Advanced Pharmacology WGU: D116 Unit 3 Preliminary test
Exam Questions along with Certified Answers Latest updates
2025/2026
Muscarinic Agonists - correct answer bind to muscarinic receptors and thereby cause
receptor activation. Because nearly all muscarinic receptors are associated with the
parasympathetic nervous system, responses to muscarinic agonists closely resemble
those produced by stimulation of parasympathetic nerves. Accordingly, muscarinic
agonists are also known as parasympathomimetic agents.
Bethanechol (Urecholine) (prototype) - correct answer A direct-acting muscarinic
agonist. The drug binds reversibly to muscarinic cholinergic receptors to cause
activation. At therapeutic doses, bethanechol acts selectively at muscarinic receptors,
having little or no effect on nicotinic receptors, either in ganglia or in skeletal muscle.
Cevimeline (Evoxac) - correct answer A derivative of acetylcholine with actions much
like those of bethanechol. The drug relieves xerostomia (dry mouth) in patients with
Sjögren syndrome, an autoimmune disorder. Relieves dry mouth by activating
muscarinic receptors on residual healthy tissue in salivary glands, thereby promoting
salivation.
Pilocarpine - correct answer A muscarinic agonist used mainly for topical therapy of
glaucoma, an ophthalmic disorder characterized by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP)
with subsequent injury to the optic nerve.
Cholinesterase Inhibitors - correct answer Drugs that prevent the degradation of
acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase (also known simply as cholinesterase).
Cholinesterase inhibitors are also known as anticholinesterase drugs. By preventing the
breakdown of acetylcholine, cholinesterase inhibitors increase the amount of
acetylcholine available to activate receptors, thus enhancing cholinergic action.
Pyridostigmine (Mestinon, Regonol) (prototype) - correct answer the drug of choice for
management of Myasthenia Gravis. It is also approved for reversal of nondepolarizing
muscle relaxants.
, CNS neurotransmitters (Monoamines) - correct answer Dopamine
Epinephrine
Norepinephrine
Serotonin
CNS neurotransmitters (Amino Acids) - correct answer Aspartate
Gamma-aminobutyric acid
Glutamate
Glycine
CNS neurotransmitters (Purines) - correct answer Adenosine
Adenosine Monophosphate
Adenosine Triphosphate
CNS Neurotransmitters (Opioid Peptides) - correct answer Dynorphins
Endorphins
Enkephalins
CNS Neurotransmitter (Nonopioid peptides) - correct answer Neurotensin
Oxytocin
Somatostatin
Substance P
Vasopressin
CNS neurotransmitters (Others) - correct answer Acetylcholine
Histamine
Anticholinergics (muscarinic antagonists) - correct answer Inhibit effects of
Acetylcholine on Muscarinic Receptors
Exam Questions along with Certified Answers Latest updates
2025/2026
Muscarinic Agonists - correct answer bind to muscarinic receptors and thereby cause
receptor activation. Because nearly all muscarinic receptors are associated with the
parasympathetic nervous system, responses to muscarinic agonists closely resemble
those produced by stimulation of parasympathetic nerves. Accordingly, muscarinic
agonists are also known as parasympathomimetic agents.
Bethanechol (Urecholine) (prototype) - correct answer A direct-acting muscarinic
agonist. The drug binds reversibly to muscarinic cholinergic receptors to cause
activation. At therapeutic doses, bethanechol acts selectively at muscarinic receptors,
having little or no effect on nicotinic receptors, either in ganglia or in skeletal muscle.
Cevimeline (Evoxac) - correct answer A derivative of acetylcholine with actions much
like those of bethanechol. The drug relieves xerostomia (dry mouth) in patients with
Sjögren syndrome, an autoimmune disorder. Relieves dry mouth by activating
muscarinic receptors on residual healthy tissue in salivary glands, thereby promoting
salivation.
Pilocarpine - correct answer A muscarinic agonist used mainly for topical therapy of
glaucoma, an ophthalmic disorder characterized by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP)
with subsequent injury to the optic nerve.
Cholinesterase Inhibitors - correct answer Drugs that prevent the degradation of
acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase (also known simply as cholinesterase).
Cholinesterase inhibitors are also known as anticholinesterase drugs. By preventing the
breakdown of acetylcholine, cholinesterase inhibitors increase the amount of
acetylcholine available to activate receptors, thus enhancing cholinergic action.
Pyridostigmine (Mestinon, Regonol) (prototype) - correct answer the drug of choice for
management of Myasthenia Gravis. It is also approved for reversal of nondepolarizing
muscle relaxants.
, CNS neurotransmitters (Monoamines) - correct answer Dopamine
Epinephrine
Norepinephrine
Serotonin
CNS neurotransmitters (Amino Acids) - correct answer Aspartate
Gamma-aminobutyric acid
Glutamate
Glycine
CNS neurotransmitters (Purines) - correct answer Adenosine
Adenosine Monophosphate
Adenosine Triphosphate
CNS Neurotransmitters (Opioid Peptides) - correct answer Dynorphins
Endorphins
Enkephalins
CNS Neurotransmitter (Nonopioid peptides) - correct answer Neurotensin
Oxytocin
Somatostatin
Substance P
Vasopressin
CNS neurotransmitters (Others) - correct answer Acetylcholine
Histamine
Anticholinergics (muscarinic antagonists) - correct answer Inhibit effects of
Acetylcholine on Muscarinic Receptors
