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Afghanistan Pharmacy Technician Exit Exam study materials
Afghanistan Pharmacy Technician Exit Exam study resources

Afghanistan Pharmacy Technician Exit Exam practice questions

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Question 1Pharmacy Law, Ethics, and Professional Practice

Which body in Afghanistan is primarily responsible for regulating the practice of pharmacy and the licensing of pharmacy personnel?

  1. The Afghan Red Crescent Society through its medical committee
  2. The Ministry of Public Health through its pharmacy directorate Correct answer.
  3. The municipality through its business licensing office
  4. The Ministry of Higher Education through its curriculum board

Explanation

Pharmacy practice and the licensing of pharmacy personnel fall under the Ministry of Public Health, which administers pharmaceutical regulation through its pharmacy directorate. Other bodies may influence training or business permits but do not license pharmacy practice.

Question 2Pharmacy Law, Ethics, and Professional Practice

A pharmacy technician notices that a dispensed prescription was filled with the wrong strength of a medicine. What is the most appropriate first professional action?

  1. Discuss the error only with coworkers to avoid paperwork
  2. Report the error through the pharmacy's incident reporting process and inform the supervising pharmacist Correct answer.
  3. Quietly replace the medicine without documenting the event
  4. Wait to see whether the patient reports any harm before acting

Explanation

Patient safety and professional accountability require prompt disclosure to the supervising pharmacist and documentation through the incident reporting system. This allows correction of the error, patient follow-up, and system improvement.

Question 3Pharmacy Law, Ethics, and Professional Practice

What is the core ethical principle that requires a pharmacy worker to keep a patient's health information confidential?

  1. Justice
  2. Respect for confidentiality Correct answer.
  3. Autonomy
  4. Beneficence

Explanation

Confidentiality is the duty to protect patient information from unauthorized disclosure. It supports trust in the therapeutic relationship and is a recognized professional ethical obligation.

Question 4Pharmacy Law, Ethics, and Professional Practice

A prescription presented at a pharmacy appears to have been altered in the quantity written by the prescriber. What should the pharmacy technician do?

  1. Verify the prescription with the prescriber before dispensing Correct answer.
  2. Refuse all future prescriptions from that patient
  3. Dispense the larger quantity written on the altered prescription
  4. Ask the patient to confirm the intended quantity and dispense

Explanation

Suspected alteration of a prescription must be verified directly with the prescriber before any dispensing occurs. This protects against fraud and prevents harm from an incorrect quantity.

Question 5Pharmacy Law, Ethics, and Professional Practice

Which of the following best describes the professional duty of a pharmacy technician regarding tasks outside their competence?

  1. Decline the task and refer it to a qualified professional Correct answer.
  2. Perform the task if no pharmacist is available to do it
  3. Perform the task and document that it was outside training
  4. Ask a patient to decide whether the task should be done

Explanation

Pharmacy personnel must work within their scope of training and competence and refer tasks beyond that scope to a qualified professional. This protects patients and is a core professional responsibility.

Question 6Pharmacy Law, Ethics, and Professional Practice

A pharmacy technician is offered a gift by a supplier in exchange for favoring that supplier's products. What is the most ethical response?

  1. Accept the gift and order the supplier's products
  2. Decline the gift because it creates a conflict of interest Correct answer.
  3. Accept the gift only if it is of low monetary value
  4. Accept the gift but disclose it to no one

Explanation

Accepting gifts from suppliers can create a conflict of interest that compromises professional judgment and patient trust. Declining such gifts preserves objectivity in procurement decisions.

Question 7Pharmacy Law, Ethics, and Professional Practice

Which action best demonstrates respect for patient autonomy in pharmacy practice?

  1. Dispensing a medicine the patient has refused
  2. Deciding for the patient which medicine is best without discussion
  3. Explaining treatment options and honoring the patient's informed choice Correct answer.
  4. Withholding information the patient might find distressing

Explanation

Respect for autonomy means supporting informed decision-making and honoring the patient's choices about their care. Providing information and allowing choice are central to this principle.

Question 8Pharmacy Law, Ethics, and Professional Practice

A pharmacy technician realizes they dispensed a medicine to the wrong patient. Which sequence of actions best reflects professional responsibility?

  1. Ask a coworker to handle it and take no further part
  2. Notify the pharmacist, contact the patient, retrieve the medicine if possible, and document the event Correct answer.
  3. Document the event quietly at the end of the shift without notifying anyone
  4. Wait until the patient returns to the pharmacy and then address it

Explanation

Prompt notification, patient follow-up, retrieval of the incorrect medicine where feasible, and documentation are the standard professional response to a dispensing error. Each step protects patient safety and supports quality improvement.

Question 9Pharmacy Law, Ethics, and Professional Practice

Which of the following is the primary purpose of keeping accurate records of controlled medicines in a pharmacy?

  1. To increase the pharmacy's sales figures
  2. To reduce the need for a pharmacist on duty
  3. To support accountability and prevent diversion Correct answer.
  4. To replace the prescription requirement

Explanation

Accurate records of controlled medicines support accountability, allow traceability, and help detect and prevent diversion and misuse. Recordkeeping is a legal and professional requirement.

Question 10Pharmacy Law, Ethics, and Professional Practice

A patient asks a pharmacy technician for advice on a medicine that the technician does not feel confident about. What is the best course of action?

  1. Guess based on personal experience with the medicine
  2. Tell the patient to look it up online
  3. Give a general answer to avoid appearing unhelpful
  4. Refer the question to the supervising pharmacist Correct answer.

Explanation

When uncertain, personnel should refer clinical questions to the supervising pharmacist, who is qualified to provide appropriate advice. This protects the patient from inaccurate information.

Question 11Pharmacy Law, Ethics, and Professional Practice

Which of the following best describes the ethical principle of beneficence in pharmacy practice?

  1. Acting in ways that promote the patient's well-being Correct answer.
  2. Allowing the patient to make all decisions alone
  3. Treating all patients equally regardless of status
  4. Avoiding harm to the patient at all times

Explanation

Beneficence is the duty to act for the benefit of the patient and promote their well-being. It is distinct from non-maleficence, which focuses on avoiding harm.

Question 12Pharmacy Law, Ethics, and Professional Practice

A pharmacy technician is asked by a family member to reveal whether a relative is taking a particular medicine. What is the appropriate response?

  1. Confirm or deny the information if the relative seems concerned
  2. Provide the information only if the relative asks politely
  3. Share the information because family members have automatic access
  4. Decline to disclose and explain the confidentiality obligation Correct answer.

Explanation

Patient health information may not be disclosed to family members without the patient's authorization, except where law permits or requires. The technician should politely decline and explain the confidentiality duty.

Question 13Pharmacy Law, Ethics, and Professional Practice

Which behavior best reflects the professional responsibility of a pharmacy technician toward continuing competence?

  1. Avoiding new guidelines to prevent confusion
  2. Relying only on knowledge gained during initial training
  3. Learning new practices only when a supervisor insists
  4. Keeping up to date through continuing education and training Correct answer.

Explanation

Maintaining competence through continuing education and training is a professional obligation that supports safe practice as knowledge and guidelines evolve. It is an ongoing responsibility, not a one-time requirement.

Question 14Pharmacy Law, Ethics, and Professional Practice

A pharmacy technician suspects that a colleague is diverting controlled medicines for personal use. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Report the suspicion through the appropriate professional channel Correct answer.
  2. Confront the colleague publicly in front of patients
  3. Take some of the medicine to confirm the suspicion
  4. Ignore the suspicion to avoid conflict

Explanation

Suspected diversion must be reported through the proper professional or regulatory channel so it can be investigated and patient safety protected. Public confrontation and self-investigation are inappropriate and risky.

Question 15Pharmacy Law, Ethics, and Professional Practice

Which of the following best distinguishes the roles of the pharmacist and the pharmacy technician in a pharmacy team?

  1. The technician supervises the pharmacist's clinical decisions
  2. The pharmacist performs only administrative tasks
  3. The pharmacist provides clinical oversight while the technician supports dispensing under supervision Correct answer.
  4. The technician and pharmacist share identical clinical responsibilities

Explanation

The pharmacist holds clinical responsibility and oversight, while the technician supports dispensing and related tasks under supervision within their scope. Clear role boundaries protect patient safety.

Question 16Pharmacy Law, Ethics, and Professional Practice

A prescription is presented that appears to be forged. What is the pharmacy technician's most appropriate response?

  1. Dispense it to avoid upsetting the patient
  2. Refuse to dispense and notify the pharmacist for further action Correct answer.
  3. Ask the patient to sign a note accepting responsibility
  4. Alter the prescription to make it appear valid

Explanation

A suspected forged prescription must not be dispensed; the pharmacist should be notified so the situation can be handled appropriately, which may include contacting authorities. Dispensing or altering the document is improper.

Question 17Pharmacy Law, Ethics, and Professional Practice

Which of the following best reflects the principle of justice in the delivery of pharmacy services?

  1. Treating patients fairly and allocating resources equitably Correct answer.
  2. Providing extra services only to friends of staff
  3. Giving priority to patients who pay more
  4. Serving patients in the order they are personally preferred

Explanation

Justice in health care means fair treatment and equitable allocation of resources among patients. It opposes preferential treatment based on payment, relationships, or personal preference.

Question 18Pharmacy Law, Ethics, and Professional Practice

A pharmacy technician is asked to dispense a medicine that requires the pharmacist's clinical check, but the pharmacist is temporarily away. What is the safest action?

  1. Dispense the medicine and have the pharmacist check it later
  2. Hold the dispensing until the pharmacist is available to review Correct answer.
  3. Ask an untrained assistant to approve the dispensing
  4. Dispense a different medicine instead

Explanation

Dispensing that requires pharmacist clinical review must wait until that review can occur. Proceeding without required oversight risks patient harm and violates supervision requirements.

Question 19Pharmacy Law, Ethics, and Professional Practice

Which of the following is the best example of maintaining professional boundaries with patients?

  1. Borrowing money from a patient you see regularly
  2. Keeping the relationship focused on professional care and services Correct answer.
  3. Accepting expensive personal gifts from patients
  4. Sharing your personal social media to build friendship

Explanation

Professional boundaries require keeping the relationship centered on care and services and avoiding personal or financial entanglements that can compromise judgment and trust.

Question 20Pharmacy Law, Ethics, and Professional Practice

A pharmacy technician accidentally sees a patient's test result in a shared record. What is the most appropriate professional conduct?

  1. Use the information only as needed for the patient's care and keep it confidential Correct answer.
  2. Discuss it with the patient's employer
  3. Share the result with coworkers as a topic of discussion
  4. Post an anonymous comment about it online

Explanation

Health information encountered in the course of work must be used only for legitimate care purposes and kept confidential. Unauthorized sharing, even informally, breaches confidentiality.

Question 21Pharmacology and Drug Classification

Which drug class works by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase?

  1. Statins Correct answer.
  2. Beta-blockers
  3. Proton pump inhibitors
  4. Benzodiazepines

Explanation

Statins lower cholesterol by blocking HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in hepatic cholesterol synthesis. This reduces intracellular cholesterol and upregulates LDL receptors. The other drug classes act on different targets entirely.

Question 22Pharmacology and Drug Classification

A patient with a penicillin allergy needs an antibiotic for a urinary tract infection. Which agent is most appropriate because it lacks the beta-lactam ring?

  1. Cephalexin
  2. Ampicillin
  3. Nitrofurantoin Correct answer.
  4. Amoxicillin

Explanation

Nitrofurantoin is a non-beta-lactam antibacterial, so cross-reactivity with penicillin allergy is not a concern. Amoxicillin, ampicillin, and cephalexin all contain a beta-lactam ring and carry risk of cross-allergy.

Question 23Pharmacology and Drug Classification

Which adverse effect is most characteristic of aminoglycoside antibiotics such as gentamicin?

  1. Photosensitivity and tendon rupture
  2. Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity Correct answer.
  3. Dental staining and bone growth suppression
  4. Hepatotoxicity and rash

Explanation

Aminoglycosides accumulate in renal tubular cells and inner ear hair cells, producing dose-related nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. These are their classic dose-limiting toxicities. The other listed effects belong to different drug classes.

Question 24Pharmacology and Drug Classification

Which mechanism best explains why omeprazole reduces gastric acid secretion?

  1. Irreversibly inhibiting the parietal cell proton pump Correct answer.
  2. Blocking acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors
  3. Neutralizing acid directly in the stomach
  4. Blocking histamine H2 receptors

Explanation

Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that covalently and irreversibly inhibits the H+/K+ ATPase of parietal cells, suppressing the final step of acid secretion. This produces prolonged acid suppression until new pumps are synthesized.

Question 25Pharmacology and Drug Classification

A patient taking warfarin is prescribed a drug that inhibits CYP2C9. What is the expected clinical consequence?

  1. Increased INR and bleeding risk Correct answer.
  2. No change because warfarin is renally cleared
  3. Immediate reversal of anticoagulation
  4. Reduced anticoagulant effect and clot risk

Explanation

Warfarin's more potent S-enantiomer is metabolized mainly by CYP2C9. Inhibiting this enzyme slows warfarin clearance, raising plasma levels and the INR, which increases bleeding risk.

Question 26Pharmacology and Drug Classification

Which drug is a short-acting beta-2 agonist used for rapid relief of acute asthma symptoms?

  1. Beclomethasone
  2. Tiotropium
  3. Salbutamol Correct answer.
  4. Montelukast

Explanation

Salbutamol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist that relaxes bronchial smooth muscle within minutes, making it a rescue inhaler. It is used as needed for acute bronchospasm rather than for long-term control.

Question 27Pharmacology and Drug Classification

Which class of antihypertensive is most likely to cause a persistent dry cough?

  1. Calcium channel blockers
  2. Alpha-1 blockers
  3. Thiazide diuretics
  4. ACE inhibitors Correct answer.

Explanation

ACE inhibitors reduce bradykinin breakdown, and bradykinin accumulation in the airways causes a dry cough in a subset of patients. Switching to an angiotensin receptor blocker usually resolves it because ARBs do not affect bradykinin.

Question 28Pharmacology and Drug Classification

Which drug requires monitoring of the international normalized ratio to guide dosing?

  1. Enoxaparin
  2. Heparin
  3. Warfarin Correct answer.
  4. Clopidogrel

Explanation

Warfarin dosing is titrated using the INR, which reflects the extrinsic pathway. Heparin and enoxaparin are monitored with aPTT or anti-Xa activity, while clopidogrel is not routinely monitored with clotting tests.

Question 29Pharmacology and Drug Classification

A patient on long-term prednisolone is abruptly taken off the drug. What serious risk should be anticipated?

  1. Rebound hypertension from renin excess
  2. Immediate hypoglycemia
  3. Adrenal crisis from suppressed cortisol production Correct answer.
  4. Acute hyperkalemia

Explanation

Chronic glucocorticoid use suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, so abrupt withdrawal can leave the patient unable to mount a stress cortisol response, causing adrenal crisis. Tapering allows the axis to recover gradually.

Question 30Pharmacology and Drug Classification

Which drug is a biguanide that lowers blood glucose primarily by reducing hepatic gluconeogenesis?

  1. Sitagliptin
  2. Insulin glargine
  3. Metformin Correct answer.
  4. Glibenclamide

Explanation

Metformin is a biguanide that decreases hepatic glucose production and improves peripheral insulin sensitivity without stimulating insulin release. Because it does not cause hypoglycemia on its own, it is a common first-line agent in type 2 diabetes.

Question 31Pharmacology and Drug Classification

Which opioid is also combined with acetaminophen in many analgesic products, creating a risk of hepatotoxicity if multiple such products are taken together?

  1. Codeine Correct answer.
  2. Tramadol
  3. Morphine
  4. Fentanyl

Explanation

Codeine is frequently formulated with acetaminophen in combination analgesics. Taking several acetaminophen-containing products together can exceed safe daily doses and cause hepatotoxicity. Patients should be counseled to check all product labels.

Question 32Pharmacology and Drug Classification

Which mechanism of action is shared by NSAIDs such as ibuprofen?

  1. Agonism at opioid receptors
  2. Inhibition of xanthine oxidase
  3. Blockade of sodium channels
  4. Inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes Correct answer.

Explanation

NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2), reducing prostaglandin synthesis and thereby relieving pain, fever, and inflammation. This also explains their gastrointestinal and renal adverse effects.

Question 33Pharmacology and Drug Classification

A patient develops muscle pain and dark urine while taking a statin. Which serious adverse effect should be suspected?

  1. Pulmonary fibrosis
  2. Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  3. Rhabdomyolysis Correct answer.
  4. Agranulocytosis

Explanation

Statin-induced muscle injury can progress to rhabdomyolysis, in which muscle breakdown releases myoglobin that darkens urine and can cause acute kidney injury. Creatine kinase should be checked and the drug stopped.

Question 34Pharmacology and Drug Classification

Which antituberculosis drug is associated with orange-red discoloration of body fluids?

  1. Ethambutol
  2. Pyrazinamide
  3. Isoniazid
  4. Rifampicin Correct answer.

Explanation

Rifampicin is a rifamycin that is excreted in urine, sweat, and tears, imparting an orange-red color to these fluids. Patients should be warned so they are not alarmed.

Question 35Pharmacology and Drug Classification

Which drug is a benzodiazepine used for short-term treatment of insomnia and anxiety?

  1. Diazepam Correct answer.
  2. Lithium
  3. Fluoxetine
  4. Haloperidol

Explanation

Diazepam is a benzodiazepine that enhances GABA-A receptor activity, producing anxiolytic, sedative, and muscle-relaxant effects. It is used short-term because of tolerance and dependence risk.

Question 36Pharmacology and Drug Classification

Which adverse effect is most closely associated with long-term use of typical antipsychotics such as haloperidol?

  1. Osteoporosis
  2. Extrapyramidal symptoms Correct answer.
  3. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
  4. Thyroid storm

Explanation

Typical antipsychotics block dopamine D2 receptors in the nigrostriatal pathway, producing extrapyramidal symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, and tardive dyskinesia. These movement disorders are the classic long-term complication.

Question 37Pharmacology and Drug Classification

A patient starting an SSRI is warned about serotonin syndrome. Which combination most increases this risk?

  1. Adding a monoamine oxidase inhibitor Correct answer.
  2. Adding a thiazide diuretic
  3. Adding a proton pump inhibitor
  4. Adding an inhaled corticosteroid

Explanation

Combining an SSRI with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor can cause excessive serotonergic activity, leading to serotonin syndrome with agitation, hyperthermia, and clonus. This combination is generally contraindicated.

Question 38Pharmacology and Drug Classification

Which drug is a loop diuretic that acts on the ascending limb of the loop of Henle?

  1. Furosemide Correct answer.
  2. Hydrochlorothiazide
  3. Spironolactone
  4. Acetazolamide

Explanation

Furosemide inhibits the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, producing powerful diuresis. This mechanism also causes hypokalemia and ototoxicity at high doses.

Question 39Pharmacology and Drug Classification

A patient taking digoxin develops nausea, visual changes, and bradycardia. Which electrolyte abnormality most increases the risk of digoxin toxicity?

  1. Hypochloremia
  2. Hypercalcemia
  3. Hypokalemia Correct answer.
  4. Hypernatremia

Explanation

Low potassium increases digoxin binding at the sodium-potassium ATPase, enhancing its toxic effects. Diuretic-induced hypokalemia is a common precipitant, so potassium should be monitored closely.

Question 40Pharmacology and Drug Classification

Which drug is used as a rescue medication for opioid overdose?

  1. Atropine
  2. Naloxone Correct answer.
  3. Flumazenil
  4. Acetylcysteine

Explanation

Naloxone is a competitive opioid receptor antagonist that rapidly reverses respiratory depression and sedation from opioid overdose. It may need repeat dosing because its duration can be shorter than that of the opioid.

Question 41Pharmacology and Drug Classification

Acetaminophen overdose is treated with acetylcysteine. What is the rationale for this antidote?

  1. It enhances renal excretion of acetaminophen
  2. It binds acetaminophen directly in the stomach
  3. It replenishes glutathione and neutralizes the toxic metabolite Correct answer.
  4. It blocks acetaminophen absorption in the intestine

Explanation

In overdose, acetaminophen is converted by CYP enzymes to the toxic metabolite NAPQI, which depletes glutathione. Acetylcysteine restores glutathione stores and helps detoxify NAPQI, protecting the liver.

Question 42Pharmacology and Drug Classification

Which class of drugs is used to treat anaphylaxis by reversing bronchospasm and supporting blood pressure?

  1. Adrenergic agonists Correct answer.
  2. Leukotriene antagonists
  3. Antihistamines
  4. Corticosteroids

Explanation

Adrenaline (epinephrine) is an adrenergic agonist that rapidly reverses bronchospasm and hypotension in anaphylaxis by acting on alpha and beta receptors. It is the first-line treatment.

Question 43Pharmacology and Drug Classification

Which drug is a proton pump inhibitor commonly used to treat peptic ulcer disease?

  1. Misoprostol
  2. Ranitidine
  3. Sucralfate
  4. Omeprazole Correct answer.

Explanation

Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that suppresses gastric acid secretion by blocking the parietal cell proton pump. It is widely used for peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux.

Question 44Pharmacology and Drug Classification

A patient taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor eats aged cheese and develops a severe headache and hypertension. Which mechanism explains this reaction?

  1. Serotonin depletion
  2. Excess tyramine triggering norepinephrine release Correct answer.
  3. Anticholinergic crisis
  4. Direct renal failure from the drug

Explanation

MAO inhibitors block the breakdown of tyramine, which is present in aged cheese. Tyramine then displaces large amounts of norepinephrine from nerve terminals, causing a hypertensive crisis.

Question 45Pharmacology and Drug Classification

Which drug is a macrolide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding the 50S ribosomal subunit?

  1. Gentamicin
  2. Doxycycline
  3. Azithromycin Correct answer.
  4. Ciprofloxacin

Explanation

Azithromycin is a macrolide that binds the 50S ribosomal subunit, blocking translocation during protein synthesis. Macrolides are effective against many respiratory pathogens.

Question 46Pharmacology and Drug Classification

Which opioid is also combined with acetaminophen in many analgesic products, creating a risk of hepatotoxicity if multiple products are taken?

  1. Morphine
  2. Tramadol
  3. Hydrocodone Correct answer.
  4. Fentanyl

Explanation

Hydrocodone is frequently combined with acetaminophen in prescription analgesics, so patients may unknowingly exceed the safe acetaminophen dose if they take additional products. Morphine, fentanyl, and tramadol are not commonly combined with acetaminophen in the same way.

Question 47Pharmacology and Drug Classification

Which drug belongs to the class of medicines known as beta-lactam antibiotics?

  1. Azithromycin
  2. Amoxicillin Correct answer.
  3. Ciprofloxacin
  4. Gentamicin

Explanation

Beta-lactam antibiotics share a four-membered beta-lactam ring in their chemical structure, and this group includes penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems. Amoxicillin is an aminopenicillin and therefore a beta-lactam.

Question 48Pharmacology and Drug Classification

Which vitamin deficiency is prevented by routine newborn supplementation with a single intramuscular dose?

  1. Vitamin K Correct answer.
  2. Vitamin B12
  3. Vitamin C
  4. Folic acid

Explanation

Newborns have low stores of vitamin K and are at risk of haemorrhagic disease of the newborn, so a prophylactic intramuscular dose is given at birth. Vitamin K is required for synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X.

Question 49Pharmacology and Drug Classification

Which drug is a short-acting inhaled beta-2 agonist used to relieve acute asthma symptoms?

  1. Ipratropium
  2. Beclometasone
  3. Montelukast
  4. Salbutamol Correct answer.

Explanation

Salbutamol stimulates beta-2 receptors on bronchial smooth muscle, producing rapid bronchodilation and relief of acute wheeze. It is the standard reliever inhaler, distinct from preventer and controller medicines.

Question 50Pharmacology and Drug Classification

A patient is prescribed a medicine that must be taken on an empty stomach because food markedly reduces its absorption. Which drug fits this instruction?

  1. Paracetamol
  2. Metformin
  3. Amlodipine
  4. Tetracycline Correct answer.

Explanation

Tetracyclines chelate with calcium, magnesium, iron, and other polyvalent cations in food and dairy, forming complexes that are poorly absorbed. They should therefore be taken on an empty stomach, separated from meals and antacids.