Methyldopate hydrochloride MCQs With Answer

Methyldopate hydrochloride MCQs With Answer is a focused review designed for B. Pharm students to master this centrally acting antihypertensive agent. This introduction covers mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic uses (including pregnancy hypertension), adverse effects such as sedation, hepatotoxicity and hemolytic anemia, formulation and dosage forms, analytical methods (HPLC, UV), storage and stability, and common drug interactions. The questions emphasize clinical relevance, pharmaceutical formulation, quality control and safety monitoring to deepen understanding beyond superficial facts. Use these MCQs to reinforce lecture material, prepare for exams, and practice decision-making in therapeutics and pharmaceutics. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.

Q1. Which pharmacological class best describes methyldopate hydrochloride?

• Centrally acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist
• Peripheral beta-1 blocker
• ACE inhibitor
• Calcium channel blocker

Correct Answer: Centrally acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist

Q2. The primary mechanism by which methyldopate lowers blood pressure is:

• Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme
• Peripheral vasodilation via nitric oxide
• Central reduction of sympathetic outflow
• Direct myocardial depression

Correct Answer: Central reduction of sympathetic outflow

Q3. Methyldopate is metabolically converted to which active catecholamine analogue?

• Alpha-methylnorepinephrine
• Epinephrine
• Dopamine
• Norepinephrine

Correct Answer: Alpha-methylnorepinephrine

Q4. Which clinical indication is commonly associated with methyldopate use?

• Pregnancy-induced hypertension (pre-eclampsia)
• Acute asthma exacerbation
• Chronic heart failure as first-line therapy
• Peptic ulcer disease

Correct Answer: Pregnancy-induced hypertension (pre-eclampsia)

Q5. A notable hematological adverse effect of methyldopate is:

• Drug-induced hemolytic anemia with a positive Coombs test
• Pancytopenia due to bone marrow suppression
• Thrombocytosis
• Iron deficiency anemia

Correct Answer: Drug-induced hemolytic anemia with a positive Coombs test

Q6. Which organ is most important for the metabolism of methyldopate?

• Liver
• Kidney
• Lung
• Skin

Correct Answer: Liver

Q7. Concomitant use of methyldopate with which drug class commonly causes additive hypotension?

• Other antihypertensives (e.g., diuretics, ACE inhibitors)
• Proton pump inhibitors
• Topical antifungals
• Antacids

Correct Answer: Other antihypertensives (e.g., diuretics, ACE inhibitors)

Q8. Which adverse effect is most commonly reported with central alpha-2 agonists like methyldopate?

• Sedation and drowsiness
• Photophobia
• Urinary retention
• Excessive salivation

Correct Answer: Sedation and drowsiness

Q9. Regarding pregnancy safety, methyldopate is generally considered:

• Relatively safe and commonly used for hypertension in pregnancy
• Contraindicated in all trimesters
• Used only during labor, not earlier
• Causes major teratogenic effects in the first trimester

Correct Answer: Relatively safe and commonly used for hypertension in pregnancy

Q10. A laboratory monitoring parameter particularly important during methyldopate therapy is:

• Liver function tests (LFTs)
• Fasting blood glucose
• Serum amylase
• Thyroid function tests

Correct Answer: Liver function tests (LFTs)

Q11. Methyldopate hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt primarily to:

• Improve water solubility and stability for formulation
• Increase lipid solubility for CNS penetration
• Provide a bitter taste for compliance
• Reduce absorption from the gastrointestinal tract

Correct Answer: Improve water solubility and stability for formulation

Q12. Which formulation is commonly available for methyldopate?

• Oral tablets and intravenous injection
• Inhalation aerosol
• Topical cream
• Transdermal patch

Correct Answer: Oral tablets and intravenous injection

Q13. A known psychiatric side effect associated with central antihypertensives can include:

• Depression
• Mania
• Visual hallucinations as primary symptom
• Compulsive gambling

Correct Answer: Depression

Q14. Which analytical technique is routinely used in quality control to assay methyldopate in formulations?

• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
• Flame photometry
• Thermogravimetric analysis
• Nuclear magnetic resonance as sole routine assay

Correct Answer: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

Q15. In cases of sudden withdrawal of methyldopate, a patient may experience:

• Rebound hypertension
• Hypoglycemia
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Hyperthermia

Correct Answer: Rebound hypertension

Q16. Which contraindication is most appropriate for methyldopate therapy?

• Active hepatic disease (severe liver dysfunction)
• Mild seasonal allergies
• Controlled hypothyroidism
• Well-managed asthma

Correct Answer: Active hepatic disease (severe liver dysfunction)

Q17. The most likely route of elimination for methyldopate metabolites is:

• Renal excretion
• Exhalation via lungs
• Fecal elimination exclusively
• Sweat glands

Correct Answer: Renal excretion

Q18. Which co-administered drug class could reduce the antihypertensive effect of methyldopate?

• Tricyclic antidepressants (due to antagonism of central alpha-2 effect)
• Antibiotics like penicillin
• Topical ocular antivirals
• Vitamin supplements

Correct Answer: Tricyclic antidepressants (due to antagonism of central alpha-2 effect)

Q19. An important counseling point for a patient starting methyldopate is to:

• Avoid sudden standing to reduce orthostatic hypotension
• Consume grapefruit juice daily
• Double the dose if a dose is missed
• Stop therapy abruptly if feeling dizzy

Correct Answer: Avoid sudden standing to reduce orthostatic hypotension

Q20. Which excipient characteristic is most relevant when formulating methyldopate tablets?

• Moisture protection due to hygroscopic potential of the salt
• Strong oxidizing excipients to stabilize drug
• Use of acidic excipients to degrade drug
• Inclusion of high levels of lipid to prevent dissolution

Correct Answer: Moisture protection due to hygroscopic potential of the salt

Q21. A quality control dissolution test for methyldopate tablets primarily assesses:

• Rate and extent of drug release from the dosage form
• Sterility of the tablet
• Tablet magnetic susceptibility
• Color uniformity only

Correct Answer: Rate and extent of drug release from the dosage form

Q22. Which patient population requires careful monitoring due to increased sensitivity to methyldopate?

• Elderly patients
• Healthy young adults with no comorbidities
• Patients with seasonal allergies only
• Patients on topical antibiotics

Correct Answer: Elderly patients

Q23. Incompatibility concerns when preparing methyldopate intravenous solutions include:

• Avoid mixing with strong oxidizing or alkaline solutions
• Always mix with concentrated acids for stability
• Combine with calcium salts for improved efficacy
• Store with light-exposed containers to enhance potency

Correct Answer: Avoid mixing with strong oxidizing or alkaline solutions

Q24. Which laboratory finding may indicate methyldopate-induced hemolysis?

• Positive direct Coombs test
• Elevated creatine kinase only
• Low blood urea nitrogen with normal creatinine
• Isolated hyperkalemia without anemia

Correct Answer: Positive direct Coombs test

Q25. Stability testing for methyldopate formulations should include assessment of:

• Assay, degradation products and moisture sensitivity
• Color preference among patients
• Market demand forecasting
• Packaging marketing materials

Correct Answer: Assay, degradation products and moisture sensitivity

Q26. A pharmacist advising on dose adjustments should consider reduced dosing in patients with:

• Severe hepatic impairment
• Seasonal allergies
• Normal renal and hepatic function
• Minor skin abrasions

Correct Answer: Severe hepatic impairment

Q27. When developing an HPLC method for methyldopate assay, an important consideration is:

• Selecting a mobile phase and detection wavelength suitable for the drug’s UV absorbance
• Excluding any buffer from the mobile phase always
• Using flame ionization detection
• Operating only at temperatures above 60°C

Correct Answer: Selecting a mobile phase and detection wavelength suitable for the drug’s UV absorbance

Q28. Which safety measure is recommended for long-term methyldopate therapy?

• Periodic liver function and blood count monitoring
• Daily MRI scans
• Monthly skin biopsies
• Discontinuation of all other medications

Correct Answer: Periodic liver function and blood count monitoring

Q29. The onset of antihypertensive action for oral methyldopate is generally:

• Gradual, taking several hours to days for full effect
• Immediate within seconds of ingestion
• Only after one month of continuous therapy
• Unpredictable and instantaneous in all patients

Correct Answer: Gradual, taking several hours to days for full effect

Q30. Which patient instruction helps minimize adverse effects when initiating methyldopate?

• Rise slowly from seated or lying positions to reduce dizziness
• Increase caffeine intake significantly
• Take double doses every other day
• Avoid water intake for two hours after dosing

Correct Answer: Rise slowly from seated or lying positions to reduce dizziness

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