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Question 480
Pharmacology → General
Classification
Question
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A hypnotic is required for a patient whose principal problem is early-morning insomnia. Which option has the pharmacological profile associated with this indication but may produce a hangover effect?
Question Stem
Select the single best answer.
Options
A
Temazepam
B
Oxazepam
C
Triazolam
D
Lorazepam
E
Nitrazepam
Explanation
Nitrazepam and flurazepam are long-acting hypnotics used for early-morning insomnia, although their prolonged action may cause a hangover effect. Oxazepam, temazepam and triazolam are short-acting hypnotics.
Option Validity
A) Temazepam is a short-acting hypnotic.
B) Oxazepam is a short-acting hypnotic.
C) Triazolam is a short-acting hypnotic.
D) Lorazepam is included among benzodiazepines used as anxiolytics rather than the long-acting hypnotics identified for early-morning insomnia.
Further Reading
Saxena R. Textbook for MRCOG-1. Chapter 12: Pharmacology. Hypnotics, Sedatives and Anxiolytics, p.345.