Therapeutics Flashcards
7 cards from real Pharmacy practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Therapeutics flashcards as text
A patient with gout has a serum uric acid of 9.2 mg/dL and frequent flares. What is the target serum uric acid level with urate-lowering therapy?
Answer: <6 mg/dL
The ACR recommends a serum uric acid target of <6 mg/dL to prevent urate crystal deposition and reduce gout flare frequency.
Which antifungal agent works by inhibiting ergosterol synthesis through binding to lanosterol 14α-demethylase?
Answer: Fluconazole
Azoles like fluconazole inhibit fungal CYP51 (lanosterol 14α-demethylase), blocking ergosterol synthesis and disrupting the fungal cell membrane.
A patient receiving vancomycin develops flushing, erythema, and pruritis over the neck and upper torso during infusion. What is this reaction called and how is it managed?
Answer: Red man syndrome — slow the infusion rate
Red man syndrome is a rate-dependent infusion reaction caused by histamine release; slowing the infusion rate and premedication with antihistamines prevent recurrence.
Which inhaler technique error is most common with dry powder inhalers (DPIs) compared to metered-dose inhalers (MDIs)?
Answer: Inhaling too slowly
DPIs require a fast, forceful inhalation to disaggregate and deliver the powder, so inhaling too slowly results in inadequate drug deposition in the lungs.
A patient on methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for a UTI. What is the primary concern?
Answer: Additive myelosuppression and folate depletion
Both methotrexate and TMP-SMX inhibit dihydrofolate reductase and folate utilization, leading to additive myelosuppression and risk of severe bone marrow toxicity.
Which drug used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) works by blocking 5-alpha reductase and reducing prostate volume over months?
Answer: Finasteride
Finasteride inhibits 5-alpha reductase, reducing conversion of testosterone to DHT, which causes prostate shrinkage over 3–6 months.
Which medication used for smoking cessation carries an FDA black box warning for serious neuropsychiatric adverse effects?
Answer: Varenicline
Varenicline (Chantix) previously carried a black box warning for serious neuropsychiatric adverse effects including depression, hostility, and suicidal ideation, though the warning was later revised based on updated evidence.