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DHA Pharmacist Exam Sample Paper
Section 1: Pharmacology

1. Which of the following medications is a beta-blocker commonly used to treat hypertension?
   a) Lisinopril
   b) Metoprolol
   c) Amlodipine
   d) Hydrochlorothiazide
2. What is the mechanism of action of statins (e.g., atorvastatin)?
   a) Inhibit HMG-CoA reductase
   b) Block angiotensin II receptors
   c) Increase bile acid excretion
   d) Inhibit sodium-glucose cotransporter
3. Which of the following drugs is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the risk of teratogenicity?
   a) Paracetamol
   b) Warfarin
   c) Metformin
   d) Levothyroxine
   Section 2: Pharmacy Practice
4. A patient brings a prescription for amoxicillin 500 mg TID for 7 days. What is the total quantity of amoxicillin to be dispensed?
   a) 21 tablets
   b) 30 tablets
   c) 42 tablets
   d) 50 tablets
5. Which of the following is the first-line treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs)?
   a) Ciprofloxacin
   b) Nitrofurantoin
   c) Amoxicillin
   d) Doxycycline
6. A patient is prescribed warfarin. Which laboratory test should be monitored regularly to assess the effectiveness of therapy?
   a) Prothrombin time (PT)
   b) Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
   c) International normalized ratio (INR)
   d) Platelet count
   Section 3: Clinical Therapeutics
7. A patient with type 2 diabetes is prescribed metformin. What is the most common side effect of this medication?
   a) Hypoglycemia
   b) Gastrointestinal upset
   c) Weight gain
   d) Hypertension
8. Which of the following is the antidote for acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose?
   a) Naloxone
   b) Flumazenil
   c) N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
   d) Vitamin K
9. A patient with asthma is prescribed a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA). Which medication is an example of a SABA?
   a) Salbutamol
   b) Budesonide
   c) Montelukast
   d) Theophylline
   Section 4: UAE Healthcare Regulations
10. According to DHA regulations, what is the maximum validity period for a prescription for controlled substances?
    a) 7 days
    b) 30 days
    c) 60 days
    d) 90 days
11. Which of the following is a legal requirement for dispensing prescription medications in the UAE?
    a) Patient’s Emirates ID
    b) Physician’s license number
    c) Pharmacy stamp on the prescription
    d) All of the above
12. What is the minimum qualification required to practice as a pharmacist in Dubai?
    a) Diploma in Pharmacy
    b) Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy
    c) Master’s degree in Pharmacy
    d) Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D)
    Section 5: Drug Interactions and Adverse Effects
13. A patient is taking warfarin and ciprofloxacin. What is the potential interaction?
    a) Increased risk of bleeding
    b) Decreased effectiveness of warfarin
    c) Increased risk of QT prolongation
    d) No significant interaction
14. Which of the following drugs is associated with angioedema as a side effect?
    a) Lisinopril
    b) Metformin
    c) Atorvastatin
    d) Omeprazole
15. A patient is prescribed simvastatin and clarithromycin. What is the potential risk?
    a) Increased risk of myopathy
    b) Decreased effectiveness of simvastatin
    c) Increased risk of hepatotoxicity
    d) No significant interaction

Answer Key:

1. a) Inhibit HMG-CoA reductase
2. b) Metoprolol
3. b) Warfarin
4. a) 21 tablets
5. b) Nitrofurantoin
6. c) International normalized ratio (INR)
7. b) Gastrointestinal upset
8. c) N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
9. a) Salbutamol
10. b) 30 days
11. d) All of the above
12. b) Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy
13. a) Increased risk of bleeding
14. a) Lisinopril
15. a) Increased risk of myopathy