Antiprotozoals: visceral leishmaniasis: practice question

A Pharmacology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pharmacology · Antiprotozoals: visceral leishmaniasis

Sample item

In the Indian programme for kala-azar elimination, which regimen is the preferred first-line option, and which oral drug is also available?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Single-dose liposomal amphotericin B, with oral miltefosine as an alternative

A single 10 mg per kg dose of liposomal amphotericin B is the first-line treatment, with combination regimens and miltefosine as other options. Miltefosine is oral but teratogenic, so contraception is required. Antimonial resistance in Bihar made stibogluconate obsolete.

Option by option

  • A. Chloroquine for 3 days

    Chloroquine is not used.

  • B. Oral metronidazole for 10 days

    Metronidazole is not active against leishmania.

  • C. Sodium stibogluconate daily for 28 days

    Antimonials are no longer used because of resistance.

  • D. Single-dose liposomal amphotericin B, with oral miltefosine as an alternative (correct)

    Correct. Single-dose liposomal amphotericin B is preferred.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pharmacology question

What is the answer to this Pharmacology question?

The best answer is D, Single-dose liposomal amphotericin B, with oral miltefosine as an alternative. A single 10 mg per kg dose of liposomal amphotericin B is the first-line treatment, with combination regimens and miltefosine as other options.

Why is "Chloroquine for 3 days" not the answer?

Chloroquine is not used.

Why is "Oral metronidazole for 10 days" not the answer?

Metronidazole is not active against leishmania.

Why is "Sodium stibogluconate daily for 28 days" not the answer?

Antimonials are no longer used because of resistance.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Antiprotozoals: visceral leishmaniasis in Pharmacology. Miltefosine is oral but teratogenic, so contraception is required. Antimonial resistance in Bihar made stibogluconate obsolete.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Antiprotozoals: visceral leishmaniasis?

Learn drugs as classes, then the exception in each class that an examiner would pick. Then use the flashcards and the other Pharmacology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.