Materials used for pharmaceutical packaging MCQs With Answer provides B. Pharm students a focused review of packaging materials essential for drug stability, safety, and regulatory compliance. This introduction covers key topics such as glass types (Type I/II/III), polymers (PVC, PET, HDPE, LDPE, PP), aluminum foil, laminates, barrier properties, moisture and oxygen permeability, extractables/leachables, sterilization compatibility, closures, and desiccants. Understanding compatibility, migration, light and moisture protection, and packaging integrity is critical for formulation and quality control. Clear knowledge of these materials supports appropriate selection for oral, parenteral, topical, and lyophilized products. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.
Q1. Which glass type is preferred for parenteral products requiring high chemical resistance and low alkali release?
- Soda-lime glass (Type III)
- Borosilicate glass (Type I)
- Tempered glass
- Soft glass
Correct Answer: Borosilicate glass (Type I)
Q2. Which polymer is most commonly used for clear, rigid blister packs with good moisture barrier?
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
- Polystyrene (PS)
Correct Answer: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
Q3. Which material provides the best oxygen barrier when used as a single foil layer in pharmaceutical packaging?
- Polypropylene film
- Aluminum foil
- Polyethylene film
- Cellulose acetate
Correct Answer: Aluminum foil
Q4. PVdC-coated PVC is used in blister packaging primarily to improve which property?
- Thermal conductivity
- Optical clarity
- Moisture and oxygen barrier
- Impact resistance
Correct Answer: Moisture and oxygen barrier
Q5. Which plasticizer class is frequently scrutinized due to migration concerns in pharmaceutical packaging?
- Phthalates
- Glycols
- Esters of citric acid
- Adipates
Correct Answer: Phthalates
Q6. For lyophilized (freeze-dried) drugs in vials, which stopper material is commonly used for low gas permeability and good compatibility?
- Natural rubber
- Bromobutyl rubber
- Synthetic silicone foam
- Chloroprene
Correct Answer: Bromobutyl rubber
Q7. Which property is described by Water Vapour Transmission Rate (WVTR) when evaluating packaging films?
- Oxygen ingress over time
- Resistance to puncture
- Rate of moisture permeation
- Light transmittance
Correct Answer: Rate of moisture permeation
Q8. Which sterilization method can cause polymer embrittlement or discoloration if not compatible?
- Heat sealing at 120°C
- Gamma irradiation
- Cold water wash
- Ultrasonic cleaning
Correct Answer: Gamma irradiation
Q9. Which packaging material is most appropriate for light-sensitive drugs to prevent photodegradation?
- Clear PET bottle
- Amber glass vial
- Transparent PVC blister
- White polyethylene bag
Correct Answer: Amber glass vial
Q10. Which of the following is a key reason to use aluminum foil laminate in sachets for hygroscopic drugs?
- Increase product weight
- Provide heat insulation
- Provide excellent moisture and oxygen barrier
- Improve biodegradability
Correct Answer: Provide excellent moisture and oxygen barrier
Q11. Which term describes chemical substances that can leach from packaging into the drug product?
- Extractables and leachables
- Adsorbates
- Sorbents
- Permeants
Correct Answer: Extractables and leachables
Q12. Which polymer is widely used for high chemical resistance and good barrier for oral liquid bottles?
- Polypropylene (PP)
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)
Correct Answer: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
Q13. Which closure feature is designed to show visible evidence of tampering?
- Child-resistant cap
- Tamper-evident seal
- Screw thread
- Flip-top lid
Correct Answer: Tamper-evident seal
Q14. Which parameter is most important when selecting packaging for hygroscopic powders?
- Color of packaging
- Mechanical strength only
- Moisture barrier performance
- Recyclability alone
Correct Answer: Moisture barrier performance
Q15. Which material is preferable for parenteral primary packaging when autoclave sterilization at high temperature is required?
- LDPE syringe barrel
- Borosilicate glass vial
- PVC blister
- Polystyrene ampoule
Correct Answer: Borosilicate glass vial
Q16. Which test evaluates a sealed package’s resistance to leakage under pressure or vacuum?
- Peel strength test
- Microbial challenge test
- Package integrity/leak test (e.g., dye ingress, vacuum decay)
- Tensile test
Correct Answer: Package integrity/leak test (e.g., dye ingress, vacuum decay)
Q17. Which plastic is commonly used for child-resistant pill bottles due to toughness and good sealability?
- Polystyrene (PS)
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
Correct Answer: High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
Q18. Which coating on glass vials reduces breakage and surface flaws during handling?
- Sodium carbonate wash
- Silicone oil or polymeric external coating
- Hydrochloric acid etch
- Polyvinyl alcohol immersion
Correct Answer: Silicone oil or polymeric external coating
Q19. Which is a disadvantage of PVC as a primary packaging polymer for some pharmaceuticals?
- Excellent moisture barrier
- Potential for plasticizer migration and interaction
- High heat resistance for sterilization
- Inertness with all drug molecules
Correct Answer: Potential for plasticizer migration and interaction
Q20. Which component is added inside packaging to control humidity and protect moisture-sensitive products?
- Oxygen scavenger sachet
- Desiccant sachet
- Anticaking agent
- Light diffuser
Correct Answer: Desiccant sachet
Q21. Which packaging test measures oxygen ingress and is critical for oxidation-prone drugs?
- Water vapour transmission rate (WVTR)
- Oxygen transmission rate (OTR)
- Peel adhesion test
- Drop impact test
Correct Answer: Oxygen transmission rate (OTR)
Q22. For blister packs used in unit-dose cold chain vaccines, which property of the primary film is essential?
- High thermal conductivity
- Flexibility only
- Low gas and moisture permeability and cold-temperature resilience
- Translucent color
Correct Answer: Low gas and moisture permeability and cold-temperature resilience
Q23. Which laminated material often combines plastics and aluminum to deliver both strength and barrier in sachets?
- Single-layer polyethylene
- Paperboard only
- Plastic-aluminum-plastic (PAP) laminates
- Glass laminate
Correct Answer: Plastic-aluminum-plastic (PAP) laminates
Q24. Which factor must be considered to prevent adsorption of drug onto plastic containers?
- Container color only
- Surface area, chemical affinity, and drug lipophilicity
- Only the package geometry
- Only the closure type
Correct Answer: Surface area, chemical affinity, and drug lipophilicity
Q25. Which method is preferred for sterilizing heat-sensitive empty plastic syringes and some packaging components?
- Autoclaving at 121°C
- Ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization
- Boiling in water
- Dry heat at 160°C
Correct Answer: Ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization
Q26. Which packaging material is commonly used for topical creams and provides chemical resistance with good barrier properties?
- Glass ampoules
- Aluminum tubes with laminate
- Cardboard cartons
- Cellophane wraps
Correct Answer: Aluminum tubes with laminate
Q27. Which regulatory guidance focuses on evaluation of extractables and leachables from pharmaceutical packaging?
- ICH Q1A (Stability)
- USP <381> (Elastomeric closures) and ICH Q3A
- FDA guidance and USP chapters on Extractables/Leachables
- ISO 9001 only
Correct Answer: FDA guidance and USP chapters on Extractables/Leachables
Q28. Which packaging material is preferred for prefilled syringes to ensure clarity and dimensional stability?
- Glass Type II
- Polycarbonate or cyclic olefin polymer (COP/COC)
- LDPE
- Nonmedical cardboard
Correct Answer: Polycarbonate or cyclic olefin polymer (COP/COC)
Q29. Which term describes the uptake of drug molecules by packaging material, reducing dose availability?
- Leaching
- Sorption (adsorption/absorption)
- Permeation enhancement
- Desiccation
Correct Answer: Sorption (adsorption/absorption)
Q30. Which property of packaging is most critical for sterile injectable products to maintain sterility during storage and transport?
- Visual aesthetics
- Seal integrity and container closure system robustness
- Cost alone
- Marketing label design
Correct Answer: Seal integrity and container closure system robustness
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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