Second Professional Examination (Part II) for the Degree of M.B.,B.S.

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2002 (Main)    New Format !

2001 (Main)

1.    Discuss the pharmacology of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). How do the cyclooxygenase type (COX-2) inhibitors differ from the other NSAIDs?

2.    Compare and contrast the pharmacology of glibenclamide and metformin.

3.    Compare and contrast the pharmacology of benzylpenicillin and vancomycin.

4.    Discuss the following:

(a)    mechanism of action and adverse effects of loop diuretics.

(b)    the pharmacology of low weight heparin.

(c)    adverse effects of oral contraceptives.

5.    Write short notes on:

(a)    inhaled steroids.

(b)    selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI).

(c)    cimetidine.

2000 (Main)

1.    Compare and contrast the penicillins with the aminoglycosides.

2.    Discuss the pharmacology of 2 classes of diuretics.

3.    A 65-year-old man has severe depression. Discuss the pharmacology of antidepressants that can be used in the treatment of this patient.

4.    Discuss the following:

(a)    adverse effects and drug interactions involving antacids.

(b)    the combination of L-DOPA and a decarboxylase inhibitor in the treatment of Parkinsonism.

(c)    the mechanism of action of warfarin.

5.    Write short notes on:

(a)    salbutamol

(b)    morphine

(c)    propylthiouracil

1999 (Supplementary)

1.    Write an essay on the pharmacology of cephalosporins.

2.    Discuss the pharmacology of two classes of antihypertensive drugs.

3.    Discuss the pharmacological treatment of depression in a 65-year-old man.

4.    Write short notes on:

(a)    paracetamol.

(b)    loperamide.

(c)    lignocaine.

5.    Discuss the mode(s) of action, therapeutic use(s) and adverse effects of:

(a)    omeprazole.

(b)    propylthiouracil.

(c)    theophylline.

6.    Discuss the following:

(a)    balanced anaesthesia.

(b)    adverse effects of corticosteroids.

(c)    pharmacokinetic drug interactions.

1999 (Main)

1.    With reference to three relevant examples, discuss the pharmacology of vasodilator drugs.

2.    List the group of drugs that are used to lower blood lipids. Describe the pharmacology of one of them.

3.    Discuss the pharmacology of drugs used in the treatment of bronchial asthma.

4.    Discuss the following:

(a)    electrolyte abnormalities produced during the use of loop diuretics.

(b)    adverse effects of isoniazid and rifampicin.

(c)    the pharmacological basis of NSAID-induced gastric ulcer and its management.

5.    Write short notes on:

(a)    the newer macrolides like clarithromycin and azithromycin.

(b)    fluoroquinolones interacting with other drugs.

(c)    midazolam.

1998 (Supplementary)

1.    Give an account of the pharmacology of the drugs used in the management of heart failure.

2.    Discuss the pharmacology of different classes of antidepressants.

3.    Discuss the pharmacology of the aminoglycosides.

4.    Write short notes on:

(a)    salbutamol.

(b)    lovastatin.

(c)    metronidazole.

5.    Discuss the mode(s) of action, therapeutic use(s) and adverse effects of:

(a)    tolbutamide.

(b)    heparin.

(c)    morphine.

6.    Discuss the following:

(a)    adverse effects of the corticosteroids.

(b)    adverse effects of the benzodiazepines.

(c)    combination of diphenoxylate and atropine.

1998 (Main)

1.    Give an account of how drugs may be used to lower the blood pressure. Compare and contrast the pharmacological properties of enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide.

2.    Discuss the pharmacology of the cephalosporins.

3.    Give an account of the different pharmacological approaches in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease.

4.    Discuss the following:

(a)    benzodiazepine dependence.

(b)    mechanisms of action of the antithyroid drugs.

(c)    pharmacodynamic drug interactions.

5.    Write short notes on:

(a)    paracetamol toxicity.

(b)    fluoxetine.

(c)    glibenclamide.

1997 (Supplementary)

1.    Discuss the pharmacology of levo-dopa

2.    Give an account of the pharmacology of the vasodilators.

3.    Write an essay on the pharmacology of cephalosporins.

4.    Write short notes on:

(a)    halothane.

(b)    fludrocortisone.

(c)    erythromycin.

5.    Discuss the mode(s) of action, therapeutic use(s) and adverse effects of:

(a)    propylthiouracil.

(b)    selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors.

(c)    cimetidine.

6.    Discuss the following:

(a)    adverse effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

(b)    pharmacokinetic drug interactions.

(c)    progestogen-only oral contraceptives.

1997 (Main)

1.    A 25 year-old man with a past history of drug addiction is now suffering from anxiety and insomnia. Discuss the pharmacology of the drugs that may be used in the management of his anxiety and insomnia.

2.    Give an account of the types of drugs that can produce diuresis. Where possible, relate their efficacy (or lack of efficacy), adverse effects and therapeutic use(s) to their respective mechanism(s) of action.

3.    Discuss the pharmacological factors to be considered when choosing an analgesic drug. Illustrate your answer with relevant examples.

4.    Discuss the following:

(a)    drug interactions which can potentiate the hypoglycaemic effect of the sulphonylureas.

(b)    tripotassium dicitratobismuthate in the treatment of peptic ulcer.

(c)    adverse effects of the corticosteroids.

5.    Write short notes on:

(a)    acyclovir.

(b)    gentamicin.

(c)    lovastatin.

1996 (Supplementary)

1.    Write an essay on the macrolides.

2.    Compare and contrast warfarin with heparin.

3.    Discuss the pharmacology of the glucocorticoids.

4.    Write short notes on:

(a)    isoniazid.

(b)    paracetamol.

(c)    captopril.

5.    Discuss the mode(s) of action, therapeutic use(s) and adverse effects of:

(a)    frusemide.

(b)    carbamazepine.

(c)    metronidazole.

6.    Discuss the following:

(a)    verapamil.

(b)    triazolam.

(c)    ranitidine.

1996 (Main)

1.    A 70 year-old Chinese man with a past history of mild hypertension and ischaemic heart disease presents with atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure. Discuss the pharmacological management of this patient's heart failure.

2.    Discuss the pharmacological approach to the treatment of elderly depressed patients

3.    Compare and contrast benzylpenicillin with ceftriaxone (a third generation cephalosporin).

4.    Discuss the following:

(a)    factors that affect theophylline blood levels.

(b)    mechanism(s) of action of the different groups of oral hypoglycaemic agents.

(c)    the dose-response relationship of the opioid analgesics.

5.    Write short notes on:

(a)    aspirin.

(b)    carbimazole.

(c)    halothane.

1995 (Supplementary)

1.    Write an essay on the aminoglycosides.

2.    Discuss the pharmacology of the opioid analgesics.

3.    Compare and contrast the pharmacological properties of propranolol and glyceryl trinitrate.

4.    Write short notes on:

(a)    heparin.

(b)    theophylline.

(c)    diazepam.

5.    Discuss the mode(s) of action, therapeutic(s) and adverse effects of:

(a)    prednisolone.

(b)    tolbutamide.

(c)    aspirin.

6.    Discuss the following:

(a)    the histamine H₂-receptor antagonists.

(b)    modes of action and adverse effects of carbimazole.

(c)    uric acid lowering drugs.

1995 (Main)

1.    Discuss the pharmacology of the benzodiazepines including the misuse of this class of drugs.

2.    Compare and contrast the different generations of cephalosporins.

3.    Discuss the pharmacological properties and clinical uses of three classes of vasodilators.

4.    Discuss the following:

(a)    aspirin as an anti-platelet agent.

(b)    combined use of diphenoxylate and atropine.

(c)    combined use of L-dopa with carbidopa.

5.    Write short notes on:

(a)    glibenclamide.

(b)    rifampicin.

(c)    lignocaine.

1994 (Supplementary)

1.    Name the drugs that are used in the treatment of thyrotoxicosis and describe the pharmacology of one of the drugs.

2.    Discuss the pharmacology of the bronchodilator drugs. Illustrate your answer with relevant examples.

3.    Classify, with appropriate examples, the antidepressants and discuss their pharmacology.

4.    Write short notes on:

(a)    gentamicin.

(b)    ceftriaxone.

(c)    acyclovir.

5.    Discuss the mode(s) of action, therapeutic use(s) and adverse effects of:

(a)    verapamil.

(b)    allopurinol.

(c)    omeprazole.

6.    Discuss the following:

(a)    pharmacokinetic drug interactions.

(b)    modes of action and adverse effects of progestogen-only contraceptives.

(c)    thiopentone.

1994 (Main)

1.    Compare and contrast the third generation cephalosporins with the aminoglycosides.

2.    Give a brief account of the classification of the antidysrhythmic drugs. Discuss the pharmacological properties of one such drug with specific reference to its clinical use as an antidysrhythmic drug.

3.    A 6 year-old girl was admitted to hospital for uncontrolled generalized tonic and clonic seizures. Discuss the drugs that could be used in the immediate and long term management of this patient.

4.    Discuss the following:

(a)    drug interactions of warfarin.

(b)    combined oral contraceptives.

(c)    mechanisms of action of drugs used in the treatment of hyperuricaemia.

5.    Write short notes on:

(a)    chlorpropamide.

(b)    zidovudine.

(c)    salbutamol.

1993 (Supplementary)

1.    Discuss the pharmacology of prednisolone.

2.    Compare and contrast benzylpenicillin with gentamicin.

3.    Compare and contrast the pharmacology of thiazide and loop diuretics.

4.    Write short notes on:

(a)    nifedipine.

(b)    carbamazepine.

(c)    sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim.

5.    Comment on the following:

(a)    theophylline toxicity.

(b)    adverse effects common to anticancer drugs.

(c)    modes of action of the different classes of laxatives.

6.    Discuss the following:

(a)    depot neuroleptics.

(b)    adverse effects and drug interactions of warfarin.

(c)    mode of action and adverse effects of chlorpropamide.

1993 (Main)

1.    Discuss the pharmacology, clinical uses and adverse effects of the benzodiazepines.

2.    Compare and contrast the penicillins with the fluoroquinolones.

3.    Give a brief account of the pharmacological properties of propranolol, chlorothiazide and captopril and discuss their possible use in the management of hypertension occurring in a 55 year-old patient with diabetes and ischaemic herat disease.

4.    Discuss the following:

(a)    mechanism of corticosteroid action.

(b)    paracetamol poisoning.

(c)    insulin preparations.

5.    Write short notes on:

(a)    theophylline.

(b)    carbimazole.

(c)    morphine.

1992 (Supplementary)

1.    Discuss the adverse effects of the glucocorticoids.

2.    Give an example of each of the three classes of diuretics and discuss their modes of action and adverse effects.

3.    Compare and contrast the pharmacology of pharmaceuticals and codeine.

4.    Discuss the mode of action, clinical use(s) and main adverse effects of:

(a)    rifampicin.

(b)    carbimazole.

(c)    acyclovir.

5.    Write short notes on:

(a)    maprotiline.

(b)    nifedipine.

(c)    cimetidine.

6.    Comment on the following:

(a)    the various types of insulin preparations.

(b)    extrapyramidal effects of antipsychotic drugs.

(c)    the antibacterial actions of the penicillins and aminoglycosides.

1992 (Main)

1.    Discuss the pharmacological basis for the use of beta-blockers in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

2.    Compare and contrast the third generation cephalosporins with the aminoglycosides.

3.    Discuss the pharmacology of the antiepileptic drugs used in the treatment of grand mal seizures.

4.    Write short notes on:

(a)    stereoisomeric properties of warfarin.

(b)    combined use of L-dopa and a decarboxylase inhibitor.

(c)    progestogen-only oral contraceptives.

5.    Discuss briefly the mode of action, clinical use(s) and adverse effects of:

(a)    fludrocortisone.

(b)    morphine.

(c)    triazolam.

1991 (Supplementary)

1.    Describe the actions, uses and adverse effects of the calcium channel blockers in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders.

2.    Discuss, with examples, the pharmacology of the different classes of drugs that inhibits gastric acid secretion.

3.    Describe the pharmacology of the drugs used in the treatment of thyrotoxicosis.

4.    Discuss the mode of action, clinical use(s) and main adverse effects of:

(a)    hydrocortisone.

(b)    aspirin.

(c)    chlorothiazide.

5.    Write short notes on:

(a)    cloxacillin.

(b)    chlorpropamide.

(c)    warfarin drug interactions.

6.    Comment on the use of the following drug combinations:

(a)    trimethoprim and sulphamethoxazole (co-trimoxazole).

(b)    digoxin and quinidine.

(c)    carbidopa and L-dopa.

1991 (Main)

1.    Discuss the pharmacological basis for the use of tricyclics and the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as antidepressants. Include in your discussion the adverse effects associated with the use of these drugs.

2.    Discuss the pharmacology of the drugs used in the treatment of bronchial asthma.

3.    Write short notes on:

(a)    rifampicin.

(b)    benzylpenicillin.

(c)    acyclovir.

4.    Discuss briefly the mode of action, clinical use(s) and adverse effects of:

(a)    aspirin.

(b)    methotrexate.

(c)    propylthiouracil.

1990 (Supplementary)

1.    Describe the actions of digoxin and explain the mechanisms underlying its therapeutic applications.

2.    Discuss briefly the pharmacology of the drugs used in the management of bronchial asthma.

3.    Give an account of the pharmacology of warfarin.

4.    Discuss the mode of action, clinical use(s) and adverse effects of:

(a)    lignocaine.

(b)    amitriptyline.

(c)    propranolol.

5.    Write briefly on:

(a)    tolbutamide.

(b)    prednisolone.

(c)    diazepam.

6.    Write short notes on:

(a)    antacids.

(b)    co-trimoxazole.

(c)    erythromycin.

1990 (Main)

1.    Compare and contrast the pharmacology of benzylpenicillin with a third generation cephalosporin.

2.    Describe the mechanisms of action of lipid lowering drugs in relation to their therapeutic application.

3.    Write short notes on:

(a)    isoflurane.

(b)    lithium.

(c)    paracetamol.

4.    Discuss briefly the mode of action, clinical use(s) and adverse effects of:

(a)    allopurinol.

(b)    bromocriptine.

(c)    ranitidine.

Copyright © Joseph Ong 2001