MCQ Quiz: Pharmaceutical Powders

Pharmaceutical powders are finely divided solid substances used either directly as dosage forms or as intermediates in the production of other oral formulations. Their flowability, dissolution, and blending characteristics are crucial in ensuring consistent dosing and bioavailability. This MCQ quiz covers key concepts such as classification, properties, handling, and formulation of powders in pharmacy.

1. Which of the following best describes a pharmaceutical powder?

• A. Liquid preparation for oral use
• B. Semi-solid topical form
• C. Finely divided solid used as a dosage form or processing intermediate
• D. Gas used for inhalation therapy
  Correct answer: C. Finely divided solid used as a dosage form or processing intermediate

2. Powders are classified based on:

• A. Color
• B. Particle size
• C. Chemical structure only
• D. Taste
  Correct answer: B. Particle size

3. Which type of powder passes through a 100-mesh sieve?

• A. Very coarse
• B. Coarse
• C. Fine
• D. Very fine
  Correct answer: D. Very fine

4. Which property is most important for powder flow during tablet compression?

• A. Color
• B. Angle of repose
• C. Melting point
• D. pH
  Correct answer: B. Angle of repose

5. A lower angle of repose indicates:

• A. Poor flow
• B. Better flowability
• C. Greater toxicity
• D. Higher melting point
  Correct answer: B. Better flowability

6. The most common use of powders in compounding is for:

• A. Intravenous injections
• B. Inhalation products
• C. Oral reconstitution or encapsulation
• D. Dental implants
  Correct answer: C. Oral reconstitution or encapsulation

7. Which of the following improves powder flow properties?

• A. Increasing moisture content
• B. Reducing particle size only
• C. Adding glidants like colloidal silica
• D. Using pigments
  Correct answer: C. Adding glidants like colloidal silica

8. What is the purpose of sieving in powder preparation?

• A. Adding moisture
• B. Measuring chemical activity
• C. Separating particles based on size
• D. Determining density
  Correct answer: C. Separating particles based on size

9. What is true about bulk powders?

• A. Individually wrapped
• B. Dispensed in a single-dose form
• C. Measured by the patient at administration time
• D. Used for injectable drugs
  Correct answer: C. Measured by the patient at administration time

10. Effervescent powders contain:

• A. Antimicrobials
• B. Flavoring agents only
• C. Acid-base components that react in water to release CO₂
• D. Binding agents
  Correct answer: C. Acid-base components that react in water to release CO₂

11. A granulated powder differs from a fine powder in:

• A. Color
• B. Solubility
• C. Particle size and flow characteristics
• D. Toxicity
  Correct answer: C. Particle size and flow characteristics

12. Hygroscopic powders:

• A. Are stable in moist air
• B. Absorb moisture from the environment
• C. Dissolve in oil
• D. Are used for injectables
  Correct answer: B. Absorb moisture from the environment

13. A deliquescent powder:

• A. Remains dry in humid conditions
• B. Dissolves completely in water
• C. Absorbs moisture and forms a solution
• D. Becomes volatile at room temperature
  Correct answer: C. Absorbs moisture and forms a solution

14. A eutectic mixture:

• A. Forms a gas upon mixing
• B. Is a stable hydrate
• C. Becomes liquid when two solids are mixed due to a melting point depression
• D. Requires refrigeration
  Correct answer: C. Becomes liquid when two solids are mixed due to a melting point depression

15. What is geometric dilution in powder mixing?

• A. Reducing powder particle size
• B. Adding all powders at once
• C. Mixing small amounts of potent drug with excipients in increments
• D. Grinding under high pressure
  Correct answer: C. Mixing small amounts of potent drug with excipients in increments

16. Which mixing technique is best for minimizing segregation?

• A. Spatulation
• B. Sifting
• C. Tumble mixing
• D. Bulk pouring
  Correct answer: C. Tumble mixing

17. Which of the following powders is most likely to cake over time?

• A. Volatile
• B. Hydrophobic
• C. Hygroscopic
• D. Inert
  Correct answer: C. Hygroscopic

18. Powders with good compressibility are useful in:

• A. Aerosol canisters
• B. Tablet formulation
• C. Emulsions
• D. Syrups
  Correct answer: B. Tablet formulation

19. Micronization of powders enhances:

• A. Taste
• B. Flow
• C. Surface area and dissolution rate
• D. Color stability
  Correct answer: C. Surface area and dissolution rate

20. The Carr’s Index is used to measure:

• A. Solubility
• B. Compressibility
• C. Flowability of powders
• D. Toxicity
  Correct answer: C. Flowability of powders

21. A common diluent used in powder formulations is:

• A. Talc
• B. Magnesium stearate
• C. Lactose
• D. Ethanol
  Correct answer: C. Lactose

22. The Hausner Ratio is a measure of:

• A. Powder density
• B. Flow property calculated from tapped and bulk densities
• C. Taste masking
• D. Powder porosity
  Correct answer: B. Flow property calculated from tapped and bulk densities

23. A powder blend’s homogeneity can be affected by:

• A. Similar particle size and density
• B. Disparity in size and density
• C. Low moisture
• D. High temperature
  Correct answer: B. Disparity in size and density

24. Dusting powders are intended for:

• A. Inhalation
• B. Parenteral injection
• C. Topical application
• D. Eye instillation
  Correct answer: C. Topical application

25. Which of the following is a divided powder?

• A. Bulk powder in a bottle
• B. Powder packaged in individual doses
• C. Extended-release tablet
• D. A powder suspension
  Correct answer: B. Powder packaged in individual doses

26. A common method to prevent oxidation in powders is to:

• A. Add flavoring agents
• B. Store in an amber, airtight container
• C. Heat the formulation
• D. Add water
  Correct answer: B. Store in an amber, airtight container

27. Volatile substances in powder formulation require:

• A. Freezer storage
• B. Non-reactive diluents
• C. Hermetically sealed containers
• D. Crystalline excipients
  Correct answer: C. Hermetically sealed containers

28. A sieve with larger mesh number corresponds to:

• A. Larger openings
• B. Smaller openings and finer particles
• C. Better taste
• D. More porosity
  Correct answer: B. Smaller openings and finer particles

29. The technique of spatulation is ideal for:

• A. Mixing corrosive materials
• B. Large volume mixing
• C. Mixing small quantities of powders that are not potent
• D. Preparing solutions
  Correct answer: C. Mixing small quantities of powders that are not potent

30. Powder settling in a container is influenced by:

• A. Humidity
• B. Bulk density
• C. Particle shape
• D. All of the above
  Correct answer: D. All of the above

31. Efflorescent powders tend to:

• A. Absorb water
• B. Lose water and form clumps
• C. Become volatile
• D. Harden instantly
  Correct answer: B. Lose water and form clumps

32. Powders for reconstitution typically contain:

• A. Oil base
• B. Buffering agents only
• C. Dry active ingredients that require water or solvent addition before use
• D. Ready-to-use APIs
  Correct answer: C. Dry active ingredients that require water or solvent addition before use

33. The porosity of a powder affects:

• A. Bioavailability
• B. Flow
• C. Packing and compressibility
• D. Color
  Correct answer: C. Packing and compressibility

34. Sieving analysis is commonly used to determine:

• A. Toxicity
• B. Flowability
• C. Particle size distribution
• D. Crystal type
  Correct answer: C. Particle size distribution

35. Segregation in powder mixtures is caused by:

• A. Homogeneous size and density
• B. Inadequate mixing or differences in particle size/density
• C. Lubricant use
• D. Use of hydrophobic excipients
  Correct answer: B. Inadequate mixing or differences in particle size/density

36. The term “bulk density” refers to:

• A. Density after tapping
• B. Volume taken by powdered material without tapping
• C. Moisture content
• D. Crystal habit
  Correct answer: B. Volume taken by powdered material without tapping

37. Which powder blend issue can cause tablet weight variation?

• A. Excessive coloring
• B. Segregation
• C. Flow enhancement
• D. Low humidity
  Correct answer: B. Segregation

38. A eutectic mixture should be handled by:

• A. Heating before mixing
• B. Mixing with inert diluent to absorb the liquid
• C. Adding a lubricant first
• D. Using liquid emulsifiers
  Correct answer: B. Mixing with inert diluent to absorb the liquid

39. What is the ideal storage condition for powders?

• A. Cold and humid
• B. Warm and open
• C. Cool, dry, and protected from light
• D. Vacuum packed in open containers
  Correct answer: C. Cool, dry, and protected from light

40. What determines powder compressibility?

• A. Porosity
• B. Particle shape and moisture
• C. Lubricant concentration
• D. All of the above
  Correct answer: D. All of the above

41. What is a key indicator of good powder blend uniformity?

• A. Odor intensity
• B. Visual inspection
• C. Consistent content of active ingredient per sample
• D. Dryness
  Correct answer: C. Consistent content of active ingredient per sample

42. Powders are best filled into capsules when they are:

• A. Sticky
• B. Free-flowing
• C. Moist
• D. Granulated
  Correct answer: B. Free-flowing

43. Why are taste-masking agents sometimes added to powders?

• A. To aid in evaporation
• B. To prevent segregation
• C. To enhance palatability for oral administration
• D. To increase hardness
  Correct answer: C. To enhance palatability for oral administration

44. What is one quality control parameter for powders?

• A. Refill rate
• B. Particle size analysis
• C. Emulsion type
• D. Capsule color
  Correct answer: B. Particle size analysis

45. What is the function of a lubricant in powder formulations?

• A. Enhance color
• B. Improve flow and prevent sticking in machinery
• C. Increase hygroscopicity
• D. Add flavor
  Correct answer: B. Improve flow and prevent sticking in machinery

46. What kind of dosage form can result from compacting powders?

• A. Suppository
• B. Tablet
• C. Syrup
• D. Cream
  Correct answer: B. Tablet

47. A primary quality concern in powder dosing is:

• A. Color fading
• B. Content uniformity
• C. Label design
• D. Refill date
  Correct answer: B. Content uniformity

48. A powder blend that separates into layers indicates:

• A. Ideal mixing
• B. Poor flow
• C. Segregation
• D. Strong cohesion
  Correct answer: C. Segregation

49. Particle shape affects:

• A. Flavor intensity
• B. Light absorption
• C. Flowability and compaction
• D. Odor
  Correct answer: C. Flowability and compaction

50. Ultimately, the goal of powder formulation is to:

• A. Increase color
• B. Improve bioavailability, safety, and manufacturability
• C. Reduce packaging
• D. Limit patient instructions
  Correct answer: B. Improve bioavailability, safety, and manufacturability