Endocrine drugs: 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 · Endocrine drugs

Sample item

Why should levothyroxine be separated from iron supplements?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Iron reduces levothyroxine absorption

Iron can bind levothyroxine in the gastrointestinal tract and reduce absorption, so doses are separated to maintain stable thyroid replacement.

Option by option

  • A. They form a safe combined depot

    Combined dosing is not beneficial.

  • B. Iron causes thyrotoxicosis

    Thyrotoxicosis is not the usual interaction.

  • C. Iron increases thyroid hormone synthesis

    Iron does not stimulate thyroid production.

  • D. Iron reduces levothyroxine absorption (correct)

    Correct: chelation or binding lowers absorption.

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, Iron reduces levothyroxine absorption. Iron can bind levothyroxine in the gastrointestinal tract and reduce absorption, so doses are separated to maintain stable thyroid replacement.

Why is "They form a safe combined depot" not the answer?

Combined dosing is not beneficial.

Why is "Iron causes thyrotoxicosis" not the answer?

Thyrotoxicosis is not the usual interaction.

Why is "Iron increases thyroid hormone synthesis" not the answer?

Iron does not stimulate thyroid production.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Endocrine drugs in Pharmacology. The correct option holds because: Correct: chelation or binding lowers absorption.

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 Endocrine drugs?

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.