ADC Part 1 Pharmacology: High-Yield Topics, Example Questions & Study Tips
Pharmacology carries roughly 8% of the ADC Part 1 written exam - ≈22 of 280 questions. Below: the high-yield topics to master, the classic traps that cost candidates marks, an ADC-style example question, and how to study this subject efficiently.
High-yield topics for Pharmacology
| Topic | What to focus on |
|---|---|
| Analgesia | paracetamol/ibuprofen first-line, max doses, NSAID contraindications (asthma triad, renal, ulcer) |
| Antibiotics | amoxicillin/metronidazole indications, true penicillin allergy alternatives, stewardship principles |
| Antibiotic prophylaxis | current cardiac indications (much narrower than candidates expect) |
| Local anaesthetic pharmacology | amides vs esters, vasoconstrictor cautions, max dose calculations |
| Anticoagulants & antiplatelets | warfarin INR thresholds, DOAC timing, why we usually don't stop them |
| Medical emergencies drugs | adrenaline for anaphylaxis (dose/route), GTN, salbutamol, glucose, midazolam |
| Drug interactions | NSAIDs+warfarin, metronidazole+alcohol/warfarin, adrenaline+beta-blockers |
Common areas candidates struggle with
- Australian Therapeutic Guidelines first-line choices, which differ from many home-country habits
- Antibiotic prophylaxis indications - the current criteria are much narrower than most candidates expect
- Adrenaline dose/route/concentration for anaphylaxis under pressure
- Ibuprofen contraindications - aspirin-sensitive asthma, third-trimester pregnancy, uncontrolled hypertension, chronic kidney disease
- Interaction awareness - metronidazole + alcohol/warfarin, NSAIDs + warfarin, adrenaline + non-selective beta-blockers
Classic exam traps
- Giving prophylaxis for every murmur - only specific high-risk cardiac conditions qualify under current guidance
- IM adrenaline dose for anaphylaxis: 0.5 mg (0.5 mL of 1:1000) for adults - commonly fumbled under pressure
- Prescribing antibiotics for irreversible pulpitis - it needs operative treatment, not amoxicillin
- Ibuprofen in aspirin-sensitive asthma or third-trimester pregnancy
Example ADC-style question
Question
A 45-year-old patient collapses in the dental chair shortly after receiving oral amoxicillin. She is wheezing, hypotensive and has widespread urticaria. What is the correct immediate management?
- IM adrenaline 0.15 mg (0.15 mL of 1:1000) into the anterolateral thigh
- IM adrenaline 0.5 mg (0.5 mL of 1:1000) into the anterolateral thigh
- IV adrenaline 1 mg (1 mL of 1:1000) into a peripheral vein
- IM hydrocortisone 200 mg into the deltoid
Answer: B
This is anaphylaxis. First-line management is IM adrenaline 1:1000 into the anterolateral thigh - 0.5 mg (0.5 mL) for adults, 0.15 mg for children under 6, 0.3 mg for 6-12. IV adrenaline is only used in monitored settings by trained clinicians (concentration is 1:10,000). Corticosteroids and antihistamines are second-line, not immediate.
This is one worked example. There are hundreds more scenario-based pharmacology MCQs inside the PassADC question bank - with per-option explanations on the ones that matter most.
Key concepts to revise
- Adrenaline anaphylaxis dose/route/concentration by age
- Australian Therapeutic Guidelines first-line antibiotics
- Antibiotic prophylaxis cardiac indications (current, narrow criteria)
- NSAID contraindications (asthma triad, renal, ulcer, third-trimester pregnancy)
- LA maximum doses (lidocaine, articaine, prilocaine)
- Anticoagulant management for dental procedures
- Common dental drug interactions (metronidazole+alcohol/warfarin, NSAID+warfarin)
- Emergency drugs - dose/route/indication (GTN, salbutamol, glucose, midazolam)
How to study Pharmacology for the ADC Part 1
- Learn Australian-style first-line choices (Therapeutic Guidelines logic) rather than home-country habits
- Emergency drug/dose/route flashcards - these questions are pure recall and pure marks
How to test your readiness in Pharmacology
The exam tests this subject through clinical vignettes, so practise it the same way - scenario-based MCQs with explanations, not isolated fact recall. The fastest way to know whether pharmacology is a strength or a gap is to take a diagnostic across all 10 subjects and compare your accuracy in this subject against the exam weighting.
Once you know where you stand, target the weak areas above with daily practice, review every wrong answer's explanation the same day, and sit at least two full-length timed mocks before booking the real exam.
Want to see whether pharmacology is actually one of your weak areas?
6 ADC-style questions across the top subjects. Free, instant, no credit card.
Check my ADC readinessRelated ADC Part 1 resources
Start with the ADC Part 1 preparation hub, plan the next 8 weeks with the study guide, or drill more pharmacology MCQs in the question bank. Also see the full ADC Part 1 exam format guide and how to pass ADC Part 1.
Frequently asked questions
Which patients need antibiotic prophylaxis before dental procedures?
Under current Australian and international guidance, only a narrow group of high-risk cardiac patients require prophylaxis: prosthetic heart valves, previous infective endocarditis, certain congenital heart disease, and cardiac transplant recipients with valvulopathy. The exam-correct answer is much narrower than 'any murmur or heart condition'.
What is the IM adrenaline dose for adult anaphylaxis?
0.5 mg (0.5 mL of 1:1000) intramuscularly into the anterolateral thigh. Children under 6 receive 0.15 mg, children 6-12 receive 0.3 mg. Repeat every 5 minutes as needed. IV adrenaline (different concentration 1:10,000) is reserved for monitored settings by trained clinicians.
Should ibuprofen be prescribed to an asthmatic patient?
Avoid in patients with aspirin-sensitive asthma (samter's triad - asthma, nasal polyps, aspirin sensitivity). In other asthmatics without a known NSAID sensitivity, it can generally be used with caution. Also avoid in third-trimester pregnancy, chronic kidney disease and active peptic ulcer disease.
How is pharmacology weighted on ADC Part 1?
Approximately 8% - about 22 of 280 questions. The exam emphasises Australian Therapeutic Guidelines rather than home-country habits.
Where do you actually stand?
30 questions weighted to the official ADC blueprint. Free, instant, no credit card.
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PassADC is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Australian Dental Council. Exam details change - always confirm current format and fees at adc.org.au.