Top 100 Pharmacology Flashcards for Quick Revision Before Your Exam

Pharmacology MCQ exams can be tough because you have to remember drug classes, how they work, their side effects, and what they are used for. If you’re a pharmacy student getting closer to your mcq exam and need a quick way to review, you’re in the right place

That’s exactly why I created these 100 pharmacology test questions with answers to help you review smarter, not harder. These flashcards are designed for quick recall and active revision, whether you’re preparing for GPAT, NCLEX, MOH, DHA, or any other competitive medical or pharmacy mcq with answers exam.

Each question in this test focuses on an important pharmacology topic that is commonly seen in exams and real life medical practice. You’ll even find helpful points on topics like salbutamol, VMAT2, and how inhaled corticosteroids work

100 Pharmacology Questions with Answers for Quick Revision

Think of this as your rapid-fire pharmacology test questions and answers quiz, written by a pharmacology teacher who knows what matters most at crunch time.

1. What is the drug class of Atenolol?
Answer: Beta-blocker (selective β1)
Atenolol slows the heart rate and lowers blood pressure by blocking specific heart receptors.

2. What is the mechanism of action of Omeprazole?
Answer: Proton pump inhibitor inhibits H+/K+ ATPase in stomach parietal cells
Omeprazole reduces stomach acid by blocking the enzyme responsible for acid release.

3. Name a common side effect of ACE inhibitors.
Answer: Dry cough
ACE inhibitors can increase certain substances that irritate the throat and cause a cough.

4. What is Paracetamol commonly used for?
Answer: Pain relief and fever reduction
Paracetamol lowers fever and reduces pain by acting on the brain.

5. What is the therapeutic use of Metformin?
Answer: First-line treatment for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Metformin helps lower blood sugar by improving the way the body uses insulin.

6. Which class does Furosemide belong to?
Answer: Loop diuretic
Furosemide makes you urinate more to remove excess water and salt from the body.

7. Mechanism of action of Warfarin?
Answer: Inhibits vitamin K epoxide reductase interferes with clotting factor synthesis
Warfarin thins the blood by stopping the body from making clotting proteins.

8. Side effect commonly associated with Statins?
Answer: Muscle pain
Statins may cause soreness or weakness in the muscles in some people.

9. Therapeutic use of Salbutamol?
Answer: Relief of bronchospasm in asthma and COPD
Salbutamol opens the airways to make breathing easier during asthma or COPD attacks.

10. Which class does Diazepam belong to?
Answer: Benzodiazepine
Diazepam helps calm the brain and is used for anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures.

11. Mechanism of action of Aspirin?
Answer: Irreversible COX inhibitor prevents platelet aggregation
Aspirin prevents blood clots by stopping platelets from sticking together.

12. Which class is Amoxicillin?
Answer: Penicillin antibiotic
Amoxicillin kills bacteria by stopping them from building their cell walls.

13. Use of Loratadine?
Answer: Allergic rhinitis and urticaria
Loratadine helps reduce allergy symptoms like sneezing and itchy skin.

14. Common side effect of Metronidazole?
Answer: Metallic taste
Metronidazole may leave a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth.

15. Mechanism of action of Heparin?
Answer: Activates antithrombin III inhibits thrombin and factor Xa
Heparin helps prevent clots by boosting natural blood-thinning proteins.

16. Therapeutic use of Lisinopril?
Answer: Hypertension and heart failure
Lisinopril lowers blood pressure and eases the workload on the heart.

17. What is the drug class of Atorvastatin?
Answer: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Atorvastatin lowers cholesterol by blocking the enzyme needed to make it.

18. Side effect of NSAIDs like Ibuprofen?
Answer: Gastric ulcer
NSAIDs may damage the stomach lining and cause ulcers if used often.

19. Mechanism of action of Amlodipine?
Answer: Calcium channel blocker
Amlodipine relaxes blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow and lowering pressure.

20. Drug class of Ciprofloxacin?
Answer: Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
Ciprofloxacin treats infections by stopping bacteria from copying their DNA.

21. Use of Ranitidine (withdrawn in many countries)?
Answer: Treatment of ulcers and GERD
Ranitidine was used to reduce stomach acid and heal ulcers before being withdrawn.

22. Therapeutic use of Insulin?
Answer: Management of diabetes mellitus
Insulin lowers blood sugar by helping glucose move from blood into cells.

23. Class of drug: Clopidogrel?
Answer: Antiplatelet
Clopidogrel helps prevent strokes and heart attacks by stopping platelets from clumping.

24. Mechanism of action of Morphine?
Answer: μ-opioid receptor agonist
Morphine blocks pain signals in the brain to give strong pain relief.

25. Side effect of Clozapine?
Answer: Agranulocytosis
Clozapine can dangerously lower white blood cells, making infections more likely.

26. Therapeutic use of Levothyroxine?
Answer: Hypothyroidism
Levothyroxine replaces missing thyroid hormone to restore normal body function.

27. What is the drug class of Losartan?
Answer: Angiotensin receptor blocker
Losartan lowers blood pressure by blocking substances that tighten blood vessels.

28. Use of Doxycycline?
Answer: Broad-spectrum antibiotic treats infections and malaria prophylaxis
Doxycycline kills a wide range of bacteria and is also used to prevent malaria.

29. Mechanism of action of Digoxin?
Answer: Inhibits Na+/K+ ATPase increases intracellular calcium
Digoxin helps the heart pump more strongly by increasing calcium inside heart cells.

30. Side effect of Phenytoin?
Answer: Gingival hyperplasia
Phenytoin may cause overgrowth of gum tissue around the teeth.

31. Therapeutic use of Alendronate?
Answer: Osteoporosis treatment
Alendronate helps build stronger bones and prevent fractures.

32. Drug class of Fluoxetine?
Answer: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
Fluoxetine improves mood by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.

33. Use of Salicylates?
Answer: Anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet effects
Salicylates relieve pain and swelling and also reduce the risk of blood clots.

34. Side effect of Isotretinoin?
Answer: Teratogenicity
Isotretinoin can cause birth defects and must not be taken during pregnancy.

35. Mechanism of action of Sildenafil?
Answer: PDE5 inhibitor increases cGMP in corpus cavernosum
Sildenafil helps treat erectile dysfunction by improving blood flow to the penis.

36. Therapeutic use of Methotrexate?
Answer: Rheumatoid arthritis and some cancers
Methotrexate slows the immune system and stops cancer cells from growing.

37. Class of Hydralazine?
Answer: Direct arteriolar vasodilator
Hydralazine lowers blood pressure by relaxing small arteries.

38. Use of Isoniazid?
Answer: First-line treatment for tuberculosis
Isoniazid is a key drug used to kill tuberculosis bacteria.

39. Mechanism of action of Loperamide?
Answer: μ-opioid receptor agonist in GI tract reduces gut motility
Loperamide slows down bowel movement to stop diarrhea.

40. Side effect of Lithium?
Answer: Tremor, hypothyroidism, nephrotoxicity
Lithium can cause shaking, thyroid problems, and may affect the kidneys with long-term use.

41. Class of Haloperidol?
Answer: Typical antipsychotic (butyrophenone)
Haloperidol helps reduce symptoms like hallucinations by blocking dopamine in the brain.

42. Therapeutic use of Glibenclamide?
Answer: Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Glibenclamide lowers blood sugar by helping the pancreas release more insulin.

43. Use of Tamsulosin?
Answer: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Tamsulosin relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder to improve urination in men with BPH.

44. Drug class of Rifampicin?
Answer: Antitubercular (RNA polymerase inhibitor)
Rifampicin treats tuberculosis by stopping bacteria from making proteins needed to survive.

45. Side effect of Ethambutol?
Answer: Optic neuritis
Ethambutol can affect vision by causing inflammation of the optic nerve.

46. Mechanism of action of Vancomycin?
Answer: Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis D-Ala-D-Ala binding
Vancomycin kills bacteria by stopping them from building their protective cell wall.

47. Therapeutic use of Spironolactone?
Answer: Heart failure, hypertension, and hyperaldosteronism
Spironolactone removes extra fluid and blocks a hormone that raises blood pressure.

48. Drug class of Verapamil?
Answer: Calcium channel blocker (non-dihydropyridine)
Verapamil lowers blood pressure and controls heart rate by relaxing heart and vessel muscles.

49. Use of Carbamazepine?
Answer: Seizure disorders and trigeminal neuralgia
Carbamazepine controls seizures and nerve pain by calming overactive brain signals.

Practice Test Questions for Pharmacology

50. Mechanism of action of Sucralfate?
Answer: Forms protective barrier at ulcer site
Sucralfate coats the ulcer surface to protect it from acid and help it heal.

51. Side effect of Chloramphenicol?
Answer: Aplastic anemia
Chloramphenicol can rarely damage bone marrow and stop blood cell production.

52. What is the drug class of Atenolol?
Answer: Beta-blocker (selective β1)
Atenolol lowers blood pressure and heart rate by blocking heart-specific receptors.

53. What is the class of Imatinib?
Answer: Tyrosine kinase inhibitor
Imatinib blocks signals that cancer cells use to grow, especially in leukemia.

54. Therapeutic use of Naloxone?
Answer: Opioid overdose reversal
Naloxone quickly reverses the effects of opioid drugs like morphine or heroin.

55. Mechanism of action of DPP-4 inhibitors like Sitagliptin?
Answer: Inhibit DPP-4 enzyme, increasing incretin levels to control blood glucose
Sitagliptin helps the body release insulin and lower blood sugar after meals.

56. Common side effect of Amiodarone?
Answer: Thyroid dysfunction and pulmonary fibrosis
Amiodarone can affect the thyroid and lungs with long-term use.

57. What is the drug class of Cetirizine?
Answer: Second-generation antihistamine (H1 blocker)
Cetirizine relieves allergy symptoms without causing much drowsiness.

58. Therapeutic use of Methyldopa?
Answer: Management of hypertension during pregnancy
Methyldopa safely lowers blood pressure in pregnant women.

59. Mechanism of action of Bupropion?
Answer: Inhibits reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine
Bupropion boosts mood and helps people stop smoking by increasing brain chemicals.

60. Class of Beclomethasone?
Answer: Inhaled corticosteroid
Beclomethasone reduces airway inflammation to help control asthma.

61. Side effect of Thiazide diuretics?
Answer: Hypercalcemia and hypokalemia
Thiazides can raise calcium and lower potassium levels in the blood.

62. Drug class of Amphotericin B?
Answer: Polyene antifungal
Amphotericin B treats serious fungal infections by damaging fungal cell membranes.

63. Mechanism of action of Donepezil?
Answer: Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
Donepezil helps improve memory by boosting levels of brain chemicals in Alzheimer’s disease.

64. Use of Desmopressin?
Answer: Treatment of diabetes insipidus and nocturnal enuresis
Desmopressin helps the body retain water and reduce frequent urination.

65. Drug class of Oseltamivir?
Answer: Neuraminidase inhibitor
Oseltamivir is used to treat and prevent the flu by stopping virus spread.

66. Therapeutic use of Sildenafil?
Answer: Erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension
Sildenafil improves blood flow to treat erection problems and high lung pressure.

67. Side effect of corticosteroids?
Answer: Hyperglycemia and osteoporosis
Corticosteroids can raise blood sugar and weaken bones with long-term use.

68. What is the drug class of Tetracycline?
Answer: Protein synthesis inhibitor
Tetracycline stops bacteria from making proteins needed to grow and multiply.

69. Mechanism of action of Mannitol?
Answer: Osmotic diuretic increases osmolarity of filtrate
Mannitol draws water out of tissues and increases urine flow, especially in the brain or eyes.

70. Use of Misoprostol?
Answer: Prevention of NSAID-induced ulcers; also used in medical abortion
Misoprostol protects the stomach from ulcers and helps induce abortion when needed.

71. What is the class of Abciximab?
Answer: Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor
Abciximab stops platelets from clumping together which helps prevent blood clots during heart procedures.

72. Side effect of Chlorpromazine?
Answer: Sedation and extrapyramidal symptoms
Chlorpromazine can make you sleepy and may cause stiff muscles or shaky movements.

73. Use of Erythropoietin?
Answer: Anemia associated with chronic kidney disease
Erythropoietin helps the body make red blood cells in people with kidney problems.

74. Mechanism of action of Allopurinol?
Answer: Xanthine oxidase inhibitor reduces uric acid production
Allopurinol lowers uric acid to help prevent gout attacks.

75. Drug class of Zidovudine?
Answer: NRTI
Zidovudine helps treat HIV by stopping the virus from copying its genetic material.

76. Therapeutic use of Hydroxychloroquine?
Answer: Rheumatoid arthritis and malaria
Hydroxychloroquine reduces joint pain and swelling and is also used to treat or prevent malaria.

77. Mechanism of action of Bisoprolol?
Answer: Selective β1-blocker
Bisoprolol lowers heart rate and blood pressure by acting mostly on the heart.

78. Class of drugs causing ototoxicity?
Answer: Aminoglycosides
Aminoglycosides can damage the inner ear and affect hearing or balance.

79. Use of Nalidixic acid?
Answer: Treatment of urinary tract infections
Nalidixic acid is an older antibiotic used to treat infections in the urinary system.

80. Side effect of Propylthiouracil (PTU)?
Answer: Agranulocytosis and liver toxicity
PTU can cause serious drop in white blood cells and damage the liver.

81. Drug class of Valsartan?
Answer: Angiotensin II receptor blocker
Valsartan helps lower blood pressure and protect the heart by relaxing blood vessels.

82. Mechanism of action of Tetrabenazine?
Answer: Inhibits VMAT2
Tetrabenazine helps reduce uncontrolled movements in Huntington’s disease.

83. Use of Baclofen?
Answer: Spasticity in multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury
Baclofen relaxes muscles and helps reduce stiffness and spasms.

84. Drug class of Methylergometrine?
Answer: Ergot alkaloid
Methylergometrine helps stop heavy bleeding after childbirth.

85. Side effect of Dapsone?
Answer: Hemolysis
Dapsone can break down red blood cells, especially in people with G6PD deficiency.

86. Use of Pralidoxime?
Answer: Organophosphate poisoning antidote
Pralidoxime reactivates enzymes blocked by toxic pesticides and nerve agents.

87. Mechanism of action of Etanercept?
Answer: TNF-alpha inhibitor
Etanercept blocks inflammation signals to help manage autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

88. Drug class of Acarbose?
Answer: Alpha-glucosidase inhibitor
Acarbose slows down sugar absorption in the gut to control blood sugar levels.

89. Therapeutic use of Trazodone?
Answer: Depression and insomnia
Trazodone helps improve mood and is often used to aid sleep.

90. Use of Flumazenil?
Answer: Reversal of benzodiazepine overdose
Flumazenil wakes up the brain by blocking the effects of sedative drugs like diazepam.

91. Drug class of Clindamycin?
Answer: Lincosamide antibiotic
Clindamycin treats bacterial infections, especially in the skin, lungs, and bones.

92. Mechanism of action of Tamoxifen?
Answer: Selective estrogen receptor modulator
Tamoxifen blocks estrogen in breast tissue to treat or prevent breast cancer.

93. Therapeutic use of Raloxifene?
Answer: Prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
Raloxifene keeps bones strong by mimicking estrogen in the bones.

94. Drug class of Ipratropium?
Answer: Anticholinergic bronchodilator
Ipratropium helps open the airways in conditions like asthma or COPD.

95. Side effect of Methotrexate?
Answer: Hepatotoxicity and bone marrow suppression
Methotrexate can harm the liver and lower blood cell counts if not monitored.

96. Mechanism of action of Nifedipine?
Answer: Calcium channel blocker vasodilation
Nifedipine relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow.

97. Use of Linezolid?
Answer: Treatment of resistant Gram-positive infections like MRSA
Linezolid fights tough bacterial infections that other antibiotics cannot treat.

98. Drug class of Orlistat?
Answer: Lipase inhibitor
Orlistat helps in weight loss by blocking fat absorption in the intestines.

99. Therapeutic use of Finasteride?
Answer: Benign prostatic hyperplasia and male pattern baldness
Finasteride shrinks the prostate and slows hair loss in men.

100. Use of Folic acid?
Answer: Prevention of neural tube defects in pregnancy
Folic acid supports healthy brain and spine development in unborn babies.

Benefits of MCQ Questions with Answers for Pharmacology Revision

• Active recall helps you remember better than just reading.
• Great for quick daily study sessions.
• Makes you feel more ready for exams.
• Helps you remember hard drug facts easily.
• You can study anywhere, even without internet.

How to Study These Pharmacology Flashcards Effectively

• Use spaced repetition (e.g., Anki or printed shuffle)
• Read questions aloud for active recall
• Cover the answer first, quiz yourself
• Pair with mnemonics where possible

You can also listen to some major concepts in this article on our podcast.

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