NAPLEX North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination Questions and Answers

68 kg × [5 mcg/kg/min] = 340 mcg/min Bag concentration = 2 mg/ml or 2000 mcg/ml 340 mcg × [1 mL/2000 mcg] = 0.17 mL/min 60 in × [0.17 mL/min] = 10.2 mLs in one hour

Use proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in patients with or who have risk factors for osteoporosis cautiously. PPIs have been associated with a possible increased risk of bone fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine. Daily treatment with a gastric acid-suppressing medication over a long period of time may lead to hypomagnesemia. Vitamin B12 deficiency has been reported with long term use of PPIs in the literatures. The use of PPIs, may increase the risk of enteric infection by encouraging the growth of gut microflora and increasing susceptibility to organism including Clostridium Difficile. There are recent FDA warnings regarding C. Diff infection with use of PPIs. H. Pylori infection is not a complication of PPIs. PPIs in combination with certain antibiotics are used to treat H. pylori Infections.

The patient is experiencing a common complication of low abdominal surgery. Post-operative urinary retention occurs in almost 25% of patients after low abdominal surgical procedures. A normal post-void residual volume is less than 50 cc or urine. The effects of anesthesia and analgesia both contribute to bladder distension, decreased micturition reflex, reduction of contractility of the detrusor muscle of the bladder, and incomplete voiding. The detrusor muscle of the bladder is stimulated to contract by muscarinic cholinergic agonists. Bethanechol is a muscarinic agonist and is frequently used in this setting to improve bladder emptying. Finasteride is a drug that is a 5 alpha reductase inhibitor indicated for use in patients with bladder outlet obstruction as a result of prostatic hypertrophy. The inhibition of 5 alpha reductase decreases local conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone in the prostate gland, which results in gradual shrinkage over a period of six to twelve months. Phenylephrine is an alpha-adrenergic agonist that is selective for alpha-1 receptors. Activation of the alpha 1 receptors in the bladder results in contraction of the trigone muscle and sphincter.

This promotes urinary retention. Oxybutynin is an antimuscarinic agent that is useful for treatment of urge incontinence, and would have a detrimental effect on this patient’s bladder disorder. Imipramine is a medication with anticholinergic properties that would also cause worsening of the patient’s condition. Take home message: Post-operative urinary retention with concomitant incomplete voiding is a complication that results from a decreased micturition reflex, increased vesical sphincter tone, or decreased contractility of the detrusor muscle of the bladder. It can be successfully treated with a muscarinic agonist, such as bethanechol, or with an alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist.

A CD4 count of 180 cells per cubic meter is considered very low – typically an indicator that the patient has an immunocompromised state, such as AIDS. CD4 counts are a measure of healthy T-cell levels. The lower the count, the more susceptible the patient is to opportunistic infections. A normal range is between 500 and 1,500 cells.

Cefazolin or an antistaphylococcal penicillin (oxacillin or nafcillin) is recommended for this patient because the C & S results indicate MSSA. Since the patient develops a rash to penicillins, it would be acceptable to use cefazolin in this case.

70% of 70 units = 49 units of Insulin Glargine daily 30% of 70 units = 21 units of Insulin Lispro daily. Dived in 3 doses would be 7 units three times a day. FT’s Insulin regimen should be 49 units of Insulin Glargine subcutaneous daily and 7 units of Insulin Lispro subcutaneous three times a day with meals

Dexamethasone can increase LN’s blood glucose. All glucocorticosteroids are known to increase blood glucose. Blood glucose would need to be monitored while LN is being treated with dexamethasone.

Before each use, 70% isopropyl alcohol should be used to clean surfaces of a laminar flow hood.

Clopidogrel and ticlopidine are ADP receptor pathway inhibitors. The irreversible inhibition of the ADP- dependent pathway of platelet activation is thought to be the result of covalent modification and inactivation of the platelet P2Y ADP receptor. This receptor is coupled to the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. Both drugs are prodrugs and undergo conversion to active metabolites in the liver. However, clopidogrel must undergo oxidation by hepatic P450 enzymes to its active form. This is significant because many drugs are metabolized the hepatic P450 enzymes, including statins, and clopidogrel may interact with these medications. Clopidogrel is a second-generation thienopyridine and ticlopidine is a first-generation thienopyridine. Both drugs are indicated in combination with aspirin to prevent stent thrombosis. Eptifibatide is a GPIIb-IIIa receptor antagonist that is used to treat unstable angina and non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. Eptifibatide is also used to reduce ischemic events in patients who are undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. The drug is a synthetic peptide that directly antagonizes the GPIIb-IIIa receptor on the platelet. Aspirin is an antiplatelet drug that works by inhibition of synthesis of prostaglandins. Prostaglandin G2 is the result of a synthesis pathway that is activated by platelets and endothelial cells, and results in localized

vasoconstriction and induction of platelet aggregation, as well as causing release of platelet granules. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that acts on vitamin K-dependent reactions in the coagulation pathway. Vitamin K is necessary for hepatic synthesis of coagulation factors II, VII, IX and X, protein C and protein S. Vitamin K- dependent carboxylation is necessary for induction of enzymatic activity of these coagulation factors. Take- home message: Clopidogrel, a second-generation thienopyridine ADP receptor pathway inhibitor, is indicated in combination with aspirin to prevent stent thrombosis in patients who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention after myocardial infarction. Clopidogrel is a prodrug that must undergo oxidation by hepatic P450 enzymes, and therefore may affect the activity of statins and other drugs dependent on the hepatic P450 enzymes.

Absolute risk reduction: 0.027 = 2.7% (Event rate in enoxaparin group) – (Event rate in rivaroxaban group) = (57/1473) – (17/1513) = 0.02746

Cefepime, levofloxacin, cefazolin does not provide good coverage of anaerobes. Ampicillin-sulbactam and piperacillin-tazobactam provide anaerobic coverage.

Sulfonylureas work in beta cells in the pancreas that are still functioning to enhance insulin secretion. Alpha-

Glucosidase Inhibitors stop α-glucosidase enzymes in the small intestine and delay digestion and absorption of starch and disaccharides which lowers the levels of glucose after meals. DPP4 blocks the degradation ofGLP-1, GIP, and a variety of other peptides, including brain natriuretic peptide. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists work in various organs of the body. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists enhance glucose homeostasis through: (i) stimulation of insulin secretion; (ii) inhibition of glucagon secretion; (iii) direct and indirect suppression of endogenous glucose production; (iv) suppression of appetite; (v) enhanced insulin sensitivity secondary to weight loss; (vi) delayed gastric emptying, resulting in decreased postprandial hyperglycaemia. Thiazolidinediones are the only true insulin-sensitising agents, exerting their effects in skeletal and cardiac muscle, liver, and adipose tissue. It ameliorates insulin resistance, decreases visceral fat.

Biguanides work in liver, muscle, adipose tissue via activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) reduce hepatic glucose production. SGLT2 inhibitors work in the kidneys to inhibit sodium-glucose transport proteins to reabsorb glucose into the blood from muscle cells; overall this helps to improve insulin release from the beta cells of the pancreas.

The following NSAIDs belong to the propionic acid derivatives group - Ibuprofen - Ketoprofen - Naproxen - Fenoprofen - Flurbiprofen - Oxaprozin whereas piroxicam belongs to the class of Enolic acid derivative which also includes other agents like meloxicam and Nabumetone. They are non-selective COX inhibitors and act by preventing the production of certain prostaglandins.

Dexamethasone is used to promote fetal lung maturation. This may be necessary in cases of women who need to deliver prematurely. A tocolytic drug, such as nifedipine, may be used to suppress labor whilst dexamethasone works to accelerate fetal lung development.

Pancreatitis is one of the most serious adverse effects that can be caused by valproic acid. Gingival hyperplasia is a side effect of Phenytoin. Kidney stones and weight loss can be a side effect of zonisamide or topiramate.

LDL can be elevated by diuretics, cyclosporine, glucocorticoids, and amiodarone.

Celexa causes dose-dependent QT interval prolongation, which can cause Torsades de Pointes, ventricular tachycardia, and sudden death. Celexa is not recommended for use at doses greater than 40 mg per day because such doses cause too large an effect on the QT interval and confer no additional benefit. Celexa should be discontinued in patients found to have persistent QTc measurements greater than 500 ms. Ondansetron and Famotidine may cause QT prolongation. Ondansetron may cause QT prolongation. However, this would be dose-dependent. Doses greater than 16 mg of Ondansetron IV are no longer recommended due to an increased risk of QT prolongation. Famotidine may prolong the QT interval; this has been reported in those with renal dysfunction. There have also been reports of torsade de pointes. Use of all three medications may result in an arrhythmia occurring since both have the potential to prolong the QT interval. Therefore, close monitoring is recommended or discontinuation of one medication. The other medications listed do not have this warning/precaution.

Incidence rate = New reported cases / summed person-years of observation (avg population during time interval). Prevalence = Cases in a population in a given time period / total population at that time Mortality rate

= deaths during specified time interval / population size at risk for death.

Patient dose: 0.75mcg × 115kg = 86.25mcg/min (100mL/20mg) × (86.25mcg/1hr) × (60min/1hr) × (1mg/1000mcg) = 25.875mL/hr Rate of infusion of Milrinone

Primary treatment for stenotrophomonas maltophilia is SMX-TMP. Meropenem, ciprofloxacin, and vancomycin have no coverage.

If 40mg of amoxicillin are needed per kg of body weight, then the dose of amoxicillin is 40mg multiplied by the

patient’s body weight. This patient weighs 18 lbs, based on the conversion of 2.2 lbs = 1 kg, the patient weighs

8.2 kg. 40 mg multiplied by 8.2 kg is equal to 328 mg, this is one dose of amoxicillin. If the amoxicillin comes in 250 mg/5 mL, then it needs to be determined how many mLs it will take to get 328 mg of amoxicillin. In order to do this 328 mg needs to be divided by 250 mg to get a ratio. This comes out to be 1.312. This ratio can be multiplied by the number of mLs it takes to make up 250 mg, which is 5 mLs. 1.312 multiplied by 5 mLs is 6.56 mL, this is how many mLs it will take to have 328 mg. This volume is for 1 single dose of amoxicillin. The patient is receiving 2 doses per day and for a total of 10 days, this means the patient will be receiving 20

doses. 20 doses multiplied by 6.56 mL doses equals the total volume the patient will be receiving, which is

131.2 mL.

Omeprazole is CYP2C19 inhibitor which can prolong the elimination of warfarin, particularly R-warfarin. R- warfarin is partially metabolized by CYP2C19. The combined use of omeprazole and warfarin has been associated with reports of increased INR and prothrombin time (PT).

Metformin should be stopped when eGFR falls below 30. This is the only cutoff that is recommended for absolute discontinuing. If the eGFR falls between 30-44 while ontherapy, benefits and risks of discontinuing should be evaluated. New initiation is only recommended when eGFR > 45.

Pregabalin is the active ingredient of the medicine Lyrica; a drug used to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Incidence rate = New reported cases / summed person-years of observation (avg population during time interval) Prevalence = Cases in a population in a given time period / total population at that time.

22 × 2 + 7 = 51 units of total insulin per day. Decrease by 10% 51 units × 0.9 = 45.9 units per day round up to 46 units. 46 units × 0.50 = 23 units, administer 23 units of insulin glargine once daily. 46 units × 0.50 = 23 units total Insulin Lispro. Round down, divided by three times a day, 7 units 3 times a day with meals.

SGLT2 inhibitors Sulfonylureas work in beta cells in the pancreas that are still functioning to enhance insulin secretion. Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors stop α-glucosidase enzymes in the small intestine and delay digestion and absorption of starch and disaccharides which lowers the levels of glucose after meals. DPP4 blocks the degradation ofGLP-1, GIP, and a variety of other peptides, including brain natriuretic peptide. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists work in various organs of the body. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists enhance glucose homeostasis through: (i) stimulation of insulin secretion; (ii) inhibition of glucagon secretion;

(iii) direct and indirect suppression of endogenous glucose production; (iv) suppression of appetite; (v) enhanced insulin sensitivity secondary to weight loss; (vi) delayed gastric emptying, resulting in decreased postprandial hyperglycaemia. Thiazolidinediones are the only true insulin-sensitising agents, exerting their effects in skeletal and cardiac muscle, liver, and adipose tissue. It ameliorates insulin resistance, decreases visceral fat. Biguanides work in liver, muscle, adipose tissue via activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) reduce hepatic glucose production. SGLT2 inhibitors work in the kidneys to inhibit sodium-glucose transport proteins to reabsorb glucose into the blood from muscle cells; overall this helps to improve insulin release from the beta cells of the pancreas.

Thiamine should be administered to prevent Wernicke’s encephalopathy.

As the patient is over the age of 60 and he does not have CKD or diabetes, his goal BP should be SBP & lt; 150 mmHg or DBP & lt; 90 mmHg, and he is not currently at this goal with his medication regimen. Options are to maximize the current medication dosage (option A), or to add a second agent. Since calcium channel blockers like Norvasc are recommended as initial treatment options in African Americans, choosing Norvasc over lisinopril would probably be the more effective option.

Zileuton is the active ingredient found in the medicine Zyflo; a medicine that works as a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor. As such, zileuton inhibits leukotrienes (LTB4, LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4) formation, and is used for the maintenance treatment of asthma in patients older than the age of 12. In 2 percent of patients, it raises liver enzymes. Sinusitis and nausea are the most common side effects.

Rate of infusion: 100mL/40U × 0.03U/min × 60min/1 hr = 4.5mL/hr

DPP4 Inhibitors, (D)Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, (E)Thiazolidinediones (F)Biguanide Sulfonylureas work in beta cells in the pancreas that are still functioning to enhance insulin secretion. Alpha- Glucosidase Inhibitors stop α-glucosidase enzymes in the small intestine and delay digestion and absorption of starch and disaccharides which lowers the levels of glucose after meals. DPP4 blocks the degradation ofGLP-1, GIP, and a variety of other peptides, including brain natriuretic peptide. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists work in various organs of the body. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists enhance glucose homeostasis through: (i) stimulation of insulin secretion; (ii) inhibition of glucagon secretion; (iii) direct and indirect suppression of endogenous glucose production; (iv) suppression of appetite; (v) enhanced insulin sensitivity secondary to weight loss; (vi) delayed gastric emptying, resulting in decreased postprandial hyperglycaemia. Thiazolidinediones are the only true insulin-sensitising agents, exerting their effects in skeletal and cardiac muscle, liver, and adipose tissue. It ameliorates insulin resistance, decreases visceral fat.

Biguanides work in liver, muscle, adipose tissue via activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) reduce hepatic glucose production. SGLT2 inhibitors work in the kidneys to inhibit sodium-glucose transport proteins to reabsorb glucose into the blood from muscle cells; overall this helps to improve insulin release from the beta cells of the pancreas.

ABW = 85 kg IBW = 50 kg + 2.3 kg (4) = 59.2 kg 85/59.2 = 1.44 AdjBW = 59.2 kg + 0.4(85 kg-59.2 kg) = 69.52

kg CrCl (IBW) = [(140-84) 59.2]/(72 × 1.4) = 32.8 CrCl (AdjBW) = [(140-84) 69.52] /(72 × 1.4) = 38.6

LDL can be elevated by diuretics, cyclosporine, glucocorticoids, and amiodarone.

SGLT-2 inhibitors have a black box warning for diabetic ketoacidosis, which manifests as euglycemic and makes it relatively difficult to detect without monitoring. The complex physiology by which this occurs is not clearly understood. On the other end, they have been shown to reduce major cardiovascular events (MACE) in persons with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.

Mesna is administered to patients taking either ifosfamide or cyclophoshamide to conjugate toxic acrolein and therefore prevent hemorrhagic cystitis (bladder bleeding).

It is reasonable to add triglyceride-lowering medications such as fibrates or niacin to prevent pancreatitis in those with triglyceride levels > 500 mg/dL, which applies to this patient as his TG level is 640 mg/dL . C. is wrong because gemfibrozil should not be initiated in patients on statin therapy because of an increased risk for muscle symptoms and rhabdomyolysis. Fenofibrate may be considered concomitantly with a low- or moderate- intensity statin when triglycerides are above 500 mg/dL,2, however he is on a high intensity statin therapy. For niacin, the IR dose should start at 100 mg TID2 and niacin does not lower triglyceride levels as much as fibrate do.4 Fenofibrates are dose adjusted for renal function lower than 60 mL/min to 54 mg/mL, so this dose is appropriate for this patient because of his renal function being above 60 mL/min. The best option is fenofibrate 162 mg daily, but this needs to be monitored for any symptoms of muscle pain exhibited by the patient, especially as the patient is at a higher risk due to being a diabetic. Fish oil is not a first line agent to treat hypertriglyceridemia.

Acetaminophen is metabolized by choices A through D. The major route is glucuronidation catalyzed by UDP- glucuronyl transferase in the liver. Sulfation is the next most common route and is the target mechanism for NAC therapy. Oxidation by cytochrome P-450 results in the formation of N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine, which is responsible for the hepatic necrosis caused by acetaminophen overdose. Direct renal excretion represents approximately 5% of the metabolism of acetaminophen. Plasma metabolism of acetaminophen does not generally occur.

300mg is the standard loading dose of clopidogrel – an antiplatelet drug – in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

A fasting blood glucose level of greater than 7 mmol/L (or greater than 126mg/dL) is an indicator of type 2 diabetes.

Seizure threshold can be lowered by bupropion, chlorpromazine, clozapine, maprotiline, olanzapine, thioridazine, thiothixene, and tramadol.

Influenza vaccine is recommended annually, thus, WM should not skip it this year, and B is incorrect. Also, per the CDC, seasonal influenza outbreaks can occur as early as October, however, most activity peaks in January or later. Thus, it is not too late for WM to receive his vaccine in December, thus A is incorrect. Lastly, antiviral medications such as Tamiflu are an important adjunct to vaccinations. They are recommended as early as possible for any patient with confirmed or suspected influenza who, is 1) Hospitalized, 2) has severe, complicated, or progressive illness or 3) is at higher risk for influenza complications. Thus, WM is not a candidate with the given information and C is incorrect. Starting Tamiflu or Amantadine is not recommended for prevention. It has indication for treatment and prophylaxis.

Relative risk reduction: 0.71 = 71% Relative risk: (Event rate in rivaroxaban group)/(Event rate in enoxaparin group) = (17/1513)/(57/1473) = 0.2903 Relative risk reduction: 1 – (relative risk) = 1 – 0.2903 = 0.7097 = 0.71.