Question 44

Cetirizine and loratadine may be considered duplication therapy.

Duplication therapy occurs when two medications in the same class are prescribed, potentially leading to increased side effects without added therapeutic benefit. Cetirizine and loratadine are both antihistamines used to treat allergies, making their concurrent use an example of duplication therapy.

A) Hydralazine and loratadine

Hydralazine is an antihypertensive medication, while loratadine is an antihistamine. These medications serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes, so they do not represent duplication therapy.

B) Cetirizine and loratadine

Both cetirizine and loratadine are second-generation antihistamines that treat allergic symptoms. Using them together does not provide additional benefit and increases the risk of side effects, thus classifying this combination as duplication therapy.

C) Famotidine and cetirizine

Famotidine is a medication used to reduce stomach acid, while cetirizine is an antihistamine. These drugs target different conditions, and their use together does not constitute duplication therapy.

D) Hydralazine and famotidine

This combination includes hydralazine, an antihypertensive, and famotidine, a medication for acid reduction. Since they belong to different therapeutic classes and address separate medical issues, this is not an example of duplication therapy.

Conclusion

Cetirizine and loratadine represent duplication therapy because they are both antihistamines with similar effects and uses. The other options do not fit this definition, as they involve medications from different classes or treat different conditions, thereby avoiding the potential pitfalls associated with duplicated therapy.