Rosiglitazone MCQs With Answer is a focused review for B.Pharm students covering pharmacology, mechanism, therapeutic use, adverse effects and clinical monitoring of rosiglitazone. This concise, keyword-rich introduction highlights PPAR-gamma activation, thiazolidinedione class, insulin sensitivity, cardiovascular concerns, hepatic and renal considerations, drug interactions (CYP2C8), dosing, and safety monitoring. The questions emphasize molecular actions (adiponectin, GLUT4), practical pharmacy implications (combination therapy, hypoglycaemia risk), and regulatory history to deepen clinical understanding. These MCQs will reinforce pharmacokinetics, adverse-event recognition (edema, weight gain, fractures), and counselling points important for dispensary practice and patient safety. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.
Q1. Which nuclear receptor is the primary molecular target of rosiglitazone?
- Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-alpha)
- Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma)
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor
- Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4)
Correct Answer: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma)
Q2. To which drug class does rosiglitazone belong?
- Sulfonylureas
- Biguanides
- Thiazolidinedione (glitazone)
- Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors
Correct Answer: Thiazolidinedione (glitazone)
Q3. The primary therapeutic effect of rosiglitazone in type 2 diabetes is:
- Increasing insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells
- Reducing renal glucose reabsorption
- Improving insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues
- Blocking intestinal glucose absorption
Correct Answer: Improving insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues
Q4. What is the major approved clinical indication for rosiglitazone?
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Gestational diabetes as first-line therapy
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
Correct Answer: Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Q5. Which cellular effects are produced by rosiglitazone-mediated PPAR-gamma activation?
- Inhibition of GLUT4 expression and decreased adiponectin
- Activation of PPAR-gamma leading to increased adiponectin and GLUT4 expression
- Direct stimulation of insulin secretion
- Inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis via AMPK activation
Correct Answer: Activation of PPAR-gamma leading to increased adiponectin and GLUT4 expression
Q6. Which adverse effect is most characteristic and clinically important for rosiglitazone?
- Severe hypoglycaemia when used alone
- Renal tubular necrosis
- Fluid retention and exacerbation of heart failure
- Acute pancreatitis as a common effect
Correct Answer: Fluid retention and exacerbation of heart failure
Q7. Historically, rosiglitazone has been associated with which cardiovascular concern?
- Marked reduction in myocardial ischemia risk
- Increased risk of myocardial ischemia and ischemic events
- No cardiovascular effects reported
- Definitive protection against stroke
Correct Answer: Increased risk of myocardial ischemia and ischemic events
Q8. Which cytochrome P450 isoenzyme is primarily responsible for rosiglitazone metabolism?
- CYP3A4
- CYP2D6
- CYP2C8
- CYP1A2
Correct Answer: CYP2C8
Q9. Co-administration of which lipid-lowering drug is most likely to increase rosiglitazone plasma concentrations?
- Atorvastatin (CYP3A4 substrate)
- Gemfibrozil (CYP2C8 inhibitor)
- Fenofibrate (no significant CYP2C8 inhibition)
- Colestipol (resin, no CYP interaction)
Correct Answer: Gemfibrozil (CYP2C8 inhibitor)
Q10. Combining rosiglitazone with which drug class increases the risk of hypoglycaemia?
- Insulin or sulfonylureas
- ACE inhibitors
- Statins
- Beta blockers
Correct Answer: Insulin or sulfonylureas
Q11. Rosiglitazone tends to have which effect on serum lipid profile?
- Marked decrease in LDL cholesterol
- Increase in LDL cholesterol with variable HDL changes
- No effect on lipids
- Decrease in HDL and triglycerides
Correct Answer: Increase in LDL cholesterol with variable HDL changes
Q12. Long-term therapy with rosiglitazone has been linked to an increased risk of which skeletal complication?
- Osteomalacia
- Bone fractures, especially in women
- Accelerated bone healing
- Increased bone density and osteoporosis prevention
Correct Answer: Bone fractures, especially in women
Q13. Rosiglitazone is contraindicated in patients with which condition?
- Mild controlled hypertension
- NYHA class III/IV heart failure
- Hyperthyroidism
- Stable angina controlled with medication
Correct Answer: NYHA class III/IV heart failure
Q14. Which laboratory parameter should be monitored before and during rosiglitazone therapy?
- Serum amylase only
- Liver function tests (transaminases)
- Serum creatine kinase weekly
- Serum calcium monthly
Correct Answer: Liver function tests (transaminases)
Q15. What is the typical onset of glycaemic effect after starting rosiglitazone?
- Immediate (within hours)
- Within 24–48 hours
- Several weeks to months (delayed onset)
- No measurable glycaemic effect
Correct Answer: Several weeks to months (delayed onset)
Q16. A common metabolic adverse effect of rosiglitazone is:
- Weight loss
- Weight gain
- Hyperkalemia
- Severe lactic acidosis like metformin
Correct Answer: Weight gain
Q17. Is rosiglitazone indicated for treatment of type 1 diabetes?
- Yes, as first-line therapy
- Only in combination with insulin for all patients
- No, it is not indicated for type 1 diabetes
- Yes, it replaces insulin in selected cases
Correct Answer: No, it is not indicated for type 1 diabetes
Q18. Regarding use in pregnancy, rosiglitazone is generally:
- Recommended as first-line therapy for gestational diabetes
- Not recommended and generally avoided unless benefits outweigh risks
- Proven safe in large randomized trials for pregnancy
- Contraindicated in all trimesters without exception
Correct Answer: Not recommended and generally avoided unless benefits outweigh risks
Q19. How should rosiglitazone dosing be adjusted in significant renal impairment?
- Contraindicated in any renal impairment
- No dose adjustment required solely for renal impairment in most cases
- Must be halved in all renal impairment
- Increased dose is required due to reduced clearance
Correct Answer: No dose adjustment required solely for renal impairment in most cases
Q20. What is the usual route of administration for rosiglitazone?
- Intravenous infusion
- Intramuscular injection
- Oral tablets
- Subcutaneous injection
Correct Answer: Oral tablets
Q21. The approximate elimination half-life of rosiglitazone is closest to:
- 30 minutes
- 3–4 hours
- 48–72 hours
- One week
Correct Answer: 3–4 hours
Q22. Rosiglitazone improves peripheral glucose uptake mainly by affecting which transporter/process?
- Decreasing GLUT2 in the liver
- Increasing GLUT4 expression and translocation in adipose and muscle
- Inhibiting SGLT2 in the kidneys
- Blocking intestinal glucose transporters
Correct Answer: Increasing GLUT4 expression and translocation in adipose and muscle
Q23. Which hematological change can be observed with rosiglitazone therapy?
- Polycythemia with increased hemoglobin
- May cause anemia or decreased hemoglobin
- Marked leukocytosis
- Thrombocytopenia in all patients
Correct Answer: May cause anemia or decreased hemoglobin
Q24. A common starting adult dose regimen for rosiglitazone (where indicated) is:
- 4 mg once daily
- 50 mg once daily
- 0.5 mg twice daily
- Initiate with IV loading dose then oral maintenance
Correct Answer: 4 mg once daily
Q25. Co-administration of rifampicin is expected to have what effect on rosiglitazone plasma levels?
- Increase levels by inhibiting CYP2C8
- Decrease levels by inducing CYP enzymes
- No effect on rosiglitazone metabolism
- Cause immediate toxicity due to interaction
Correct Answer: Decrease levels by inducing CYP enzymes
Q26. Which clinical signs should be monitored to detect early fluid retention during rosiglitazone therapy?
- Weight gain, peripheral edema, worsening dyspnea
- Excessive sweating and tremor
- Polyuria and polydipsia only
- Visual disturbances and photophobia
Correct Answer: Weight gain, peripheral edema, worsening dyspnea
Q27. Rosiglitazone influences adipose tissue by:
- Inhibiting adipocyte differentiation completely
- Promoting adipocyte differentiation and redistributing fat to subcutaneous depots
- Causing rapid lipolysis and fat loss
- Directly destroying adipocytes
Correct Answer: Promoting adipocyte differentiation and redistributing fat to subcutaneous depots
Q28. Regulatory action historically taken for rosiglitazone included:
- Unrestricted promotion as the safest antidiabetic drug
- Warnings and restrictions due to cardiovascular safety concerns
- Complete over-the-counter availability
- Approval as first-line therapy for all diabetic patients
Correct Answer: Warnings and restrictions due to cardiovascular safety concerns
Q29. Which of the following drugs belongs to the same pharmacological class as rosiglitazone?
- Metformin
- Sitagliptin
- Pioglitazone
- Glibenclamide (glyburide)
Correct Answer: Pioglitazone
Q30. Which parameters are most appropriate to monitor to assess rosiglitazone efficacy in diabetes management?
- Serum creatinine and potassium only
- HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose
- Liver biopsy results weekly
- Daily ECG monitoring
Correct Answer: HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose

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