Triclofos sodium MCQs With Answer

Triclofos sodium MCQs With Answer: This concise, Student-friendly post is crafted for B.Pharm students preparing for exams in pharmacology and therapeutics. Triclofos sodium, a sedative-hypnotic prodrug of trichloroethanol, is important in pediatric sedation and short-term insomnia management. Key topics covered include mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, adverse effects, drug interactions, clinical uses, monitoring and safety considerations. These MCQs are designed to deepen understanding, reinforce core concepts, and improve recall for practical pharmacy applications. The questions focus on clinical relevance, formulation, stability, and comparative pharmacology to help you master triclofos pharmacotherapy. Now let’s test your knowledge with 50 MCQs on this topic.

Q1. Which statement best describes triclofos sodium?

• A direct GABA agonist used primarily as an anticonvulsant
• A prodrug that is metabolized to the active sedative trichloroethanol
• An opioid analgesic used for severe pain
• A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)

Correct Answer: A prodrug that is metabolized to the active sedative trichloroethanol

Q2. The primary clinical use of triclofos sodium in modern practice is:

• Long-term management of chronic insomnia in adults
• Pediatric sedation for procedures like EEG and imaging
• Treatment of major depressive disorder
• Maintenance therapy for opioid dependence

Correct Answer: Pediatric sedation for procedures like EEG and imaging

Q3. Triclofos exerts its sedative effects mainly through which mechanism?

• Inhibition of NMDA receptors
• Enhancement of GABA-A receptor-mediated inhibitory neurotransmission
• Agonism at mu-opioid receptors
• Blocking norepinephrine reuptake

Correct Answer: Enhancement of GABA-A receptor-mediated inhibitory neurotransmission

Q4. Which pharmacokinetic characteristic correctly applies to triclofos sodium?

• It is eliminated unchanged primarily via feces
• It is rapidly metabolized in the liver to trichloroethanol
• It is a substrate for digoxin transporters
• It has negligible hepatic metabolism

Correct Answer: It is rapidly metabolized in the liver to trichloroethanol

Q5. The active metabolite of triclofos responsible for sedative action is:

• Trichloroacetic acid
• Trichloroethanol
• Trichlorophenol
• Trichloroamine

Correct Answer: Trichloroethanol

Q6. Which adverse effect is most commonly associated with triclofos use?

• Severe neutropenia as the most frequent reaction
• CNS depression leading to drowsiness and ataxia
• Marked increases in blood glucose
• Excessive salivation and cholinergic crisis

Correct Answer: CNS depression leading to drowsiness and ataxia

Q7. Which of the following is an important drug interaction with triclofos?

• Concurrent use with benzodiazepines increases risk of respiratory depression
• Concurrent use with metformin increases triclofos clearance
• Concurrent use with vitamin C potentiates sedative effects
• Concurrent use with penicillins leads to inactivation of triclofos

Correct Answer: Concurrent use with benzodiazepines increases risk of respiratory depression

Q8. In case of triclofos overdose, the initial clinical concern is primarily:

• Severe hypertension and tachycardia
• Respiratory depression and airway compromise
• Acute pancreatitis within minutes
• Immediate renal failure due to precipitation

Correct Answer: Respiratory depression and airway compromise

Q9. Compared to chloral hydrate, triclofos sodium is best described as:

• A nonrelated agent with a different metabolite
• A prodrug with the same active metabolite trichloroethanol
• A stronger opioid-like sedative
• An antidepressant with sedative side effects

Correct Answer: A prodrug with the same active metabolite trichloroethanol

Q10. The route of administration most commonly used for triclofos in pediatric sedation is:

• Intravenous bolus injection only
• Oral syrup formulation
• Topical application
• Intramuscular injection as standard practice

Correct Answer: Oral syrup formulation

Q11. Which patient monitoring is most important after giving triclofos for sedation?

• Regular blood glucose checks every 5 minutes
• Continuous monitoring of respiratory rate and oxygen saturation
• Immediate EEG for all patients
• Frequent monitoring of urine ketones

Correct Answer: Continuous monitoring of respiratory rate and oxygen saturation

Q12. Triclofos’s sedative duration is generally described as:

• Very short-acting with effects lasting 15–30 minutes
• Immediate onset with no lasting sedation
• Intermediate to long duration, often lasting several hours
• Permanent neurological sedation after single dose

Correct Answer: Intermediate to long duration, often lasting several hours

Q13. Which organ impairment may significantly affect triclofos metabolism and clearance?

• Severe hepatic impairment
• Isolated nail bed disease
• Left-sided limb amputation
• Chronic otitis media

Correct Answer: Severe hepatic impairment

Q14. Which laboratory test is most relevant when monitoring potential toxicity from triclofos?

• Serum amylase level for immediate monitoring
• Liver function tests to assess hepatic metabolism and injury
• Urine pregnancy test in all male patients
• Serum sodium for hypernatremia risk

Correct Answer: Liver function tests to assess hepatic metabolism and injury

Q15. A pharmacology student states that triclofos produces paradoxical excitation in some children. This is:

• Impossible; sedatives never cause excitation
• True; paradoxical reactions can occur with sedative-hypnotics
• Only seen with antibiotics, not sedatives
• Indicative of immediate drug allergy in all cases

Correct Answer: True; paradoxical reactions can occur with sedative-hypnotics

Q16. Which storage advice is appropriate for triclofos syrup in the pharmacy?

• Store refrigerated at -20°C for all preparations
• Store at room temperature away from light and heat as per label
• Keep in direct sunlight to maintain potency
• Freeze after opening to prevent degradation

Correct Answer: Store at room temperature away from light and heat as per label

Q17. Which statement about the chemical nature of triclofos sodium is correct?

• It is a benzodiazepine derivative
• It is the sodium salt formulation that increases aqueous solubility
• It is a peptide analog of GABA
• It is a pure volatile anesthetic gas

Correct Answer: It is the sodium salt formulation that increases aqueous solubility

Q18. For which of the following is triclofos sodium NOT typically indicated?

• Short-term sedation for diagnostic procedures in children
• Chronic daily management of generalized anxiety disorder
• Short-term management of insomnia when alternatives are unsuitable
• Pre-procedural sedation where rapid oral onset is acceptable

Correct Answer: Chronic daily management of generalized anxiety disorder

Q19. Which adverse effect requires urgent discontinuation and evaluation when using triclofos?

• Transient mild drowsiness resolving in an hour
• Signs of severe hepatic dysfunction such as jaundice
• Slight bitter taste after dosing
• Minor transient cough

Correct Answer: Signs of severe hepatic dysfunction such as jaundice

Q20. The primary excretion route for triclofos metabolites is:

• Renal excretion in urine
• Exhalation unchanged via lungs
• Excretion in bile exclusively
• Secretion in sweat glands only

Correct Answer: Renal excretion in urine

Q21. Which population requires special caution when prescribing triclofos?

• Healthy adults with no comorbidities
• Patients with severe respiratory disease or obstructive sleep apnea
• Patients with isolated seasonal allergies
• Individuals with controlled myopia

Correct Answer: Patients with severe respiratory disease or obstructive sleep apnea

Q22. Which monitoring parameter is essential after sedation for discharge criteria in pediatric patients?

• Patient demonstrates stable airway reflexes and normal respiration
• Immediate return to baseline academic performance
• Complete resolution of all underlying disease
• Negative urine culture before discharge

Correct Answer: Patient demonstrates stable airway reflexes and normal respiration

Q23. In formulation development, why is the sodium salt form of triclofos preferred for oral syrups?

• It provides enhanced lipophilicity for tissue penetration
• It increases aqueous solubility and stability in syrup formulations
• It prevents any metabolic conversion in the liver
• It converts the drug into a peptide for absorption

Correct Answer: It increases aqueous solubility and stability in syrup formulations

Q24. Which pharmacodynamic interaction should be emphasized in patient counseling?

• Avoid caffeine to prevent reduced drug effect
• Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants to reduce risk of respiratory depression
• Take with large doses of vitamin D to enhance efficacy
• Co-administration with high-fiber meals increases sedation

Correct Answer: Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants to reduce risk of respiratory depression

Q25. Triclofos may cause which effect on sleep architecture when used as a hypnotic?

• Consistent increase in REM sleep percentage across nights
• Alterations in normal sleep architecture with potential REM suppression
• No effect on sleep stages at therapeutic doses
• Induction of continuous wakefulness

Correct Answer: Alterations in normal sleep architecture with potential REM suppression

Q26. Which factor increases the risk of prolonged sedation after triclofos administration?

• Rapid hepatic metabolism and clearance
• Concurrent use of enzyme inhibitors that reduce metabolism
• High-protein diet before dosing
• Administration during vigorous exercise

Correct Answer: Concurrent use of enzyme inhibitors that reduce metabolism

Q27. Which statement about tolerance and dependence with triclofos is correct?

• Tolerance and psychological dependence are impossible with sedatives
• With prolonged use, tolerance and physical dependence may develop similar to other sedative-hypnotics
• It causes immediate irreversible dependence after one dose
• Dependence is only seen if combined with antibiotics

Correct Answer: With prolonged use, tolerance and physical dependence may develop similar to other sedative-hypnotics

Q28. Which adverse hematological effect has been reported (less commonly) with chlorinated sedative metabolites and warrants vigilance?

• Aplastic anemia or blood dyscrasias
• Immediate polycythemia vera in children
• Selective increase in eosinophils to toxic levels
• Rapid leukocytosis without clinical significance

Correct Answer: Aplastic anemia or blood dyscrasias

Q29. When counseling parents about triclofos for pediatric sedation, which advice is most appropriate?

• Administer extra doses if the child seems anxious immediately
• Avoid giving other sedating medications or alcohol and follow monitoring instructions
• Expect immediate full-strength effect within 2 minutes
• It is safe to give daily at home for weeks without supervision

Correct Answer: Avoid giving other sedating medications or alcohol and follow monitoring instructions

Q30. Which statement about the onset of action after oral triclofos administration is accurate?

• Onset is typically immediate within 30 seconds
• Onset usually occurs within 30–60 minutes after oral dosing
• It requires several days to achieve any sedative effect
• It is effective only when given intravenously

Correct Answer: Onset usually occurs within 30–60 minutes after oral dosing

Q31. For stability testing of triclofos syrup, a pharmaceutical scientist should evaluate:

• Physical appearance, pH, microbial limits and potency over shelf life
• Only the color change after exposure to sunlight for one hour
• Effectiveness in converting to opioid metabolites
• Resonance frequency in a magnetic field

Correct Answer: Physical appearance, pH, microbial limits and potency over shelf life

Q32. Which metabolic pathway is primarily responsible for generating the active metabolite trichloroethanol?

• Hepatic reduction and de-esterification reactions
• Renal tubular secretion without metabolism
• Direct oxidation at the neuromuscular junction
• Conversion by intestinal bacteria exclusively

Correct Answer: Hepatic reduction and de-esterification reactions

Q33. Which clinical scenario would make triclofos a less favorable choice?

• A child requiring brief sedation for EEG with monitoring available
• An adult with severe hepatic dysfunction and compromised respiration
• Situations where oral administration is preferred and safe
• Procedures scheduled with staff trained in pediatric sedation monitoring

Correct Answer: An adult with severe hepatic dysfunction and compromised respiration

Q34. Which is a correct counseling point regarding next-day activities after triclofos sedation?

• Children may require supervision until fully awake; avoid unsupervised activities like climbing stairs immediately
• It is safe to send the child to school immediately after dosing
• Operating heavy machinery the next day is advised to test recovery
• No special precautions are needed after any sedative

Correct Answer: Children may require supervision until fully awake; avoid unsupervised activities like climbing stairs immediately

Q35. Which statement regarding pharmaceutical incompatibilities is most appropriate?

• Triclofos syrup is stable with all antibiotics in the same container
• Mixing with other oral preparations without compatibility data is not recommended
• It should always be combined with sodium bicarbonate before dispensing
• It forms a safe precipitate with fruit juices that enhance flavor

Correct Answer: Mixing with other oral preparations without compatibility data is not recommended

Q36. Which characteristic differentiates triclofos from benzodiazepines?

• Triclofos is a direct benzodiazepine receptor agonist
• Triclofos is a chlorinated alcohol prodrug metabolized to trichloroethanol, not structurally a benzodiazepine
• Both are identical in chemical structure and action
• Triclofos selectively targets serotonin receptors like SSRIs

Correct Answer: Triclofos is a chlorinated alcohol prodrug metabolized to trichloroethanol, not structurally a benzodiazepine

Q37. In designing an MCQ about triclofos pharmacokinetics, which parameter is most relevant to sedation duration?

• Apparent volume of distribution and active metabolite elimination half-life
• Color of the tablet coating
• Manufacturer’s logo size
• Antacid co-packaging

Correct Answer: Apparent volume of distribution and active metabolite elimination half-life

Q38. Which sign would suggest trichloroethanol accumulation in a patient?

• Increased alertness and hyperactivity
• Prolonged sedation, ataxia and delayed recovery of consciousness
• Improved muscle strength and vigor
• Immediate cutaneous blanching only

Correct Answer: Prolonged sedation, ataxia and delayed recovery of consciousness

Q39. When preparing exam questions on triclofos, which drug class is most useful to compare for teaching mechanism differences?

• Antibiotics like penicillins
• Benzodiazepines and other sedative-hypnotics
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs only
• Antihypertensives such as ACE inhibitors

Correct Answer: Benzodiazepines and other sedative-hypnotics

Q40. Which regulatory or safety consideration should B.Pharm students remember about older chlorinated sedatives like triclofos?

• They are universally recommended for chronic insomnia without limits
• They require careful risk-benefit assessment due to safety and availability of safer alternatives
• They have no known safety concerns and require no monitoring
• They are always the first-line therapy for anxiety disorders

Correct Answer: They require careful risk-benefit assessment due to safety and availability of safer alternatives

Q41. In terms of formulation, which excipient consideration is important for triclofos syrup intended for children?

• Ensure excipients do not contain excessive sugars or contraindicated preservatives for pediatrics
• Include alcohol at high concentration to increase palatability
• Exclude any flavoring agents as they are always harmful
• Use only injectable excipients in oral syrups

Correct Answer: Ensure excipients do not contain excessive sugars or contraindicated preservatives for pediatrics

Q42. Which statement about withdrawal after prolonged triclofos use is correct?

• There is no withdrawal syndrome with sedatives
• Sudden discontinuation can lead to rebound insomnia and withdrawal symptoms
• Withdrawal only occurs with antibiotics
• Withdrawal results in permanent immunity to sedatives

Correct Answer: Sudden discontinuation can lead to rebound insomnia and withdrawal symptoms

Q43. Which factor most affects oral absorption variability of triclofos?

• Formulation factors and gastric emptying time
• Color of clothing worn by patient
• Ambient humidity at pharmacy counter
• Whether the patient reads during dosing

Correct Answer: Formulation factors and gastric emptying time

Q44. During an objective structured practical exam (OSPE), a student is asked why triclofos may be preferred over sedating inhalational agents for short pediatric procedures. The best rationale is:

• It avoids need for IV access and inhalational setup and can be given orally
• It provides general anesthesia equivalent to inhalational agents
• It is completely devoid of respiratory effects
• It permanently enhances cognitive development

Correct Answer: It avoids need for IV access and inhalational setup and can be given orally

Q45. Which monitoring is least relevant after triclofos sedation?

• Continuous cardiorespiratory monitoring in high-risk cases
• Assessment of airway patency and oxygenation
• Frequent assessment of pupil reactivity to light for all routine sedations
• Observation until the child returns to baseline activity and feeding

Correct Answer: Frequent assessment of pupil reactivity to light for all routine sedations

Q46. Which statement about the environmental concerns of chlorinated metabolites is appropriate for pharmacy students?

• Chlorinated metabolites are inert and require no waste management
• They may require appropriate disposal due to potential environmental persistence and should follow institutional waste policies
• They spontaneously decompose in household drains without impact
• They convert to harmless oxygen instantly on contact with air

Correct Answer: They may require appropriate disposal due to potential environmental persistence and should follow institutional waste policies

Q47. In a multiple-choice question about contraindications, which is a valid contraindication for triclofos?

• Known hypersensitivity to triclofos or trichloroethanol
• Mild seasonal rhinorrhea without other issues
• Controlled myopia
• Poor handwriting

Correct Answer: Known hypersensitivity to triclofos or trichloroethanol

Q48. Which clinical advantage is associated with the sodium salt form of triclofos for pediatric use?

• Reduced GI irritation compared with non-salt, more palatable formulation
• Increased oral bioavailability causing extreme toxicity routinely
• Guaranteed absence of drug interactions
• Inability to be metabolized to active form

Correct Answer: Reduced GI irritation compared with non-salt, more palatable formulation

Q49. For exam preparation, which topic is most important to link with triclofos pharmacology?

• Pharmacology of sedative-hypnotics and GABAergic agents, including metabolism and safety
• Mechanisms of topical antifungal agents exclusively
• Homeopathic dilution principles
• Cardiac valve replacement techniques

Correct Answer: Pharmacology of sedative-hypnotics and GABAergic agents, including metabolism and safety

Q50. Which statement about patient education after triclofos sedation is correct?

• Advise caregivers on post-sedation monitoring, risks of CNS depression and when to seek emergency care
• No post-discharge instructions are needed as effects disappear instantly
• Recommend immediate intensive exercise to reverse sedation
• Tell caregivers to combine with OTC sleep aids to prolong effect

Correct Answer: Advise caregivers on post-sedation monitoring, risks of CNS depression and when to seek emergency care

G S Sachin

I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.

Mail- Sachin@pharmacyfreak.com