Classification and definitions of dosage forms MCQs With Answer

Introduction: Understanding the classification and definitions of dosage forms is essential for B. Pharm students to ensure accurate dispensing, patient safety, and optimal therapeutic outcomes. Dosage forms are categorized by physical state (solid, semisolid, liquid), route of administration (oral, parenteral, topical, ophthalmic, inhalation, rectal, vaginal), and release characteristics (immediate, sustained, controlled, delayed). Key concepts include solutions, suspensions, emulsions, syrups, elixirs, tablets, capsules, ointments, creams, gels, pastes, aerosols, transdermal patches, suppositories, and implants. Mastery of excipients, bioavailability, sterility, tonicity, and stability underpins proper formulation and selection for clinical use. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.

Q1. Which statement best defines a dosage form?

• The physical form in which a drug is produced and dispensed, with excipients to facilitate administration
• The chemical structure of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API)
• The packaging material used to store the medicine
• A medical device used to deliver the drug

Correct Answer: The physical form in which a drug is produced and dispensed, with excipients to facilitate administration

Q2. Which of the following is classified as a semisolid dosage form?

• Ointment
• Syrup
• Elixir
• Tincture

Correct Answer: Ointment

Q3. What is the defining characteristic of a suspension?

• A biphasic system of insoluble solid particles dispersed in a liquid vehicle
• A clear, one-phase solution of solute in solvent
• A mixture of two miscible liquids in equal proportions
• A sweetened hydroalcoholic oral liquid

Correct Answer: A biphasic system of insoluble solid particles dispersed in a liquid vehicle

Q4. An emulsion is best described as:

• A system of two immiscible liquids stabilized by an emulsifying agent
• A saturated aqueous solution of sucrose
• A dry blend of drug and excipients for reconstitution
• A sterile powder for injection

Correct Answer: A system of two immiscible liquids stabilized by an emulsifying agent

Q5. Which statement correctly describes an elixir?

• A clear, sweetened hydroalcoholic oral preparation
• A highly viscous sugar-based solution without alcohol
• An oily semisolid intended for rectal administration
• A dispersed system of gas in a liquid

Correct Answer: A clear, sweetened hydroalcoholic oral preparation

Q6. Enteric-coated tablets are designed to:

• Resist disintegration in gastric fluid but dissolve in intestinal fluid
• Disintegrate rapidly in the stomach for faster action
• Increase palatability by masking taste
• Improve dissolution by micronizing the drug

Correct Answer: Resist disintegration in gastric fluid but dissolve in intestinal fluid

Q7. Which dosage form is designed to release the drug at a predetermined, controlled rate?

• Controlled-release system
• Immediate-release tablet
• Effervescent granules
• Chewable tablet

Correct Answer: Controlled-release system

Q8. A buccal tablet is intended to:

• Be placed between the gum and cheek for mucosal absorption
• Be swallowed for gastric absorption
• Be inserted into the rectum for local action only
• Be inhaled for pulmonary deposition

Correct Answer: Be placed between the gum and cheek for mucosal absorption

Q9. Which statement best defines a suppository?

• A solid dosage form intended for insertion into the rectum where it melts or dissolves
• A semisolid applied to the skin for occlusive effect
• A hydroalcoholic solution for oral use
• A sterile ophthalmic solution

Correct Answer: A solid dosage form intended for insertion into the rectum where it melts or dissolves

Q10. A pessary is a dosage form intended for:

• Vaginal administration
• Otic administration
• Parenteral administration
• Subcutaneous implantation

Correct Answer: Vaginal administration

Q11. Which is a key disadvantage of oral solutions compared to tablets?

• Lower chemical stability leading to shorter shelf-life
• Lack of dose flexibility
• Slower onset of action
• Higher incidence of dose non-uniformity

Correct Answer: Lower chemical stability leading to shorter shelf-life

Q12. Compared to creams, ointments generally:

• Contain more oil, are greasier, and more occlusive
• Contain more water and are less occlusive
• Are oil-in-water emulsions
• Have lower drug loading capacity

Correct Answer: Contain more oil, are greasier, and more occlusive

Q13. Which statement best defines a gel?

• A semisolid system in which a liquid phase is entrapped in a three-dimensional polymeric matrix
• An oil-in-water emulsion with high oil content
• A solid dispersion of drug in wax base
• A hydroalcoholic solution containing volatile oils

Correct Answer: A semisolid system in which a liquid phase is entrapped in a three-dimensional polymeric matrix

Q14. A paste differs from an ointment because it:

• Contains a high proportion of insoluble solids (often >25%), making it stiffer
• Has no solids and is purely oily
• Is an aqueous-based emulsion with surfactant
• Is intended only for systemic absorption

Correct Answer: Contains a high proportion of insoluble solids (often >25%), making it stiffer

Q15. Pharmaceutical aerosols are:

• Pressurized dosage forms that deliver drugs as fine particles or droplets upon activation
• Non-pressurized powders for reconstitution
• Solid implants for subcutaneous use
• Hydrogels for intra-articular injection

Correct Answer: Pressurized dosage forms that deliver drugs as fine particles or droplets upon activation

Q16. A metered-dose inhaler (MDI) primarily delivers drug by:

• Propellant-driven aerosolization with a measured actuation
• Patient’s inspiratory effort fluidizing a powder bed
• Nebulization via ultrasonic energy without propellant
• Passive diffusion across oral mucosa

Correct Answer: Propellant-driven aerosolization with a measured actuation

Q17. Which quality requirement is mandatory for parenteral dosage forms?

• Sterility and freedom from pyrogens
• Flavored and sweetened vehicle
• Acidic pH exactly 5.0
• Colored for easy identification

Correct Answer: Sterility and freedom from pyrogens

Q18. Small-volume parenterals (SVPs) are typically defined as:

• Injections of 100 mL or less
• Infusions greater than 500 mL
• Any sterile powder for reconstitution
• Oily injections only

Correct Answer: Injections of 100 mL or less

Q19. Which statement about ophthalmic preparations is correct?

• They must be sterile and are preferably isotonic and buffered for ocular comfort
• They are non-sterile but isotonic by requirement
• They must contain preservatives in all cases
• They are hypertonic to enhance absorption

Correct Answer: They must be sterile and are preferably isotonic and buffered for ocular comfort

Q20. Lozenges (troches) are best described as:

• Solid oral dosage forms designed to dissolve slowly in the mouth for local or systemic effect
• Compressed tablets for rapid swallowing
• Enteric-coated pellets for intestinal release
• Powders intended for reconstitution

Correct Answer: Solid oral dosage forms designed to dissolve slowly in the mouth for local or systemic effect

Q21. Granules differ from powders in that granules:

• Are agglomerates of powder particles with improved flow and wettability
• Have smaller particle size and higher dustiness
• Cannot be compressed into tablets
• Are always effervescent

Correct Answer: Are agglomerates of powder particles with improved flow and wettability

Q22. Effervescent tablets typically contain:

• An acid (citric/tartaric) and a carbonate/bicarbonate that release CO₂ in water
• Only sucrose to increase palatability
• Only a surfactant to reduce surface tension
• Only magnesium stearate as a lubricant

Correct Answer: An acid (citric/tartaric) and a carbonate/bicarbonate that release CO₂ in water

Q23. Liniments are:

• Alcoholic or oily solutions/emulsions intended for external use with rubbing
• Aqueous preparations for mucous membranes
• Sterile solutions for ophthalmic use
• Hydroalcoholic oral liquids

Correct Answer: Alcoholic or oily solutions/emulsions intended for external use with rubbing

Q24. A tincture is defined as:

• An alcoholic or hydroalcoholic solution prepared from vegetable materials or chemical substances
• A saturated solution of sucrose in water
• An oil-in-water emulsion stabilized by proteins
• A sterile lipid emulsion for parenteral nutrition

Correct Answer: An alcoholic or hydroalcoholic solution prepared from vegetable materials or chemical substances

Q25. Spirits (essences) are:

• Alcoholic or hydroalcoholic solutions of volatile substances
• Solid dispersions for transdermal delivery
• Buffered isotonic ophthalmic solutions
• Water-based syrups with no alcohol

Correct Answer: Alcoholic or hydroalcoholic solutions of volatile substances

Q26. Cold creams are typically which type of emulsion?

• Water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion
• Oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion
• Microemulsion with bicontinuous phase
• Suspension of wax particles

Correct Answer: Water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion

Q27. An agent that stabilizes emulsions by reducing interfacial tension is called a:

• Surfactant
• Diluent
• Disintegrant
• Opacifier

Correct Answer: Surfactant

Q28. Transdermal therapeutic systems (patches) are designed to:

• Deliver drugs through the skin into systemic circulation at a controlled rate
• Release drug only at the site of application for local effect
• Be ingested for gastric absorption
• Deliver drugs into the lungs via inhalation

Correct Answer: Deliver drugs through the skin into systemic circulation at a controlled rate

Q29. Implants are best classified as:

• Sterile, long-acting parenteral dosage forms placed subcutaneously or intramuscularly
• Oral controlled-release tablets
• Topical semisolids for local effect
• Inhalation powders for bronchial delivery

Correct Answer: Sterile, long-acting parenteral dosage forms placed subcutaneously or intramuscularly

Q30. Modified-release dosage forms include all of the following EXCEPT:

• Immediate-release tablets
• Extended-release tablets
• Controlled-release systems
• Delayed-release capsules

Correct Answer: Immediate-release tablets

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