PTCB PTCE - Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT) Exam

Carvedilol (Coreg) and labetalol are both non-selective beta-blockersused to treathypertension and heart failure.

Therapeutic substitutionis allowed whentwo drugs have similar effects but different chemical structures.

Carvedilol is often used in place of labetalol, especially in heart failure patients.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Albuterol?❌Abronchodilator for asthma/COPD, not a beta-blocker.

C. Tramadol?❌Apain reliever (opioid-like), not a beta-blocker.

D. Estradiol?❌Ahormone replacement therapy, not a beta-blocker.

📌Reference:PTCE Medication Classification Guide, FDA Beta-Blocker Comparisons.

Atorvastatin and Zocor (simvastatin) are both HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). Prescribing two drugs from the same class for the same indication represents therapeutic duplication, which increases risk of adverse effects (e.g., myopathy, rhabdomyolysis) without added benefit. In contrast, Cardizem (diltiazem) is a calcium channel blocker, Lopressor (metoprolol) a beta-blocker, and Norvasc (amlodipine) a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker—these are not statins.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:

High-alert medicationsaredrugs that carry a higher risk of significant patient harmif used incorrectly.IV propranololis abeta-blocker (adrenergic antagonist)that can causesevere bradycardia, hypotension, and cardiac arrestif administered improperly.

📌Explanation of Answer Choices:✅A. Adrenergic antagonist→Correct.Propranololblocks beta receptors, reducing heart rate and blood pressure.❌B. Chemotherapeutic agent→ Incorrect.Propranolol is not a chemotherapy drug.❌C. Opioid→ Incorrect.Propranolol is not an opioid.❌D. Anticoagulant→ Incorrect.Propranolol does not affect blood clotting.

📌Reference:

ISMP List of High-Alert Medications

PTCB Exam: Medication Safety & Risk Management