12 USMLE Pharmacology Quick Review Questions with Answers (Set 22)

These 12 quick USMLE review questions test high-yield facts that show up again and again on the exam: mesna, ethosuximide, macrolides, infliximab, cocaine, levothyroxine, ciprofloxacin, BPH treatment, hydralazine, beta-blockers in angina, neostigmine, acetazolamide and aminoglycosides. Each question includes the correct answer.

Written by Dr. Ray Makar, MD, author of the Repeated USMLE Questions eBook series.

Prefer video? Watch daily USMLE case questions on MedFocus by Dr. Ray on YouTube.

How to use this page: read the question, pick your answer, then tap Show Answer and Explanation.

Questions

Question 1. Which one of the following anticonvulsant drugs is used only in the treatment of absence seizures?

A- Carbamazepine
B- Ethosuximide
C- Levetiracetam
D- Lorazepam

B- Ethosuximide- They occurs mainly in children and characterized by staring for a few seconds without loss of consciousness. Ethosuximide is the only treatment.
The correct answer is B

 

Question 2. A 15-year-old boy is diagnosed with “Walking pneumonia”. Which of the following is the most effective treatment of this condition?

A- Ampicillin
B- Azithromycin
C- Tetracycline
D- Vancomycin

B- Azithromycin- Walking pneumonia is atypical pneumonia most commonly caused by Mycoplasma and Chlamydia. Macrolides such as azithromycin are the treatment of choice for these organisms.
The correct answer is B

 

Question 3. Which one of the following medications binds tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis?

A- Infliximab
B- Methotrexate
C- Paclitaxel
D- Trastuzumab

A- Infliximab- It is monoclonal antibody which binds to TNF and used also in ulcerative colitis and some other autoimmune diseases.
The correct answer is A

 

Question 4. Which of the following is the central action of cocaine?

A- Inhibition of phosphodiesterase
B- Inhibition of reuptake of dopamine and epinephrine
C- Inhibition of reuptake of serotonin
D- Stimulation of dopamine release

B- Inhibition of reuptake of dopamine and epinephrine
The correct answer is B

 

Question 5. Which one of the following medications should be taken on an empty stomach and at least one hour before meals?

A- Aspirin
B- Levothyroxine
C- Prednisone
D- Propranolol

B- Levothyroxine- The only one on the list that should be taken that way. Other drugs on the list should be taken with food.
The correct answer is B

 

Question 6. Which of the following is the mechanism of action of ciprofloxacin?

A- Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis through binding with the 30S
B- Inhibits DNA gyrase and relaxation of DNA
C- Interferes with bacterial cell wall synthesis
D- Interferes with bacterial metabolic production

B- Inhibits DNA gyrase and relaxation of DNA
The correct answer is B

 

Question 7. Which of the following is the most effective treatment of a case of an old man with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)?

A- Doxazosin
B- Finasteride
C- Doxazosin and finasteride
D- Propranolol

C- Doxazosin and finasteride- This is the most effective treatment to avoid complications such as urinary retention.
The correct answer is C

 

Question 8. Which of the following is the mechanism of action of hydralazine in treating cardiovascular disorders?

A- Decreased cardiac preload
B- Parasympathetic stimulation
C- Relaxation of arterial smooth muscle
D- Sympathetic antagonism

C- Relaxation of arterial smooth muscle- Hydralazine administration leads to direct relaxation of arterial smooth muscle resulting in dilation of blood vessels.
The correct answer is C

 

Question 9. Which one of the following medications increases the threshold for angina?

A- Benazepril
B- Digoxin
C- Furosemide
D- Metoprolol

D- Metoprolol- Beta blockers are cardio-protective and they increase the threshold for angina. Other choices are valuable in treatment.
The correct answer is D

 

Question 10. Which one of the following drugs works through inhibition of the acetyl-cholinesterase enzyme and is used in myasthenia gravis?

A- Atropine
B- Montelukast
C- Neostigmine
D- Noradrenaline

C- Neostigmine
The correct answer is C

 

Question 11. Which one of the following medications acts at the proximal tubule of the kidney?

A- Acetazolamide
B- Furosemide
C- Hydrochlorothiazide
D- Spironolactone

A- Acetazolamide
The correct answer is A

 

Question 12. Which one of the following antibiotics does NOT affect anaerobes?

A- Ampicillin
B- Clindamycin
C- Metronidazole
D- Tobramycin

D- Tobramycin- Aminoglycosides need oxygen to work so, they are not effective against anaerobes.
The correct answer is D

 

High-yield points from this set

  • Mesna prevents cyclophosphamide hemorrhagic cystitis.
  • Fluoroquinolones inhibit DNA gyrase.
  • BPH: an alpha-blocker plus a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor works best.
  • Aminoglycosides do not work against anaerobes.

Keep practicing

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