20 Medication Quiz Questions and Answers

Question 1:
What is the primary use of acetaminophen?
A) To reduce inflammation
B) To relieve pain and reduce fever
C) To treat bacterial infections
D) To lower blood pressure

Answer: B
Explanation: Acetaminophen is commonly used to relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever, but it does not have strong anti-inflammatory properties like NSAIDs.

Question 2:
Which medication is typically used to treat high blood pressure?
A) Aspirin
B) Lisinopril
C) Ibuprofen
D) Penicillin

Answer: B
Explanation: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that helps relax blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart attacks or strokes.

Question 3:
What is a common side effect of ibuprofen?
A) Increased energy
B) Stomach ulcers or bleeding
C) Weight gain
D) Improved vision

Answer: B
Explanation: Ibuprofen, an NSAID, can irritate the stomach lining, leading to ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding with prolonged use.

Question 4:
Which antibiotic is used to treat bacterial infections like strep throat?
A) Aspirin
B) Penicillin
C) Acetaminophen
D) Insulin

Answer: B
Explanation: Penicillin works by interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis, making it effective against certain bacteria causing infections like strep throat.

Question 5:
What is the main purpose of insulin in diabetes management?
A) To increase blood sugar levels
B) To lower blood sugar levels
C) To treat infections
D) To reduce inflammation

Answer: B
Explanation: Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar by allowing cells to absorb glucose, which is essential for managing type 1 and some type 2 diabetes.

Question 6:
Which medication is commonly used to lower cholesterol levels?
A) Atorvastatin
B) Aspirin
C) Antihistamines
D) Antibiotics

Answer: A
Explanation: Atorvastatin is a statin that inhibits an enzyme in the liver responsible for cholesterol production, helping to reduce LDL cholesterol.

Question 7:
What is loratadine primarily used for?
A) To treat pain
B) To relieve allergy symptoms
C) To lower blood pressure
D) To fight infections

Answer: B
Explanation: Loratadine is an antihistamine that blocks histamine receptors, reducing symptoms like itching, sneezing, and runny nose associated with allergies.

Question 8:
Which type of medication is fluoxetine an example of?
A) Antibiotic
B) Antidepressant
C) Pain reliever
D) Blood thinner

Answer: B
Explanation: Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions by increasing serotonin levels.

Question 9:
What is a potential risk of taking warfarin?
A) Increased energy
B) Excessive bleeding
C) Weight loss
D) Improved memory

Answer: B
Explanation: Warfarin is an anticoagulant that can lead to excessive bleeding if the dosage is not monitored, as it interferes with blood clotting.

Question 10:
Which medication is often used to treat acid reflux?
A) Omeprazole
B) Insulin
C) Penicillin
D) Ibuprofen

Answer: A
Explanation: Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid production, providing relief from conditions like GERD and acid reflux.

Question 11:
What is the primary function of oral contraceptives?
A) To treat infections
B) To prevent pregnancy
C) To lower cholesterol
D) To reduce fever

Answer: B
Explanation: Oral contraceptives contain hormones that prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and alter the uterine lining to prevent pregnancy.

Question 12:
Which medication is used to treat seasonal allergies?
A) Aspirin
B) Cetirizine
C) Atorvastatin
D) Warfarin

Answer: B
Explanation: Cetirizine is an antihistamine that blocks histamine effects, helping to alleviate symptoms like itching and congestion from seasonal allergies.

Question 13:
What is a common side effect of diuretics?
A) Increased fluid retention
B) Dehydration or low potassium levels
C) Weight gain
D) High blood pressure

Answer: B
Explanation: Diuretics increase urine production to remove excess fluid and salt, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances like low potassium.

Question 14:
Which antibiotic is effective against a wide range of bacteria?
A) Amoxicillin
B) Acetaminophen
C) Ibuprofen
D) Insulin

Answer: A
Explanation: Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum penicillin that targets both gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria, treating various infections.

Question 15:
What is metformin primarily used for?
A) To treat pain
B) To manage type 2 diabetes
C) To lower blood pressure
D) To fight viruses

Answer: B
Explanation: Metformin improves insulin sensitivity and reduces glucose production in the liver, helping to control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes.

Question 16:
Which medication can interact dangerously with grapefruit juice?
A) Aspirin
B) Statins like simvastatin
C) Antihistamines
D) Antibiotics

Answer: B
Explanation: Grapefruit juice can inhibit enzymes that metabolize statins, leading to higher drug levels in the blood and increasing the risk of side effects like muscle damage.

Question 17:
What is the main use of albuterol?
A) To treat depression
B) To relieve asthma symptoms
C) To lower cholesterol
D) To prevent pregnancy

Answer: B
Explanation: Albuterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways, making it easier to breathe during asthma attacks or COPD exacerbations.

Question 18:
Which medication is used to prevent blood clots after surgery?
A) Ibuprofen
B) Heparin
C) Acetaminophen
D) Loratadine

Answer: B
Explanation: Heparin is an anticoagulant that inhibits blood clotting factors, reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism post-surgery.

Question 19:
What is a key precaution for taking tetracycline?
A) Take it with dairy products
B) Avoid sunlight exposure
C) Increase caffeine intake
D) Take it on an empty stomach only

Answer: B
Explanation: Tetracycline can cause photosensitivity, increasing the risk of sunburn, so avoiding prolonged sun exposure is recommended while taking it.

Question 20:
Which medication is commonly used for motion sickness?
A) Dimenhydrinate
B) Insulin
C) Warfarin
D) Omeprazole

Answer: A
Explanation: Dimenhydrinate is an antihistamine that blocks signals in the brain that trigger nausea and vomiting, making it effective for motion sickness.