Editors : Lynn Wecker & Susan L. Ingram
,Chapter 1: Introduction to Pharmacology
Based on Brody’s Human Pharmacology, 7th Edition (Wecker & Ingram)
For: Medical, Pharmacy, Nursing & Allied Health Students
Multiple-Choice Questions (1–20)
1. Which branch of pharmacology studies what the body does to a drug?
A. Pharmacodynamics
B. Pharmacotherapeutics
C. Pharmacokinetics
D. Toxicodynamics
ANS: C
Rationale:
Pharmacokinetics describes absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).
• A is incorrect: Pharmacodynamics = what the drug does to the body.
• B refers to therapeutic use.
• D focuses on toxic effects.
2. A drug with high first-pass metabolism is best administered:
A. Orally
B. Intravenously
C. Rectally (lower rectum)
D. Subcutaneously
ANS: B
Rationale:
IV administration bypasses first-pass hepatic metabolism.
Oral drugs undergo portal circulation → liver metabolism.
Rectal administration partially bypasses first-pass but not completely.
,3. The therapeutic index (TI) is defined as:
A. ED50/TD50
B. TD50/ED50
C. LD50/ED90
D. EC50/IC50
ANS: B
Rationale:
TI = TD50 / ED50.
Higher TI = safer drug.
ED50 = effective dose in 50%
TD50 = toxic dose in 50%.
4. A competitive antagonist shifts a dose-response curve:
A. Downward
B. Rightward
C. Leftward
D. Upward
ANS: B
Rationale:
Competitive antagonists increase EC50 (decrease potency) → rightward shift.
Max efficacy remains unchanged.
5. Bioavailability refers to:
A. Rate of absorption
B. Fraction reaching systemic circulation
C. Drug distribution
D. Protein binding
ANS: B
6. Phase I metabolism primarily involves:
, A. Conjugation
B. Oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis
C. Renal filtration
D. Acetylation only
ANS: B
7. Which factor increases free drug concentration?
A. Increased albumin
B. Decreased albumin
C. Increased protein binding
D. Decreased clearance
ANS: B
Rationale:
Less albumin → more unbound (active) drug.
8. Steady state is achieved after approximately:
A. 1 half-life
B. 2 half-lives
C. 4–5 half-lives
D. 10 half-lives
ANS: C
9. An enzyme inducer would:
A. Increase drug levels
B. Decrease metabolism
C. Increase metabolism
D. Block receptors
ANS: C
10. Zero-order kinetics means: