Pharmaceutics Core: 46 MCQs with answers

The final physical form of a drug product suitable for administration to patients

A dosage form is the physical form in which a drug is presented for administration, such as tablets, capsules, or syrups.

Syrup

Syrup is a liquid dosage form, while tablets, capsules, and powders are solid dosage forms.

Ointment

Ointments are semisolid preparations intended for external application to the skin or mucous membranes.

Elixir

Elixirs are clear, sweetened hydroalcoholic solutions intended for oral use.

Tablet

A tablet is a unit dosage form because it contains a precise amount of drug for a single administration.

A coarse dispersion of insoluble solid particles in a liquid medium

A suspension is a biphasic liquid dosage form containing solid particles dispersed in a liquid vehicle.

True

Capsules are solid dosage forms where the drug is enclosed in a hard or soft gelatin shell.

It contains solid particles dispersed in a liquid.

The correct option is true because a suspension is defined as a heterogeneous mixture where solid particles are dispersed in a liquid medium.

To protect the tablet from moisture.

The correct option is true because coatings protect tablets from environmental factors like moisture and can also mask unpleasant tastes.

Tablet

The correct option is true because tablets are a common example of solid dosage forms used in pharmaceuticals.

To provide bulk to the tablet.

The correct option is true because diluents are added to increase the volume of the tablet without affecting its therapeutic effect.

A semi-solid system containing liquid and a gelling agent.

The correct option is true because gels are semi-solid systems that consist of a liquid phase and a gelling agent that provides structure.

Drying

The correct option is true because drying is not a method of tablet manufacturing, but rather a process that may be involved in preparation.

To prevent microbial growth.

The correct option is true because preservatives are added to formulations to inhibit the growth of microorganisms and extend shelf life.

Homogenization

The correct option is true because homogenization is a mechanical process used to create stable emulsions by reducing droplet size.

To stabilize the emulsion.

The correct option is true because surfactants reduce the surface tension between immiscible liquids, thus stabilizing emulsions.

It should be inert and non-reactive.

The correct option is true because an ideal excipient should be inert, ensuring it does not react with the active ingredient or affect its performance.

A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances

A solution is defined as a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances, where one substance (the solute) is dissolved in another (the solvent).

It is a semisolid preparation for external use

An ointment is a semisolid preparation designed for external application, typically used to deliver medication to the skin.

Dissolution

Dissolution is the process of dissolving a solute in a solvent to form a solution.

To increase the bulk of the tablet

A diluent is used to increase the bulk of the tablet, making it easier to handle and manufacture.

It contains solid particles dispersed in a liquid

A suspension is characterized by solid particles that are dispersed throughout a liquid medium, which may not be clear.

To hold the ingredients together

The primary function of a binder is to hold the tablet ingredients together, ensuring structural integrity.

Syrup

A syrup is a liquid dosage form that contains a concentrated solution of sugar and active ingredients.

A semisolid system that contains a liquid phase

A gel is a semisolid system that contains a liquid phase, often used for topical applications.

To prevent microbial growth

Preservatives are added to formulations to prevent microbial growth and extend the shelf life of the product.

Ability to enhance drug activity

An ideal excipient should be inert and not enhance drug activity, as its role is to facilitate the formulation without affecting the drug's efficacy.

Comminution

Comminution is the mechanical process of reducing particle size, which increases surface area and can improve dissolution.

Facilitate breakdown of the tablet into smaller particles in the GI tract

Disintegrants promote the breakup of tablets into granules or fine particles, increasing the surface area for dissolution.

Any inactive substance added to the formulation

Excipients are inactive ingredients added to aid manufacturing, stability, or administration of the drug.

It should be toxic to the patient

An ideal dosage form must be safe and non-toxic; toxicity is not a desirable characteristic.

Incorporation

Incorporation is the method of mixing a drug with a base to produce a uniform semisolid preparation.

Hold the ingredients together to form granules

Binders impart cohesiveness to the powder mixture, ensuring that tablets remain intact after compression.

Magnesium stearate

Magnesium stearate is widely used as a lubricant to prevent sticking of tablets to punches and dies.

Trituration

Trituration is a mixing or grinding process, not a sterilization method. Autoclaving, dry heat, and filtration are sterilization techniques.

False

Emulsions are kinetically stable but thermodynamically unstable, requiring emulsifying agents to maintain stability.

To promote the breakdown of the tablet into smaller particles

The primary role of a disintegrant is to facilitate the breakdown of a tablet into smaller particles upon contact with liquid, aiding in drug release.

Emulsions consist of two immiscible liquids

Emulsions are mixtures of two immiscible liquids, while suspensions involve solid particles dispersed in a liquid, which are not stable.

To act as a vehicle for drug delivery

The base in an ointment serves as a vehicle for delivering the active drug to the site of action.

Surfactants decrease the interfacial tension between the two phases

Surfactants reduce interfacial tension, facilitating the formation and stability of emulsions.

To prevent sticking during tablet compression

Lubricants are added to reduce friction and prevent sticking during the tablet compression process.

It has a three-dimensional network structure

Gels have a three-dimensional network structure that allows them to retain water, giving them their unique properties.

Stirring or shaking the mixture

Stirring or shaking helps to increase the interaction between the solute and solvent, promoting complete dissolution.

Wet granulation

Wet granulation is known for producing tablets with consistent weight and content due to the binding process that occurs during granulation.

To prevent microbial growth in the formulation

Preservatives are added to formulations to inhibit the growth of microorganisms, ensuring the safety and stability of the product.

Toxicity to the patient

An ideal excipient should be non-toxic; therefore, toxicity is NOT a characteristic of an ideal excipient.