PTCB PTCE - Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT) Exam

Arexvyis anRSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccinefor adults60+ years.

Oncereconstituted, itmust be used within 4 hoursto ensurestability and potency.

After4 hours, bacterial growth andloss of vaccine efficacymake it unsafe for administration.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. 30 minutes?❌Too short—vaccines are stable for a longer duration.

C. 24 hours?❌Too long—Arexvy degrades faster.

D. 1 week?❌No vaccine remains effective for 7 days after reconstitution.

📌Reference:CDC Vaccine Storage & Handling Guidelines,Arexvy Manufacturer Labeling (GSK).

TheZ-Pak(azithromycin 250 mg) is a5-day antibiotic coursewith aloading doseto reach effective levels quickly.

Day 1: 2 tablets (500 mg total)

Days 2–5: 1 tablet (250 mg) daily

📌Reference:FDA Azithromycin Dosing Guidelines, PTCE Exam Study Materials.

📌Reference:PTCE Pharmacy Dilution Calculations.

Prilosec (omeprazole) is a PPIused to reduce stomach acid forGERD and ulcers.

📌Reference:FDA PPI Drug Classification Guide.

Ciprofloxacin is afluoroquinolone antibioticthat chelates (binds) withdivalent and trivalent cationssuch ascalciumfound in milk. This interaction forms aninsoluble complex, significantly reducing ciprofloxacin’s absorption in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, leading to decreased bioavailability and reduced therapeutic effect.

B. Distribution→ Incorrect; milk does not directly impact the distribution of ciprofloxacin in the bloodstream.

C. Metabolism→ Incorrect; ciprofloxacin is primarily metabolized in the liver, and milk does not inhibit its enzymatic breakdown.

D. Excretion→ Incorrect; ciprofloxacin is mainly excreted by the kidneys, and milk does not significantly impact this process.

Other Answer Choices Explained:Pharmacist’s Recommendation:Patients should take ciprofloxacinat least 2 hours before or 6 hours afterconsuming dairy products to avoid reduced drug absorption.

References:

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline (Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics)

Lexicomp Drug Interactions Database

FDA Ciprofloxacin Drug Label & Administration Guidelines

Goodman & Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics

AClass I recallis themost seriousrecall issued when amedication labeling erroror contaminationcould result in serious harm or death.

Enoxaparin (Lovenox)is ananticoagulant, whilephytonadione (Vitamin K1)is anantidote for warfarin toxicity—confusing these could lead to life-threatening bleeding or clotting issues.

TheFDA mandates an immediate Class I recallfor errors that could causefatal outcomes.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

B. Class II?❌Used formoderate health risks(e.g., subpotent drugs).

C. Class III?❌Used forminor errors(e.g., misprinted labels, minor defects).

D. Misbranding?❌Misbranding is a regulatory issue butnot a recall classification.

📌Reference:FDA Drug Recall Guidelines, ISMP Medication Safety Alerts.

Amlodipine (Norvasc)is acalcium channel blocker (CCB)used to treathypertension and angina. A common side effect of amlodipine isdizziness, which occurs due to itsvasodilatory effects, leading tolowered blood pressureandpotential orthostatic hypotension.

B. Photosensitivity→ Incorrect;photosensitivityis more commonly associated with drugs such astetracyclines, sulfonamides, and fluoroquinolones, not amlodipine.

C. Agitation→ Incorrect; amlodipine does not typically causeCNS agitation.

D. Insomnia→ Incorrect;amlodipine does not significantly affect sleep patterns.

Peripheraledema

Flushing

Fatigue

Other Answer Choices Explained:Additional Side Effects of Amlodipine:References:

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline (Pharmacology for Technicians – Cardiovascular System Drugs)

Lexicomp Drug Monograph for Amlodipine

Goodman & Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics

TheNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)publishes a list ofhazardous drugsthat require pharmacy staff to wear appropriatepersonal protective equipment (PPE)when handling.Megestrol (Megace) and Dutasteride (Avodart)are both classified as hazardous drugs due to their potentialteratogenic and reproductive toxicity risks.

Megestrolis aprogestinused for appetite stimulation in cancer and HIV patients. It poses arisk to pregnant healthcare workersdue to potential hormonal effects.

Dutasterideis a5-alpha reductase inhibitorused forbenign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It can beabsorbed through the skinand iscontraindicated in women of childbearing potentialdue to the risk offetal abnormalities.

Wear gloveswhen handling uncoated tablets or broken tablets.

Use respiratory protectionif there is a risk of airborne particles.

B. Furosemide and buspirone→ Incorrect; these arenot classified as hazardous drugsby NIOSH.

C. Glyburide and acetazolamide→ Incorrect; these arenot hazardous drugsrequiring PPE.

D. Glipizide and zolpidem→ Incorrect; these medications arenot hazardousper NIOSH guidelines.

NIOSH PPE Recommendations:Other Answer Choices Explained:References:

NIOSH List of Hazardous Drugs in Healthcare Settings (2020 Update)

USP <800> Hazardous Drug Handling in Healthcare Settings

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline (Medication Safety and Hazardous Drug Handling)

Carbon dioxide exposure can cause oxidation and degradation of certain medications, reducing theirstability and effectiveness.

📌Reference:USP Drug Storage and Stability Guidelines.

Eliquis (apixaban) is a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) that increases the risk of serious bleeding.

High-alert medications have anarrow therapeutic indexand requirespecial monitoring.

📌Reference:ISMP High-Alert Medication List, FDA Eliquis Safety Warnings.