Pharmacology · Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics

A non-competitive antagonist differs from a competitive antagonist in that it:

  • A Shifts the agonist dose-response curve to the right without changing Emax
  • B Binds irreversibly or at an allosteric site, reducing the maximal response of the agonist
  • C Can be overcome by increasing the agonist concentration
  • D Increases the EC50 of the agonist without affecting efficacy
Correct answer: B. Binds irreversibly or at an allosteric site, reducing the maximal response of the agonist

Explanation

A non-competitive antagonist either binds irreversibly to the agonist site or binds an allosteric site, reducing the number of functional receptors or the receptor-effector coupling. This decreases the maximal response (Emax) of the agonist, and the effect cannot be overcome by increasing agonist concentration. Phenoxybenzamine at alpha-adrenergic receptors is the classic example.

Reference: Katzung and Trevor's Pharmacology: Examination and Board Review, 13th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.

Sponsored

Want to test yourself?

Create a free account for timed mock tests, mistake tracking, and FSRS spaced-repetition revision across 43,000+ MCQs.

Start free → Log in

More Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics MCQs

See all Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics MCQs →