Formulation & Preparation

What is 'extemporaneous dispensing' in pharmacy?

• ADispensing pre-made medicines
• BPreparing medicines from raw materials on request by a pharmacist✓
• CEmergency supply only
• DWholesale manufacturing

Answer: Extemporaneous dispensing involves preparing medicines from ingredients to meet individual patient needs, typically liquids or creams.

What does 'aseptic preparation' mean?

• APreparing medicine without a prescription
• BUsing sterile technique to prepare medicines free from contamination (e.g., IV preparations, eye drops)✓
• CPreparing at home
• DRapid preparation

Answer: Aseptic preparation uses sterile techniques and environments to ensure medicines are free from microbial contamination.

Which piece of equipment is essential for aseptic preparation in a community pharmacy?

• AMortar and pestle
• BLaminar flow hood or aseptic workstation✓
• CWeighing scales
• DBeakers

Answer: Laminar flow hoods (or isolators) provide a sterile environment and are essential for aseptic preparations.

What is 'stability' of a medicine?

• AIts taste
• BIts ability to maintain its strength and characteristics when stored✓
• CIts price
• DIts packaging

Answer: Stability refers to the physical and chemical integrity of a medicine during storage under specified conditions.

What do 'ICH stability guidelines' define?

• AInternational pricing
• BInternational standards for storage conditions and testing of medicines (temperature, humidity, light)✓
• CNHS regulations
• DPharmacy staff training

Answer: International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines establish conditions for stability testing of medicines globally.

What is an 'expiry date' on a medicine?

• AThe date the pharmacy received it
• BThe date after which the medicine should no longer be used due to loss of potency or safety✓
• CWhen to reorder stock
• DThe manufacturing date

Answer: Expiry dates indicate when a medicine's safety and efficacy can no longer be guaranteed. Medicines must not be used after expiry.

How should insulin be stored once it has been opened and in use?

• ARoom temperature away from light
• BRefrigerated
• CRoom temperature for up to 28 days✓
• DIn a freezer

Answer: Once opened, insulin should be stored at room temperature away from direct heat/light for up to 28 days. Unopened insulin is refrigerated.

What is a 'preservative' in pharmaceutical preparations?

• AA flavouring agent
• BA substance that prevents microbial growth and degradation during storage✓
• CA sweetener
• DAn active ingredient

Answer: Preservatives (e.g., benzyl alcohol, phenol) inhibit microbial growth in multi-dose preparations, extending shelf life.

What is a 'suspension' in pharmaceutical formulations?

• AA liquid medicine
• BA mixture of insoluble particles dispersed in a liquid✓
• CA solid dosage form
• DA gas dissolved in liquid

Answer: A suspension is a liquid formulation where solid particles are distributed but not dissolved (e.g., amoxicillin suspension). Must be shaken before use.

What is a 'solution' in pharmaceutical formulations?

• AA mixture of particles
• BA homogeneous liquid where the active ingredient is dissolved✓
• CA solid form
• DA powder

Answer: A solution is a clear liquid where an ingredient is completely dissolved at a molecular level (e.g., paracetamol liquid).

What is an 'emulsion' in pharmaceutical preparations?

• AA powder form
• BA mixture of two immiscible liquids with an emulsifier to keep them dispersed✓
• CA tablet
• DA solution

Answer: Emulsions contain oil and water mixed with emulsifying agents (e.g., liquid paraffin emulsion). They separate if not mixed well.

What is 'particle size' important for in solid formulations?

• AAppearance only
• BAffecting absorption, dissolution, and bioavailability✓
• CCost reduction
• DManufacturing speed

Answer: Smaller particle size increases surface area, improving dissolution rate and bioavailability of drugs.