1. Drugs are chemical substances used for:
a) Entertainment only
b) Diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases
c) Increasing soil fertility
d) Fuel production
Answer: b) Diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases
Explanation: A drug is a chemical that alters biological functions to prevent or cure diseases.
2. Aspirin is commonly used as a:
a) Antipyretic and analgesic
b) Antibiotic
c) Antacid
d) Antiseptic
Answer: a) Antipyretic and analgesic
Explanation: Aspirin reduces fever, relieves pain, and inflammation.
3. The chemical name of aspirin is:
a) Acetylsalicylic acid
b) Paracetamol
c) Ibuprofen
d) Phenacetin
Answer: a) Acetylsalicylic acid
Explanation: Aspirin = acetyl derivative of salicylic acid.
4. Paracetamol is widely used as a:
a) Sedative
b) Antipyretic
c) Antibiotic
d) Antihistamine
Answer: b) Antipyretic
Explanation: Paracetamol lowers fever and relieves mild pain.
5. Which drug is called “magic bullet” (first effective antibiotic)?
a) Aspirin
b) Penicillin
c) Sulpha drug
d) Quinine
Answer: b) Penicillin
Explanation: Discovered by Alexander Fleming (1928), penicillin was the first antibiotic.
6. The first synthetic drug was:
a) Aspirin
b) Chloral hydrate
c) Barbituric acid
d) Sulphanilamide
Answer: d) Sulphanilamide
Explanation: Sulpha drugs were the first synthetic antimicrobial agents.
7. Morphine is obtained from:
a) Coffee plant
b) Poppy plant
c) Cinchona tree
d) Tobacco
Answer: b) Poppy plant
Explanation: Morphine is an alkaloid extracted from opium poppy, used as a strong painkiller.
8. Quinine is used for the treatment of:
a) Typhoid
b) Malaria
c) Tuberculosis
d) Diabetes
Answer: b) Malaria
Explanation: Quinine from cinchona bark is an anti-malarial drug.
9. Antibiotics are substances that:
a) Increase appetite
b) Kill or inhibit growth of microorganisms
c) Improve memory
d) Act as vitamins
Answer: b) Kill or inhibit growth of microorganisms
Explanation: Antibiotics (e.g., penicillin, streptomycin) are used against bacteria.
10. The first sulpha drug was:
a) Sulphanilamide
b) Prontosil
c) Sulphadiazine
d) Sulphathiazole
Answer: b) Prontosil
Explanation: Prontosil was the first sulpha drug discovered by Domagk (1932).
11. Antacids are used to treat:
a) Headache
b) Stomach acidity
c) Infections
d) Fever
Answer: b) Stomach acidity
Explanation: Antacids neutralize excess HCl in stomach (e.g., Mg(OH)₂, Al(OH)₃).
12. Which of the following is an antacid?
a) Sodium bicarbonate
b) Magnesium hydroxide
c) Aluminium hydroxide
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: All neutralize stomach acidity.
13. Antihistamines are drugs that:
a) Kill bacteria
b) Prevent allergic reactions
c) Kill viruses
d) Work as analgesics
Answer: b) Prevent allergic reactions
Explanation: Antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, diphenhydramine) block histamine receptors.
14. Which chemical is used as a disinfectant in drinking water?
a) Ozone
b) Chlorine
c) Potassium permanganate
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: O₃, Cl₂, and KMnO₄ are used in different concentrations for water purification.
15. Dettol contains:
a) Chloroxylenol + alcohol
b) Phenol + alcohol
c) Chloroform + spirit
d) Tincture iodine
Answer: a) Chloroxylenol + alcohol
Explanation: Dettol is an antiseptic liquid commonly used for wounds.
16. Tincture of iodine contains iodine in:
a) Water
b) Alcohol
c) Ether
d) Chloroform
Answer: b) Alcohol
Explanation: Tincture iodine is a solution of I₂ in alcohol used as antiseptic.
17. Disinfectants are chemicals used for:
a) Living tissues
b) Non-living surfaces
c) Both
d) None
Answer: b) Non-living surfaces
Explanation: Disinfectants are applied to floors, walls, instruments.
18. Antiseptics are chemicals applied to:
a) Soil
b) Living tissues
c) Metals
d) Food
Answer: b) Living tissues
Explanation: Antiseptics are safe for wounds, skin, and mucous membranes.
19. Which chemical is used in soaps and detergents as disinfectant?
a) Phenol
b) Chloroxylenol
c) Triclosan
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Phenolic compounds have germicidal properties.
20. Which compound is used as a preservative in pickles?
a) Sodium chloride
b) Vinegar (acetic acid)
c) Sodium benzoate
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: All are preservatives preventing microbial growth.
21. The drug used to lower blood pressure is:
a) Atenolol
b) Paracetamol
c) Aspirin
d) Insulin
Answer: a) Atenolol
Explanation: Atenolol is a beta-blocker that reduces blood pressure.
22. Insulin is used for treatment of:
a) Hypertension
b) Tuberculosis
c) Diabetes mellitus
d) Malaria
Answer: c) Diabetes mellitus
Explanation: Insulin regulates blood glucose levels.
23. Which chemical is used as a preservative in soft drinks?
a) Sodium benzoate
b) Potassium nitrate
c) Calcium sulphate
d) Sulphur dioxide
Answer: a) Sodium benzoate
Explanation: It prevents microbial spoilage of drinks.
24. Formalin is a solution of:
a) Formaldehyde in water
b) Acetaldehyde in water
c) Methanol in water
d) Acetone in water
Answer: a) Formaldehyde in water
Explanation: Formalin (40% formaldehyde) is used as a preservative and disinfectant.
25. Which chemical is commonly used as a bleaching agent and disinfectant?
a) Sodium chloride
b) Sodium hypochlorite
c) Sodium sulphate
d) Potassium iodide
Answer: b) Sodium hypochlorite
Explanation: NaOCl (household bleach) is used for cleaning and disinfection.
26. Which of the following is a mild analgesic?
a) Morphine
b) Paracetamol
c) Codeine
d) Aspirin
Answer: b) Paracetamol
Explanation: Paracetamol relieves mild pain and fever, while morphine/codeine are strong narcotics.
27. Morphine belongs to which class of drugs?
a) Antipyretics
b) Narcotic analgesics
c) Antacids
d) Antihistamines
Answer: b) Narcotic analgesics
Explanation: Morphine is a strong painkiller from opium (narcotic).
28. Codeine is mainly used as:
a) Pain reliever
b) Cough suppressant
c) Antibiotic
d) Antacid
Answer: b) Cough suppressant
Explanation: Codeine is used in cough syrups for dry cough.
29. Ibuprofen is used as:
a) Antiseptic
b) Antipyretic and anti-inflammatory
c) Antibiotic
d) Antacid
Answer: b) Antipyretic and anti-inflammatory
Explanation: Ibuprofen reduces fever, pain, and inflammation.
30. Which of the following is not an analgesic?
a) Aspirin
b) Paracetamol
c) Morphine
d) Penicillin
Answer: d) Penicillin
Explanation: Penicillin is an antibiotic, not an analgesic.
31. Aspirin works by inhibiting:
a) Histamine
b) Prostaglandin synthesis
c) Insulin secretion
d) Bacterial growth
Answer: b) Prostaglandin synthesis
Explanation: Prostaglandins cause pain and inflammation; aspirin blocks them.
32. Overdose of paracetamol mainly affects:
a) Heart
b) Liver
c) Kidney
d) Lungs
Answer: b) Liver
Explanation: Paracetamol overdose causes liver damage.
33. Which of the following is a strong antibiotic?
a) Penicillin
b) Paracetamol
c) Aspirin
d) Morphine
Answer: a) Penicillin
Explanation: Penicillin is the first antibiotic, effective against bacteria.
34. Streptomycin is mainly used for treating:
a) Malaria
b) Tuberculosis
c) Cancer
d) Diabetes
Answer: b) Tuberculosis
Explanation: Streptomycin is an antibiotic effective against TB bacteria.
35. Chloramphenicol is used to treat:
a) Typhoid fever
b) Diabetes
c) Malaria
d) Hypertension
Answer: a) Typhoid fever
Explanation: Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic effective against Salmonella typhi.
36. Tetracycline group of antibiotics is obtained from:
a) Penicillium fungus
b) Streptomyces bacteria
c) Cyanobacteria
d) Yeast
Answer: b) Streptomyces bacteria
Explanation: Tetracyclines are broad-spectrum antibiotics from Streptomyces.
37. Which antibiotic is used to treat syphilis?
a) Penicillin
b) Tetracycline
c) Chloramphenicol
d) Rifampicin
Answer: a) Penicillin
Explanation: Penicillin is highly effective against syphilis (Treponema pallidum).
38. Which drug is used in combination therapy for TB?
a) Rifampicin
b) Isoniazid
c) Pyrazinamide
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: TB is treated with a combination of antibiotics to prevent resistance.
39. Which drug is called the “wonder drug”?
a) Morphine
b) Penicillin
c) Aspirin
d) Insulin
Answer: b) Penicillin
Explanation: Penicillin saved millions of lives during World War II → “wonder drug.”
40. Which antibiotic is effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria?
a) Broad-spectrum antibiotics
b) Narrow-spectrum antibiotics
c) Antipyretics
d) Antiseptics
Answer: a) Broad-spectrum antibiotics
Explanation: Broad-spectrum (e.g., tetracycline) target many bacterial types.
41. Which of the following is a sulpha drug?
a) Sulphanilamide
b) Streptomycin
c) Rifampicin
d) Ampicillin
Answer: a) Sulphanilamide
Explanation: Sulpha drugs are synthetic antimicrobial agents.
42. The main side effect of antibiotics is:
a) Hair loss
b) Antibiotic resistance
c) Obesity
d) Diabetes
Answer: b) Antibiotic resistance
Explanation: Overuse/misuse of antibiotics leads to resistant bacteria.
43. Antiseptics differ from disinfectants in that they:
a) Are more toxic
b) Are applied on living tissues
c) Kill bacteria faster
d) Cannot be used on wounds
Answer: b) Are applied on living tissues
Explanation: Antiseptics are safe for skin/wounds; disinfectants are for non-living objects.
44. Which of the following is an antiseptic?
a) Dettol
b) Tincture iodine
c) Boric acid
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: All are commonly used antiseptics.
45. Boric acid is commonly used as an antiseptic for:
a) Eye wash
b) Mouth ulcers
c) Wound dressing
d) Ear infections
Answer: a) Eye wash
Explanation: Dilute boric acid is safe for eyes.
46. Which compound is commonly used as antiseptic in mouthwashes?
a) Sodium chloride
b) Phenol
c) Thymol
d) KMnO₄
Answer: c) Thymol
Explanation: Thymol is present in Listerine and similar mouthwashes.
47. Which antiseptic is used in healing wounds and ulcers?
a) Boric acid
b) Iodoform
c) Potassium permanganate
d) Formalin
Answer: b) Iodoform
Explanation: Iodoform powder is applied to wounds as antiseptic.
48. Potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) is used as:
a) Disinfectant
b) Antiseptic
c) Oxidizing agent
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: KMnO₄ is a strong oxidizer and disinfectant used in medicine.
49. Phenol was first used as a disinfectant by:
a) Louis Pasteur
b) Joseph Lister
c) Alexander Fleming
d) Robert Koch
Answer: b) Joseph Lister
Explanation: In 1867, Joseph Lister introduced phenol as an antiseptic in surgery.
50. The main difference between bacteriostatic and bactericidal antibiotics is:
a) Bacteriostatic kill bacteria; bactericidal inhibit growth
b) Bacteriostatic inhibit growth; bactericidal kill bacteria
c) Both mean the same
d) Bactericidal drugs are antiseptics
Answer: b) Bacteriostatic inhibit growth; bactericidal kill bacteria
Explanation: Examples: tetracycline (bacteriostatic), penicillin (bactericidal).
51. Antacids are used to:
a) Kill bacteria
b) Neutralize excess HCl in stomach
c) Reduce blood sugar
d) Lower blood pressure
Answer: b) Neutralize excess HCl in stomach
Explanation: Antacids like Mg(OH)₂, Al(OH)₃, and NaHCO₃ relieve acidity and ulcers.
52. Which of the following is a common antacid?
a) Sodium bicarbonate
b) Magnesium hydroxide
c) Aluminium hydroxide
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: These neutralize stomach acid effectively.
53. Ranitidine (Zantac) acts as:
a) Antibiotic
b) H₂-receptor blocker (anti-histamine for stomach acid)
c) Antipyretic
d) Analgesic
Answer: b) H₂-receptor blocker
Explanation: Ranitidine blocks histamine receptors in the stomach → reduces acid secretion.
54. Omeprazole is classified as:
a) Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
b) Antibiotic
c) Antiseptic
d) Tranquilizer
Answer: a) Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
Explanation: Omeprazole reduces gastric acid secretion by inhibiting proton pumps.
55. Which of the following drugs is used to treat acidity and peptic ulcers?
a) Cimetidine
b) Ranitidine
c) Omeprazole
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: All are anti-ulcer drugs acting as antacids or acid inhibitors.
56. Antihistamines act by:
a) Blocking histamine receptors
b) Increasing histamine production
c) Destroying histamine directly
d) Stimulating nerve cells
Answer: a) Blocking histamine receptors
Explanation: Antihistamines reduce allergic responses by blocking histamine.
57. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is used as:
a) Antipyretic
b) Antihistamine (anti-allergy)
c) Antibiotic
d) Analgesic
Answer: b) Antihistamine
Explanation: Diphenhydramine reduces sneezing, itching, and allergies.
58. Cetirizine is commonly used to treat:
a) Fever
b) Pain
c) Allergies
d) Tuberculosis
Answer: c) Allergies
Explanation: Cetirizine is an antihistamine for allergic rhinitis and skin allergies.
59. Tranquilizers are drugs that:
a) Induce sleep and reduce anxiety
b) Kill bacteria
c) Reduce stomach acidity
d) Kill parasites
Answer: a) Induce sleep and reduce anxiety
Explanation: Tranquilizers affect the central nervous system to calm the mind.
60. Diazepam (Valium) is used as:
a) Antibiotic
b) Tranquilizer (anti-anxiety)
c) Antacid
d) Analgesic
Answer: b) Tranquilizer
Explanation: Diazepam relieves anxiety, insomnia, and muscle spasms.
61. Barbiturates are a group of:
a) Antibiotics
b) Antipyretics
c) Sedatives and hypnotics
d) Antacids
Answer: c) Sedatives and hypnotics
Explanation: Barbiturates depress the central nervous system, inducing sleep.
62. Which drug is called a “sleeping pill”?
a) Morphine
b) Diazepam
c) Barbiturates
d) Both b and c
Answer: d) Both b and c
Explanation: Diazepam and barbiturates are used as sleeping pills.
63. Antifertility drugs are also called:
a) Antibiotics
b) Contraceptives
c) Analgesics
d) Antacids
Answer: b) Contraceptives
Explanation: These drugs are used to prevent pregnancy.
64. The most common antifertility drugs are:
a) Hormonal contraceptives
b) Antibiotics
c) Tranquilizers
d) Antihistamines
Answer: a) Hormonal contraceptives
Explanation: They control ovulation by regulating hormone levels.
65. Oral contraceptives usually contain:
a) Progesterone derivatives
b) Estrogen derivatives
c) Combination of estrogen and progesterone
d) Antibiotics
Answer: c) Combination of estrogen and progesterone
Explanation: Combination pills suppress ovulation and prevent pregnancy.
66. The “morning after pill” contains:
a) High dose of estrogen/progesterone
b) Antihistamine
c) Antibiotic
d) Vitamin supplement
Answer: a) High dose of estrogen/progesterone
Explanation: It prevents fertilization or implantation after unprotected intercourse.
67. Which synthetic progesterone is used in contraceptive pills?
a) Norethindrone
b) Paracetamol
c) Rifampicin
d) Diazepam
Answer: a) Norethindrone
Explanation: Norethindrone is a synthetic progesterone.
68. Which synthetic estrogen is used in oral contraceptives?
a) Ethinyl estradiol
b) Diazepam
c) Penicillin
d) Cortisone
Answer: a) Ethinyl estradiol
Explanation: Ethinyl estradiol is a synthetic estrogen.
69. Oral contraceptives mainly prevent pregnancy by:
a) Killing sperm
b) Blocking ovulation
c) Preventing menstruation
d) Killing eggs
Answer: b) Blocking ovulation
Explanation: Contraceptives maintain high hormone levels that inhibit ovulation.
70. Which drug is used as a male contraceptive under research?
a) RISUG (Reversible Inhibition of Sperm Under Guidance)
b) Diazepam
c) Penicillin
d) Ibuprofen
Answer: a) RISUG
Explanation: RISUG is a polymer-based injectable male contraceptive under trials in India.
71. Which antifertility drug is also used in hormone replacement therapy?
a) Norethindrone
b) Ethinyl estradiol
c) Progesterone
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Hormonal contraceptives are also used in HRT for menopause.
72. Which antifertility method provides long-term protection without daily medication?
a) Oral pills
b) Intrauterine device (IUD)
c) Morning-after pill
d) Antibiotics
Answer: b) Intrauterine device (IUD)
Explanation: IUDs release hormones/copper → prevent pregnancy for years.
73. Which drug was the first successful oral contraceptive pill?
a) Progesterone
b) Norethindrone
c) Mifepristone
d) Ethinyl estradiol
Answer: b) Norethindrone
Explanation: Norethindrone was the first widely used oral contraceptive drug.
74. Mifepristone is used as:
a) Antibiotic
b) Abortifacient (medical termination of pregnancy)
c) Antacid
d) Antihistamine
Answer: b) Abortifacient
Explanation: Mifepristone blocks progesterone, used in medical abortion.
75. Which of the following drugs is classified as a tranquilizer?
a) Diazepam
b) Barbiturates
c) Alprazolam
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: All these act as tranquilizers to reduce anxiety and induce sleep.
76. Antimicrobial drugs act against:
a) Viruses only
b) Bacteria, fungi, and protozoa
c) Only parasites
d) Cancer cells
Answer: b) Bacteria, fungi, and protozoa
Explanation: Antimicrobials include antibiotics, antifungals, and antiparasitic drugs.
77. Which drug is used to treat fungal infections?
a) Amphotericin B
b) Streptomycin
c) Paracetamol
d) Aspirin
Answer: a) Amphotericin B
Explanation: Amphotericin B is an antifungal drug.
78. Metronidazole is used for:
a) Bacterial infections
b) Amoebiasis
c) Malaria
d) Diabetes
Answer: b) Amoebiasis
Explanation: Metronidazole kills protozoa (Entamoeba histolytica).
79. Antiviral drugs work by:
a) Destroying host cells
b) Preventing viral replication
c) Killing bacteria
d) Neutralizing toxins
Answer: b) Preventing viral replication
Explanation: Antivirals block enzymes needed for virus multiplication.
80. Zidovudine (AZT) is used in treatment of:
a) Malaria
b) HIV/AIDS
c) Tuberculosis
d) Influenza
Answer: b) HIV/AIDS
Explanation: Zidovudine is an antiretroviral drug against HIV.
81. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is effective against:
a) HIV
b) Influenza virus
c) TB
d) Cancer
Answer: b) Influenza virus
Explanation: Tamiflu inhibits neuraminidase enzyme in influenza virus.
82. Acyclovir is used to treat:
a) Malaria
b) Herpes infections
c) Typhoid
d) Cancer
Answer: b) Herpes infections
Explanation: Acyclovir inhibits viral DNA synthesis.
83. Which of the following is an anticancer drug?
a) Cisplatin
b) Methotrexate
c) Cyclophosphamide
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: All these are chemotherapy agents against cancer.
84. Cisplatin contains which metal?
a) Gold
b) Platinum
c) Silver
d) Copper
Answer: b) Platinum
Explanation: Cisplatin is a platinum-based anticancer drug.
85. Methotrexate works by:
a) Inhibiting folic acid metabolism
b) Increasing insulin
c) Destroying DNA directly
d) Blocking histamine
Answer: a) Inhibiting folic acid metabolism
Explanation: Methotrexate prevents DNA synthesis in cancer cells.
86. Which drug is used in chemotherapy of breast cancer?
a) Tamoxifen
b) Rifampicin
c) Zidovudine
d) Ibuprofen
Answer: a) Tamoxifen
Explanation: Tamoxifen blocks estrogen receptors in breast tissue.
87. Which drug is used for leukemia treatment?
a) Cyclophosphamide
b) Methotrexate
c) Imatinib
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Several anticancer drugs are used in leukemia treatment.
88. Which anticancer drug is also called a “magic bullet”?
a) Imatinib
b) Cisplatin
c) Tamoxifen
d) Methotrexate
Answer: a) Imatinib
Explanation: Imatinib selectively targets cancer cells (chronic myeloid leukemia).
89. Side effects of anticancer drugs include:
a) Hair loss
b) Nausea and vomiting
c) Immune suppression
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Chemotherapy affects normal dividing cells too.
90. Which antimicrobial is effective against malaria?
a) Quinine
b) Chloroquine
c) Artemisinin
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: All are antimalarial drugs from natural or synthetic sources.
91. Artemisinin is obtained from:
a) Neem
b) Cinchona
c) Sweet wormwood plant
d) Opium
Answer: c) Sweet wormwood plant
Explanation: Artemisinin from Artemisia annua is effective against malaria.
92. Which vitamin is used as an antidote for methotrexate toxicity?
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin B₁₂
c) Folic acid
d) Vitamin K
Answer: c) Folic acid
Explanation: Methotrexate inhibits folate metabolism; folic acid reverses toxicity.
93. Which antimicrobial drug is effective against leprosy?
a) Dapsone
b) Streptomycin
c) Penicillin
d) Tetracycline
Answer: a) Dapsone
Explanation: Dapsone is the main anti-leprosy drug.
94. Which drug combination is used in multi-drug therapy for leprosy?
a) Dapsone + Rifampicin + Clofazimine
b) Quinine + Chloroquine
c) Penicillin + Tetracycline
d) Methotrexate + Cisplatin
Answer: a) Dapsone + Rifampicin + Clofazimine
Explanation: WHO recommends this triple therapy for leprosy.
95. Which antiviral drug is used in COVID-19 treatment?
a) Remdesivir
b) Streptomycin
c) Quinine
d) Chloramphenicol
Answer: a) Remdesivir
Explanation: Remdesivir inhibits RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of coronavirus.
96. Which anticancer drug is derived from the periwinkle plant?
a) Vincristine
b) Cisplatin
c) Methotrexate
d) Rifampicin
Answer: a) Vincristine
Explanation: Vincristine (vinca alkaloid) from periwinkle is used in chemotherapy.
97. Paclitaxel (Taxol), an anticancer drug, is obtained from:
a) Neem tree
b) Yew tree
c) Cinchona tree
d) Poppy plant
Answer: b) Yew tree
Explanation: Paclitaxel from Pacific yew tree bark inhibits cell division.
98. Which drug is used in organ transplant patients to suppress immunity?
a) Morphine
b) Cyclosporine
c) Aspirin
d) Insulin
Answer: b) Cyclosporine
Explanation: Cyclosporine prevents organ rejection by suppressing immune response.
99. Which drug is used for treating bipolar disorder (mood stabilizer)?
a) Lithium carbonate
b) Diazepam
c) Aspirin
d) Paracetamol
Answer: a) Lithium carbonate
Explanation: Lithium stabilizes mood swings in bipolar disorder.
100. The concept of chemotherapy was first introduced by:
a) Paul Ehrlich
b) Alexander Fleming
c) Joseph Lister
d) Louis Pasteur
Answer: a) Paul Ehrlich
Explanation: Paul Ehrlich (father of chemotherapy) introduced the idea of using chemicals to selectively kill pathogens.