10 USMLE Pharmacology Quick Review Questions with Answers (Set 41)

These 10 quick USMLE pharmacology review questions cover the mechanisms, side effects and uses of tamsulosin, amiodarone, isoniazid, ephedrine, methotrexate, ceftriaxone, hydrochlorothiazide and ACE inhibitors. 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 of the following medications is an alpha-1 blocker used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

A- Finasteride
B- Sildenafil
C- Spironolactone
D- Tamsulosin

D- Tamsulosin- It selectively blocks alpha-1A receptors in the prostate and bladder neck, easing urinary flow in BPH.
The correct answer is D

 

Question 2. Which of the following is a known adverse effect of chronic amiodarone use?

A- Gynecomastia
B- Hyperkalemia
C- Pulmonary fibrosis
D- Renal failure

C- Pulmonary fibrosis- Amiodarone, a class III antiarrhythmic, is associated with serious long-term effects like pulmonary fibrosis and thyroid dysfunction.
The correct answer is C

 

Question 3. Which of the following drugs can cause drug-induced lupus erythematosus?

A- Amlodipine
B- Atenolol
C- Isoniazid
D- Lisinopril

C- Isoniazid- it is one of the classic drugs known to cause lupus-like syndrome, along with hydralazine and procainamide.
The correct answer is C

 

Question 4. Which of the following sympathomimetic drugs is the most effective in treating chronic orthostatic hypotension?

A- Ephedrine
B- Epinephrine
C- Norepinephrine
D- Salmeterol

A- Ephedrine works by stimulating both alpha and beta receptors and increasing norepinephrine release, which helps raise blood pressure steadily. Epinephrine and norepinephrine are used for acute cases like shock, but not for chronic cases. Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-2 agonist, used for asthma, not hypotension.
The correct answer is A

 

Question 5. Which of the following is the mechanism of action of methotrexate?

A- Alkylates DNA
B- Blocks topoisomerase II
C- Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase
D- Inhibits thymidylate synthase

C- Methotrexate competitively inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, blocking DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells.
The correct answer is C

 

Question 6. Which of the following medications acts by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis?

A- Ceftriaxone
B- Ciprofloxacin
C- Doxycycline
D- Gentamicin

A- Ceftriaxone is a third-generation cephalosporine that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins.
The correct answer is A

 

Question 7. Which one of the following diuretics is appropriate to be prescribed for hypertension to a patient with a history of calcium oxalate renal stones?

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

C- Hydrochlorothiazide- Patients with calcium renal stones often have too much calcium in their urine, which promotes stone formation. Thiazide diuretics reduce the secretion of calcium in the urine, helping to prevent the formation of calcium stones.
The correct answer is C

 

Question 8. ACE inhibitors commonly cause a persistent cough. What is most likely the reason for this side effect?

A- They decrease renin release
B- They increase angiotensin II levels
C- They prevent the breakdown of bradykinin, causing its levels to rise
D- They stimulate u-opioid receptors

C- They prevent the breakdown of bradykinin, causing its levels to rise- ACE normally degrades bradykinin, a vasodilator. ACE inhibitors block angiotensin II formation and also block bradykinin breakdown, leading to vasodilation but also trigger a dry cough.
The correct answer is C

 

Question 9. Which of the following statements correctly differentiates bactericidal and bacteriostatic antibiotics?

A- Bactericidal antibiotics inhibit protein synthesis, while bacteriostatic antibiotics damage the cell wall
B- Bactericidal antibiotics kill bacteria, while bacteriostatic antibiotics inhibit bacterial growth
C- Bacteriostatic antibiotics kill bacteria, while bactericidal antibiotics slow their growth
D- There is no difference

B- Bactericidal antibiotics kill bacteria, while bacteriostatic antibiotics inhibit bacterial growth. Antibiotics either kill bacteria or slow their growth. Bactericidal antibiotics kill the organism, while bacteriostatic agents merely inhibit growth; the host’s immune system must then eliminate the bacteria.
The correct answer is B

 

Question 10. A patient with hypertension and gout needs a prescription for a diuretic. Which one of the following drugs should be avoided?

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

C- Hydrochlorothiazide- Thiazide diuretics decrease uric acid excretion, worsening gout. Loop diuretics can also raise uric acid but are less commonly used for long-term hypertension control in gut patients.
The correct answer is C

 

High-yield points from this set

  • Tamsulosin is an alpha-1A blocker for BPH.
  • Chronic amiodarone can cause pulmonary fibrosis.
  • Isoniazid, hydralazine and procainamide cause drug-induced lupus.
  • Methotrexate inhibits dihydrofolate reductase.

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