PTCB medications practice questions

19 practice questions on drug classes and name stems, side effects, and drug interactions, with the answer and a short explanation for each.

Medications is 35% of the PTCB exam under PTCB’s PTCE Content Outline, in effect since January 6, 2026. The PTCE has 90 multiple-choice questions and a 1 hour 50 minute time limit.

Pick an answer to check it. The answer and explanation are under each question.

1. Question 1

   What suffix do most beta-blocker generic drug names share?

   1. AThe suffix '-sartan'
   2. BThe suffix '-olol'
   3. CThe suffix '-mycin'
   4. DThe suffix '-dipine'
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: B. The suffix '-olol'

   Most beta-blockers end in '-olol' (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol, carvedilol).

   From the Drug Classifications flashcards.

2. Question 2

   Drugs ending in '-statin' belong to which therapeutic class, and what is their mechanism of action?

   1. AHMG-CoA reductase inhibitors block cholesterol synthesis
   2. BACE inhibitors block angiotensin II formation
   3. CBeta-blockers reduce heart rate and cardiac output
   4. DCalcium channel blockers relax vascular smooth muscle
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: A. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors block cholesterol synthesis

   Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) are used to lower cholesterol. They work by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme responsible for cholesterol synthesis in the liver.

   From the Drug Classifications flashcards.

3. Question 3

   What drug class are SSRIs, and name two examples?

   1. AAntidepressants such as fluoxetine and sertraline
   2. BBenzodiazepines such as lorazepam and alprazolam
   3. CSNRIs such as venlafaxine and duloxetine
   4. DMood stabilizers such as lithium and lamotrigine
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: A. Antidepressants such as fluoxetine and sertraline

   SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are antidepressants. Examples include fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft).

   From the Drug Classifications flashcards.

4. Question 4

   Which drug class is used to treat type 2 diabetes by increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing hepatic glucose production?

   1. ASulfonylureas, such as glipizide
   2. BBiguanides, such as metformin
   3. CSGLT-2 inhibitors, such as empagliflozin
   4. DDPP-4 inhibitors, such as sitagliptin
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: B. Biguanides, such as metformin

   Biguanides, specifically metformin (Glucophage), increase insulin sensitivity and reduce hepatic glucose output. They are typically the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes.

   From the Drug Classifications flashcards.

5. Question 5

   What therapeutic class does omeprazole belong to, and what condition does it primarily treat?

   1. AProton pump inhibitor used for GERD
   2. BH2 receptor blocker used for GERD
   3. CProton pump inhibitor used for IBS
   4. DAntacid medication used for GERD
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: A. Proton pump inhibitor used for GERD

   Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, and related acid-related disorders by blocking the gastric proton pump.

   From the Drug Classifications flashcards.

6. Question 6

   Drugs ending in '-pril' belong to which antihypertensive drug class?

   1. AACE inhibitors
   2. BBeta-blockers
   3. CAngiotensin receptor blockers
   4. DCalcium channel blockers
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: A. ACE inhibitors

   Drugs ending in '-pril' are ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril, enalapril, benazepril). They reduce blood pressure by preventing the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II.

   From the Drug Classifications flashcards.

7. Question 7

   What class of antibiotics works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis and is commonly associated with penicillin allergies?

   1. ABeta-lactam antibiotics
   2. BAminoglycoside antibiotics
   3. CMacrolide antibiotics
   4. DTetracycline antibiotics
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: A. Beta-lactam antibiotics

   Beta-lactam antibiotics, including penicillins and cephalosporins, inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis. Patients with penicillin allergy may also have cross-reactivity with other beta-lactams.

   From the Drug Classifications flashcards.

8. Question 8

   What is the therapeutic class of warfarin, and what does it antagonize?

   1. AAn antiplatelet drug that antagonizes thromboxane
   2. BAn anticoagulant that antagonizes vitamin K
   3. CA fibrinolytic drug that activates plasminogen
   4. DAn anticoagulant that directly inhibits thrombin
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: B. An anticoagulant that antagonizes vitamin K

   Warfarin is an anticoagulant (specifically a vitamin K antagonist). It prevents the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors (II, VII, IX, X).

   From the Drug Classifications flashcards.

9. Question 9

   Which drug class ends in '-sartan' and what is its mechanism of action?

   1. AARBs block angiotensin II receptors
   2. BACE inhibitors block angiotensin-converting enzyme
   3. CCalcium channel blockers inhibit calcium entry
   4. DBeta-blockers block beta-adrenergic receptors
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: A. ARBs block angiotensin II receptors

   ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers) end in '-sartan' (e.g., losartan, valsartan). They block angiotensin II from binding to its receptor, causing vasodilation and lower blood pressure.

   From the Drug Classifications flashcards.

10. Question 10

    What drug class do fluoroquinolones belong to, and name two examples?

    1. AAntitubercular agents such as isoniazid and rifampin
    2. BAntiviral agents such as acyclovir and valacyclovir
    3. CAntifungal agents such as fluconazole and voriconazole
    4. DBroad-spectrum antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: D. Broad-spectrum antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin

    Fluoroquinolones are a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Examples include ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and levofloxacin (Levaquin). They inhibit bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV.

    From the Drug Classifications flashcards.

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12. Question 11

    What therapeutic drug class do thiazide diuretics belong to, and what is a major electrolyte side effect?

    1. AAntihypertensive diuretics associated with hypokalemia
    2. BAntihypertensive diuretics associated with hyperkalemia
    3. CAntihypertensive diuretics associated with hypernatremia
    4. DAntihypertensive diuretics associated with hypocalcemia
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: A. Antihypertensive diuretics associated with hypokalemia

    Thiazide diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide) are antihypertensive agents. A major side effect is hypokalemia (low potassium), because they increase potassium excretion in the urine.

    From the Drug Classifications flashcards.

13. Question 12

    Which antidiabetic drug class ends in '-gliptin' and works by inhibiting the DPP-4 enzyme?

    1. AGLP-1 receptor agonists
    2. BSulfonylurea medications
    3. CDPP-4 inhibitors
    4. DSGLT-2 inhibitors
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: C. DPP-4 inhibitors

    DPP-4 inhibitors (gliptins), such as sitagliptin (Januvia) and saxagliptin (Onglyza), work by preventing the breakdown of incretin hormones, which stimulate insulin release and reduce glucagon after meals.

    From the Drug Classifications flashcards.

14. Question 13

    What is the drug class of gabapentin (Neurontin), and what are its primary indications?

    1. AOpioid analgesic for chronic pain and sedation
    2. BMuscle relaxant for spasms and back pain
    3. CBenzodiazepine for anxiety disorders and insomnia
    4. DAnticonvulsant for seizures and postherpetic neuralgia
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: D. Anticonvulsant for seizures and postherpetic neuralgia

    Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant (antiepileptic) also used for neuropathic pain and postherpetic neuralgia. Despite its name, it does not act on GABA receptors directly but modulates calcium channels.

    From the Drug Classifications flashcards.

15. Question 14

    What drug class are tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and what is a major safety concern associated with them?

    1. AAntidepressants with acute liver failure risk in overdose
    2. BAntipsychotics with acute kidney failure risk in overdose
    3. CAntidepressants with severe hypoglycemia risk in overdose
    4. DAntidepressants with fatal arrhythmia risk in overdose
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: D. Antidepressants with fatal arrhythmia risk in overdose

    TCAs (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline) are antidepressants that inhibit reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. A major concern is cardiotoxicity in overdose, causing fatal arrhythmias.

    From the Drug Classifications flashcards.

16. Question 15

    What dietary restriction must patients taking warfarin (Coumadin) follow?

    1. AAvoid all grapefruit and grapefruit juice
    2. BKeep vitamin K intake consistent
    3. CCompletely abstain from alcohol
    4. DLimit sodium intake to under 1,500 mg
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: B. Keep vitamin K intake consistent

    Patients must maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K-rich foods (e.g., leafy greens). Large fluctuations in vitamin K intake can significantly alter INR and anticoagulation control.

    From the Top 200 Drugs flashcards.

17. Question 16

    What is the BLACK BOX WARNING associated with fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin)?

    1. ACardiac events, GI perforation, and renal dysfunction
    2. BHypoglycemia, lactic acidosis, blood disorders, and cardiac effects
    3. CLiver failure, skin reactions, and QT prolongation
    4. DTendinitis, tendon rupture, neuropathy, and CNS effects
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: D. Tendinitis, tendon rupture, neuropathy, and CNS effects

    Risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, and CNS effects. The risk of tendon rupture is especially elevated in elderly patients and those on corticosteroids.

    From the Top 200 Drugs flashcards.

18. Question 17

    What serious interaction must be avoided with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like phenelzine and SSRIs?

    1. ASevere respiratory depression
    2. BSerotonin toxicity syndrome
    3. CAcute hypertensive crisis
    4. DSevere anticholinergic toxicity
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: B. Serotonin toxicity syndrome

    Serotonin syndrome. Combining MAOIs with SSRIs, SNRIs, meperidine, or tramadol can cause a life-threatening increase in serotonin activity causing hyperthermia, agitation, and neuromuscular instability.

    From the Top 200 Drugs flashcards.

19. Question 18

    A patient drops off a prescription for warfarin 5 mg daily and mentions they have been taking ibuprofen regularly for knee pain. The pharmacist asks the technician to pull up the patient's INR history and flag the interaction. Why is the combination of warfarin and ibuprofen considered a significant drug interaction?

    1. AReduced anticoagulation and stroke risk
    2. BSubtherapeutic INR and clotting event risk
    3. CIncreased anticoagulation and serious bleeding risk
    4. DReduced anticoagulation and dangerous clotting risk
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: C. Increased anticoagulation and serious bleeding risk

    Ibuprofen inhibits platelet aggregation and can displace warfarin from plasma proteins, potentiating its anticoagulant effect and substantially increasing the risk of serious or life-threatening bleeding.

    From the Top 200 Drugs flashcards.

20. Question 19

    A patient picking up their monthly refill of atorvastatin 40 mg mentions they have started drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice daily. The pharmacist overhears this and asks the technician to assist with patient counseling materials. Why is grapefruit juice consumption a concern for a patient taking atorvastatin?

    1. AIncreased drug levels and greater myopathy risk
    2. BDecreased drug levels and weaker cholesterol control
    3. CAccelerated drug clearance and higher stroke risk
    4. DReduced drug absorption and higher LDL levels
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: A. Increased drug levels and greater myopathy risk

    Grapefruit juice inhibits CYP3A4 enzymes in the intestinal wall, reducing the first-pass metabolism of atorvastatin and causing elevated plasma drug levels that increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.

    From the Top 200 Drugs flashcards.

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