Antihistamines Pharmacology Exam Quiz

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  • 1/20 Questions

    Which of the following is the most frequent side effect of H1 antihistamines that is less common with second-gen antihistamines?

    • Decreased appetite
    • Sedation
    • Bradycardia
    • Hypertension
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About This Quiz

How about an antihistamines pharmacology exam quiz? When you catch a cold, some symptoms accompany it, and the use of antihistamines gives you a way of relieving them. Below is the fourth practice exam designed to help you review what you understood about these types of drugs. Why don’t you give it a try and see what you know about them so far? Wish you all the best of luck with this quiz.

Antihistamines Pharmacology Exam Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Histamine is released in response to various stimuli and effects of binding to one of four types of receptors.  Which group of receptors are widely expressed and targeted by clinically useful drugs?

    • H1 and H4

    • H1 and H2

    • H2 and H4

    • H3 and H1

    Correct Answer
    A. H1 and H2
    Explanation
    Histamine is released in response to various stimuli and can bind to four types of receptors: H1, H2, H3, and H4. However, the group of receptors that are widely expressed and targeted by clinically useful drugs are H1 and H2 receptors. These receptors are involved in mediating allergic reactions, inflammation, and gastric acid secretion. Drugs that target these receptors are commonly used to treat allergies, motion sickness, and gastric acid-related conditions like heartburn and ulcers.

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  • 3. 

    Which type of cell is histamine mostly produced in?

    • Eosinophil

    • Basophil

    • Mast cell

    • Cytokines

    Correct Answer
    A. Mast cell
    Explanation
    Histamine is mostly produced in mast cells. Mast cells are a type of white blood cell that are found in connective tissues throughout the body, particularly in areas near blood vessels and nerves. When mast cells are activated, they release histamine, which plays a key role in allergic reactions and inflammation. Eosinophils are also involved in allergic reactions, but they do not primarily produce histamine. Basophils release histamine as well, but mast cells are the main source. Cytokines are signaling molecules that regulate immune responses and do not directly produce histamine.

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  • 4. 

    Which one of the following agents could significantly impair the ability to drive an automobile?

    • Ergotamine

    • Fexofenadine

    • Diphenhydramine

    • Ranitidine

    Correct Answer
    A. Diphenhydramine
    Explanation
    Diphenhydramine is a sedating antihistamine that can cause drowsiness and impair cognitive and motor skills, making it significantly impair the ability to drive an automobile. Ergotamine is a medication used to treat migraines and does not have significant sedating effects. Fexofenadine is a non-sedating antihistamine that does not impair driving ability. Ranitidine is an acid reducer and does not have sedating effects that would impair driving.

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  • 5. 

    H1 antihistamines used for motion sickness and nausea include:

    • Diphenhydramine and meclizine

    • Toradol and meclizine

    • Epinephrine and loratadine

    • Loratadine

    Correct Answer
    A. Diphenhydramine and meclizine
    Explanation
    Diphenhydramine and meclizine are H1 antihistamines that are commonly used for motion sickness and nausea. These medications work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical in the body that is involved in allergic reactions and can contribute to symptoms of motion sickness and nausea. By blocking histamine, diphenhydramine and meclizine help to alleviate these symptoms and provide relief. Toradol is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief, while epinephrine is a medication used for severe allergic reactions. Loratadine is another H1 antihistamine, but it is not typically used for motion sickness and nausea.

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  • 6. 

    Prostaglandins, histamine, and serotonin all belong to a group of endogenous compounds called

    • Bellacoids

    • Autacoids

    • Donnacoids

    • Don't know

    Correct Answer
    A. Autacoids
    Explanation
    Prostaglandins, histamine, and serotonin are all examples of autacoids. Autacoids are endogenous compounds that are produced by various cells in the body and act locally to regulate physiological processes. These compounds have diverse functions, such as inflammation, pain perception, and regulation of blood flow. Therefore, the correct answer is autacoids.

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  • 7. 

    Histamine is distributed equally among the tissue. 

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    Histamine is not distributed equally among the tissue. Histamine is released by mast cells and basophils in response to an allergic reaction or inflammation. It acts locally on nearby tissues, causing symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling. Therefore, histamine is not distributed equally among the tissues, but rather is released in specific areas where it is needed.

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  • 8. 

    A 43 yo ship captain complains of seasonal allergies.  Which one of the following would be indicated?

    • Cyclizine

    • Doxepin

    • Doxylamine

    • Fexofenadine

    Correct Answer
    A. Fexofenadine
    Explanation
    Fexofenadine would be indicated for the ship captain's seasonal allergies. Fexofenadine is a second-generation antihistamine that is commonly used to treat allergies. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose. Fexofenadine is known for its effectiveness in relieving symptoms without causing drowsiness, which is important for a ship captain who needs to remain alert and focused while working.

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  • 9. 

    Histamine stimulates what type of cell in the stomach?

    • Alveolar cells

    • Interstitial cells

    • Gastric acid

    • Parietal cell

    Correct Answer
    A. Parietal cell
    Explanation
    Histamine stimulates parietal cells in the stomach. Parietal cells are responsible for producing and secreting gastric acid, which plays a crucial role in the digestion process. Histamine binds to specific receptors on parietal cells, triggering the release of gastric acid. This acid helps break down food and aids in the absorption of nutrients.

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  • 10. 

    Which one of the following states regarding H1 antihistamines is correct?

    • Second-generation H1 antihistamines are relatively free of adverse effects.

    • The motor coordination involved in driving an automobile is not affected by the use of first gen H1 antihistamines.

    • H1 antihistamines can be used in the treatment of acute anaphylaxis.

    • Both first and second-gen H1 antihistamines readily penetrate the blood-brain barrier.

    Correct Answer
    A. Second-generation H1 antihistamines are relatively free of adverse effects.
    Explanation
    Second-generation H1 antihistamines are relatively free of adverse effects. This statement is correct because second-generation H1 antihistamines have been developed to have a reduced ability to cross the blood-brain barrier compared to first-generation antihistamines. This reduced penetration into the central nervous system results in fewer adverse effects such as sedation and drowsiness. Second-generation antihistamines are therefore preferred in the treatment of allergies and other conditions where histamine release is involved, as they provide effective relief with minimal side effects.

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  • 11. 

    What is one of the benefits of the pK of many oral antihistamines?

    • Allows for twice-daily dosing

    • Allows for once-daily dosing

    • Allows for sub injections

    • None of these

    Correct Answer
    A. Allows for once-daily dosing
    Explanation
    The pK of many oral antihistamines allows for once-daily dosing. This means that these medications can be taken only once a day, which is convenient for patients and improves medication adherence. Once-daily dosing also ensures that the drug remains effective throughout the day, providing consistent relief from allergy symptoms. This benefit is not available with twice-daily dosing or sub injections.

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  • 12. 

    H1 and H2 receptor blockers can cause a classic "triple response" on the skin.  Does this include which of the following?

    • Pain, pallor, pink

    • Wheal, reddening, and flare

    • Purpura, edema, and pain

    • Wheal, pallor, and flare

    Correct Answer
    A. Wheal, reddening, and flare
    Explanation
    H1 and H2 receptor blockers can cause a classic "triple response" on the skin, which includes a wheal (swelling), reddening (erythema), and flare (spreading of redness). This response is a result of the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators in response to the blocking of H1 and H2 receptors. These mediators cause blood vessels to dilate, resulting in the wheal and reddening, and also cause the surrounding blood vessels to become more permeable, leading to the flare.

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  • 13. 

    The drug of choice in systemic anaphylactic shock is H1 receptor blockers.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The drug of choice in systemic anaphylactic shock is not H1 receptor blockers. The correct drug of choice is epinephrine, which acts as a vasoconstrictor and bronchodilator to counteract the severe allergic reaction. H1 receptor blockers, such as antihistamines, may be used as adjunctive therapy to help relieve symptoms such as itching and hives, but they are not the primary treatment for anaphylactic shock.

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  • 14. 

    Contraindication of antihistamines with patients taking MAOIs - what is the effect?

    • Exacerbation of anticholinergic effects

    • Decreased anticholinergic effects

    • Exacerbation of antimuscarinic effects

    • Decreased antimuscarinic effects

    Correct Answer
    A. Exacerbation of anticholinergic effects
    Explanation
    When antihistamines are taken with MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), it can lead to an exacerbation of anticholinergic effects. Anticholinergic effects refer to the side effects caused by drugs that block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in the central and peripheral nervous systems. These effects can include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, and cognitive impairment. MAOIs inhibit the breakdown of certain neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine, leading to an increase in its levels. When antihistamines are combined with MAOIs, the anticholinergic effects of antihistamines can become more pronounced, potentially causing more severe side effects.

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  • 15. 

    Some H1 receptor blockers have effects on other tissue.  One of the effects of these drugs on serotonin receptors is?

    • Decreased appetite

    • Increased appetite

    • Urinary retention

    • Polydipsia

    Correct Answer
    A. Increased appetite
    Explanation
    H1 receptor blockers, commonly used as antihistamines, can have effects on other receptors in the body. One of the effects of these drugs on serotonin receptors is an increased appetite. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating appetite, mood, and other physiological processes. By blocking H1 receptors, these drugs can indirectly increase the activity of serotonin receptors, leading to an increase in appetite.

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  • 16. 

    Histamine has no clinical indication.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    Histamine, while often associated with allergic reactions, does have clinical indications. It plays a role in gastric acid secretion, and histamine receptor antagonists (H2 blockers) are used to treat conditions like peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Histamine is also involved in neurotransmission in the brain, and research is ongoing regarding its potential role in conditions like Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.

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  • 17. 

    H1 receptor blockers are more effective in reversing symptoms than preventing them.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    H1 receptor blockers are actually more effective in preventing symptoms rather than reversing them. These medications work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical that is released during an allergic reaction and causes symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and runny nose. By blocking the H1 receptors, these medications can help prevent the histamine from binding to its receptors and triggering the allergic response. Therefore, taking H1 receptor blockers before exposure to allergens can help prevent symptoms from occurring in the first place.

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  • 18. 

    Again on the extra effects of H1 receptor blockers...which of these is NOT an effect on H1 receptor blockers at cholinergic receptors?

    • Increased hypotension

    • Increased dry mouth

    • Increased urinary retention

    • Sinus tachycardia

    Correct Answer
    A. Increased hypotension
    Explanation
    H1 receptor blockers, also known as antihistamines, have various effects on cholinergic receptors. They can cause increased dry mouth and increased urinary retention due to their anticholinergic properties. Sinus tachycardia, an increased heart rate, can also occur as a side effect. However, increased hypotension is not an effect of H1 receptor blockers on cholinergic receptors. Hypotension refers to low blood pressure, and antihistamines typically do not have a significant impact on blood pressure.

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  • 19. 

    WHAT IS THE term for rebound nasal congestion?

    • Rhinitis medusa

    • Polly pockets

    • Rhinitis medicamentosa

    • Rhinitis adversica

    Correct Answer
    A. Rhinitis medicamentosa
    Explanation
    Rhinitis medicamentosa is the term used to describe rebound nasal congestion that occurs as a result of overuse or prolonged use of nasal decongestant sprays or drops. These medications work by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages, providing temporary relief from congestion. However, with prolonged use, the blood vessels become dependent on the medication, leading to worsening congestion when the medication is stopped or its effects wear off. This condition can be resolved by gradually reducing the use of nasal decongestants and using alternative treatments for nasal congestion.

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  • 20. 

    You should not use nasal decongestants longer than how many days?

    • 1

    • 5

    • 7

    • 3

    Correct Answer
    A. 3
    Explanation
    Using nasal decongestants for more than three days can lead to a condition known as rebound congestion. Rebound congestion occurs when the nasal passages become even more congested after the effects of the decongestant wear off. This can create a cycle of dependency on the decongestant, making it difficult to breathe without using it. Therefore, it is recommended to limit the use of nasal decongestants to three days to avoid this rebound effect.

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  • Current Version
  • Oct 23, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Apr 18, 2013
    Quiz Created by
    Perduekm
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