Formulation Additives & Role MCQs With Answer

Introduction: This collection of MCQs on Formulation Additives & Role is tailored for M.Pharm students studying MIP 102T – Pharmaceutical Formulation Development. It focuses on the functional roles, selection criteria, mechanisms of action, and compatibility considerations of common excipients used in solid, liquid, and semisolid dosage forms. The questions probe deeper than surface definitions, covering physicochemical rationale—such as HLB, glass transition, and ionic interactions—practical examples like specific polymers and surfactants, and regulatory‑relevant implications for stability and performance. Use these questions to test knowledge, prepare for exams, and reinforce decision-making in formulation design.

Q1. Which excipient is primarily used as a matrix former for sustained-release oral tablets due to its hydrophilic gel-forming properties?

• Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)
• Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)
• Magnesium stearate
• Croscarmellose sodium

Correct Answer: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)

Q2. Which additive is commonly used as a lubricant in tablet manufacture and can cause hydrophobic film formation leading to reduced tablet dissolution if overused?

• Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)
• Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
• Magnesium stearate
• Tartaric acid

Correct Answer: Magnesium stearate

Q3. Which disintegrant acts primarily by swelling and wicking to facilitate tablet breakup in aqueous media?

• Croscarmellose sodium
• Stearic acid
• Propylene glycol
• Sodium metabisulfite

Correct Answer: Croscarmellose sodium

Q4. Which surfactant is nonionic and commonly used to improve wetting and solubilization in oral and topical formulations with relatively low irritation potential?

• Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80)
• Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
• Lauryl sulfate
• Benzalkonium chloride

Correct Answer: Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80)

Q5. What is the primary role of a plasticizer in film-coated tablets or transdermal patches?

• Increase disintegration time
• Reduce polymer glass transition temperature to improve flexibility
• Act as a preservative to inhibit microbial growth
• Increase tablet hardness by particle binding

Correct Answer: Reduce polymer glass transition temperature to improve flexibility

Q6. Which excipient is commonly used as a humectant and sweetening agent in oral syrups that also helps maintain viscosity?

• Mannitol
• Glyceryl monostearate
• Sorbitol
• Talc

Correct Answer: Sorbitol

Q7. Which class of additives is included specifically to prevent oxidation of susceptible drug substances?

• Antioxidants (e.g., BHT, ascorbic acid)
• Suspending agents (e.g., xanthan gum)
• Buffers (e.g., phosphate buffers)
• Plasticizers (e.g., PEG)

Correct Answer: Antioxidants (e.g., BHT, ascorbic acid)

Q8. Which excipient is an effective chelating agent used to complex trace metal ions that catalyze oxidative degradation?

• Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)
• Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC)
• Sodium chloride
• Polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400)

Correct Answer: Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)

Q9. For parenteral formulations, which tonicity-adjusting agent is often preferred because it is isotonic, non-crystallizing, and well tolerated?

• Glycerol
• Sodium chloride
• Mannitol
• Sorbitol

Correct Answer: Mannitol

Q10. Which suspending agent is a natural polysaccharide frequently used in oral and topical suspensions for its high viscosity at low concentration?

• Xanthan gum
• Poloxamer 407
• Calcium stearate
• Magnesium carbonate

Correct Answer: Xanthan gum

Q11. Which property of surfactants is quantified by the HLB (hydrophilic–lipophilic balance) value and guides selection for emulsification?

• Melting point
• Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance determining affinity for oil or water phases
• Viscosity in aqueous solution
• Degree of ionization at physiological pH

Correct Answer: Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance determining affinity for oil or water phases

Q12. Which polymer is commonly used as a binder in wet granulation and has good solubility in water and alcohol mixtures?

• Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC)
• Polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone, PVP K30)
• Sodium starch glycolate
• Hydrogenated vegetable oil

Correct Answer: Polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone, PVP K30)

Q13. Which additive class is selected to adjust pH to optimize drug solubility and chemical stability?

• Buffers (e.g., citrate, phosphate)
• Lubricants (e.g., stearic acid)
• Glidants (e.g., colloidal silica)
• Colorants

Correct Answer: Buffers (e.g., citrate, phosphate)

Q14. In lipid-based formulations, which excipient often acts as both solubilizer and penetration enhancer for poorly water‑soluble drugs?

• PEG 400
• Magnesium stearate
• Microcrystalline cellulose
• Talc

Correct Answer: PEG 400

Q15. Which excipient is frequently used as a glidant to improve powder flow by reducing interparticle friction?

• Colloidal silicon dioxide (Aerosil)
• Sucrose
• Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)
• Potassium sorbate

Correct Answer: Colloidal silicon dioxide (Aerosil)

Q16. Which preservative is commonly used in ophthalmic and nasal aqueous formulations for its cationic surfactant antimicrobial activity?

• Benzalkonium chloride
• Methylparaben
• EDTA
• Citric acid

Correct Answer: Benzalkonium chloride

Q17. Which excipient type is primarily incorporated into effervescent tablets to promote rapid disintegration through gas generation?

• Combination of acid (e.g., citric acid) and carbonate (e.g., sodium bicarbonate)
• Crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone
• Hydrophobic waxes
• Magnesium stearate alone

Correct Answer: Combination of acid (e.g., citric acid) and carbonate (e.g., sodium bicarbonate)

Q18. Which excipient is most suitable for taste-masking bitter drugs by forming inclusion complexes and improving aqueous solubility?

• Cyclodextrins (e.g., β-cyclodextrin)
• Stearic acid
• Silica gel
• Microcrystalline cellulose

Correct Answer: Cyclodextrins (e.g., β-cyclodextrin)

Q19. When selecting an excipient, which compatibility concern is most commonly assessed during preformulation?

• Physical and chemical interactions between drug and excipient leading to degradation or altered performance
• The color preference of marketing team
• Availability of excipient in small retail stores
• Manufacturer’s logo on excipient packaging

Correct Answer: Physical and chemical interactions between drug and excipient leading to degradation or altered performance

Q20. Which excipient function is critical in suspensions to prevent rapid sedimentation and to allow redispersion upon shaking?

• Sedimentation control using structured vehicle (e.g., flocculating agents and viscosity modifiers)
• Use of strong organic solvents to dissolve API completely
• Incorporation of large weight fillers to increase density
• Removal of all electrolytes from the formulation

Correct Answer: Sedimentation control using structured vehicle (e.g., flocculating agents and viscosity modifiers)

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