1
HOSA
HOSA PHARMACOLOGY EXAM QS & AS |
GRADE A |100% CORRECT (NEW 2025/
2026 UPDATE) (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
Neuroleptic malignant Syndrome - ANS ✓adverse reaction to antipsychotic
medication characterized by severe "lead-pipe" rigidity, hyperthermia,
autonomic instability, and mental status changes. Although symptoms overlap
with those of serotonin syndrome, patients with NMS do not exhibit
hyperreflexia and clonus characteristic of serotonin syndrome.
Modafinil - ANS ✓first line treatment for narcolepsy.
Amphetamines are second line therapy.
Tetracyclines - ANS ✓are teratogenic and can cause foetal bone growth
retardation as well as brown discoloration of the baby teeth.
Stimulants for ADHD - ANS ✓They are first-line and work by increasing the
availability of NE and dopamine in the prefrontal cortex.
Ivabradine - ANS ✓Selectively inhibits funny sodium channels, thereby
prolonging the slow depolarization phase (phase 4) and slowing the SA node
firing rate (HR). No effect on contractility (inotropy) and/or relaxation.
Direct Arteriolar Vasodilators - ANS ✓Include Hydralazine and minoxidil are
effective antihypertensives. Because they cause significant arterial vasodilation,
they also cause reflex sympathetic activation resulting in tachycardia and edema.
To counteract these compensatory effects, these agents are often given in
combination with sympatholytic and diuretics.
Efficacy vs. Potency - ANS ✓Efficacy is a measure of the maximum
pharmacodynamic effect achievable with a drug. Potency refers to the dose of
drug that is required to produce a given effect. Drugs that bind their receptors
HOSA Pharm
, 2
HOSA
with a higher affinity or are better able to gain access to their target tissues have
greater potency (lower ED50)
Sulfonoureas (Glyburide) - ANS ✓improves blood glucose levels in patients
with T2DM by increasing secretion of insulin (and C-peptide therefore) from
pancreatic B-cells. C-peptide is useful as a marker of endogenous Beta-cella
insulin secretion.
Succinylcholine - ANS ✓fast-acting, depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent
used for rapid-sequence intubation that causes equal reduction of all 4 twitches
during train of four stimulation (phase I blockade). Prolonged administrant of
succinylcholine or use in patients that have abnormal cholinesterase activity
causes transition to a phase II (nondepolarzing) block, seen as a progressive
reduction in each of the 4 twitches.
sucks = depolarizes
5-HT3 receptor antagonists (eg. ondansetron) - ANS ✓useful for the
treatment of visceral nausea due to GI insults, like gastroenteritis, chemo, and
general anesthesia.
Antihistamines and anticholinergics are useful for vestibular nausea.
Dopamine antagonists are useful for migraine nausea.
Mannitol - ANS ✓an osmotic diuretic that works by increasing plasma or tubular
fluid osmolality.
Barbiturates - ANS ✓induce hepatic microsomal enzymes (CYP450 inducers)
and thus increase warfarin metabolism and reduce its anticoagulant effect (could
lead to stroke)
Cytochrome p450 inducers - ANS ✓Carbamazepine
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin
Rifampin
Griseofulvin
CYP 450 inhibitors - ANS ✓Cimetidine
Ciprofloxacin
Erythromycin
Azole Antifungals
isoniazid
ritonavir
HOSA Pharm
, 3
HOSA
grapefruit juice
Unlike the CYP 450 inducers, these increase the anticoagulant effects of
warfarin.
Rifampin - ANS ✓Used prophylactically for close contacts in those with
menigocococcal meningitis (Neisseria meningitidis). Neisseria meningitides is a
gram-negative cocci seen in pairs that often afflicts college-aged students.
Pyruvate kinase deficiency - ANS ✓causes haemolytic anaemia due to failure of
glycolysis and resultant failure to generate sufficient ATP to maintain erythrocyte
structure.
Protease inhibitors (like Ataznavir) - ANS ✓are used for HIV and prevent
formation of mature viral proteins. Side effects include hyperglycemia,
lipodystrophy and drug-drug interactions due to inhibition of CYP 450.
Colchicine - ANS ✓inhibits tubulin polymerizaiton into microtubules
(cytoskeleton), thus disrupting chemotaxis and phagocytosis and can be used for
acute treatment and prophylaxis of gout. Important side effects include nausea,
abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Amiodarone - ANS ✓a class III antiarrhthmic that causes lengthening of cardiac
action potential by prolonging phase 3 (inhibit potassium channels so slower
repolarization), which manifests as prolonged QT. in contrast to other drugs,
very little risk of torsades de pointes even though the QT interval is prolonged.
Atropine - ANS ✓indicated for treatment of severe bradycardia as it decreases
the influence of SA and AV nodes. A common side effects is increased intraocular
pressure, which may precipitate acute closed-angle glaucoma.
Cocaine withdrawal - ANS ✓characterized by development of acute depression
fatigue, vivid dreams, hypersomnia, and hyperphagia. Key being relatively mild
physical symptoms compared to the others.
Ergonovine - ANS ✓can provoke coronary artery vasospasm in the attempt to
diagnose Prinz metal’s angina ,characterized by episodic, transient attacks of
coronary vasospasm, typically occurring at rest and at night. Produce temporary
ST elevations.
Rituximab - ANS ✓used to treat the vasculitities
HOSA Pharm
, 4
HOSA
Nitrate tolerance - ANS ✓patients need to have a nitrate-free period every day
to avoid tolerance of the drug
Nitrites (eg. amyl nitrite) - ANS ✓oxidizing agents that are effective in the
treatment of cyanide poisoning due to the ability to cause methemoglobinemia
(which rapidly binds the cyanide).
Sodium thiosulfate may also be used
Lithium - ANS ✓commonly used to treat bipolar disorder. Its use during
pregnancy is associated with Epstein’s anomaly (apical displacement of the
tricuspid valve leaflets, decreased right ventricular volume, and atrilization of the
right ventricle.
Nitrates - ANS ✓via conversion to NO activate guanylate cyclase and increase
intracellular levels of cGMP, which leads to decreased activity of myosin light
chain kinase (less calcium), thus leading to myosin light chain
dephosphorylation, resulting in vascular smooth muscle relaxation. Often used
during a hypertensive crisis.
Clomiphene - ANS ✓An estrogen receptor modulator that can allow those who
have PCOS to become fertile again. It decreases negative feedback inhibition on
the hypothalamus by circulating estrogen, thereby increasing gonadotropin
production (FSH and LH)
Histoplasma capsulatum - ANS ✓Can survive intracellularly within
macrophages. It causes a disseminate mycosis in immunocompromised
individuals (think history for HIV). Clinical features include systemic symptoms
like weight loss and fever, painful oral ulcers, lymphadenopathy, and
hepatosplenomegaly (H for H)
Majority of water reabsorption - ANS ✓occurs in the proximal convoluted
tubule, regardless of hydration status
Risperidone - ANS ✓An antipsychotic that is used for schizophrenia. It works by
inhibiting D2 Dopamine, which in turn leads to hyperprolactinemia as dopamine
can't supress it. This can lead to hypogonadism with the inhibition of GnRH form
the hypothalamus. In addition, hyperprolactinemia can lead to amenorrhea,
galactorrhea and breast soreness.
HOSA Pharm
HOSA
HOSA PHARMACOLOGY EXAM QS & AS |
GRADE A |100% CORRECT (NEW 2025/
2026 UPDATE) (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
Neuroleptic malignant Syndrome - ANS ✓adverse reaction to antipsychotic
medication characterized by severe "lead-pipe" rigidity, hyperthermia,
autonomic instability, and mental status changes. Although symptoms overlap
with those of serotonin syndrome, patients with NMS do not exhibit
hyperreflexia and clonus characteristic of serotonin syndrome.
Modafinil - ANS ✓first line treatment for narcolepsy.
Amphetamines are second line therapy.
Tetracyclines - ANS ✓are teratogenic and can cause foetal bone growth
retardation as well as brown discoloration of the baby teeth.
Stimulants for ADHD - ANS ✓They are first-line and work by increasing the
availability of NE and dopamine in the prefrontal cortex.
Ivabradine - ANS ✓Selectively inhibits funny sodium channels, thereby
prolonging the slow depolarization phase (phase 4) and slowing the SA node
firing rate (HR). No effect on contractility (inotropy) and/or relaxation.
Direct Arteriolar Vasodilators - ANS ✓Include Hydralazine and minoxidil are
effective antihypertensives. Because they cause significant arterial vasodilation,
they also cause reflex sympathetic activation resulting in tachycardia and edema.
To counteract these compensatory effects, these agents are often given in
combination with sympatholytic and diuretics.
Efficacy vs. Potency - ANS ✓Efficacy is a measure of the maximum
pharmacodynamic effect achievable with a drug. Potency refers to the dose of
drug that is required to produce a given effect. Drugs that bind their receptors
HOSA Pharm
, 2
HOSA
with a higher affinity or are better able to gain access to their target tissues have
greater potency (lower ED50)
Sulfonoureas (Glyburide) - ANS ✓improves blood glucose levels in patients
with T2DM by increasing secretion of insulin (and C-peptide therefore) from
pancreatic B-cells. C-peptide is useful as a marker of endogenous Beta-cella
insulin secretion.
Succinylcholine - ANS ✓fast-acting, depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent
used for rapid-sequence intubation that causes equal reduction of all 4 twitches
during train of four stimulation (phase I blockade). Prolonged administrant of
succinylcholine or use in patients that have abnormal cholinesterase activity
causes transition to a phase II (nondepolarzing) block, seen as a progressive
reduction in each of the 4 twitches.
sucks = depolarizes
5-HT3 receptor antagonists (eg. ondansetron) - ANS ✓useful for the
treatment of visceral nausea due to GI insults, like gastroenteritis, chemo, and
general anesthesia.
Antihistamines and anticholinergics are useful for vestibular nausea.
Dopamine antagonists are useful for migraine nausea.
Mannitol - ANS ✓an osmotic diuretic that works by increasing plasma or tubular
fluid osmolality.
Barbiturates - ANS ✓induce hepatic microsomal enzymes (CYP450 inducers)
and thus increase warfarin metabolism and reduce its anticoagulant effect (could
lead to stroke)
Cytochrome p450 inducers - ANS ✓Carbamazepine
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin
Rifampin
Griseofulvin
CYP 450 inhibitors - ANS ✓Cimetidine
Ciprofloxacin
Erythromycin
Azole Antifungals
isoniazid
ritonavir
HOSA Pharm
, 3
HOSA
grapefruit juice
Unlike the CYP 450 inducers, these increase the anticoagulant effects of
warfarin.
Rifampin - ANS ✓Used prophylactically for close contacts in those with
menigocococcal meningitis (Neisseria meningitidis). Neisseria meningitides is a
gram-negative cocci seen in pairs that often afflicts college-aged students.
Pyruvate kinase deficiency - ANS ✓causes haemolytic anaemia due to failure of
glycolysis and resultant failure to generate sufficient ATP to maintain erythrocyte
structure.
Protease inhibitors (like Ataznavir) - ANS ✓are used for HIV and prevent
formation of mature viral proteins. Side effects include hyperglycemia,
lipodystrophy and drug-drug interactions due to inhibition of CYP 450.
Colchicine - ANS ✓inhibits tubulin polymerizaiton into microtubules
(cytoskeleton), thus disrupting chemotaxis and phagocytosis and can be used for
acute treatment and prophylaxis of gout. Important side effects include nausea,
abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Amiodarone - ANS ✓a class III antiarrhthmic that causes lengthening of cardiac
action potential by prolonging phase 3 (inhibit potassium channels so slower
repolarization), which manifests as prolonged QT. in contrast to other drugs,
very little risk of torsades de pointes even though the QT interval is prolonged.
Atropine - ANS ✓indicated for treatment of severe bradycardia as it decreases
the influence of SA and AV nodes. A common side effects is increased intraocular
pressure, which may precipitate acute closed-angle glaucoma.
Cocaine withdrawal - ANS ✓characterized by development of acute depression
fatigue, vivid dreams, hypersomnia, and hyperphagia. Key being relatively mild
physical symptoms compared to the others.
Ergonovine - ANS ✓can provoke coronary artery vasospasm in the attempt to
diagnose Prinz metal’s angina ,characterized by episodic, transient attacks of
coronary vasospasm, typically occurring at rest and at night. Produce temporary
ST elevations.
Rituximab - ANS ✓used to treat the vasculitities
HOSA Pharm
, 4
HOSA
Nitrate tolerance - ANS ✓patients need to have a nitrate-free period every day
to avoid tolerance of the drug
Nitrites (eg. amyl nitrite) - ANS ✓oxidizing agents that are effective in the
treatment of cyanide poisoning due to the ability to cause methemoglobinemia
(which rapidly binds the cyanide).
Sodium thiosulfate may also be used
Lithium - ANS ✓commonly used to treat bipolar disorder. Its use during
pregnancy is associated with Epstein’s anomaly (apical displacement of the
tricuspid valve leaflets, decreased right ventricular volume, and atrilization of the
right ventricle.
Nitrates - ANS ✓via conversion to NO activate guanylate cyclase and increase
intracellular levels of cGMP, which leads to decreased activity of myosin light
chain kinase (less calcium), thus leading to myosin light chain
dephosphorylation, resulting in vascular smooth muscle relaxation. Often used
during a hypertensive crisis.
Clomiphene - ANS ✓An estrogen receptor modulator that can allow those who
have PCOS to become fertile again. It decreases negative feedback inhibition on
the hypothalamus by circulating estrogen, thereby increasing gonadotropin
production (FSH and LH)
Histoplasma capsulatum - ANS ✓Can survive intracellularly within
macrophages. It causes a disseminate mycosis in immunocompromised
individuals (think history for HIV). Clinical features include systemic symptoms
like weight loss and fever, painful oral ulcers, lymphadenopathy, and
hepatosplenomegaly (H for H)
Majority of water reabsorption - ANS ✓occurs in the proximal convoluted
tubule, regardless of hydration status
Risperidone - ANS ✓An antipsychotic that is used for schizophrenia. It works by
inhibiting D2 Dopamine, which in turn leads to hyperprolactinemia as dopamine
can't supress it. This can lead to hypogonadism with the inhibition of GnRH form
the hypothalamus. In addition, hyperprolactinemia can lead to amenorrhea,
galactorrhea and breast soreness.
HOSA Pharm
