Pharmacology Midterm Exam
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025
1. A patient with hypertension is started on lisinopril. What common adverse
effect should be monitored?
A. Bradycardia
B. Dry cough
C. Hypokalemia
D. Constipation
Rationale: ACE inhibitors like lisinopril commonly cause a dry cough due to
increased bradykinin levels.
2. Which class of antibiotics is contraindicated in pregnancy due to risk of
fetal bone growth inhibition?
A. Macrolides
B. Tetracyclines
C. Penicillins
D. Cephalosporins
,Rationale: Tetracyclines bind to calcium and can inhibit fetal bone growth
and cause teeth discoloration.
3. What is the mechanism of action of proton pump inhibitors like
omeprazole?
A. Inhibit H2 receptors
B. Neutralize stomach acid
C. Irreversibly inhibit the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme
D. Enhance mucosal protection
Rationale: PPIs irreversibly block the gastric proton pump (H+/K+ ATPase),
reducing acid secretion.
4. Which of the following medications requires regular INR monitoring?
A. Clopidogrel
B. Dabigatran
C. Rivaroxaban
D. Warfarin
Rationale: Warfarin affects vitamin K-dependent clotting factors and
requires INR monitoring to maintain therapeutic range.
5. Which antihyperlipidemic agent works by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase?
A. Fenofibrate
B. Atorvastatin
C. Niacin
D. Cholestyramine
Rationale: Statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in
cholesterol synthesis.
, 6. A patient with asthma is prescribed a beta-blocker. Which is the most
appropriate option?
A. Atenolol
B. Propranolol
C. Nadolol
D. Timolol
Rationale: Atenolol is cardioselective and less likely to cause bronchospasm
than non-selective beta-blockers.
7. What is a common adverse effect of metformin?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Gastrointestinal upset
C. Weight gain
D. Lactic alkalosis
Rationale: GI side effects like nausea and diarrhea are common with
metformin, especially at initiation.
8. Which drug can cause a disulfiram-like reaction when combined with
alcohol?
A. Ceftriaxone
B. Metronidazole
C. Disulfiram
D. Ciprofloxacin
Rationale: Disulfiram is used to support alcohol abstinence by causing a
severe reaction if alcohol is consumed.
9. Which antiepileptic drug is known for causing gingival hyperplasia?