Compounding Flashcards
7 cards from real Pharmacy practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Compounding flashcards as text
Which emulsifying agent is an example of a cationic surfactant used in compounding?
Answer: Benzalkonium chloride
Benzalkonium chloride is a cationic (positively charged) quaternary ammonium surfactant also used for its antimicrobial properties.
A compounded preparation is described as a 'W/O emulsion.' This means:
Answer: Water is the dispersed phase and oil is the continuous phase
In a W/O (water-in-oil) emulsion, water droplets are dispersed within the oil continuous phase.
Which pH range is generally considered most appropriate for a compounded ophthalmic preparation to minimize irritation?
Answer: 6.5–7.5
The tear film pH is approximately 7.4, so ophthalmic preparations are buffered to a pH of 6.5–7.5 to minimize irritation.
A 503B outsourcing facility differs from a 503A compounding pharmacy primarily because 503B facilities:
Answer: May compound without patient-specific prescriptions in larger quantities for office stock
503B outsourcing facilities may produce larger batches for office stock without patient-specific prescriptions but must register with the FDA and follow CGMP standards.
When compounding a transdermal gel using PLO (Pluronic Lecithin Organogel), the lecithin component serves primarily as:
Answer: A penetration enhancer that increases skin permeation
Lecithin in PLO gels acts as a penetration enhancer by interacting with skin lipids to facilitate transdermal drug delivery.
Which type of balance is required when weighing quantities less than 120 mg in a pharmacy compounding setting?
Answer: Electronic analytical balance
An electronic analytical balance capable of measuring below 120 mg with appropriate sensitivity is required when quantities fall below the minimum weighable quantity of a Class A balance.
Stability testing during compounding quality assurance most commonly evaluates which parameters? (Select the best answer)
Answer: Color, odor, pH, and drug concentration over time
Comprehensive stability testing evaluates physical (color, odor, appearance), chemical (pH, drug concentration), and microbiological parameters over the assigned BUD period.