Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Concepts in Pharmacology

B3 · Variability of Drug Response

B3.i · Adverse Drug Reactions

Official V5 objective
Classify and describe adverse drug reactions.
3 SAQ topics 4 SAQ appearances 1 VIVA station

Written examination

SAQ history

4 appearances
Adverse Drug Reactions
2 exam appearances
Classify and describe adverse drug reactions with examples of each
44%
What is an adverse drug reaction? Classify (with drug examples) the different types.
10%
Compare and contrast the pharmacodynamics of haloperidol, olanzapine, and quetiapine, relevant to their use in intensive care, using the following headings: a) primary mechanism of action (25% of marks). b) extrapyramidal side effects (15% of marks). c) other receptor mediated effects (30% of marks). d) cardiac toxicity (15% of marks). e) idiosyncratic adverse effects (15% of marks).
21.7%
Describe the physiological basis of the effects seen in the serotonin syndrome (80% marks). List the classes of drugs that may cause the serotonin syndrome (20% marks).
70%

Oral examination

VIVA history

1 station

Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.