Fibrinolytics: streptokinase: 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 · Fibrinolytics: streptokinase

Sample item

A patient previously treated with streptokinase has another ST-elevation myocardial infarction six months later. Why is streptokinase generally avoided now?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Neutralising antibodies may reduce efficacy and increase allergic reactions

Streptokinase is antigenic because it is derived from streptococci. Prior exposure can produce antibodies, making repeat use less effective and more likely to cause hypersensitivity.

Option by option

  • A. It cannot activate plasminogen

    It forms a complex that activates plasminogen.

  • B. It permanently inhibits platelet COX-1

    Aspirin, not streptokinase, irreversibly inhibits platelet COX-1.

  • C. It causes vitamin K deficiency

    It does not interfere with vitamin K metabolism.

  • D. Neutralising antibodies may reduce efficacy and increase allergic reactions (correct)

    Correct. Antigenicity is the key limitation of repeat streptokinase use.

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.

More Pharmacology questions

Questions about this Pharmacology question

What is the answer to this Pharmacology question?

The best answer is D, Neutralising antibodies may reduce efficacy and increase allergic reactions. Streptokinase is antigenic because it is derived from streptococci.

Why is "It cannot activate plasminogen" not the answer?

It forms a complex that activates plasminogen.

Why is "It permanently inhibits platelet COX-1" not the answer?

Aspirin, not streptokinase, irreversibly inhibits platelet COX-1.

Why is "It causes vitamin K deficiency" not the answer?

It does not interfere with vitamin K metabolism.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fibrinolytics: streptokinase in Pharmacology. Prior exposure can produce antibodies, making repeat use less effective and more likely to cause hypersensitivity.

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 Fibrinolytics: streptokinase?

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.