Anaesthesia BlueprintsJoin freeModule 03 · Anaesthesia Blueprints
Pharmacology: exam notes and MCQs
Prepare pharmacology for postgraduate anaesthesia examinations with structured notes, exam-style questions and referenced explanations from standard textbooks and current guidelines.
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Exam notes in this module
Physiology of the neuromuscular junction, classification, pharmacology, monitoring and reversal.
Structure, mechanism, physicochemical properties, doses, toxicity and rescue.
Physical properties, uptake and distribution, MAC, organ effects and toxicity.
Propofol, thiopental, ketamine, etomidate, benzodiazepines and dexmedetomidine.
Receptor pharmacology, individual opioids, adverse effects and opioid-sparing strategies.
Pathophysiology, risk scoring and evidence-based prophylaxis and rescue.
Coagulation cascade targets, timing of neuraxial procedures, reversal and haematoma management.
Why a small dose can slow the heart before it speeds it up, and how to use atropine safely in theatre, ICU and resuscitation.
Receptor effects by dose, routes, arrest and anaphylaxis doses, infusions, adjunct use and myths to unlearn.
Receptor profile, reflex bradycardia, septic shock dosing, peripheral administration and practical calculations.
Formulation, GABA-A mechanism, three-compartment kinetics, organ effects, doses, PRIS and practical pearls.
NMDA antagonism, the dissociative state, cardiovascular and respiratory profile, doses, and modern views on ICP.
Imidazole structure, GABA-A mechanism, cardiovascular stability, adrenocortical suppression, myoclonus and new derivatives.
Structure, phase I/II block, kinetics, side effects (K⁺, MH, bradycardia, pressures), contraindications and pseudocholinesterase deficiency.
Why low potency means fast onset, RSI dosing, elimination, anaphylaxis and reversal with sugammadex.
Benzylisoquinolinium chemistry, Hofmann elimination, laudanosine, histamine release and use in organ failure.
Anticholinesterase mechanism, ceiling effect, dosing by depth of block, and matching atropine or glycopyrrolate.
Cyclodextrin chemistry, dosing by depth, re-intubation after reversal, renal failure, interactions and adverse effects.
Fentanyl, alfentanil, sufentanil and remifentanil — potency, onset, context-sensitive half-time and practical use.
Pharmacokinetics, active metabolites, organ effects, doses, renal failure and side-effect management.
Sample questions
Q1. What is the maximum safe dose of plain lignocaine for infiltration in an adult?
- 2 mg/kg
- 4.5 mg/kg
- 7 mg/kg
- 10 mg/kg
Show answer
Answer B: 4.5 mg/kg
Plain lignocaine: 4.5 mg/kg. With adrenaline the ceiling rises to 7 mg/kg because vasoconstriction slows systemic absorption.
Exam style: AIIMS INI-SS
Q2. Which neuromuscular blocker is eliminated mainly by Hofmann elimination?
- Rocuronium
- Vecuronium
- Cisatracurium
- Pancuronium
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Answer C: Cisatracurium
Cisatracurium undergoes organ-independent Hofmann degradation (pH and temperature dependent), so it suits renal or hepatic failure.
Exam style: NEET-SS Anaesthesia
Q3. Sugammadex dose for immediate reversal after rocuronium 1.2 mg/kg is:
- 2 mg/kg
- 4 mg/kg
- 8 mg/kg
- 16 mg/kg
Show answer
Answer D: 16 mg/kg
16 mg/kg is recommended for immediate reversal (3 min) after rocuronium 1.2 mg/kg. 2 mg/kg is for TOF count ≥2; 4 mg/kg for PTC 1–2.
Exam style: EDAIC
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