33 original questions from the free modules. Choose an answer before opening the explanation. These are study questions, not official PTCB exam items.
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin)
Atorvastatin is a statin — it inhibits HMG-CoA reductase to lower LDL cholesterol production.
Beta blocker
The '-olol' suffix identifies beta blockers. Metoprolol is a cardioselective beta-1 blocker.
H2 blocker
The '-tidine' suffix identifies H2 receptor blockers. Famotidine is OTC for heartburn.
Benzodiazepine
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine (Schedule IV). Suffixes '-azepam' and '-azolam' identify the class.
Atorvastatin
Lipitor is the brand name for atorvastatin.
Viagra
Sildenafil is sold as Viagra (erectile dysfunction) and Revatio (pulmonary hypertension).
Metformin
Glucophage is a brand name for metformin, a biguanide used to improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes.
Montelukast
Singulair is brand-name montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist for asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Acute bronchospasm in asthma/COPD
Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist used as a rescue bronchodilator.
Anticoagulation
Warfarin is an oral vitamin K antagonist anticoagulant used for AFib, DVT/PE, and mechanical valves.
Sertraline
Zoloft is the brand name for sertraline, an SSRI for depression and anxiety disorders.
Eliquis
Apixaban is Eliquis, a direct oral anticoagulant (factor Xa inhibitor); rivaroxaban is Xarelto.
Prevent nausea and vomiting
Ondansetron is a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with specified chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery.
Cephalexin (Keflex)
Cephalexin is a cephalosporin beta-lactam; its label warns about cross-hypersensitivity with penicillins. The technician flags the allergy for pharmacist assessment rather than selecting an alternative antibiotic.
Avoid alcohol and propylene glycol during therapy and for at least three days afterward
The Flagyl label warns that alcohol or propylene glycol may cause abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, and flushing. Avoid them during treatment and for at least three days after the last dose.
Insulin glargine
Lantus is insulin glargine, a long-acting basal insulin; lispro (Humalog) and aspart (Novolog) are rapid-acting, detemir is Levemir.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Warfarin's effect on vitamin K-dependent clotting factors is measured by the INR; DOACs like apixaban were designed to avoid routine INR monitoring.
GLP-1 receptor agonist
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Ozempic injection is dosed once weekly; the drug class also includes oral formulations, so injectable is not a class-wide requirement.
Hypertension and edema
Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic labeled for hypertension and selected causes of edema.
COPD maintenance bronchodilation
Ipratropium is a short-acting anticholinergic bronchodilator commonly used for COPD; often combined with albuterol.
Dry persistent cough
Persistent nonproductive cough is a recognized ACE-inhibitor adverse effect, plausibly related to reduced bradykinin breakdown. Refer the concern to the pharmacist and prescriber; a technician does not independently change therapy.
GI upset / diarrhea, rarely lactic acidosis
Diarrhea and other gastrointestinal effects are common with metformin. Its boxed warning concerns lactic acidosis. It is contraindicated with eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73 m²; temporary interruption for iodinated contrast depends on the label criteria and clinical assessment.
Hyperkalemia and gynecomastia
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that also blocks androgen receptors → hyperkalemia and gynecomastia.
B12 deficiency, hypomagnesemia, fracture risk
PPI labels warn about B12 deficiency with prolonged use, hypomagnesemia, fracture risk, and Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea. These risks require appropriate clinical assessment.
Simvastatin
Grapefruit inhibits CYP3A4 in the gut wall; simvastatin/atorvastatin/lovastatin levels rise, raising rhabdomyolysis risk.
Calcium, iron, or antacids (chelation)
Antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium and iron-containing preparations can impair tetracycline absorption. Follow the specific product label and pharmacist instructions for separation; one universal two-hour interval does not fit every antibiotic.
Hypertensive crisis
MAOIs prevent tyramine breakdown; aged cheese, cured meats, wine → severe hypertension.
Proton pump inhibitors
Omeprazole and pantoprazole are proton pump inhibitors. Name endings are memory cues, not a substitute for checking the complete drug name; exceptions exist.
Fluoroquinolones
The -floxacin stem identifies fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin) — the class with tendon-rupture warnings and cation-binding interactions.
An antifungal
Nystatin is a topical/oral antifungal (thrush, candidal skin infections). Despite the name, it is unrelated to cholesterol statins.
Acute migraine
The -triptan stem marks selective serotonin 5-HT1 agonists (sumatriptan, rizatriptan) used to abort acute migraine attacks.
Heparin-type anticoagulants
The -parin stem marks the heparin family; enoxaparin (Lovenox) is a low-molecular-weight heparin given by subcutaneous injection.
Photosensitivity and interactions with antacids or iron
Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic. Its label reports photosensitivity and impaired absorption with aluminum-, calcium-, or magnesium-containing antacids and iron. Food and dairy instructions are formulation-specific; the referenced immediate-release capsule may be taken with or without food.