combining two drugs produces an effect greater than expected by simply adding their individual effects together.

What is the route of administration when a drug is placed under the tongue to allow rapid absorption?

Answer: Sublingual

Sublingual administration involves placing the drug under the tongue where it is rapidly absorbed through the mucous membranes into the bloodstream.

Metronidazole (Flagyl) used in periodontal therapy is effective against which type of microorganisms?

Answer: Anaerobic bacteria

Metronidazole is particularly effective against anaerobic bacteria and is commonly used in treating periodontal infections.

Which of the following is a potential drug interaction between NSAIDs and antihypertensive medications?

Answer: NSAIDs may reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensives

NSAIDs can cause sodium and water retention and interfere with prostaglandin-mediated vasodilation, reducing the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs.

Benzodiazepines used for dental anxiety management work by enhancing the effect of which neurotransmitter?

Answer: GABA

Benzodiazepines enhance the inhibitory effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), producing sedation and anxiolysis.