GENERAL PHARMACOLOGY MCQ AND NPC EXAM DAILY SERIES 27

DAILY PRACTICE SERIES 

[General Pharmacology]

1. Which equation is used to predict the

stability of a drug product at room temperature from experiments at accelerated temperature?

(a) The stokes equation

(b) The Yong equation

(c) The Arrhenius equation

(d) The Michaelis – Menten equation

2. Based on the relation between the degree of ionization and the solubility of a weak acid, the drug aspirin (pKa 3.49) will be most soluble at

(a) pH 1.0 

(b) pH 2.0

(c) pH 3.0 

(d) pH 6.0

3. The particle size of the dispersed solid in a suspension is usually greater than

(a) 0.5 µm 

(b) 0.4 µm

(c) 0.3 µm 

(d) 0.2 µm

4. In the extemporaneous preparation of a Suspension, levigation is used to

(a) Reduce the zeta potential

(b) Avoid bacterial growth

(c) Reduce particle size

(d) Enhance viscosity

5. Active transport differs from facilitated transport in following ways, except

(a) Carrier is involved

(b) It is against concentration gradient

(c) Energy is required

(d) All of the above

6. Vanishing cream is an ointment that may be classified as

(a) A water –soluble base

(b) An oleaginous base

(c) An absorption base

(d) An emulsion base

7. Rectal suppositories intended for adult use usually weigh approximately

(a) 1g

(b) 2g

(c) 3g

(d) 4g

8. In the fusion method of making cocoa butter suppositories,which substance is most likely to be used to lubricate the mold?

(a) Mineral oil 

(b) Propylene glycol

(c) Cetyl alcohol 

(d) Stearic acid

9. A very fine powdered chemical is defined as one that

(a) Completely passes through a # 80 sieve

(b) Completely passes through a # 120 sieve

(c) Completely passes through a # 20 sieve

(d) Passes through a # 60 sieve and not more than 40% through a # 100 sieve

10. Which technique is typically used to mill camphor?

(a) Trituration

(b) Levigation

(c) Pulverization and intervention

(d) Geometric dilution

11. Which type of paper best protects a

divided hygroscopic powder?

(a) Waxed paper 

(b) Glassine

(c) White bond 

(d) Blue bond

12. Which capsule size has the smallest

capacity?

(a) 5

(b) 4

(c) 1

(d) 000

[For more information about capsule dossage form(notes on capsule dosssage form), please click on "view note"button]

13. The shells of soft gelatin capsules may be made elastic or plastic–like by the

addition of

(a) Sorbitol

(b) Povidone

(c) Polyethylene glycol

(d) Lactose

14. Non-ionic surface-active agents used as synthetic emulsifiers include

(a) Tragacanth

(b) Sodium lauryl sulphate

(c) Sorbitan esters(spans)

15. A ceramic mortar may be preferable to a glass mortar when

(a) A volatile oil is added to a powder mixture

(b) Colored substances (dyes) are mixed into a powder

(c) Comminution is desired in addition to mixing

1. What is the Arrhenius equation, and how does it relate to drug stability?

The Arrhenius equation is used to predict the stability of a drug at room temperature based on accelerated stability studies conducted at higher temperatures. It helps estimate the shelf life of pharmaceutical products.

2. Why is aspirin (pKa 3.49) more soluble at pH 6.0?

Aspirin, a weak acid, is more ionized at higher pH levels (above its pKa), making it more water-soluble. At pH 6.0, it exists mostly in its ionized form, increasing solubility.

3. What is the typical particle size of a dispersed solid in a pharmaceutical suspension?

The particle size of a dispersed solid in a suspension is usually greater than 0.5 µm.

4. What is levigation, and why is it used in suspensions?

Levigation is the process of reducing particle size using a non-solvent liquid to create a smooth paste. It helps in uniform dispersion of the drug in suspensions.

5. What is the key difference between active transport and facilitated transport?

Active transport requires energy (ATP) to move substances against their concentration gradient, while facilitated transport does not require energy and relies on carrier proteins.

6. Why is vanishing cream classified as an emulsion base?

Vanishing creams are oil-in-water emulsions that leave little to no residue after application, hence the name "vanishing cream."

7. What is the typical weight of rectal suppositories for adults?

Rectal suppositories for adults usually weigh approximately 2g.

8. Why is mineral oil used to lubricate suppository molds in the fusion method?

Mineral oil prevents the suppositories from sticking to the mold, allowing easy removal.

9. What defines a "very fine powder" in pharmaceutical terms?

A very fine powder completely passes through a #120 sieve.

10. What technique is used for milling camphor?

Pulverization by intervention is typically used, where camphor is dissolved in alcohol, then triturated to obtain fine particles.

11. What type of paper best protects hygroscopic powders?

Waxed paper is best because it provides moisture resistance.

12. Which capsule size has the smallest capacity?

Size 5 has the smallest capacity.

13. What makes soft gelatin capsules elastic?

The addition of sorbitol makes soft gelatin capsule shells more elastic and flexible.

14. What are common non-ionic synthetic emulsifiers used in pharmaceutical formulations?

Sorbitan esters (Spans) are commonly used as non-ionic emulsifiers in pharmaceutical emulsions.

15. Why is a ceramic mortar preferred over a glass mortar in some cases?

A ceramic mortar provides better comminution (size reduction) for mixing powders, especially when working with volatile oils or dyes.