MCQs in Pharmacology - Drugs acting on Central Nervous System

# CNS depressant drug which reduces excitement without much effect on sleep is (also called anti anxiety drug):
A. Anticholinergic
B. Antipsychotic
C. Sedative
D. Hypnotic

# CNS depressant drug which produces sleep but patient may be awakened by inducing pain. This type of drug is called:
A. Antileptic
B. Antisympathetic
C. Sedative
D. Hypnotic

# All of the following are true regarding sedative hypnotics EXCEPT:
A. They are mainly used in treatment of insomnia
B. Their action on CNS is dose dependent
C. They produce analgesia
D. They produce drug dependance

# Drugs which induce natural sleep when administered in therapeutic doses are called as:
A. Hypnotic
B. Sedative
C. Soporifics
D. Analgesics

# Which of the following is an effective anti anxiety drug?
A. Dantrolene
B. Chlordiazepoxide
C. Baclofen
D. Promazine

# Benzodiazepines exert their anti-anxiety effect by modifying which of the following neurohormones?
A. GABA
B. Serotonin
C. Dopamine
D. Glyceryl acetic acid

# The action of benzodiazepines at neurons of GABA sites can be described as:
A. GABA mimetic as well as GABA facilitatory
B. GABA facilitatory only, no GABA mimetic action
C. GABA mimetic only, no GABA facilitatory action
D. No action at GABA sites

# Which of the following describes the action of benzodiazepines?
A. Sedative and anxiolytic
B. Anticonvulsant and centrally acting muscle relaxant
C. Preanesthetic medication
D. All of the above

# Benzodiazepines are used for all of the following EXCEPT:
A. Sedative and tranquillizers
B. Muscle relaxants and anaesthetics
C. Antiepileptics
D. Antihistamines and antipsychotics

# Benzodiazepams are preferred to barbiturates as anti-anxiety drugs because:
A. Benzodiazepams has less CNS depressant action
B. It has less addiction potential
C. It has rapid onset of action
D. None of the above

# Which of the following benzodiazepines do not produce any active metabolite in the body?
A. Diazepam and chordiazepoxide
B. Flurazepam and alprazolam
C. Oxazepam and Lorazepam
D. All of the above

# Which of the following benzodiazepines have marked antiepileptic activity?
A. Diazepam and Flurazepam
B. Flurazepam and Oxazepam
C. Diazepam and Clonazepam
D. Oxazepam and Clonazepam

# All are true of diazepines EXCEPT:
A. Benzodiazepam is used in treatment of status epilepticus
B. Benzodiazepam is used in the long term treatment of psychic disorders
C. Clonazepam is used in the treatment of petit mal epilepsy
D. None of the above

# Which of the following relaxes skeletal muscle by acting on CNS?
A. Diazepam
B. Meprobromate
C. Chlordiazepoxide
D. All of the above

# Which of the following is least likely to produce respiratory depression when given IV?
A. Diazepam
B. Fentanyl
C. Phenobarbitone
D. Morphine

# One of the benzodiazepines comparatively safe in pregnancy is (Category B):
A. Alprazolam
B. Zolpidem
C. Lorazepam
D. None of the above

# Verril's sign is seen in:
A. Diazepam administration
B. Digitalis toxicity
C. Paget's disease
D. Unconscious states

# Diazepams are preferred to barbiturates for emergency treatment of CNS stimulation because:
A. Diazepam has rapid onset of action
B. Barbiturates do not have anticonvulsant effect
C. Diazepam has less profound CNS depression
D. All of the above

# Which among the following may be used as a sedative-hypnotic?
A. Zolmitriptan
B. Zileuton
C. Zolpidem
D. Zalcitabine

# Which of the following is specific antagonist to benzodiazepine?
A. Amphetamine
B. Flumazenil
C. Meprobamate
D. MAO inhibitors

# Which of the following has additive action on CNS depression when given together?
A. Narcotics and antipsychotics
B. Alcohol and anti anxiety drugs
C. Antianxiety and barbiturate
D. All of the above

# Which of the following drugs are not antidepressants?
A. Diazepam and meprobamate
B. MAO inhibitors
C. Amphetamines
D. Tricyclic compounds like phenothiazines

# Which of the following is true regarding barbiturates?
A. They depress all areas of CNS and the effect is dose dependant
B. Sleep is mainly maintained by depressing reticular activating system
C. They mainly potentiate GABA facilitatory action as well as GABA-mimetic action
D. All of the above

# Which of the following is not TRUE of barbiturates?
A. Respiratory depression is the main cause of death in barbiturate poisoning
B. Hypnotic doses of barbiturates produce myocardial depression and cardiac arrest
C. Barbiturates reduces urinary flow and increase ADH release
D. Barbiturates effect on CNS ranges from sedation, hypnosis and anesthesia and to coma depending on dose

# IV ultrashort acting barbiturate:
A. Meprobamate
B. Pentobarbitone
C. Thiopentone
D. Phenobarbitone

# The action of highly lipid soluble thiopental and other ultrashort acting barbiturates us terminated mainly by:
A. Redistribution
B. Dealkylation in the liver
C. Renal excretion
D. COnjugation in the liver

# Regarding thiopentone sodium following statement is false:
A. It is a potent anaesthetic
B. Poor analgesic
C. Induces laryngospasm
D. Produces potent muscle relaxation

# Which of the following is true of thiobarbiturates?
A. A rapid redistribution from brain to body
B. Fast onset and short duration of action tissues due to high lipid solubility
C. They are used in induction of anesthesia
D. All of the above

# Acute barbiturate poisoning results in:
A. Renal failure
B. Liver failure
C. Respiratory failure
D. Convulsions

# Which of the following is least appropriate for the treatment of acute overdose of pentobarbital?
A. Injection of analeptics like metrazol, bemegride to stimulate CNS
B. Forced alkaline diuresis with mannitol and sodium bicarbonate
C. Gastric lavage and haemoperfusion
D. Use of vasopressor such as dopamine for renal vasodilation

# In acute barbiturate poisoning first and foremost thing advised is:
A. To inject analeptics
B. To maintain adequate respiration
C. Alkalinization of urine
D. Gastric lavage

# Barbiturates in paediatrics is:
A. Contraindicated
B. Low safety
C. Can be used safely
D. Of much use

# Barbiturates may potentiate the side effect of orthostatic hypotensionto a significant effect with all of the following EXCEPT:
A. Tricyclic compounds
B. MAO inhibitors
C. Reserpine and Gunathedine
D. Chlorthiazide

# Which of the following is not TRUE of barbiturates:
A. They have significant analgesic property and elevate pain threshold
B. They have anticonvulsant action
C. They do not have selective anti-anxiety action and impair short term memory and learning
D. They are mainly metabolized in liver

# Chlorpromazine is a:
A. Barbiturate
B. Tricyclic antidepressant
C. MAO inhibitor
D. Phenothiazine

# The antipsychotic (major tranquillizers) belonging to phenothiazine group has all of the following actions EXCEPT:
A. Anti anxiety and anticonvulsant effect
B. Anti emetic and local anesthetic effect
C. Anti histaminic and anticholinergic effect
D. Alpha adrenergic and dopaminergic blocking action

# Atypical antipsychotics are all EXCEPT:
A. Olanzapine
B. Clozapine
C. Risperidone
D. Thioridazone

# The antipsychotic drug producing the greatest sedative effect is:
A. Haloperidol
B. Chlorpromazine
C. Trifluoperazine
D. Diazepam

# Dryness of mouth is commonly associated with the following drugs:
A. Antibiotics
B. Antidiuretics
C. Tranquillizers
D. NSAIDs

# Which of the following drugs causes extrapyramidal symptoms?
A. Antibiotics
B. Salicylates
C. Barbiturates
D. Phenothiazines

# Phenothiazines like chlorpromazine exhibit their antipsychotic action mainly by blocking the following receptors in CNS:
A. Dopaminergic
B. Histamine
C. Serotonin
D. Adrenergic

# Which of the following is an irreversible side effect resulting from long term administration of phenothiazine antipsychotics?
A. Infertility
B. Parkinsonism
C. Xerostomia
D. Tardive dyskinesia

# Phenothiazines are used to:
A. Produce muscle relaxation
B. Alter psychotic behaviour
C. Suppress coughing
D. Produce analgesia

# Which of the following are side effects of chlorpromazine?
A. Adrenergic and cholinergic blockade results in xerostomia and dry mouth
B. Alpha-adrenergic blockade results in postural hypotension
C. Cholestatic jaundice and photosensitivity which are not dose dependant
D. All of the above

# Besides antipsychotic action, phenothiazines are potent:
A. Analgesics
B. Antiemetics
C. Antihypertensives
D. Anticonvulsants

# The drugs used in the treatment of mental depression are:
A. Phenothiazines and benzodiazepines
B. Tricyclic compounds and MAO inhibitors
C. Benzodiazepines and barbiturates
D. Phenothiazines and barbiturates

# Amitryptaline is a:
A. Antibiotic
B. Sedative
C. Tricyclic antidepressant
D. Diuretic

# Which of the following drugs are currently the mainstay of treatment of depressive psychosis?
A. Second generation tricyclic antidepressants
B. MAO inhibitors
C. Barbiturates
D. Phenothiazines

# The effect of tricyclic compounds on ANS is mainly:
A. Anticholinergic (muscarinic blockade) like atropine
B. B adrenergic blocking like propranolol
C. Anticholinergic (nicotinic blockade)
D. None of the above

# The depressive action of tricyclic compounds is related to which of the following?
A. Inhibition of the uptake of biogenic amines like noradrenaline, 5HT and dopamine into their respective neurons
B. Inhibition of the synthesis of neuronal transmitters like GABA and dopamine
C. Blockade of dopaminergic nerve endings
D. Facilitatory action on GABA transmission

# Which of the following are the common side effects of tricyclic antidepressants?
A. Xerostomia and constipation
B. Postural hypotension
C. Sedation and mental confusion
D. All of the above

# Which of the following is true of MAO inhibitors?
A. They inhibit MAO in irreversible reaction
B. Ingestion of tyramine-rich food like cheese may lead to hypertensive crisis when taking MAO inhibitors
C. Their side effects are similar to tricyclic compounds
D. All of the above

# Which of the following is a serious complication of CNS depressants that leads to death?
A. Cardiovascular collapse
B. Respiratory depression
C. Blockade of autonomic ganglion
D. Cardiac depression

# The drug of choice in acute maniac-depressive psychosis is:
A. Lithium carbonate
B. Phenothiazines
C. Tricyclic antidepressants
D. Benzodiazepines

# Which of the following is true of amphetamine?
A. It is a centrally acting sympathomimetic drug
B. Its central actions are largely mediated by release of mediators like noradrenaline and dopamine
C. It is the drug of abuse capable of producing physical as well as psychological dependance
D. All of the above

# Which of the following actions is true of amphetamine?
A. It is certainly acting sympathomimetic drug
B. Its central actions are largely mediated by release of mediators like noradrenaline and dopamine
C. It is the drug of abuse capable of producing physical as well as psychological dependance
D. All of the above

# Which of the following actions is true of amphetamine?
A. Increased fatigue
B. Reduced appetite
C. Reduced pain threshold
D. None of the above

# In which of the following disorders amphetamine is not used?
A. Narcolepsy
B. Obesity
C. Mild depression
D. Anorexia nervosa

# Which of the following psychostimulants is preferred to amphetamine in treatment of hyperkinetic children?
A. Methylphenidate
B. Nikethemide
C. Ethyl butamide
D. Doxapram

# Which of the following methylxanthines is used in CNS stimulation?
A. Caffeine
B. Theophylline
C. Theobromine
D. All of the above

# The higher centre most commonly affected by caffeine is:
A. Medulla
B. Cortex
C. Hypothalamus
D. It does not affect higher centres

# All of the following drugs are used in the treatment of Parkinsonism EXCEPT:
A. Levodopa
B. Bromocriptine
C. Amantadine
D. Haloperidol

# Which is the single most effective drug in parkinsonism treatment which converts rapidly into active dopamine?
A. Bromocriptine
B. Levodopa
C. Carbidopa
D. Amantadine

# All of the following penetrate the CSF EXCEPT:
A. Dextrose
B. Dilantin
C. Diazepam
D. Dopamine

# Which of the following is administered along with levodopa for a beneficial effect in the treatment of parkinsonism?
A. Bromocriptine
B. Carbidopa
C. Promethazine
D. Amantadine

# All of the following are side effects of Levodopa EXCEPT:
A. Nausea and vomitting
B. Postural hypotension and arrhythmia
C. Sedation
D. Fluctuation in motor performance

# Which of the following is an absolute contraindication of hypnotic drugs?
A. Porphyrism
B. Angina pectoris
C. Liver diseases
D. Renal impairment

# Damage to certain areas of brain are associated with certain disorders. Which of the following are correctly matched?
A. Sleep arousal - Reticular activating system
B. Increased pain perception - Thalamus
C. Parkinsonism - Basal ganglion
D. All of the above

# Carbamazepine is a type of:
A. Antidepressant
B. Anti-inflammatory
C. Antibiotic
D. Antiemetic

# Which of the following is true of carbamazepine?
A. It is a general-purpose analgesic
B. It is effective during the attack of trigeminal neuralgia
C. It is used in temporal lobe epilepsy and in grand mal epilepsy, similar to phenytoin
D. Used in the treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia

# Which of the following is true of carbamazapine?
A. It is the drug of choice in trigeminal neuralgia
B. Carbamazepine is an inhibitor of GABA
C. Can cause megaloblastic anemia and gingival hyperplasia
D. All of the above

# Most common side effect of carbamazepine is:
A. Ataxia
B. Pancytopenia
C. Gingival hyperplasia
D. Vomitting

# Which of the following has neurone membrane stability effect?
A. Phenytoin
B. Morphine
C. Barbiturate
D. Benzodiazepine

# Pseudolymphoma and gingival enlargements are the side effects of:
A. Phenytoin or diphenylhydantoin
B. Barbiturates
C. Carbamazepine
D. Sodium valproate

# Which of the following are side effects of phenytoin?
A. Megaloblastic anemia
B. Osteomalacia
C. Hyperglycemia
D. All of the above

# Folic acid deficiency is associated with administration of:
A. Phenytoin
B. Chloramphenicol
C. Isoniazide
D. Streptomycin

# Which of the following are long acting barbiturates?
A. Phenobarbitone and mephobarbitone
B. Secobarbitone and pentobarbitone
C. Thiopentone and hexobarbitone
D. Pentobarbitone and thiopentone

# The drug of choice in terminating tonic-clonic seizures is:
A. Diazepam
B. Phenobarbitone
C. Diphenylhydantoin
D. Sodium valproate

# The barbiturate which is used in treatment of grand mal epilepsy is:
A. Secobarbital
B. Pentobarbital
C. Thiopental sodium
D. Phenobarbital

# Which among the following would be most effective in absence seizures?
A. Phenytoin
B. Carbamazepine
C. Valproic acid
D. Phenobarbitone

# The drug of choice in grand mal epilepsy:
A. Phenobarbitone
B. Ethosuximide
C. Phenytoin
D. Diazepam

# Drug of choice in grand mal epilepsy:
A. Phenobarbitone
B. Ethosuximide
C. Phenytoin
D. Diazepam

# Drug of choice in trigeminal neuralgia is:
A. Phenobarbitone
B. Phenytoin
C. Carbamazepine
D. Diazepam

# The reason why phenytoin is preferred in the treatment of grand mal epilepsy over phenobarbitone in that phenytoin:
A. Does not cause depression
B. Is not drug of addiction
C. Is effective in all age groups
D. Produces less sedation for a given degree of cortical depression

# If a grand mal develops in a petit mal patient, you would like to prefer:
A. Sodium valproate
B. Phenytoin
C. Diazepam
D. Phenobarbitone

# Drug of choice in petit mal epilepsy:
A. Phenytoin
B. Diazepam
C. Phenobarbitone
D. Sodium valproate and ethosuximide

# Which of the following is the current drug of choice for status epilepticus?
A. Phenytoin
B. Diazepam
C. Carbamazepine
D. Chlorpromazine

# Best and most effective drug to control convulsions in toxicity cases is:
A. Phenobarbitone
B. Phenytoin
C. Diazepam
D. Carbamazepine

# Which of the following antiepileptic agents causes the reversible side-effect of gingival hyperplasia?
A. Ethosuximide
B. Phenobarbitone
C. Sodium valproate
D. None of the above

# The sudden withdrawl of which of the following anti-epileptics results in precipitation of status epilepticus?
A. Phenytoin
B. Valproate
C. Phenobarbitone
D. Diazepam

# Which of the following drugs is least efficacious in the treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy?
A. Phenobarbitone
B. Phenytoin sodium
C. Primidone
D. Carbamazepine

# An attack of migraine can be easily terminated by:
A. Acetylchoine
B. Ergotamine
C. Morphine
D. Ibuprofen

# Phenytoin is associated with:
A. Folic acid deficiency
B. Alzheimer's disease
C. Cushing's syndrome
D. Vitamin C deficiency

# Which of the following drugs causes extrapyramidal symptoms?
A. Diphenylhydantoin
B. Primidone
C. Phenobarbitone
D. Sodium valproate

# Ethanol is a:
A. Mild rubefacient and counter irritant
B. Astringent
C. Antiseptic
D. All of the above

# Which of the following are pharmacological or toxic effects of ethyl alcohol?
A. Alcohol euphoria is a result of removal of inhibitory effect of the cortex
B. It inhibits ADH secretion and increases diuresis
C. In moderate doses it increases BP while in large doses it decreases BP as well as vasomotor depression
D. All of the above

# All of the following are true of pharmacokinetics of alcohol EXCEPT:
A. It is mainly absorbed from stomach and is very fast
B. It crosses the blood-brain barrier and placenta freely
C. It follows zero-order kinetics i.e. constant amount (10-15ml/hr) is degraded in unit time irrespective of blood concentration
D. 90% of it is metabolized by liver and is excreted through kidney and lungs

# Which of the following is not a factor in determining the blood levels of alcohol?
A. Gastric emptying time
B. Rate of metabolism and body weight
C. Rate of intake and alcohol content of beverage
D. Rate of urinary excretion and state of mind

# Which of the following drugs are not synergistic with alcohol in depressing the CNS?
A. Amphetamine, caffeine and methyl phenidate
B. Barbiturates and diazepams
C. Meperidine and morphine
D. All of the above

# Use of ethyl alcohol is characterized by all of the following EXCEPT:
A. It increases gastric secretion and results in chronic gastritis
B. It produces cutaneous and gastric vasoconstriction following ingestion
C. It mobilizes peripheral fat and increases fatty synthesis in liver
D. It results in Wernicke's encephalopathy and Korsakoff's psychosis

# One of the obvious consequences of alcohol (ethanol) ingestion in many individuals is facial flushing and increased heart rate triggered off by alcohol getting metabolized to:
A. Formaldehyde
B. Acetaldehyde
C. Propanaldehyde
D. Butanaldehyde

# Korsakoff's syndrome is associated with the long term use of:
A. Alcohol
B. Amphetamines
C. Barbiturates
D. Diazepam

# The ethyl alcohol (ethanol) is more effective as disinfectant when mixed with water and used as:
A. 10 to 20 percent
B. 20 to 30 percent
C. 40 to 50 percent
D. 60 to 70 percent

# Which is mainstay of the alcohol antabuse treatment?
A. Disulfiram
B. Morphine
C. Phenothiazine
D. Chloropropamine