AGD Dental Pharmacology 3

Question 1

Why is ibuprofen generally preferred over acetaminophen as a first-line analgesic for acute dental pain?

Accepted Answer

It provides both analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects at therapeutic doses

Answer

It has no risk of gastrointestinal side effects

Answer

It is safe for patients taking anticoagulants

Answer

It can be taken indefinitely without dose limits

Question 2

Acetaminophen's analgesic mechanism differs from NSAIDs primarily because it:

Accepted Answer

Acts centrally and does not significantly inhibit peripheral cyclooxygenase enzymes

Answer

Blocks both COX-1 and COX-2 peripherally with equal potency

Answer

Has stronger anti-inflammatory activity than ibuprofen

Answer

Irreversibly inhibits platelet thromboxane synthesis

Question 3

For a patient taking warfarin who needs post-operative pain management after a dental extraction, the most appropriate analgesic is:

Accepted Answer

Acetaminophen 500–1000 mg

Answer

Ibuprofen 400 mg

Answer

Aspirin 325 mg

Answer

Naproxen 500 mg

Question 4

The combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen is considered optimal for moderate dental pain because:

Accepted Answer

They target different pain pathways, providing additive analgesia without opioids

Answer

Together they exceed the maximum safe analgesic dose

Answer

They share the same mechanism of action, amplifying the effect

Answer

The combination prevents gastric ulcers caused by NSAIDs

Question 5

Nitrous oxide produces its analgesic and anxiolytic effects in dentistry primarily through:

Accepted Answer

Releasing endogenous opioids and antagonizing NMDA receptors

Answer

Binding to GABA-A receptors, mimicking benzodiazepines

Answer

Blocking voltage-gated sodium channels in peripheral nerves

Answer

Inhibiting serotonin reuptake in the central nervous system

Question 6

Which drug is used to reverse benzodiazepine-induced oversedation in the dental office?

Accepted Answer

Flumazenil

Answer

Naloxone

Answer

Physostigmine

Answer

Atropine

Question 7

A patient taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) presents for dental treatment. The dentist should be most concerned about administering:

Accepted Answer

Meperidine, due to risk of potentially fatal serotonin syndrome

Answer

Ibuprofen, due to increased GI bleeding risk

Answer

Nitrous oxide, due to enhanced CNS depression

Answer

Lidocaine, due to reduced hepatic metabolism