Classification of pharmaceutical products MCQs With Answer is an essential study resource for B. Pharm students aiming to master drug categorization by chemical class, pharmacological classification, therapeutic class, origin, dosage form, and regulatory status. This introduction explains key classification systems — ATC coding, Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS), legal schedules, biologics versus small molecules, and OTC versus prescription distinctions — to build conceptual depth for rational prescribing, pharmacy practice, and regulatory exams. Emphasis is on mechanisms of action, target organs, physicochemical properties (solubility, permeability, lipophilicity), and clinical implications such as narrow therapeutic index and controlled substances. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.
Q1. Which classification groups drugs primarily by their mechanism of action?
- Therapeutic class
- Chemical class
- Pharmacological class
- Commercial class
Correct Answer: Pharmacological class
Q2. Who is responsible for maintaining the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system?
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- European Medicines Agency (EMA)
- Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC)
Correct Answer: World Health Organization (WHO)
Q3. Which BCS class describes drugs with high solubility and high permeability?
- Class I
- Class II
- Class III
- Class IV
Correct Answer: Class I
Q4. Which classification explicitly distinguishes drugs as OTC or prescription-only?
- Regulatory/legal classification
- Chemical classification
- Pharmacodynamic classification
- Source-based classification
Correct Answer: Regulatory/legal classification
Q5. Under the Indian Drugs and Cosmetics rules, which schedule lists drugs that are sold only on prescription?
- Schedule H
- Schedule G
- Schedule X
- Schedule M
Correct Answer: Schedule H
Q6. In the ATC system, which main anatomical group letter denotes the cardiovascular system?
- C
- N
- J
- A
Correct Answer: C
Q7. Which classification groups drugs according to the disease or condition they treat?
- Therapeutic class
- Chemical class
- Pharmacokinetic class
- Source-based classification
Correct Answer: Therapeutic class
Q8. Which classification describes drugs as natural, synthetic, or semisynthetic?
- Source-based classification (natural, synthetic, semisynthetic)
- Pharmacological class
- Dosage form classification
- Therapeutic class
Correct Answer: Source-based classification (natural, synthetic, semisynthetic)
Q9. Which of the following is an example of a biologic product?
- Insulin (recombinant)
- Aspirin
- Metformin
- Amoxicillin
Correct Answer: Insulin (recombinant)
Q10. Which statement best defines a biosimilar?
- A biological product highly similar to an already approved biological reference product with no clinically meaningful differences
- A small-molecule generic identical to the innovator drug
- An herbal extract used as an alternative to biologics
- A new original biologic with a different mechanism
Correct Answer: A biological product highly similar to an already approved biological reference product with no clinically meaningful differences
Q11. Which classification is primarily based on the chemical functional group present in the drug molecule?
- Chemical class
- Therapeutic class
- Dosage form classification
- Regulatory classification
Correct Answer: Chemical class
Q12. Which characteristic is NOT associated with BCS Class II drugs?
- High aqueous solubility
- High permeability
- Low solubility
- Permeability-limited absorption
Correct Answer: High aqueous solubility
Q13. Classification by route of administration groups drugs into which categories?
- Oral, parenteral, topical, inhalational
- Analgesics, antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals
- Synthetic, natural, semisynthetic, recombinant
- OTC, prescription, controlled, investigational
Correct Answer: Oral, parenteral, topical, inhalational
Q14. Which drug is a classic example of a narrow therapeutic index drug requiring careful monitoring?
- Warfarin
- Paracetamol
- Amoxicillin
- Ranitidine
Correct Answer: Warfarin
Q15. Which classification deals with substances controlled for abuse potential and legal restrictions?
- Controlled substances/legal schedules
- Therapeutic class
- Chemical class
- Dosage form classification
Correct Answer: Controlled substances/legal schedules
Q16. Losartan is classified pharmacologically as which of the following?
- Angiotensin II receptor antagonist
- Beta blocker
- Calcium channel blocker
- ACE inhibitor
Correct Answer: Angiotensin II receptor antagonist
Q17. Vaccines are best classified under which product category?
- Biologicals / vaccines
- Small-molecule generics
- Herbal medicines
- Topical antiseptics
Correct Answer: Biologicals / vaccines
Q18. The WHO Model List of Essential Medicines organizes entries mainly by what?
- Therapeutic use and public health relevance
- Market price and brand popularity
- Manufacturer country
- Dosage form color
Correct Answer: Therapeutic use and public health relevance
Q19. Which of the following is an example of a chemical class of antibiotics?
- Beta-lactams
- ACE inhibitors
- NSAIDs
- Antihypertensives
Correct Answer: Beta-lactams
Q20. Classifying drugs as hepatotoxic or nephrotoxic is an example of classification by what criterion?
- Target organ toxicity
- Chemical functional group
- Regulatory status
- Dosage form
Correct Answer: Target organ toxicity
Q21. Which label indicates a medicine that can be sold without a prescription?
- OTC (over-the-counter)
- Rx-only
- Schedule H
- Controlled
Correct Answer: OTC (over-the-counter)
Q22. In the ATC classification, which letter denotes antiinfectives for systemic use?
- J
- C
- N
- G
Correct Answer: J
Q23. Which physicochemical parameter is commonly used as a measure of lipophilicity?
- Log P (partition coefficient)
- pKa
- Molar mass
- Aqueous solubility (mg/mL)
Correct Answer: Log P (partition coefficient)
Q24. Which of the following best exemplifies an antiseptic rather than an antibiotic?
- Chlorhexidine
- Amoxicillin
- Ciprofloxacin
- Azithromycin
Correct Answer: Chlorhexidine
Q25. Enalapril belongs to which pharmacological class?
- ACE inhibitors
- Beta blockers
- Diuretics
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Correct Answer: ACE inhibitors
Q26. Which of these drugs is commonly taught as having a narrow therapeutic index?
- Digoxin
- Ibuprofen
- Amoxicillin
- Cetirizine
Correct Answer: Digoxin
Q27. Monoclonal antibodies are categorized under which product type?
- Biologics
- Small-molecule generics
- Herbal extracts
- Radiopharmaceuticals
Correct Answer: Biologics
Q28. Grouping drugs into tablets, capsules, suspensions, and injections is an example of classification by what?
- Dosage form
- Chemical class
- Therapeutic class
- Source-based classification
Correct Answer: Dosage form
Q29. The distinction between generic and brand-name medicines falls under which classification category?
- Proprietary/generic (commercial) classification
- Pharmacodynamic classification
- Chemical functional group classification
- Target organ classification
Correct Answer: Proprietary/generic (commercial) classification
Q30. Which BCS class is characterized by low solubility and low permeability?
- Class IV
- Class I
- Class II
- Class III
Correct Answer: Class IV

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.
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