NBEO PART 1 PHARMACOLOGY EXAM QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE 2026
3 M/action of antibiotics - Answers Inhibition of cell wall synthesis (peptidoglycan)
Inhibition of protein synthesis (30s+50s)
Interference of bacterial DNA (folic acid)
What AB drug classes inhibit cell wall synthesis? - Answers Bacitracin
Penicillins
Cephalosporins
What AB drug classes inhibit protein synthesis? - Answers buy AT 30, CEL at 50
Aminoglycosides + Tetracyclines: 30S
Chloramphenicol, Erythromycin (macrocodes) , cLindamycin: 50S
Which AB drug classes interfere with bacterial DNA? - Answers Sulfonamides, trimethoprim,
pyrimethamine: folic acid inhibition
Fluoroquinolones: inhibit DNA gyrate and topoisomerase IV
Most oral antibiotics have the side affect of ______ - Answers GI upset
M/Action of Bacitracin: - Answers Inhibit peptidoglycan in cell wall formation (logs of a log cabin)
Classify Bacitracin: (gram status and vehicle) - Answers Antibiotic ointment, effective against gram
positive only
Bacitracin is often prescribed for the treatment of: - Answers blepharitis
Bacitracin is often combined with __________________________ to form Polysporin (gram + and -). -
Answers Polymyxin B
What is Polysporin? - Answers Antibiotic: Bacitracin + Polymyxin B- effective against both gram + and
gram -
What is Neosporin? - Answers Antibiotic: Polysporin + Neomycin
M/Action of Penicillins: - Answers Inhibit transpeptidase in cell wall formation (glue of the log cabin)
M/Action of Cephalosporins: - Answers Inhibit transpeptidase in cell wall formation (glue of the log
cabin)
Penicillins and cephalosporins are similar in that they both have a - Answers beta lactam ring--
potential for cross sensitivity reaction
What is Augmentin? - Answers Fortified antibiotic: Amoxicillin + clavulonic acid (penicillinase inhibitor)
Classify Dicloxacillin: (class and gram) - Answers Penicillin antibiotic, mostly effective against gram +
Is Dicloxacillin resistant to penicillinase? - Answers Yes
Is Amoxicillin resistant to penicillinase? - Answers No (that's why Augmentin is used more often)
Amoxicillin is often combined with ___________________________ to form Augmentin, which is a
fortified antibiotic. - Answers Clavulonic acid (penicillinase inhibitor)
Classify Amoxicillin: (class and gram) - Answers Penicillin antibiotic, effective against both gram + and
gram -
Is Dicloxacillin effective against MRSA? - Answers NO
Are Penicillins safe in pregnancy? - Answers Yes
which penicillin is better for use of eyelid infections? (hordeolum, preseptal, etc) - Answers
dicloxacillin
Common side effects of Penicillins: - Answers Hypersensitivity reactions (type 1)-- anaphylaxis
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Penicillins and Cephalosporins are contraindicated in patients with a history of: - Answers IgE Type 1
hypersensitivity reactions (urticaria, anaphylaxis)
T/F: if pt is allergic to PCN, do NOT give cephalosporins - Answers true
________ and _________ generation Cephalosporins are effective against both gram-positive AND
gram-negative bacteria. - Answers 3rd
4th
Common uses for Cephalexin (Keflex): - Answers Hordeolum, preseptal cellulitis, dacryoadenitis,
dacryocystitis
Cephalexin is a ____ generation and ceftriaxone is a ____ generation - Answers 1st(+) and 3rd (+/-)
Cephalexin is a gram_____ - Answers gram +
Classify Ceftriaxone: (class/gen, gram spectrum) - Answers 3rd-gen Cephalosporin- *IV is treatment of
choice for gonococcal conjunctivitis & orbital cellulitis* (gram + and *-*)
Drug of choice for treatment of gonococcal conjunctivitis: - Answers IV Ceftriaxone
,Drug of choice for treatment of orbital cellulitis: - Answers IV Ceftriaxone
Common side effects of Cephalosporins: - Answers Hypersensitivity reactions
Vitamin K reduction (blood thinning)
Which drug classes bind the 30s subunit to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis? - Answers
Aminoglycosides & Tetracyclines
what drugs make up the ahminoglycosides class? - Answers Tobramycin
Gentamicin
Classify Gentamicin: (class and gram spectrum) - Answers Aminoglycoside antibiotic, effective against
both Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
M/Action of Gentamicin: - Answers Bind *30s* subunit to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis
Classify Tobramycin: (class and gram spectrum) - Answers Aminoglycoside antibiotic, effective against
both Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
M/Action of Tobramycin: - Answers Bind *30s* subunit to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis
What is TobraDex? - Answers Tobramycin + Dexamethasone ophthalmic preparation
Common side effects of topical aminoglycosides, including tobradex: - Answers SPK (enhances drug
penetration)
Delayed corneal re-epithelialization
What drugs make up the Tetracycline class? - Answers Tetracycline
doxycycline
minocycline
Classify Tetracycline: (class and gram spectrum) - Answers Tetracycline antibiotic, effective against
both Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
Classify Doxycycline: (class and gram spectrum) - Answers Tetracycline antibiotic, effective against
both Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
Classify Minocycline: (class and gram spectrum) - Answers Tetracycline antibiotic, effective against
both Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
M/Action of Tetracycline: - Answers Bind *30s* subunit to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis
M/Action of Doxycycline: - Answers Bind *30s* subunit to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis. Also
decreases inflammation in sebaceous glands.
M/Action of Minocycline: - Answers Bind *30s* subunit to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis
Common uses for Doxycycline: - Answers Meibomianitis, acne rosacea
Chlamydial infections (trachoma, inclusion)
Antibiotic Drug classes that are contraindicated in pregnancy: - Answers Never FAT:
Fluoroquinolones
Aminoglycosides
Tetracyclines
Antibiotic Drug classes that are recommended in pregnancy: - Answers PAC:
Penicillins
Azithromycin
Cephalosporins
Tetracycline antibiotics are contraindicated in: - Answers Renal failure (EXCEPT Doxycycline)
Pregnancy
Children
Which Tetracycline is OK for patients with renal failure? - Answers Doxycycline
Tetracyclines should NOT be taken with - Answers dairy
Common side effects of Tetracyclines: - Answers Pseudotumor cerebri
Bone growth retardation
Tooth discoloration
what are the 4 drugs that can cause pseudotumor cerebri? - Answers *CANT*
contraceptives
accutane
nalidoxic acid
*tetracyclines*
Common side effects of Minocycline: - Answers Blue sclera
Pigmented conjunctival cysts
(PTC, bone retardation, tooth discoloration)
M/Action of Chloramphenicol: - Answers Bind *50s* subunit to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis
, M/Action of Macrolide antibiotics: - Answers Bind *50s* subunit to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis
what drugs make up the Macrolide class? - Answers erythromycin
azythromycin
clarithromycin
M/Action of Lincomycin/Clindamycin: - Answers *Reversibly* Bind *50s* subunit to inhibit bacterial
protein synthesis
M/Action of Erythromycin: - Answers Bind *50s* subunit to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis
M/Action of Azithromycin: - Answers Bind *50s* subunit to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis
M/Action of Clarithromycin: - Answers Bind *50s* subunit to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis-
Classify Erythromycin: - Answers Macrolide antibiotic
Classify Azithromycin: - Answers Macrolide antibiotic
Classify Clarithromycin: - Answers Macrolide antibiotic
Classify Chloramphenicol: (class and gram spectrum) - Answers Antibiotic: effective against both
gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
Side effects of topical Chloramphenicol: - Answers Fatal aplastic anemia
*Optic neuritis*
what 2 drugs cause aplastic anemia? - Answers Acetazolamide (diamox)
Chloramphenicol
List the Macrolide antibiotics: - Answers "-thromycin"
Erythromycin
Azithromycin
Clarithromycin
Drug of choice for chlamydial/trachoma infections: - Answers Oral Azithromycin (single 1 gram dose is
convenient)
Common uses for Topical Azithromycin: - Answers Bacterial conjunctivitis
Blepharitis
Is azithromycin safe to use in pregnant women? - Answers YES
Common uses for Erythromycin: - Answers prophylaxis for gonococcal neonatorum?
Before Erythromycin ointment, what was used for prophylaxis of gonococcal ophthalmia
neonatorum? - Answers Silver nitrate
Common uses for Clindamycin: - Answers MRSA
Drugs recommended for treatment of MRSA: - Answers Clindamycin
Bactrim
Doxycycline
Classify Sulfisoxazole: (class and gram spectrum) - Answers Sulfonamide antibiotic: effective against
both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
Classify Sulfacetamide: (class and gram spectrum) - Answers Sulfonamide antibiotic: effective against
both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
Classify Sulfamethoxazole: (class and gram spectrum) - Answers Sulfonamide antibiotic: effective
against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
Classify Sulfadiazine: (class and gram spectrum) - Answers Sulfonamide antibiotic: effective against
both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
M/Action of Sulfonamide antibiotics: - Answers Inhibit *Step 1* of folate synthesis (dihyeropteroate
SYNTHASE) to interfere with bacterial DNA synthesis
M/Action of Sulfisoxazole: - Answers Inhibit *Step 1* of folate synthesis (dihyeropteroate SYNTHASE)
to interfere with bacterial DNA synthesis
M/Action of Sulfacetamide: - Answers Inhibit *Step 1* of folate synthesis (dihyeropteroate
SYNTHASE) to interfere with bacterial DNA synthesis
M/Action of Sulfamethoxazole: - Answers Inhibit *Step 1* of folate synthesis (dihyeropteroate
SYNTHASE) to interfere with bacterial DNA synthesis
M/Action of Sulfadiazine: - Answers Inhibit *Step 1* of folate synthesis (dihyeropteroate SYNTHASE)
to interfere with bacterial DNA synthesis
Sulfadiazine is prescribed in combination with Pyrimethamine to treat: - Answers Toxoplasmosis (DI
goes with PY!!!)
Sulfadiazine is prescribed in combination with __________________________________ to treat
Toxoplasmosis. - Answers Pyrimethamine
What is in Bactrim? - Answers Sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim (METHs go together)
3 M/action of antibiotics - Answers Inhibition of cell wall synthesis (peptidoglycan)
Inhibition of protein synthesis (30s+50s)
Interference of bacterial DNA (folic acid)
What AB drug classes inhibit cell wall synthesis? - Answers Bacitracin
Penicillins
Cephalosporins
What AB drug classes inhibit protein synthesis? - Answers buy AT 30, CEL at 50
Aminoglycosides + Tetracyclines: 30S
Chloramphenicol, Erythromycin (macrocodes) , cLindamycin: 50S
Which AB drug classes interfere with bacterial DNA? - Answers Sulfonamides, trimethoprim,
pyrimethamine: folic acid inhibition
Fluoroquinolones: inhibit DNA gyrate and topoisomerase IV
Most oral antibiotics have the side affect of ______ - Answers GI upset
M/Action of Bacitracin: - Answers Inhibit peptidoglycan in cell wall formation (logs of a log cabin)
Classify Bacitracin: (gram status and vehicle) - Answers Antibiotic ointment, effective against gram
positive only
Bacitracin is often prescribed for the treatment of: - Answers blepharitis
Bacitracin is often combined with __________________________ to form Polysporin (gram + and -). -
Answers Polymyxin B
What is Polysporin? - Answers Antibiotic: Bacitracin + Polymyxin B- effective against both gram + and
gram -
What is Neosporin? - Answers Antibiotic: Polysporin + Neomycin
M/Action of Penicillins: - Answers Inhibit transpeptidase in cell wall formation (glue of the log cabin)
M/Action of Cephalosporins: - Answers Inhibit transpeptidase in cell wall formation (glue of the log
cabin)
Penicillins and cephalosporins are similar in that they both have a - Answers beta lactam ring--
potential for cross sensitivity reaction
What is Augmentin? - Answers Fortified antibiotic: Amoxicillin + clavulonic acid (penicillinase inhibitor)
Classify Dicloxacillin: (class and gram) - Answers Penicillin antibiotic, mostly effective against gram +
Is Dicloxacillin resistant to penicillinase? - Answers Yes
Is Amoxicillin resistant to penicillinase? - Answers No (that's why Augmentin is used more often)
Amoxicillin is often combined with ___________________________ to form Augmentin, which is a
fortified antibiotic. - Answers Clavulonic acid (penicillinase inhibitor)
Classify Amoxicillin: (class and gram) - Answers Penicillin antibiotic, effective against both gram + and
gram -
Is Dicloxacillin effective against MRSA? - Answers NO
Are Penicillins safe in pregnancy? - Answers Yes
which penicillin is better for use of eyelid infections? (hordeolum, preseptal, etc) - Answers
dicloxacillin
Common side effects of Penicillins: - Answers Hypersensitivity reactions (type 1)-- anaphylaxis
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Penicillins and Cephalosporins are contraindicated in patients with a history of: - Answers IgE Type 1
hypersensitivity reactions (urticaria, anaphylaxis)
T/F: if pt is allergic to PCN, do NOT give cephalosporins - Answers true
________ and _________ generation Cephalosporins are effective against both gram-positive AND
gram-negative bacteria. - Answers 3rd
4th
Common uses for Cephalexin (Keflex): - Answers Hordeolum, preseptal cellulitis, dacryoadenitis,
dacryocystitis
Cephalexin is a ____ generation and ceftriaxone is a ____ generation - Answers 1st(+) and 3rd (+/-)
Cephalexin is a gram_____ - Answers gram +
Classify Ceftriaxone: (class/gen, gram spectrum) - Answers 3rd-gen Cephalosporin- *IV is treatment of
choice for gonococcal conjunctivitis & orbital cellulitis* (gram + and *-*)
Drug of choice for treatment of gonococcal conjunctivitis: - Answers IV Ceftriaxone
,Drug of choice for treatment of orbital cellulitis: - Answers IV Ceftriaxone
Common side effects of Cephalosporins: - Answers Hypersensitivity reactions
Vitamin K reduction (blood thinning)
Which drug classes bind the 30s subunit to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis? - Answers
Aminoglycosides & Tetracyclines
what drugs make up the ahminoglycosides class? - Answers Tobramycin
Gentamicin
Classify Gentamicin: (class and gram spectrum) - Answers Aminoglycoside antibiotic, effective against
both Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
M/Action of Gentamicin: - Answers Bind *30s* subunit to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis
Classify Tobramycin: (class and gram spectrum) - Answers Aminoglycoside antibiotic, effective against
both Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
M/Action of Tobramycin: - Answers Bind *30s* subunit to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis
What is TobraDex? - Answers Tobramycin + Dexamethasone ophthalmic preparation
Common side effects of topical aminoglycosides, including tobradex: - Answers SPK (enhances drug
penetration)
Delayed corneal re-epithelialization
What drugs make up the Tetracycline class? - Answers Tetracycline
doxycycline
minocycline
Classify Tetracycline: (class and gram spectrum) - Answers Tetracycline antibiotic, effective against
both Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
Classify Doxycycline: (class and gram spectrum) - Answers Tetracycline antibiotic, effective against
both Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
Classify Minocycline: (class and gram spectrum) - Answers Tetracycline antibiotic, effective against
both Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
M/Action of Tetracycline: - Answers Bind *30s* subunit to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis
M/Action of Doxycycline: - Answers Bind *30s* subunit to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis. Also
decreases inflammation in sebaceous glands.
M/Action of Minocycline: - Answers Bind *30s* subunit to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis
Common uses for Doxycycline: - Answers Meibomianitis, acne rosacea
Chlamydial infections (trachoma, inclusion)
Antibiotic Drug classes that are contraindicated in pregnancy: - Answers Never FAT:
Fluoroquinolones
Aminoglycosides
Tetracyclines
Antibiotic Drug classes that are recommended in pregnancy: - Answers PAC:
Penicillins
Azithromycin
Cephalosporins
Tetracycline antibiotics are contraindicated in: - Answers Renal failure (EXCEPT Doxycycline)
Pregnancy
Children
Which Tetracycline is OK for patients with renal failure? - Answers Doxycycline
Tetracyclines should NOT be taken with - Answers dairy
Common side effects of Tetracyclines: - Answers Pseudotumor cerebri
Bone growth retardation
Tooth discoloration
what are the 4 drugs that can cause pseudotumor cerebri? - Answers *CANT*
contraceptives
accutane
nalidoxic acid
*tetracyclines*
Common side effects of Minocycline: - Answers Blue sclera
Pigmented conjunctival cysts
(PTC, bone retardation, tooth discoloration)
M/Action of Chloramphenicol: - Answers Bind *50s* subunit to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis
, M/Action of Macrolide antibiotics: - Answers Bind *50s* subunit to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis
what drugs make up the Macrolide class? - Answers erythromycin
azythromycin
clarithromycin
M/Action of Lincomycin/Clindamycin: - Answers *Reversibly* Bind *50s* subunit to inhibit bacterial
protein synthesis
M/Action of Erythromycin: - Answers Bind *50s* subunit to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis
M/Action of Azithromycin: - Answers Bind *50s* subunit to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis
M/Action of Clarithromycin: - Answers Bind *50s* subunit to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis-
Classify Erythromycin: - Answers Macrolide antibiotic
Classify Azithromycin: - Answers Macrolide antibiotic
Classify Clarithromycin: - Answers Macrolide antibiotic
Classify Chloramphenicol: (class and gram spectrum) - Answers Antibiotic: effective against both
gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
Side effects of topical Chloramphenicol: - Answers Fatal aplastic anemia
*Optic neuritis*
what 2 drugs cause aplastic anemia? - Answers Acetazolamide (diamox)
Chloramphenicol
List the Macrolide antibiotics: - Answers "-thromycin"
Erythromycin
Azithromycin
Clarithromycin
Drug of choice for chlamydial/trachoma infections: - Answers Oral Azithromycin (single 1 gram dose is
convenient)
Common uses for Topical Azithromycin: - Answers Bacterial conjunctivitis
Blepharitis
Is azithromycin safe to use in pregnant women? - Answers YES
Common uses for Erythromycin: - Answers prophylaxis for gonococcal neonatorum?
Before Erythromycin ointment, what was used for prophylaxis of gonococcal ophthalmia
neonatorum? - Answers Silver nitrate
Common uses for Clindamycin: - Answers MRSA
Drugs recommended for treatment of MRSA: - Answers Clindamycin
Bactrim
Doxycycline
Classify Sulfisoxazole: (class and gram spectrum) - Answers Sulfonamide antibiotic: effective against
both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
Classify Sulfacetamide: (class and gram spectrum) - Answers Sulfonamide antibiotic: effective against
both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
Classify Sulfamethoxazole: (class and gram spectrum) - Answers Sulfonamide antibiotic: effective
against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
Classify Sulfadiazine: (class and gram spectrum) - Answers Sulfonamide antibiotic: effective against
both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
M/Action of Sulfonamide antibiotics: - Answers Inhibit *Step 1* of folate synthesis (dihyeropteroate
SYNTHASE) to interfere with bacterial DNA synthesis
M/Action of Sulfisoxazole: - Answers Inhibit *Step 1* of folate synthesis (dihyeropteroate SYNTHASE)
to interfere with bacterial DNA synthesis
M/Action of Sulfacetamide: - Answers Inhibit *Step 1* of folate synthesis (dihyeropteroate
SYNTHASE) to interfere with bacterial DNA synthesis
M/Action of Sulfamethoxazole: - Answers Inhibit *Step 1* of folate synthesis (dihyeropteroate
SYNTHASE) to interfere with bacterial DNA synthesis
M/Action of Sulfadiazine: - Answers Inhibit *Step 1* of folate synthesis (dihyeropteroate SYNTHASE)
to interfere with bacterial DNA synthesis
Sulfadiazine is prescribed in combination with Pyrimethamine to treat: - Answers Toxoplasmosis (DI
goes with PY!!!)
Sulfadiazine is prescribed in combination with __________________________________ to treat
Toxoplasmosis. - Answers Pyrimethamine
What is in Bactrim? - Answers Sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim (METHs go together)
