Pharmacology MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Pharmacology - Download Free PDF
Last updated on Jun 18, 2025
Latest Pharmacology MCQ Objective Questions
Pharmacology Question 1:
Diazepam is generally not used in the process of intubation because:
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Option 4 : It is a long-acting benzodiazepine and lacks rapid onset for intubation
Pharmacology Question 1 Detailed Solution
Correct Answer: It is a long-acting benzodiazepine and lacks rapid onset for intubation
Rationale:
- Diazepam is a benzodiazepine primarily used for its anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant, and sedative properties. However, in emergency airway management such as rapid sequence intubation (RSI), the choice of drug depends on how quickly it acts and how long its effects last.
- Diazepam has a slower onset of action (within 1–5 minutes when administered IV) and a relatively long half-life, which makes it less ideal for the rapid induction phase of intubation where immediate sedation is required.
- For intubation, short-acting agents like midazolam (a fast-acting benzodiazepine), etomidate, or propofol are preferred because they provide rapid sedation with better control over duration of effect.
- Using diazepam may delay the induction process and interfere with the precise timing required during airway management, potentially increasing complications.
Explanation of Other Options:
It is a local anesthetic
- Rationale: Diazepam is not a local anesthetic. It acts on the central nervous system by enhancing GABA activity. Local anesthetics, such as lidocaine, block nerve conduction at the site of administration, whereas diazepam does not produce local anesthesia.
It causes excessive respiratory stimulation during intubation
- Rationale: This is incorrect. Diazepam, like other benzodiazepines, causes central nervous system depression, including respiratory depression. It does not stimulate respiration. Excessive respiratory stimulation is not a known effect of diazepam.
It is contraindicated in all respiratory conditions
- Rationale: Diazepam is not universally contraindicated in all respiratory conditions. It must be used cautiously in patients with respiratory depression, but it may still be indicated in conditions like status epilepticus or severe anxiety associated with dyspnea. The key issue in intubation is its slow onset, not broad contraindication.
Conclusion:
- Diazepam is generally avoided during intubation because it lacks the rapid onset of action necessary for airway control. Short-acting sedatives with a quicker onset are the drugs of choice for successful and safe intubation procedures.
Pharmacology Question 2:
How quickly does naloxone typically act to reverse opioid toxicity?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Option 1 : 1-3 minutes after intravenous administration
Pharmacology Question 2 Detailed Solution
Correct Answer: 1-3 minutes after intravenous administration
Rationale:
- Naloxone is a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid toxicity, including respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension caused by opioid overdoses. It works by competitively binding to opioid receptors in the brain, displacing the opioid molecules and thereby reversing their effects.
- When administered intravenously (IV), naloxone acts very quickly, typically within 1-3 minutes. The rapid onset is due to direct entry into the bloodstream, allowing it to reach the opioid receptors in the brain almost immediately.
- This fast action is crucial in emergency situations where opioid toxicity has led to life-threatening conditions such as respiratory arrest. Prompt reversal of these effects can prevent fatal outcomes.
- Naloxone has a short duration of action, generally lasting 30-90 minutes. Therefore, repeated doses or continuous infusion may be necessary if the opioid involved has a longer half-life.
Explanation of Other Options:
30 minutes after oral administration
- Rationale: Naloxone is not administered orally to reverse opioid toxicity because it has poor bioavailability via this route. The gastrointestinal system metabolizes naloxone extensively, rendering it ineffective for rapid reversal of opioid effects. Therefore, oral administration is not a practical or recommended method for treating opioid overdoses.
10-20 minutes after intramuscular injection
- Rationale: Intramuscular (IM) administration of naloxone is slower compared to intravenous administration, typically taking 10-20 minutes to take effect. While this method is effective in non-emergency situations or when IV access is not available, it is not ideal for rapid reversal of life-threatening opioid toxicity.
1 hour after intranasal administration
- Rationale: Intranasal administration of naloxone actually works within 2-5 minutes, not 1 hour. This method is widely used in community settings due to its ease of use and rapid onset. The 1-hour timeframe mentioned in the option is incorrect and does not align with the pharmacokinetics of naloxone.
Conclusion:
- Intravenous administration of naloxone is the fastest method to reverse opioid toxicity, with effects seen within 1-3 minutes. This rapid onset makes it the preferred route in emergency situations.
- Other routes of administration, such as intramuscular and intranasal, have slower onset times but are still effective in certain scenarios. Oral administration is not suitable for opioid toxicity reversal due to poor bioavailability.
- Naloxone has proven to be a critical tool in combating the opioid overdose epidemic, saving countless lives when administered promptly and correctly.
Pharmacology Question 3:
Who discovered the first antibiotic, penicillin, and which organism produces it?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Option 3 : Alexander Fleming; Penicillium notatum
Pharmacology Question 3 Detailed Solution
Correct Answer: Alexander Fleming; Penicillium notatum
Rationale:
- Penicillin, the first antibiotic, was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928. This discovery revolutionized modern medicine by introducing a treatment for bacterial infections that was both effective and safe.
- Fleming observed that a mold, later identified as Penicillium notatum, inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus bacteria in a petri dish. This marked the beginning of the antibiotic era.
- The active compound, penicillin, was later purified and mass-produced, saving countless lives during World War II and beyond.
Additional Information:
- Penicillin works by interfering with the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, specifically targeting peptidoglycan, a critical component in bacterial cell wall structure. This ultimately leads to bacterial cell death.
- The discovery of penicillin earned Alexander Fleming, along with Howard Florey and Ernst Boris Chain (who further developed and mass-produced penicillin), the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1945.
- Penicillin was the foundation for the development of many other antibiotics, marking the start of a golden age in antimicrobial therapy.
Explanation of Other Options:
Louis Pasteur; Aspergillus niger
- Rationale: Louis Pasteur is renowned for his contributions to microbiology, including pasteurization and the development of vaccines. However, he did not discover penicillin. Additionally, Aspergillus niger is a mold used in industrial processes like citric acid production, not antibiotic production.
Robert Koch; Candida albicans
- Rationale: Robert Koch is celebrated for his work on germ theory and the discovery of the bacteria that cause tuberculosis and cholera. However, he did not discover antibiotics. Furthermore, Candida albicans is a yeast, not a mold, and is not associated with antibiotic production.
Edward Jenner; Streptomyces griseus
- Rationale: Edward Jenner is famous for developing the first vaccine (for smallpox), not for discovering antibiotics. Streptomyces griseus is a bacterium that produces streptomycin, an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis, but it is unrelated to penicillin.
Conclusion:
- Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin from Penicillium notatum marked a major milestone in medical science. The other options, though involving significant scientific figures or organisms, are not related to the discovery of penicillin or its production.
Pharmacology Question 4:
Which of the following drugs is known to cause congenital limb deformities in newborns, as shown in the image?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Option 4 : Thalidomide
Pharmacology Question 4 Detailed Solution
Correct Answer: Thalidomide
Rationale:
- Thalidomide is a drug historically known for causing severe congenital limb deformities, a condition medically termed as phocomelia. Phocomelia is characterized by shortened, malformed, or completely absent limbs.
- Thalidomide was originally marketed in the late 1950s and early 1960s as a sedative and treatment for morning sickness in pregnant women. However, it was soon found to have teratogenic effects, causing birth defects in thousands of newborns worldwide.
- The teratogenic effect of thalidomide is due to its interference with angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) during embryonic development. This disruption impacts limb formation and other organogenesis processes.
- Due to its devastating effects, thalidomide was withdrawn from the market in many countries. However, it has since been reintroduced under strict regulations for treating certain conditions like multiple myeloma and erythema nodosum leprosum, but it is contraindicated in pregnancy.
Explanation of Other Options:
Isotretinoin
- Rationale: Isotretinoin is a retinoid commonly used for treating severe acne. While it is a known teratogen (causing birth defects), it does not typically cause congenital limb deformities. Instead, isotretinoin is associated with craniofacial abnormalities, heart defects, and central nervous system malformations when taken during pregnancy.
Warfarin
- Rationale: Warfarin is an anticoagulant that can cause teratogenic effects if taken during pregnancy. These include a condition called "fetal warfarin syndrome," which is associated with nasal hypoplasia, skeletal abnormalities, and central nervous system defects. However, it is not typically linked to congenital limb deformities.
Ethambutol
- Rationale: Ethambutol is an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis. It is not known to have teratogenic effects or cause congenital limb deformities. Its primary side effect is optic neuritis, which affects vision, but it is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy.
Conclusion:
- Among the given options, thalidomide is the drug most strongly associated with congenital limb deformities, due to its teratogenic effects on embryonic development. This highlights the importance of careful drug use and monitoring during pregnancy to prevent adverse outcomes.
Pharmacology Question 5:
Which route of exposure presents the highest risk for nurses handling chemotherapy drugs?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Option 4 : Inhalation of aerosols and dermal absorption
Pharmacology Question 5 Detailed Solution
Correct Answer: Inhalation of aerosols and dermal absorption
Rationale:
- Nurses handling chemotherapy drugs face significant occupational hazards, particularly from accidental exposure to these cytotoxic agents. Among the routes of exposure, inhalation of aerosols and dermal absorption presents the highest risk due to the potential for prolonged and repeated exposure in clinical settings.
- Inhalation can occur when aerosolized particles of chemotherapy drugs are released into the air during preparation, administration, or disposal. These particles can be absorbed through the respiratory tract, leading to systemic exposure.
- Dermal absorption is another major concern because chemotherapy drugs are highly potent and can easily penetrate the skin barrier, especially if there are any cuts or abrasions. Repeated skin contact, even in small amounts, may lead to cumulative toxic effects over time.
- This route of exposure is particularly concerning because it may not always be immediately noticeable, unlike an accidental needlestick or mucous membrane splash.
Explanation of Other Options:
1) Injection
- Rationale: While accidental injection is a possible route of exposure, it is less common compared to inhalation and dermal absorption. This usually occurs due to improper handling of needles or syringes. Proper training and adherence to safety protocols significantly reduce this risk.
2) Mucous membrane contact
- Rationale: Mucous membrane contact, such as splashes to the eyes or mouth, can lead to exposure but is generally less frequent than inhalation or dermal absorption. It often results from improper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) or accidents during drug preparation or administration.
3) Ingestion
- Rationale: Ingestion is an unlikely route of exposure for nurses unless there is contamination of food, drinks, or hands. Adhering to strict hygiene practices, such as washing hands thoroughly and avoiding eating or drinking in work areas, minimizes this risk.
Additional Information:
- Inhalation and dermal absorption are the most insidious routes of exposure because they can occur without the nurse being immediately aware, leading to chronic health risks over time, such as reproductive issues, organ damage, or cancer.
- To mitigate these risks, nurses should always follow safety protocols, such as using biological safety cabinets, wearing appropriate PPE (e.g., gloves, gowns, masks, and goggles), and ensuring proper ventilation in workspaces.
- Regular training and monitoring for occupational exposure are essential to ensure the safety of healthcare workers handling hazardous drugs.
Conclusion:
- Among the given options, inhalation of aerosols and dermal absorption poses the highest risk for nurses handling chemotherapy drugs. Proper safety measures and vigilance are critical to reducing occupational exposure and protecting healthcare professionals.
Top Pharmacology MCQ Objective Questions
Side effect of chloramphenicol is ?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Option 3 : Bone marrow suppresion
Pharmacology Question 6 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDF- Chloramphenicol causes dose-dependent, reversible bone marrow suppression due to mitochondrial injury.
- It is due to its ability to reversibly inhibit mitochondrial protein synthesis and also the damage to the inner membrane of mitochondria. Hence Option 3 is the Correct Answer.
- Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic given for the treatment of serious infections and systemic infections.
- Chloramphenicol is mainly semisynthetic, a broad-spectrum antibiotic derived from Streptomyces venequelae and it has bacteriostatic activity.
- aplastic anaemia
- diarrhoea
- inflammation of the small intestine and the colon (enterocolitis)
- headache
- nausea
- nightmares
- inflammation of the optic nerve
- weakness and numbness in your hands and feet
- rash
- inflamed and sore mouth
- vomiting
- Gray baby syndrome is a very serious side effect in which an infant experiences a life-threatening reaction to the antibiotic Chloramphenicol.
- It occurs due to circulatory collapse that occurs in premature and newborn infants and is associated with excessively high serum levels of chloramphenicol.
- It is mainly characterized by ashen-grey colour skin, abdominal distention, vomiting, flaccidity, cyanosis, circulatory collapse, and death.
Concept
Other side effects of chloramphenicol are:
Additional Information
Who is the father of medicine?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Option 1 : Hippocrates
Pharmacology Question 7 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFExplanation:
- Hippocrates is a Greek physician who was born in 460 B.C. He has been the most outstanding figure in the history of medicine. He is also described as the father of medicine (Hence option 1 is correct).
Key Points
- The 'Hippocratic oath' is an oath taken by physicians and other healthcare professionals around the world, swearing in to practice medicine honestly.
- Hippocrates's big legacy is the development of clinical observation that is the diagnosis, prognosis, observation, and treatment.
Further, His important contributions to epidemiology are:
- He attempted to use rational versus supernatural means to explain disease occurrence.
- He recognized that disease not only affects individuals but populations as well.
- He wrote three books that dealt with epidemiologic concepts include- Epidemic I, Epidemic III, and Air, Water and Place.
- He differentiated between endemic disease and epidemic disease.
- He recognized associations between the environment and other factors for example water conditions, housing, and climate, etc.
Additional Information
- Paul Berg: is an American biochemist born in 1926. He received a Nobel prize in chemistry in 1980 for his research involving you click acids. Berg is often referred to as 'Father of Genetic Engineering.
- Galen: was a Greek physician, surgeon, and philosopher in the Roman empire. He is called the 'Father of Medical Investigation'. He influenced the development of a variety of scientific disciplines, including anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and neuroscience.
- Karl Landsteiner: was an Austrian biologist, physician, and immunologist born in1868. He is described as the 'Father of Transfusion Medicine' and posthumously awarded with 'Lasker Award' in 1946.
Iodex, a pain relief balm, has the smell of ________ .
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Option 1 : Methyl salicylate
Pharmacology Question 8 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFThe correct answer is Methyl Salicylate.
Key Points
- Its molecular formula is C8H8O3.
- Molecular Weight: 152.15 g/mol.
- Methyl salicylate is an organic ester naturally produced by many species of plants, particularly wintergreens.
- It is also synthetically produced, used as a fragrance, in foods and beverages, and in liniments.
- Methyl salicylate appears as a colorless yellowish or reddish liquid with an odor of wintergreen.
- It was first extracted and isolated from plant species Gaultheria procumbens in 1843.
Important Points
- It exhibits a characteristic odor and taste of wintergreen.
- For acute joint and muscular pain, methyl salicylate is used as a rubefacient and analgesic in deep heating liniments.
- It is used as a flavoring agent in chewing gums and mints in small concentrations.
- It is used as an antiseptic in Listerine mouthwash produced by the Johnson & Johnson company.
Additional Information
- Ethyl salicylate:
- Molecular Formula: C9H10O3.
-
Molecular Weight: 166.17 g/mol.
-
Ethyl salicylate is a hydroxybenzoic acid.
-
colorless to pale yellow liquid with a spicy, anisic, wintergreen-like odor.
- slightly soluble in water, glycerol; soluble in organic solvents, oils.
- Propyl salicylate:
- Molecular Formula: C10H12O3.
-
Molecular Weight: 180.2 g/mol.
- Butyl salicylate:
- Molecular Formula: C11H14O3.
-
Molecular Weight: 194.23 g/mol.
- It is used as a flavoring agent.
"Eno, Gelusil, Digene", etc are the types of ________ drugs.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Option 3 : Antacid
Pharmacology Question 9 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFThe correct answer is Antacid.
- "Eno, Gelusil, Digene", etc are the types of Antacid.
Key Points
- Drugs:
- Drugs are substances of low molecular mass, that interact in the body and produce a biological response.
- Specific drugs have been prescribed to patients by a doctor, as per necessity.
- Role & Effects of Drugs:
- Either increases or decreases the role of enzyme-catalyzed reactions is the main role of drugs.
- The inhibition of enzymes is a common motive in the action of the drug.
- Therapeutic effect:
- The beneficial effect of a drug like the treatment of symptoms in the human body.
- And the cure of a disease is known as the therapeutic effect.
Additional Information
The following table shows the following types of drugs with respective features & examples.
| The therapeutic action of various classes of drugs | ||
| Name | Descriptions | Examples |
| Antihistamines |
|
|
| Antacid |
|
|
| Tranquillizers |
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Derivatives of barbituric acids like
|
| Anti-fertility Drugs |
|
|
Which of the following hormone is also known as 'emergency hormone'?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Option 4 : Adrenaline
Pharmacology Question 10 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFConcept:
Adrenaline - It is secreted in the Medulla at the adrenal gland as well as some neurons of the Central Nervous System.
- It is known as an emergency hormone because it initiates the quick reaction which makes the individual think and respond quickly to the stress.
- The functions of Adrenaline include - increases the metabolic rate, dilation of blood vessels, etc.
Uses Of Adrenaline
- Anaphylactic Shock
- Cardiac Arrest
- Control Of Haemorrhage
- With Local Anaesthetics
- Acute Bronchial Asthma
- Glaucoma
Contraindications
- Angina pectoris
- Hypertension
- Patients on β blockers
Additional Information
| Hormone | Secreted by | Function |
| Cortisol | Adrenal gland |
|
| Growth Hormone | Anterior Pituitary |
|
| Prolactin | Pituitary gland |
|
An order for prednisolone reads 10 mg four times a day. The dose for the child is 2 mg/kg/day. How many pounds does the child weigh?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Option 4 : 44 pounds
Pharmacology Question 11 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFConcept:-
- Prednisolone is a Glucocorticoid drug used to reduce inflammation, and adrenal Insufficiency and is also used in some cancers.
- Prednisolone is a glucocorticoid similar to cortisol used for its anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, anti-neoplastic, and vasoconstrictive effects
- Every medication has a maximum dose in a day according to the child's weight. Prednisolone is a corticosteroid that is allowed 2 mg/kg/day in the above case.
- The order reads as 10mg four times a day. Therefore, 10 mg*4 = 40 mg per day is the maximum dose for the child.
Explanation:
- The prescribed dose is 40 mg per day.
- If we assume the child's weight as x.
- 2 mg * x(kg) * 1 = 40 mg per day
- x = 40/2
- 20 kgs is the weight of the child.
- 1 kg = 2.20462 lbs (pounds)
Therefore, 20 kg = 44 pounds.
Which antiepileptic drug given by intranasal Route?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Option 1 : Midazolam
Pharmacology Question 12 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFConcept:
- Anti-epileptic drugs = (AEDs) -> used treatment for epilepsy.
- Midazolam nasal spray is a prescription medicine used for the short-term treatment of seizure clusters
- Intranasal midazolam is administered as an antiepileptic and also seen to be effective and reasonably safe for the treatment of acute seizures in the case of the pediatric population.
- Midazolam is a new imidazobenzodiazepine. This drug is more potent and has a shorter duration of action than diazepam. It acts by slowing activity in the brain to induce relaxation and sleep.
- Dose: 5mg/0.1mL per single-dose spray
Additional Information
- Diazepam is a drug used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and seizures. It is also used to relieve muscle spasms and to provide sedation as pre procedures. This mainly works by calming the brain and nerves. it also belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines.
- Clobazam is a benzodiazepine used to help control seizures (convulsions) that occur with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome . It works in the brain to prevent seizures.
- Nitrazepam also belongs to the Benzodiazepine family of drugs. They are usually administered in the short-term treatment of insomnia (as well as other sleeping problems such as regular night awakenings, early morning awakenings, and trouble falling asleep.
Which of the following antibiotics is produced by microorganisms?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Option 4 : All the above
Pharmacology Question 13 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFConcept-
- 'Antibiotics' term was coined by Selman Waksman.
- Anti is a Greek word that means ‘against’, and bio means ‘life’, together they mean ‘against life’ (in the context of disease-causing organisms); whereas with reference to human beings, they are ‘pro life’ and not against.
- Antibiotics are antimicrobial drugs.
- Antibiotics are used as drugs to treat infections because of their low toxicity for humans and animals.
- Antibiotics function either by killing bacteria or inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
Explanation-
Streptomycin
- Streptomycin was first isolated by Albert Schatz on October 19, 1943.
- Streptomycin is produced by Streptomyces griseus.
- Streptomycin is used to treat a bacterial infection, it is regarded as an antibiotic.
Tetracycline
- The tetracyclines antibiotics were discovered by Benjamin Minge Duggar in 1948.
- The tetracycline produced by Streptomyces aureofaciens.
- Tetracyclines inhibit bacterial growth rather than killing them, so it is regarded as an antibiotic.
Penicillin
- Penicillin was the first antibiotic to be discovered.
- Penicillin was discovered by Alexander Fleming.
- Penicillin is produced by Penicillium notatum.
- Penicillins work by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, so it is regarded as an antibiotic.
Therefore the correct option is 'All the Above'
Additional Information
- Antibiotics have greatly improved our capacity to treat deadly diseases such as plague, whooping cough (kali khansi), diphtheria (gal ghotu) and leprosy (kusht rog), which used to kill millions all over the globe.
- Antibiotics are obtained from lichens, fungi, eubacteria and actinomycetes.
Drugs used for rare disease are known as:
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Option 1 : Orphan drugs
Pharmacology Question 14 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFExplanation-
Orphan drugs
- It is used to treat rare medical conditions.
- These drugs are developed by the pharmaceutical industry for public health needs and not for economic reasons.
- It is used to treat acute intermittent porphyria, variegate porphyria, and hereditary coproporphyria.
- Ibuprofen can also be categorized as an orphan drug because it has been used to treat an orphan disease, namely patent ductus arteriosus in neonates.
- Eloctate, Nelarabine, Raxibacumab etc are examples of orphan drugs.
Additional Information
|
Rare drugs
|
|
|
Over the counter drugs
|
|
|
Emergency drugs |
|
Key Points
Orphan Drugs are the ones which are used for the treatment of rare diseases and Rare drugs are rare because of their rare availability.
Correct method of potassium administration except?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Option 1 : IV bolus
Pharmacology Question 15 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFConcept –
- IV bolus is a large number of fluid or drug doses given intravenously .
- It given by slowly intravenous infusion
- Administration should be via volumetric infusion pump through the peripheral line .
Additional Information
- Dilute CNS :- this means that they speed up central nervous system increasing heart rate temperature , blood pressure increasing in energy level
- Slow intrusion :- movement of tooth back into the bone
- Orange juice :- it contain antioxidant and potassium regular consumption, including improving health.
Important Points
- Potassium plays important roles in transmission nerve signals ,muscles contraction.