Free Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm.) Pharmaceutics Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The equivalent of one apothecary pound is
- 480 grains
- 5760 grains
- 6375 grains
- 7000 grains (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 7000 grains
While an apothecary pound is traditionally equivalent to 5760 grains, the Avoirdupois pound, which is a more commonly used unit of weight in general commerce, is equivalent to 7000 grains. Given that 7000 grains is the provided correct answer, it implies the question refers to the Avoirdupois pound or a general 'pound' measurement, rather than strictly the apothecary pound. This distinction is important in different measurement systems.
Question 2: Typically, ampoules contain
- Two or three doses
- Single dose parentral product (Correct answer)
- multiple dose parental product
- none of these
Correct answer: Single dose parentral product
Ampoules are small, hermetically sealed glass containers designed to hold a single dose of a sterile liquid medication. They are primarily used for parenteral administration, such as injections, where sterility and precise dosing are critical. Once opened, the entire contents are typically used immediately to prevent contamination and ensure the full dose is administered.
Question 3: Plastic has plasticizers added to it to offer
- heat stability
- Mechanical strength
- Flexibility (Correct answer)
- none of these
Correct answer: Flexibility
Plasticizers are additives incorporated into plastic materials to enhance their flexibility, workability, and extensibility. They function by reducing the intermolecular forces between polymer chains, which makes the plastic softer and less brittle. This property is essential for pharmaceutical packaging, allowing plastics to be easily molded into various shapes and to withstand handling without cracking.
Question 4: What type of mill is used to reduce the size of fibrous material?
- cutter milll (Correct answer)
- Ball mill
- Hammer mill
- Roller mill
Correct answer: cutter milll
Cutter mills are specifically designed for the size reduction of tough, elastic, and fibrous materials. They operate by a shearing or cutting action, where rotating blades cut the material against stationary blades. This mechanism is highly effective for processing materials like crude drugs, leaves, and roots, which would otherwise deform or clog other types of mills.
Question 5: Ball mill operates on the idea that
- Impact
- Attrition
- Attrition and impact (Correct answer)
- Compression
Correct answer: Attrition and impact
A ball mill operates on the principle of both impact and attrition for particle size reduction. As the mill rotates, the grinding media (balls) are lifted and then fall, causing impact on the material. Simultaneously, the tumbling and rolling action of the balls against each other and the mill walls create shearing forces, leading to attrition. Both mechanisms are crucial for efficient comminution.
Question 6: Micrometrics focuses on the analysis of
- metric system of measurements
- small particles (Correct answer)
- Micropores
- Powders
Correct answer: small particles
Micromeritics is the science and technology dedicated to the study of small particles. It focuses on characterizing the fundamental and derived properties of individual particles and particle populations, such as particle size, shape, surface area, and porosity. This field is vital in pharmacy for understanding how these properties influence drug dissolution, bioavailability, and the manufacturing processes of powders and granules.
Question 7: Which filter is employed in the filtration of bacteria?
- Sintered glass filter
- Membrane filter (Correct answer)
- Filter paper
- none of these
Correct answer: Membrane filter
Membrane filters are widely used for sterilizing liquids by effectively removing bacteria and other microorganisms. They possess precisely controlled pore sizes, typically 0.22 micrometers or smaller, which physically block the passage of bacteria while allowing the liquid to pass through. Other filter types like sintered glass filters or filter paper generally have larger pores and are not suitable for bacterial filtration.
Question 8: Menstrual fluid is kept in touch with raw medication during the extraction process, which is known as
- percolation
- maceration (Correct answer)
- infusion
- none of these
Correct answer: maceration
Maceration is an extraction process where a coarsely powdered crude drug is soaked in a suitable solvent, known as the menstruum, in a closed container for a specified period. This allows the soluble constituents of the drug to dissolve into the menstruum. The term 'menstrual fluid' in the question is likely a typo and should refer to the menstruum, which is the solvent used for extraction.
Question 9: The percolation method is used to create belladonne tincture because of its
- therapeutic value of drug (Correct answer)
- chemical properties of constituents
- Nature of crude drug
- none of these
Correct answer: therapeutic value of drug
The percolation method is an efficient and exhaustive extraction technique, particularly well-suited for potent drugs like belladonna. This method ensures maximum recovery of the active therapeutic constituents, such as alkaloids, which is crucial for consistent therapeutic efficacy and accurate dosing. Using percolation helps in achieving a standardized and effective tincture from such valuable crude drugs.
Question 10: The tincture's drug to menstrual fluid ratio is
- 1 : 2
- 1 : 10
- 1 : 4 (Correct answer)
- 1 : 3
Correct answer: 1 : 4
The drug to menstruum ratio for tinctures can vary based on specific pharmacopoeial standards or formulations. However, a common and effective ratio for many tinctures, especially those prepared from potent drugs, is 1 part crude drug to 4 parts menstruum (1:4). This ratio ensures adequate extraction of active principles while maintaining a suitable concentration for therapeutic use.
Question 11: For separating, fractional distillation is used.
- hormones
- Volatile oils
- Immiscible liquids
- miscible liquids (Correct answer)
Correct answer: miscible liquids
Fractional distillation is a separation technique used to separate components of a liquid mixture that have different boiling points. It is particularly effective for separating miscible liquids, which are liquids that dissolve completely in each other, especially when their boiling points are relatively close. The process involves repeated vaporization and condensation cycles within a fractionating column to achieve better separation.
Question 12: Which dryer uses a very low temperature for drying?
- Rotatory dryer
- Fluidized bed dryer
- Vacuum dryer
- Sublimation dryer (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Sublimation dryer
A sublimation dryer, also known as a freeze dryer or lyophilizer, operates at very low temperatures and reduced pressure. It works by freezing the material and then subliming the ice directly into water vapor, bypassing the liquid phase. This gentle drying method is ideal for heat-sensitive materials, biological products, and pharmaceuticals, as it minimizes degradation and preserves product integrity.
Question 13: The sera are used to offer
- Natural passive immunity
- Artificial passive immunity (Correct answer)
- Artificial active immunity
- none of these
Correct answer: Artificial passive immunity
Sera (plural of serum) contain pre-formed antibodies that are derived from an immunized animal or human. When administered to an individual, these antibodies provide immediate but temporary protection against a specific pathogen or toxin. This type of immunity is termed artificial passive immunity because the body does not actively produce its own antibodies, but rather acquires them from an external source.
Question 14: Inability to fight off infections is
- Virulence
- Tolerance
- susceptibility (Correct answer)
- none of these
Correct answer: susceptibility
Susceptibility refers to the state of being vulnerable or lacking resistance to a disease or infection. When an individual is susceptible, their immune system is unable to effectively fight off invading pathogens, making them prone to developing the infection. In contrast, virulence describes the pathogen's ability to cause disease, and tolerance relates to the body's ability to endure a substance or condition without adverse reaction.
Question 15: The film coating of the tablet
- carboxy methyle cellulose
- cellulose acetate phthalate
- Cellulose
- Hydroxy propyle methyle cellulose (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Hydroxy propyle methyle cellulose
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is one of the most widely used polymers for film coating of tablets in the pharmaceutical industry. It is a water-soluble, non-toxic, and inert polymer that forms a smooth, durable, and aesthetically pleasing film. HPMC is valued for its ability to protect the tablet core, mask taste, and control drug release, making it a versatile choice for various tablet formulations.
Question 16: What substance among these may be directly crushed into a tablet?
- Salicylic acid
- Indomethacin
- Aspirin (Correct answer)
- Paracetamol
Correct answer: Aspirin
Direct compression is a tablet manufacturing method where powdered ingredients are compressed directly into tablets without prior granulation. Aspirin is well-known for its excellent compressibility and flow properties, which make it highly suitable for direct compression. Many other drugs, such as salicylic acid, indomethacin, and paracetamol, often require granulation or specific excipients to achieve adequate compression characteristics for tablet formation.
The equivalent of one apothecary pound is