Compounded solid preparations, such as capsules, powders, suppositories, and balms, provide versatile solutions for a wide range of patient needs. These dosage forms are crucial when a specific strength is required, when multiple drugs are combined, or when patients have difficulty with other routes of administration. For PharmD students, proficiency in preparing these solid forms is a core competency that directly translates to providing tailored and effective patient care.
1. Cocoa butter and polyethylene glycol (PEG) are two common types of bases used in the preparation of which solid dosage form?
- Hard-shell capsules
- Powder packets
- Suppositories
- Topical gels
Answer: Suppositories
2. A compounded balm is a type of solid preparation that is typically anhydrous and similar in consistency to a(n):
- Aqueous gel
- Ointment, but often firmer due to waxes
- Oral liquid
- Powder
Answer: Ointment, but often firmer due to waxes
3. The fusion method, which involves melting ingredients together, is the primary technique used to prepare which of the following solid dosage forms?
- Capsules filled by the punch method
- Powder packets
- Suppositories and balms
- Topical solutions
Answer: Suppositories and balms
4. When compounding suppositories, the “density factor” or displacement value is used to calculate:
- The beyond-use date of the preparation
- The amount of base that will be displaced by the active drug powder
- The appropriate melting point of the base
- The correct size of the suppository mold
Answer: The amount of base that will be displaced by the active drug powder
5. Which solid dosage form is designed to be inserted into a body orifice where it melts or dissolves to exert a local or systemic effect?
- A lollipop
- A capsule
- A suppository
- A balm
Answer: A suppository
6. A primary quality control check for compounded capsules involves:
- Checking for uniform weight to ensure consistent dosing
- Measuring the pH of the capsule shell
- Ensuring the capsules are all different colors
- Testing the solubility of the capsule in oil
Answer: Checking for uniform weight to ensure consistent dosing
7. A compounded hard troche or lollipop is a solid dosage form intended to:
- Be swallowed whole immediately
- Dissolve slowly in the mouth
- Be applied topically to the skin
- Be reconstituted in water before use
Answer: Dissolve slowly in the mouth
8. The “punch method” is a manual compounding technique used for:
- Folding powder papers
- Filling hard gelatin capsules with powder
- Molding suppositories
- Preparing topical balms
Answer: Filling hard gelatin capsules with powder
9. What is a key counseling point for a patient using a compounded rectal suppository?
- The importance of removing the foil wrapper before insertion
- That the suppository should be taken orally
- To store the suppository at room temperature if it has a cocoa butter base
- That it can be cut in half with a kitchen knife for a smaller dose
Answer: The importance of removing the foil wrapper before insertion
10. A compounded powder packet or powder paper contains:
- A bulk supply of unmeasured powder
- A single, pre-measured dose of a powdered medication
- A sterile powder for injection
- A liquid medication
Answer: A single, pre-measured dose of a powdered medication
11. A compounded balm differs from a typical ointment in that it often contains a higher concentration of what to make it firmer?
- Water
- Waxes
- Alcohol
- Preservatives
Answer: Waxes
12. When filling capsules, a diluent like lactose may be added to:
- Act as the active pharmaceutical ingredient
- Add bulk to the formulation when the drug dose is very small
- Make the powder flow less easily
- Color the capsule shell
Answer: Add bulk to the formulation when the drug dose is very small
13. A key feature of polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a suppository base is that it:
- Melts at body temperature
- Dissolves in bodily fluids
- Is an oleaginous (oily) base
- Must be stored in the freezer at all times
Answer: Dissolves in bodily fluids
14. The preparation of which of the following solid dosage forms involves heating a sugar-based syrup to a very high temperature?
- Capsules
- Suppositories
- Powder packets
- Lollipops
Answer: Lollipops
15. What is the proper method for storing most suppositories made with a cocoa butter base?
- In a warm, sunny window
- In the refrigerator
- At room temperature
- In the freezer
Answer: In the refrigerator
16. Trituration, or grinding a solid in a mortar and pestle, is a technique used to:
- Increase the particle size of a powder
- Reduce the particle size of a powder
- Melt the powder into a liquid
- Dissolve the powder in a solvent
Answer: Reduce the particle size of a powder
17. The primary reason for compounding solid preparations like capsules or troches is to:
- Provide a patient with a dose or dosage form that is not commercially available
- Avoid the need for a prescription
- Use ingredients that are not pharmaceutical grade
- Make drugs less effective
Answer: Provide a patient with a dose or dosage form that is not commercially available
18. A “divided powder” is another name for which solid preparation?
- A bulk powder
- A powder packet
- A capsule
- A tablet triturate
Answer: A powder packet
19. When compounding suppositories using the fusion method, what is the final step after the ingredients are melted and mixed?
- Pouring the mixture into a calibrated mold to cool and solidify
- Hand-rolling the mixture into the desired shape
- Punching the mixture into a capsule shell
- Spreading the mixture on an ointment slab
Answer: Pouring the mixture into a calibrated mold to cool and solidify
20. A quality defect in a compounded capsule, such as finding powder on the outside of the shell, indicates:
- Proper and clean technique was used
- A need for better cleaning and handling during the compounding process
- The capsule is more potent than intended
- The capsule has passed all quality checks
Answer: A need for better cleaning and handling during the compounding process
21. A “soft” troche is typically made with a base like:
- Sucrose or other hard sugars
- Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
- Waxes like beeswax
- Cocoa butter
Answer: Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
22. Which of these solid preparations is designed for insertion into a body orifice?
- Balm
- Powder packet
- Suppository
- Lollipop
Answer: Suppository
23. Geometric dilution is a critical technique to ensure uniformity in which of the following preparations?
- A powder mix containing a small amount of a potent drug
- A simple solution of salt in water
- A commercial tablet
- An intravenous fluid bag
Answer: A powder mix containing a small amount of a potent drug
24. A key part of the reading “Preparing for Compounding Balms and Suppositories” is understanding the properties of:
- Different types of bases (e.g., fatty vs. water-soluble)
- Sterile IV solutions
- Capsule filling machines
- Tablet presses
Answer: Different types of bases (e.g., fatty vs. water-soluble)
25. A size “00” capsule is _________ a size “2” capsule.
- smaller than
- the same size as
- larger than
- a different shape than
Answer: larger than
26. Which of these solid dosage forms would be most appropriate for a patient who cannot swallow but needs systemic delivery of an anti-nausea medication?
- A large capsule
- A powder packet to be mixed in water
- A rectal suppository
- A hard lollipop
Answer: A rectal suppository
27. Before beginning to compound a solid preparation, the pharmacist must have a valid:
- Master Formulation Record
- Compounding Record
- Prescription from a licensed prescriber
- All of the above
Answer: All of the above
28. A “tablet triturate” is a type of compounded solid dosage form that is:
- A large, compressed tablet
- A small, molded tablet designed to dissolve readily
- A type of hard-shell capsule
- A topical balm
Answer: A small, molded tablet designed to dissolve readily
29. The beyond-use date (BUD) for a compounded capsule containing only dry powders is typically:
- 14 days
- 30 days
- 6 months
- 1 year
Answer: 6 months
30. The preparation of which dosage form is explicitly mentioned as part of the Lab Session 3 activities?
- Capsules
- Powder packets
- Balms and Suppositories
- Lollipops
Answer: Balms and Suppositories
31. Why must suppository molds be calibrated?
- To ensure they are the correct color
- To determine the exact volume of each cavity for accurate dosing calculations
- To make them easier to clean
- Calibration is not necessary for suppository molds
Answer: To determine the exact volume of each cavity for accurate dosing calculations
32. The primary advantage of a compounded lollipop for a pediatric patient is:
- Improved palatability and ease of administration for local effects
- Its high nutritional value
- Its stability at high temperatures
- Its ability to deliver a large systemic dose
Answer: Improved palatability and ease of administration for local effects
33. Which of the following is a critical counseling point for a patient taking the contents of a powder packet?
- The proper method for mixing, such as with water or applesauce
- That the powder should be injected
- That the paper should be consumed along with the powder
- That the dose can be estimated without measuring
Answer: The proper method for mixing, such as with water or applesauce
34. A “glidant” is an excipient added to a powder mixture to:
- Act as a filler
- Improve the flowability of the powder during capsule filling
- Make the powder taste better
- Add color to the mixture
Answer: Improve the flowability of the powder
35. A hands-on compounding lab session focused on solid preparations helps students to:
- Learn sterile aseptic technique
- Develop manipulative skills for handling powders and molds
- Understand pharmacokinetics
- Practice patient counseling for injectable drugs
Answer: Develop manipulative skills for handling powders and molds
36. A key difference between a balm and a lotion is that a balm is typically:
- A liquid emulsion
- Water-based and non-greasy
- Anhydrous, thick, and very occlusive
- A sterile preparation
Answer: Anhydrous, thick, and very occlusive
37. The choice between a fatty base and a PEG base for a suppository depends on:
- The solubility of the drug and the desired release characteristics
- The cost of the final product only
- The color of the active ingredient
- The pharmacist’s personal preference
Answer: The solubility of the drug and the desired release characteristics
38. The reading on “Powders, Capsules, Others” provides the necessary background for which lab session?
- The lab session on preparing these specific solid dosage forms
- The lab session on sterile compounding
- The lab session on preparing ointments
- The lab session on oral liquids
Answer: The lab session on preparing these specific solid dosage forms
39. A properly prepared hard troche should be:
- Soft and chewable
- Smooth, hard, and uniform in appearance
- Gritty and crumbly
- A liquid at room temperature
Answer: Smooth, hard, and uniform in appearance
40. What is the main disadvantage of hand-filling capsules using the punch method?
- It is very fast and efficient for large batches
- It results in highly accurate and uniform weights
- It can lead to poor weight uniformity if not done carefully
- It requires expensive, automated equipment
Answer: It can lead to poor weight uniformity if not done carefully
41. Which of the following solid preparations is intended for insertion into a body cavity?
- Balm
- Suppository
- Powder packet
- Capsule
Answer: Suppository
42. The process of using a spatula to pack powder into a hard gelatin capsule is part of the:
- Fusion method
- Punch method
- Wet granulation method
- Molding method
Answer: Punch method
43. A key safety consideration when preparing compounded lollipops is:
- The risk of burns from the hot, molten base
- The need for sterile ingredients
- The potential for the lollipop stick to break
- The bitter taste of the final product
Answer: The risk of burns from the hot, molten base
44. What is the primary purpose of a capsule-filling machine in a compounding pharmacy?
- To manufacture commercial products
- To increase the speed and weight uniformity of filling capsules for a prescription
- To mix powdered ingredients
- To polish the outside of finished capsules
Answer: To increase the speed and weight uniformity of filling capsules for a prescription
45. Which of these preparations would provide the fastest systemic drug absorption?
- A hard lollipop dissolving slowly
- A buccal troche designed for mucosal absorption
- An oral capsule that must be digested
- A topical balm applied to the skin
Answer: A buccal troche designed for mucosal absorption
46. The final responsibility for the quality of any compounded solid preparation lies with the:
- Prescriber
- Patient
- Compounding pharmacist
- Pharmacy technician
Answer: Compounding pharmacist
47. Which of the following is a critical record-keeping component for a compounded capsule?
- The capsule size used
- The lot number of the active ingredient
- The final weight variation data
- All of the above
Answer: All of the above
48. A patient is prescribed a progesterone suppository. The pharmacist knows this solid dosage form is for _______ administration.
- oral
- topical
- vaginal or rectal
- intravenous
Answer: vaginal or rectal
49. The main reason to compound a powder packet instead of a capsule is:
- The dose is too large to fit in a reasonably sized capsule
- The patient is a young child who cannot swallow capsules
- The drug is unstable in a gelatin shell
- All of the above
Answer: All of the above
50. The compounding of various solid preparations like suppositories and balms is covered in the module titled:
- Session 1 Compounding
- Session 2 Compounding
- Solid Preparations
- Compounding for the Skin
Answer: Solid Preparations
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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