Antimicrobials: zanamivir in asthma: 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 · Antimicrobials: zanamivir in asthma

Sample item

A 30-year-old with severe persistent asthma develops influenza. Which anti-influenza drug is generally avoided in patients with airway disease because it can cause bronchospasm?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Zanamivir

Zanamivir is delivered by inhalation and can provoke bronchospasm, so it is avoided in asthma and chronic obstructive disease. Oseltamivir, taken orally, is the usual choice.

Option by option

  • A. Oseltamivir

    Oseltamivir is oral and does not irritate the airway.

  • B. Zanamivir (correct)

    Correct. Inhaled zanamivir can precipitate bronchospasm.

  • C. Baloxavir

    Baloxavir is oral and has no inhaled airway effect.

  • D. Peramivir

    Peramivir is given intravenously and does not affect the airway directly.

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 B, Zanamivir. Zanamivir is delivered by inhalation and can provoke bronchospasm, so it is avoided in asthma and chronic obstructive disease.

Why is "Oseltamivir" not the answer?

Oseltamivir is oral and does not irritate the airway.

Why is "Baloxavir" not the answer?

Baloxavir is oral and has no inhaled airway effect.

Why is "Peramivir" not the answer?

Peramivir is given intravenously and does not affect the airway directly.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Antimicrobials: zanamivir in asthma in Pharmacology. Oseltamivir, taken orally, is the usual choice.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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 Antimicrobials: zanamivir in asthma?

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.