Ethchlorvynol MCQs With Answer

Ethchlorvynol MCQs With Answer — This concise, Student-friendly post is tailored for B. Pharm students studying Ethchlorvynol, a sedative-hypnotic agent historically used for insomnia. Learn key concepts including pharmacology, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, adverse effects, drug interactions, dependence potential, and overdose management. These focused Ethchlorvynol MCQs emphasize clinical relevance, formulation, dosing considerations, and safety precautions important for pharmacy practice and exams. Each question reinforces deeper understanding of therapeutic use, monitoring requirements, and patient counseling. Ideal for revision, practice tests, and classroom discussion, this resource helps build practical competence in psychotropic drug pharmacotherapy. Now let’s test your knowledge with 50 MCQs on this topic.

Q1. What is the primary pharmacological classification of Ethchlorvynol?

• Sedative-hypnotic
• Benzodiazepine
• Antidepressant
• Antipsychotic

Correct Answer: Sedative-hypnotic

Q2. What is the main clinical indication for Ethchlorvynol?

• Chronic pain management
• Short-term treatment of insomnia
• First-line treatment of generalized anxiety disorder
• Antiepileptic therapy

Correct Answer: Short-term treatment of insomnia

Q3. Which statement best describes Ethchlorvynol’s mechanism of action?

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
• Direct dopamine D2 receptor antagonism
• Central nervous system depressant that potentiates GABAergic inhibition
• NMDA receptor antagonist

Correct Answer: Central nervous system depressant that potentiates GABAergic inhibition

Q4. Which pharmacokinetic property is typical for Ethchlorvynol?

• Very slow onset (several hours)
• Rapid onset of action (within 15–30 minutes)
• Only effective via intravenous route
• Excreted unchanged in feces

Correct Answer: Rapid onset of action (within 15–30 minutes)

Q5. The duration of hypnotic effect of Ethchlorvynol is best described as:

• Ultra-short (less than 1 hour)
• Short to intermediate (approximately 6–8 hours)
• Extremely long (over 48 hours)
• Indefinite until discontinued

Correct Answer: Short to intermediate (approximately 6–8 hours)

Q6. What is the primary route of metabolism for Ethchlorvynol?

• Renal excretion as unchanged drug
• Hepatic metabolism
• Exhalation via lungs
• Metabolized by gut microbiota only

Correct Answer: Hepatic metabolism

Q7. How are Ethchlorvynol metabolites primarily eliminated from the body?

• Through biliary excretion into feces exclusively
• Renal excretion of metabolites
• Excreted as unchanged drug in sweat
• Eliminated via hair deposition only

Correct Answer: Renal excretion of metabolites

Q8. Which of the following best reflects the abuse and dependence potential of Ethchlorvynol?

• Minimal abuse potential and no dependence
• Moderate to high potential for tolerance, dependence, and abuse
• Only psychological dependence, never physical
• Dependence only after decades of use

Correct Answer: Moderate to high potential for tolerance, dependence, and abuse

Q9. Co-administration of Ethchlorvynol with which substance is most likely to produce severe additive CNS depression?

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Alcohol
• Vitamin C supplements
• Topical antifungals

Correct Answer: Alcohol

Q10. The immediate management of acute Ethchlorvynol overdose should primarily focus on:

• Immediate dialysis in all patients
• Supportive care, airway protection, and monitoring of respiration and circulation
• Administering high-dose benzodiazepines
• Giving naloxone as the first-line antidote

Correct Answer: Supportive care, airway protection, and monitoring of respiration and circulation

Q11. Is flumazenil an effective antidote for Ethchlorvynol overdose?

• Yes — flumazenil reverses all sedative-hypnotics
• No — flumazenil is specific for benzodiazepine receptors and is not reliably effective for Ethchlorvynol
• Yes — it is the recommended first-line treatment
• No — flumazenil is contraindicated in any overdose

Correct Answer: No — flumazenil is specific for benzodiazepine receptors and is not reliably effective for Ethchlorvynol

Q12. Common withdrawal symptoms after abrupt cessation of Ethchlorvynol may include:

• Hypertension and hyperglycemia only
• Migraine-like headaches only
• Anxiety, tremors, insomnia, and in severe cases seizures
• Selective memory improvement

Correct Answer: Anxiety, tremors, insomnia, and in severe cases seizures

Q13. In pregnancy, Ethchlorvynol is generally advised to be:

• Used freely as it is pregnancy-safe
• Avoided due to potential fetal risk and limited safety data
• Given in the first trimester only
• Converted to an IV form for safety

Correct Answer: Avoided due to potential fetal risk and limited safety data

Q14. For elderly patients prescribed Ethchlorvynol, which precaution is most appropriate?

• No change; use standard adult dosing
• Reduce dose and use with caution due to increased sensitivity and fall risk
• Switch to injectable form only
• Combine with alcohol to reduce dose

Correct Answer: Reduce dose and use with caution due to increased sensitivity and fall risk

Q15. Which description best fits the therapeutic index of Ethchlorvynol?

• Very wide therapeutic index — overdose unlikely
• Narrow therapeutic index — risk of toxicity at higher doses
• No therapeutic index — it is non-therapeutic
• Therapeutic index identical to placebo

Correct Answer: Narrow therapeutic index — risk of toxicity at higher doses

Q16. What is the most common pharmaceutical formulation available for Ethchlorvynol historically?

• Topical cream
• Oral capsules/tablets
• Inhaler
• Transdermal patch

Correct Answer: Oral capsules/tablets

Q17. Chemically, Ethchlorvynol is classified as which of the following?

• A benzodiazepine derivative
• A non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic (distinct chemical class)
• A tricyclic antidepressant
• A selective beta-blocker

Correct Answer: A non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic (distinct chemical class)

Q18. Which analytical technique is most reliable for confirming Ethchlorvynol in forensic toxicology?

• Dipstick urine test
• Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
• Plain light microscopy
• Serological blood typing

Correct Answer: Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS)

Q19. Co-administration with strong hepatic CYP enzyme inhibitors is likely to:

• Decrease Ethchlorvynol plasma levels
• Increase Ethchlorvynol plasma levels and risk toxicity
• Have no effect on Ethchlorvynol metabolism
• Convert Ethchlorvynol to an inactive gas

Correct Answer: Increase Ethchlorvynol plasma levels and risk toxicity

Q20. Proper storage conditions for Ethchlorvynol tablets include:

• Keep frozen at -20°C
• Store at room temperature, protect from moisture and light
• Expose to sunlight to enhance potency
• Keep in open air on the bench

Correct Answer: Store at room temperature, protect from moisture and light

Q21. Ethchlorvynol use in pediatric patients is generally:

• Recommended as first-line sleep aid
• Not routinely recommended due to safety concerns and limited data
• Only for neonates
• Approved for all pediatric age groups

Correct Answer: Not routinely recommended due to safety concerns and limited data

Q22. Which adverse effect is most frequently reported with Ethchlorvynol therapy?

• Severe dermatologic reactions in all patients
• Daytime drowsiness and impaired coordination
• Hyperactivity and insomnia
• Profound weight loss

Correct Answer: Daytime drowsiness and impaired coordination

Q23. Combining Ethchlorvynol with opioid analgesics most significantly increases the risk of:

• Hypertension
• Severe respiratory depression and death
• Enhanced wound healing
• Reduced analgesic effect

Correct Answer: Severe respiratory depression and death

Q24. In patients with severe hepatic impairment, Ethchlorvynol use is:

• Preferable due to hepatic clearance independence
• Contraindicated or should be used with extreme caution and dose adjustment
• Recommended at double the usual dose
• Associated with improved liver function

Correct Answer: Contraindicated or should be used with extreme caution and dose adjustment

Q25. The pharmacodynamic effect of Ethchlorvynol on neuronal membranes is best described as:

• Enhancement of inhibitory GABA-A mediated chloride influx leading to neuronal hyperpolarization
• Direct blockade of sodium channels leading to local anesthesia
• Activation of adrenergic receptors causing stimulation
• Selective serotonin receptor agonism

Correct Answer: Enhancement of inhibitory GABA-A mediated chloride influx leading to neuronal hyperpolarization

Q26. Best practice for initiating Ethchlorvynol therapy in an adult with new-onset insomnia is to:

• Start at the lowest effective dose and titrate cautiously
• Begin with the maximum labeled dose immediately
• Administer every other week only
• Combine with herbal supplements routinely

Correct Answer: Start at the lowest effective dose and titrate cautiously

Q27. Which statement regarding tolerance to Ethchlorvynol is true?

• Tolerance does not develop with repeated use
• Tolerance to hypnotic effects may develop within weeks
• Tolerance leads to immediate hypersensitivity reactions
• Tolerance permanently eliminates all sedative effects

Correct Answer: Tolerance to hypnotic effects may develop within weeks

Q28. Is there a specific pharmacological antagonist for Ethchlorvynol?

• Yes — a specific antidote is universally available
• No — there is no specific antagonist; management is supportive
• Yes — activated charcoal is an antagonist
• Yes — naloxone directly antagonizes its effect

Correct Answer: No — there is no specific antagonist; management is supportive

Q29. For treatment of chronic insomnia, Ethchlorvynol is:

• Recommended as first-line long-term therapy
• Not recommended for long-term use due to tolerance and dependence risks
• Appropriate for uninterrupted indefinite use
• Only used in combination with barbiturates

Correct Answer: Not recommended for long-term use due to tolerance and dependence risks

Q30. Which laboratory parameter is most appropriate to monitor in patients on long-term Ethchlorvynol therapy?

• Renal ultrasound monthly
• Liver function tests periodically
• Daily fasting blood glucose
• Serum magnesium weekly

Correct Answer: Liver function tests periodically

Q31. Signs of severe Ethchlorvynol toxicity commonly include:

• Coma, severe respiratory depression, and hypotension
• Excessive salivation only
• Hyperreflexia and hypertension only
• Rapid hair growth

Correct Answer: Coma, severe respiratory depression, and hypotension

Q32. Compared to benzodiazepines, Ethchlorvynol is best characterized as:

• Identical in structure and receptor binding to benzodiazepines
• A different chemical class but with similar CNS depressant effects
• More selective for peripheral targets only
• Exclusively an antihistamine

Correct Answer: A different chemical class but with similar CNS depressant effects

Q33. Repeated nightly use of Ethchlorvynol most commonly leads to:

• Improved efficacy over time without any side effects
• Tolerance to hypnotic effects and potential for dose escalation
• Permanent cure of insomnia
• Immediate discontinuation without withdrawal

Correct Answer: Tolerance to hypnotic effects and potential for dose escalation

Q34. Which physicochemical property facilitates Ethchlorvynol’s rapid CNS penetration?

• High water solubility exclusively
• Relative lipid solubility enabling blood–brain barrier crossing
• Large polar surface area preventing CNS entry
• High molecular charge at physiological pH

Correct Answer: Relative lipid solubility enabling blood–brain barrier crossing

Q35. Current best practice recommends the maximum usual duration of hypnotic therapy with agents like Ethchlorvynol to be:

• Several months to years as routine practice
• Short-term, generally limited to 1–2 weeks where possible
• Indefinite if symptoms persist
• Given only on alternate months

Correct Answer: Short-term, generally limited to 1–2 weeks where possible

Q36. In elderly patients, the elimination half-life of Ethchlorvynol is typically:

• Shorter than in young adults
• Prolonged compared to younger adults, increasing risk of accumulation
• Completely unpredictable and always zero
• Unaffected by age

Correct Answer: Prolonged compared to younger adults, increasing risk of accumulation

Q37. Combining Ethchlorvynol with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) is likely to cause:

• Reduced sedative effect and lower plasma levels
• Potential augmentation of CNS depression and unpredictable responses
• Immediate hypertensive crisis in all patients
• Complete inactivation of Ethchlorvynol

Correct Answer: Potential augmentation of CNS depression and unpredictable responses

Q38. Does Ethchlorvynol act as a significant inducer of hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes?

• Yes — it is a strong inducer of CYP enzymes
• No — it is not known to be a significant enzyme inducer
• Yes — it instantly stops all hepatic metabolism
• It converts enzymes into neurotransmitters

Correct Answer: No — it is not known to be a significant enzyme inducer

Q39. Which statement best describes the elimination half-life of Ethchlorvynol?

• It has an extremely long half-life measured in weeks
• It has a relatively short elimination half-life compared with long-acting sedatives
• It is not eliminated and accumulates indefinitely
• Half-life is identical to that of ethanol

Correct Answer: It has a relatively short elimination half-life compared with long-acting sedatives

Q40. Ethchlorvynol is appropriate for treatment of which neurologic condition?

• Epilepsy as monotherapy
• Insomnia (short-term only)
• Parkinson’s disease motor symptoms
• Acute bacterial meningitis

Correct Answer: Insomnia (short-term only)

Q41. Co-ingestion of Ethchlorvynol with opioids in an emergency is best managed by:

• Assuming opioids are not involved and treating only for Ethchlorvynol
• Providing airway support and considering naloxone if opioid toxicity is suspected
• Administering high-dose stimulants
• Using insulin to counteract CNS depression

Correct Answer: Providing airway support and considering naloxone if opioid toxicity is suspected

Q42. Regarding oral bioavailability, Ethchlorvynol is generally considered to have:

• Poor oral absorption requiring IV administration
• Reasonable oral bioavailability suitable for oral dosing
• No absorption via the gastrointestinal tract
• Bioavailability only when combined with fatty meals

Correct Answer: Reasonable oral bioavailability suitable for oral dosing

Q43. What effect does Ethchlorvynol generally have on sleep architecture?

• Increases REM sleep and deep sleep markedly
• Suppresses REM sleep and may alter slow-wave sleep patterns
• Has no effect on sleep stages
• Converts REM sleep to only light dreaming

Correct Answer: Suppresses REM sleep and may alter slow-wave sleep patterns

Q44. Which is an important counseling point for patients starting Ethchlorvynol?

• It is safe to consume alcohol while taking the medication
• Avoid driving and operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you
• You should take double doses if you miss one
• No need to inform your prescriber about other CNS depressants

Correct Answer: Avoid driving and operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you

Q45. Activated charcoal in Ethchlorvynol overdose is most likely to be effective if administered within:

• 1–2 hours of ingestion in an appropriate clinical setting
• 48–72 hours only
• After the patient is discharged home
• Only if given before ingestion

Correct Answer: 1–2 hours of ingestion in an appropriate clinical setting

Q46. Chronic misuse of Ethchlorvynol is associated with which long-term consequence?

• Improved cognitive performance
• Cognitive impairment, memory deficits, and psychosocial problems
• Permanent immunity to infections
• Increased athletic performance

Correct Answer: Cognitive impairment, memory deficits, and psychosocial problems

Q47. Is routine plasma therapeutic drug monitoring required for Ethchlorvynol in clinical practice?

• Yes — mandatory weekly monitoring is required
• No — routine therapeutic drug monitoring is not commonly performed
• Yes — hourly blood levels are standard
• Only monitoring of urine color is necessary

Correct Answer: No — routine therapeutic drug monitoring is not commonly performed

Q48. Which of the following is a safer pharmacologic alternative for short-term insomnia in many patients compared with Ethchlorvynol?

• Short-acting benzodiazepines or non-benzodiazepine “Z-drugs” under supervision
• High-dose barbiturates as first choice
• Chronic opioid therapy
• Unsupervised combination of multiple sedatives

Correct Answer: Short-acting benzodiazepines or non-benzodiazepine “Z-drugs” under supervision

Q49. When counseling a patient on abrupt cessation of long-term Ethchlorvynol use, the pharmacist should warn about:

• No symptoms will occur after stopping
• Potential withdrawal symptoms including anxiety and seizures; gradual taper is recommended
• Immediate doubling of energy levels
• Guaranteed mood improvement within hours

Correct Answer: Potential withdrawal symptoms including anxiety and seizures; gradual taper is recommended

Q50. From a regulatory and clinical safety perspective, Ethchlorvynol is best described as:

• An over-the-counter supplement with no restrictions
• A controlled sedative-hypnotic with potential for abuse, requiring careful prescribing and monitoring
• A harmless vitamin with no CNS effects
• A topical antiseptic

Correct Answer: A controlled sedative-hypnotic with potential for abuse, requiring careful prescribing and monitoring

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