Alphabetical classification of drugs MCQs With Answer is a concise, practical approach for B. Pharm students to locate drug information quickly by generic names. This system emphasizes standardized nomenclature (INN), generic versus brand names, and listing drugs in A–Z order for rapid reference during dispensing, inventory, and exam preparation. Understanding strengths and limitations—such as ease of lookup versus reduced insight into pharmacological relationships—helps students apply alphabetical lists alongside therapeutic and chemical classifications. Key keywords: Alphabetical classification of drugs, MCQs, B. Pharm students, INN, generic names, drug index, therapeutic categories, pharmaceutical nomenclature. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.
Q1. What is the primary purpose of an alphabetical classification of drugs?
- To provide a quick reference by generic name
- To group drugs strictly by therapeutic action
- To classify drugs by chemical structure
- To establish clinical treatment protocols
Correct Answer: To provide a quick reference by generic name
Q2. Which is a key advantage of alphabetical drug lists for pharmacy practice?
- They automatically indicate drug interactions
- They facilitate fast retrieval of drug information
- They rank drugs by clinical effectiveness
- They substitute for therapeutic classification
Correct Answer: They facilitate fast retrieval of drug information
Q3. Alphabetical classification typically organizes drugs by which name?
- Generic (INN) name
- Brand name only
- Chemical name only
- Manufacturer name
Correct Answer: Generic (INN) name
Q4. What is a primary limitation of alphabetical classification?
- It always mislabels drug strengths
- It does not group drugs by pharmacological class
- It is only usable for controlled substances
- It eliminates the need for therapeutic guidelines
Correct Answer: It does not group drugs by pharmacological class
Q5. When consulting an alphabetical drug index, cross-references are most important for which items?
- Synonyms and brand names
- Tablet colors only
- Pharmacy opening hours
- Manufacturer addresses
Correct Answer: Synonyms and brand names
Q6. What does INN stand for in drug nomenclature?
- International Nonproprietary Name
- Internal Nomenclature Number
- Indexed National Name
- International Numbering of Nomenclature
Correct Answer: International Nonproprietary Name
Q7. Why is the INN preferred in alphabetical drug lists?
- It reduces brand name confusion and standardizes names
- It is shorter than chemical names in all cases
- It lists the manufacturer for each drug
- It ranks drugs by cost
Correct Answer: It reduces brand name confusion and standardizes names
Q8. Which drug would appear under the letter ‘A’ in an alphabetical list?
- Amlodipine
- Metoprolol
- Ondansetron
- Prednisone
Correct Answer: Amlodipine
Q9. Which drug listed under ‘C’ is an ACE inhibitor?
- Captopril
- Clonazepam
- Ceftriaxone
- Cyclosporine
Correct Answer: Captopril
Q10. Alphabetical classification is least useful for identifying which of the following?
- Pharmacodynamic similarities between drugs
- Location of a drug on a shelf labeled by name
- Exact spelling of a generic name
- Quick lookup of dosage forms
Correct Answer: Pharmacodynamic similarities between drugs
Q11. For formulary design and treatment pathways, which classification is generally more useful than alphabetical?
- Therapeutic classification
- Manufacturer classification
- Color-based classification
- Alphabetical-by-brand classification
Correct Answer: Therapeutic classification
Q12. The suffix ‘-pril’ most commonly indicates which drug class?
- ACE inhibitors
- Beta blockers
- Proton pump inhibitors
- Antifungals
Correct Answer: ACE inhibitors
Q13. Typical entries in an alphabetical drug index include which of the following elements?
- Generic name, dosage form, and strength
- Only the brand names
- Manufacturer profit margins
- Physician prescribing rates
Correct Answer: Generic name, dosage form, and strength
Q14. Where would Omeprazole be listed in an alphabetical drug index?
- Under the letter O
- Under the letter P
- Under the letter M
- Under the letter Z
Correct Answer: Under the letter O
Q15. Which of the following is a beta-lactam antibiotic that would appear under ‘A’?
- Ampicillin
- Azithromycin
- Amiodarone
- Atenolol
Correct Answer: Ampicillin
Q16. Does using an alphabetical drug list help reduce dispensing errors by enabling quick name verification?
- Yes, it enables quick name verification
- No, it increases dispensing errors
- Only for pediatric drugs
- Only for injectable drugs
Correct Answer: Yes, it enables quick name verification
Q17. Which is a disadvantage of relying solely on alphabetical classification in clinical decision-making?
- It may obscure important therapeutic relationships and interactions
- It guarantees the most cost-effective option
- It automatically suggests dosage adjustments
- It highlights evidence-based first-line agents
Correct Answer: It may obscure important therapeutic relationships and interactions
Q18. Which resource typically uses an alphabetical listing of drug names?
- Drug index or pharmacopeial index
- Clinical practice guideline flowchart
- Therapeutic class monograph only
- Manufacturer’s internal R&D database only
Correct Answer: Drug index or pharmacopeial index
Q19. How are combination drugs commonly listed in alphabetical indices?
- By the principal or first active ingredient
- By the last ingredient alphabetically
- Only under brand names
- They are never listed in alphabetical indices
Correct Answer: By the principal or first active ingredient
Q20. Which drug appears under ‘S’ and is classified as an SSRI?
- Sertraline
- Spironolactone
- Sodium chloride
- Sucralfate
Correct Answer: Sertraline
Q21. Alphabetical classification is essential for which routine pharmacy activity?
- Dispensing and shelf organization
- Designing clinical trial protocols
- Determining drug patents
- Performing chemical synthesis
Correct Answer: Dispensing and shelf organization
Q22. Which of the following antihypertensive drugs would be listed under ‘L’?
- Losartan
- Lidocaine
- Levofloxacin
- Loratadine
Correct Answer: Losartan
Q23. Paracetamol, commonly found under ‘P’, belongs to which therapeutic class?
- Analgesic and antipyretic
- Anticoagulant
- Antipsychotic
- Antiviral
Correct Answer: Analgesic and antipyretic
Q24. The suffix ‘-olol’ commonly identifies which class of drugs?
- Beta blockers
- ACE inhibitors
- Calcium channel blockers
- Proton pump inhibitors
Correct Answer: Beta blockers
Q25. Which of the following proton pump inhibitors would appear under ‘E’?
- Esomeprazole
- Enalapril
- Erythromycin
- Escitalopram
Correct Answer: Esomeprazole
Q26. Why is the generic name preferred in alphabetical lists over brand names?
- It minimizes confusion caused by multiple brand names
- It increases the market price of drugs
- It lists only expired drugs
- It displays manufacturer profit margins
Correct Answer: It minimizes confusion caused by multiple brand names
Q27. Alphabetical classification alone is insufficient for selecting first-line therapy because:
- It does not indicate efficacy or guideline recommendations
- It always lists older drugs first
- It mandates specific dosing regimens
- It includes only over-the-counter drugs
Correct Answer: It does not indicate efficacy or guideline recommendations
Q28. Which antifungal drug listed under ‘F’ is commonly used systemically?
- Fluconazole
- Furosemide
- Famotidine
- Fluphenazine
Correct Answer: Fluconazole
Q29. Which of the following statins appears under ‘A’?
- Atorvastatin
- Rosuvastatin
- Simvastatin
- Pravastatin
Correct Answer: Atorvastatin
Q30. What is a best practice when using alphabetical classification alongside other systems?
- Cross-reference the alphabetical entry with therapeutic and interaction data
- Use alphabetical lists as the sole guide for therapy selection
- Ignore INN and rely only on brand names
- Never consult interaction checkers if the drug is alphabetized
Correct Answer: Cross-reference the alphabetical entry with therapeutic and interaction data
I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.
Mail- Sachin@pharmacyfreak.com