Why is it important for a pharmacy technician to recognize look-alike and sound-alike medications?
Look-alike and sound-alike medications increase the risk of dispensing errors. Technicians must use tall-man lettering, barcode scanning, and careful verification to prevent mix-ups that could harm patients.
Which term describes the study of how drugs act on the body, including mechanisms and effects?
Pharmacodynamics focuses on what a drug does to the body, including receptor binding, dose–response relationships, and therapeutic and adverse effects. It differs from pharmacokinetics, which describes how the body handles the drug.
Which of the following best describes a black box warning on a medication label?
A black box warning is the strongest warning issued by the FDA, highlighting serious or life-threatening risks associated with a drug. Technicians should recognize these warnings and alert the pharmacist when questions arise.
Which medication is an example of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used for GERD?
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that reduces gastric acid secretion by blocking the proton pump in the stomach. It is commonly used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease and peptic ulcers.
Which adverse effect is most commonly associated with ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril?
ACE inhibitors can cause a persistent, dry cough in some patients due to increased bradykinin levels. Pharmacy technicians should recognize this effect and refer patients to the pharmacist if it becomes troublesome.
Which medication is classified as a loop diuretic commonly used for edema and heart failure?
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that works in the ascending loop of Henle to increase excretion of sodium and water. It is often used to treat edema related to heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease.
Which antibiotic class does amoxicillin belong to?
Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic. It interferes with bacterial cell wall synthesis, making it effective against many common respiratory, ear, and skin infections when used appropriately.
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ArrayA patient taking simvastatin should be warned about which potential serious adverse effect?
Statins like simvastatin can rarely cause muscle breakdown, known as rhabdomyolysis, which may present as severe muscle pain and dark urine. Early recognition is important to prevent kidney damage.
Which term refers to the maximum effect a drug can produce regardless of dose?
Efficacy describes the maximum response a drug can produce when it fully activates its target receptors. Increasing the dose beyond this point does not increase the therapeutic effect and may raise the risk of toxicity.