To which of the following therapeutic drug classes does ketoconazole belong?
Antiviral
Macrolide antibiotic
Antifungal
Antibacterial/Antiprotozoal
The Correct Answer is C
A. Ketoconazole does not possess inhibitory activity against viral replication enzymes like DNA polymerase or reverse transcriptase. It lacks the pharmacodynamic profile required to treat viral infections. The question asks for its primary class, which is not antiviral.
B. This agent is not a macrolide as it lacks a macrocyclic lactone ring. Unlike erythromycin, it does not bind to the 50S ribosomal subunit to inhibit protein synthesis. It is chemically distinct from this specific class of antibacterial agents.
C. Ketoconazole is a synthetic imidazole derivative that inhibits the enzyme 14-alpha-demethylase. This action prevents the conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol in fungal cell membranes. The resulting depletion of ergosterol increases membrane permeability, leading to potent fungistatic effects.
D. Although some azoles show minor activity against certain bacteria, ketoconazole is not utilized as a clinical antibacterial or antiprotozoal. It lacks the nitro group seen in agents like metronidazole. Its molecular target is specific to fungal sterol synthesis pathways.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Antidepressants modulate monoamine neurotransmission by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin or norepinephrine. Diazepam does not possess these pharmacological properties or clinical indications for treating depressive disorders. It is chemically distinct from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants.
B. Diazepam is an antianxiety agent that functions as a benzodiazepine. It enhances the inhibitory effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid by binding to the GABA-A receptor complex. This increases chloride ion conductance, resulting in neuronal hyperpolarization and reduced central nervous system excitability.
C. Antiparkinson agents typically aim to restore dopamine levels or antagonize acetylcholine within the striatum. Diazepam has no effect on dopaminergic pathways or the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson disease. It is not indicated for the management of neurodegenerative movement disorders.
D. Antimanic agents, such as lithium, are utilized to stabilize mood in bipolar disorder through various intracellular signaling pathways. Diazepam lacks the specific clinical efficacy and regulatory approval for treating acute mania. It is primarily used for its sedative, anxiolytic, and muscle relaxant properties.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Zanaflex is the brand name for tizanidine, a central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. It reduces spasticity by increasing presynaptic inhibition of motor neurons within the spinal cord. It is pharmacologically distinct from the carbamate derivative specified in the question stem.
B. Lioresal is the proprietary name for baclofen, which acts as a gamma-aminobutyric acid-B receptor agonist. It is primarily indicated for the management of spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries. It is not the brand for methocarbamol.
C. Amrix is the brand name for the extended-release formulation of cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride. It functions as a skeletal muscle relaxant by acting on the brainstem to reduce tonic somatic motor activity. It is not the proprietary name for methocarbamol.
D. Robaxin is the brand name for methocarbamol, a central nervous system depressant with sedative and skeletal muscle relaxant properties. It inhibits polysynaptic reflex pathways in the spinal cord and subcortical areas. This medication is indicated for musculoskeletal pain relief.
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