Which of the following is classified as a low-potency D2 antagonist?

Explore the USMLE Step 3 Drug MOA Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

Chlorpromazine is classified as a low-potency D2 antagonist, primarily used as an antipsychotic medication. The low potency of chlorpromazine means that it requires a higher dose to achieve the desired antipsychotic effects compared to high-potency antipsychotics. Chlorpromazine works by blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the central nervous system, which helps in alleviating symptoms of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.

Due to its low potency, chlorpromazine is more likely to cause sedation and has a higher incidence of anticholinergic side effects compared to high-potency D2 antagonists like haloperidol and fluphenazine. These two medications are examples of high-potency antipsychotics that are more selective for D2 receptor blockade and typically have fewer sedative effects at therapeutic dosages.

Risperidone, while an atypical antipsychotic, is not classified under the same category of low-potency D2 antagonists. Instead, it has a more complex mechanism of action, which includes both dopamine and serotonin receptor antagonism, making it more effective for a broader range of symptoms, including mood stabilization.

In summary, chlorpromazine is recognized for its classification as a low-potency

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