Read the following paragraph carefully and answer the given questions.
Certain types of leukocytes (WBC) of our body like polymorpho-nuclear leukocytes (PMNL-neutrophils) and monocytes and natural killer (type of lymphocytes) in the blood as well as macrophages in tissues can phagocytose and destroy microbes. For determining the cause of allergy, the patient is exposed to or injected with very small doses of possible allergens, and the reactions studied. The use of drugs like anti-histamine, adrenalin and steroids quickly reduce the symptoms of allergy. Heroin, commonly called smack is chemically diacetylmorphine which is a white, odourless, bitter crystalline compound. This is obtained by acetylation of morphine. Techniques like radiography (use of X-rays), CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) are very useful to detect cancers of the internal organs. Different species of Plasmodium (P. vivax, P. malaria and P. falciparum) are responsible for different types of malaria. Of these, malignant malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum is the most serious one and can even be fatal.
Which one of the following drugs can not quickly reduce the symptoms of allergy?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Amphetamines
An allergy is an exaggerated response of the immune system to harmless substances (allergens) such as dust or pollen. Mast cells release histamine and serotonin, which cause sneezing, watery eyes, running nose and difficulty in breathing. The passage says that anti-histamine, adrenalin and steroids quickly reduce the symptoms of allergy.
Option (1) Anti-histamine — Reduces the symptoms of allergy quickly. It blocks the action of histamine, the main chemical behind the symptoms.
Option (2) Amphetamines — Does not reduce the symptoms of allergy. Amphetamines are stimulant drugs of abuse that act on the nervous system. They do nothing against an allergic reaction.
Option (3) Adrenalin — Reduces the symptoms of allergy quickly. It opens the airways and narrows the swollen blood vessels, so it is used in a severe allergic attack.
Option (4) Steroids — Reduces the symptoms of allergy quickly. Steroids suppress the inflammation caused by the immune response.
Note 1: The passage is taken from NCERT. NTA has put lines of the NCERT text together to make it. Most CUET (UG) questions come straight from NCERT, so study the book line by line, including figures and their titles.
Note 2: The same question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2025 on 30-05-2025 (Slot 1).