10 USMLE Pharmacology Quick Review Questions with Answers (Set 3)

These 10 quick USMLE review questions test the high-yield facts that show up again and again on the exam: beta-blockers in asthma, phenytoin, methanol poisoning, adverse drug reactions, drug distribution, bromocriptine, immunosuppressants, efficacy and resistance, and amphetamines. 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 antihypertensive medications is appropriate to use for an asthmatic patient?

A- Labetalol
B- Metoprolol
C- Propranolol
D- Timolol

B- Metoprolol
The correct answer is B

 

Question 2. Which one of the following neurologic drugs can cause diplopia, thickened gums and hirsutism?

A- Carbamazepine
B- Phenobarbital
C- Phenytoin
D- Valproic acid

C- Phenytoin
The correct answer is C

 

Question 3. Which of the following treatments should be used in cases of methanol or ethylene glycol poisoning?

A- Ethanol
B- Glucagon
C- Pyridoxine
D- Sodium bicarbonate

A- Ethanol
The correct answer is A

 

Question 4. Which of the following is the most common cause of adverse drug reactions?

A- Allergic reaction
B- Dosage discrepancy
C- Idiosyncrasy
D- Non-compliance

B- Dosage discrepancy- Most adverse drug reactions (about 80%) are type A reactions: predictable and related to the dose and the drug’s known pharmacology (for example, bleeding with warfarin or hypoglycemia with insulin). Allergic and idiosyncratic reactions are much less common.
The correct answer is B

 

Question 5. Drug distribution into tissues depends mostly on which of the following?

A- Binding to plasma protein
B- Interaction with other drugs
C- Rate of absorption
D- Tissue receptors

A- Binding to plasma protein
The correct answer is A

 

Question 6. Which one of the following drugs is effective against prolactin-secreting tumors?

A- Adrenaline
B- Bromocriptine
C- Chlorpromazine
D- Prazosin

B- Bromocriptine
The correct answer is B

 

Question 7. Which one of the following drugs is most likely to cause severe bone marrow depression?

A- Cyclosporine
B- Prednisone
C- Sirolimus
D- Tacrolimus

C- Sirolimus
The correct answer is C

 

Question 8. Which one of the following defines the drug efficacy?

A- The capacity of a drug to affect a condition, irrespective of the dose
B- The dose of a drug needed to produce a maximal effect
C- The impact of the drug on a wide range of patients
D- The minimal amount of drug administered that leads to toxicity

A- The capacity a drug to affect a condition irrespective of the dose
The correct answer is A

 

Question 9. Which one of the following indicates drug resistance?

A- Altered effect of the drug when used with another drug
B- Induction of liver metabolism
C- No or minimum effect on a microorganism due to genetic mutation
D- Response to a drug decreases after repeated use

C- No or minimum effect on a microorganism due to genetic mutation
The correct answer is C

 

Question 10. Which of the following is a frequent side effect of amphetamine?

A- Constipation
B- Depression
C- Diarrhea
D- Hair loss

A- Constipation
The correct answer is A

 

High-yield points from this set

  • Cardioselective beta-1 blockers (metoprolol) are safer in asthma.
  • Phenytoin: gingival hyperplasia, hirsutism, diplopia and nystagmus.
  • Methanol or ethylene glycol poisoning: fomepizole (or ethanol).
  • Bromocriptine (dopamine agonist) shrinks prolactinomas.

Keep practicing

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