Indiana Qualified Medication Assistant (QMA) State Practice Exam

Which medication is classified as an adrenergic blocker?

1. Aspirin

2. Aldomet

3. Aricept

4. Ibuprofen

The correct answer is: Aldomet

The medication classified as an adrenergic blocker is Aldomet. Adrenergic blockers, also known as beta-blockers or alpha-blockers, work by inhibiting the action of catecholamines like adrenaline. This helps to lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, and decrease the workload on the heart, making them valuable in managing conditions such as hypertension and certain types of heart disease. In this context, Aldomet (methyldopa) primarily acts as a centrally acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, which ultimately leads to a reduction in sympathetic outflow, therefore acting as an effective antihypertensive agent, particularly in pregnancy. It works by stimulating alpha-2 receptors in the brain, causing a decrease in sympathetic activity and a resulting decrease in blood pressure. The other medications listed do not have the adrenergic blocking effect. Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication that primarily works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes to reduce pain and inflammation. Aricept is primarily used to manage symptoms of Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, thereby increasing levels of acetylcholine in the brain. Ibuprofen is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation,