Introduction: Understanding the definition and classification of dosage forms is essential for B.Pharm students studying pharmaceutical formulation and drug delivery. This topic covers pharmaceutical dosage forms, including solid, liquid, semisolid, gaseous and parenteral preparations, plus routes of administration such as oral, topical, inhalation and parenteral. Key concepts include bioavailability, excipients, formulation principles, modified-release technologies, and regulatory classification. A clear grasp of dosage form types, examples and their advantages/disadvantages prepares students for formulation design, quality control and clinical application. Practical knowledge of dosage form properties and classification improves problem-solving in pharmaceutics and therapeutics. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.
Q1. What is the standard pharmacopeial definition of a ‘dosage form’?
- A physical form in which a drug is produced and administered to achieve a therapeutic effect
- The chemical structure of an active pharmaceutical ingredient
- The biological effect produced by a drug in the body
- A tablet coating material
Correct Answer: A physical form in which a drug is produced and administered to achieve a therapeutic effect
Q2. Which of the following is a primary classification of dosage forms by physical state?
- Immediate and sustained release
- Solid, liquid, semisolid and gaseous
- Bitter and sweet
- Tablets and capsules only
Correct Answer: Solid, liquid, semisolid and gaseous
Q3. Which classification is based on route of administration?
- Oral, topical, parenteral, inhalation and rectal
- Enteric-coated and film-coated
- Immediate and delayed release
- Dry and wet granulation
Correct Answer: Oral, topical, parenteral, inhalation and rectal
Q4. Which formulation is an example of a semisolid dosage form?
- Tablet
- Ointment
- Solution
- Powder
Correct Answer: Ointment
Q5. Which excipient primarily aids tablet disintegration?
- Binder
- Disintegrant
- Lubricant
- Coating polymer
Correct Answer: Disintegrant
Q6. Which dosage form is most appropriate for immediate systemic effect via bloodstream?
- Intravenous injection
- Topical cream
- Enteric-coated tablet
- Suppository
Correct Answer: Intravenous injection
Q7. What distinguishes modified-release from immediate-release dosage forms?
- Modified-release alters drug release rate or site to improve therapy
- Modified-release is always chewable
- Immediate-release cannot be swallowed
- Immediate-release is sterile
Correct Answer: Modified-release alters drug release rate or site to improve therapy
Q8. Which of the following is a type of modified-release system?
- Enteric-coated tablet
- Uncoated immediate tablet
- Plain syrup
- Simple ointment
Correct Answer: Enteric-coated tablet
Q9. Which dosage form classification focuses on rate and location of drug release?
- Pharmaceutical process classification
- Therapeutic classification
- Release pattern classification
- Color coding classification
Correct Answer: Release pattern classification
Q10. Which is an example of a liquid dosage form intended for systemic oral use?
- Suspension
- Ointment
- Transdermal patch
- Implant
Correct Answer: Suspension
Q11. Which statement best describes parenteral dosage forms?
- Non-sterile liquids for oral use
- Sterile preparations intended for injection or infusion bypassing the gastrointestinal tract
- Topical creams applied to skin
- Compressed tablets swallowed orally
Correct Answer: Sterile preparations intended for injection or infusion bypassing the gastrointestinal tract
Q12. Which base is commonly used for suppositories when heat-melting characteristic is required?
- Polyethylene glycol (PEG) base
- Gelatin capsule shell
- Hydrophobic cocoa butter (theobroma oil)
- Silicone fluid
Correct Answer: Hydrophobic cocoa butter (theobroma oil)
Q13. Which dosage form classification includes aerosols and inhalers?
- Gaseous and aerosol dosage forms
- Solid oral dosage forms
- Semisolid topical forms
- Parenteral implants only
Correct Answer: Gaseous and aerosol dosage forms
Q14. What is the main purpose of coating a tablet with enteric polymer?
- Improve tablet color only
- Prevent drug release in the stomach and allow release in the intestine
- Increase mechanical hardness only
- Promote immediate dissolution in gastric fluid
Correct Answer: Prevent drug release in the stomach and allow release in the intestine
Q15. Which classification relates to particle size and state: solution, suspension or colloid?
- Physical state and dispersion classification
- Therapeutic index classification
- Pharmacodynamic classification
- Regulatory scheduling classification
Correct Answer: Physical state and dispersion classification
Q16. Which excipient functions primarily as a binder in tablet granulation?
- Lactose
- Povidone (PVP)
- Magnesium stearate
- Sodium lauryl sulfate
Correct Answer: Povidone (PVP)
Q17. Which of the following is a sterile solid parenteral dosage form?
- Lyophilized (freeze-dried) vial for reconstitution
- Oral film
- Topical gel
- Effervescent tablet
Correct Answer: Lyophilized (freeze-dried) vial for reconstitution
Q18. Which dispersion type is characterized by droplets of oil in water?
- Water-in-oil emulsion
- Oil-in-water emulsion
- Suspension of solids
- Solution
Correct Answer: Oil-in-water emulsion
Q19. What characteristic defines a chewable tablet as a distinct dosage form?
- It is designed to be chewed and swallowed without prior disintegration in the stomach
- It requires injection
- It is always enteric-coated
- It must be refrigerated
Correct Answer: It is designed to be chewed and swallowed without prior disintegration in the stomach
Q20. Which dosage form classification addresses product stability and storage requirements?
- Pharmaceutical stability classification
- Therapeutic class only
- Color classification
- None of the above
Correct Answer: Pharmaceutical stability classification
Q21. Which is a common advantage of transdermal patches as a dosage form?
- First-pass hepatic metabolism increases drug effect
- Provides controlled systemic delivery and avoids first-pass metabolism
- Requires frequent dosing every 30 minutes
- Always non-occlusive and water soluble
Correct Answer: Provides controlled systemic delivery and avoids first-pass metabolism
Q22. Which oral dosage form provides the most rapid absorption under normal conditions?
- Sustained-release tablet
- Intravenous infusion
- Orally disintegrating tablet (ODT)
- Enteric-coated capsule
Correct Answer: Orally disintegrating tablet (ODT)
Q23. Which classification deals with therapeutic application of a dosage form (e.g., analgesics, antibiotics)?
- Therapeutic or pharmacological classification
- Physical state classification
- Manufacturing process classification
- Color coding classification
Correct Answer: Therapeutic or pharmacological classification
Q24. Which property is most critical for sterile parenteral solutions?
- Viscosity only
- Sterility and pyrogen-free status
- Color uniformity
- Flavor masking
Correct Answer: Sterility and pyrogen-free status
Q25. Which dosage form is particularly useful for drugs with poor oral bioavailability due to first-pass metabolism?
- Topical cream only
- Transdermal patch or parenteral route
- Immediate-release oral tablet
- Effervescent powder
Correct Answer: Transdermal patch or parenteral route
Q26. Which capsule type is used for delayed release consisting of multiple small pellets inside a single capsule?
- Hard gelatin capsule containing multiparticulates (pellets)
- Immediate-release film-coated tablet
- Effervescent tablet
- Transdermal matrix patch
Correct Answer: Hard gelatin capsule containing multiparticulates (pellets)
Q27. In classification by mechanism, which system uses osmotic pressure to control drug release?
- Matrix diffusion system
- Osmotic pump (osmotic-controlled release oral delivery system)
- Immediate-release system
- Buccal tablet
Correct Answer: Osmotic pump (osmotic-controlled release oral delivery system)
Q28. Which statement about suspensions is true?
- Suspensions are homogeneous molecular solutions
- Suspensions contain dispersed solid particles in a liquid vehicle and require proper wetting and stabilizers
- Suspensions are identical to emulsions
- Suspensions never require preservatives
Correct Answer: Suspensions contain dispersed solid particles in a liquid vehicle and require proper wetting and stabilizers
Q29. Which dosage form classification by release is intended to deliver drug at a constant rate over an extended period?
- Immediate-release
- Sustained or controlled-release
- Enteric-release only
- Topical only
Correct Answer: Sustained or controlled-release
Q30. Which factor is crucial when classifying dosage forms for pediatric use?
- Taste masking, accurate dosing and age-appropriate administration (e.g., liquids, dispersible tablets)
- Use of only transdermal patches
- Mandatory parenteral administration for all drugs
- Color preference only
Correct Answer: Taste masking, accurate dosing and age-appropriate administration (e.g., liquids, dispersible tablets)
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