Monophasic liquids – Gargles MCQs With Answer

Monophasic liquids – Gargles MCQs With Answer introduces B. Pharm students to aqueous solution dosage forms designed for the oral and pharyngeal cavity. Gargles are monophasic liquids containing antiseptics, astringents, anti-inflammatory agents, or anesthetics in a suitable vehicle, optimized for pH, stability, palatability, and safety. Key formulation concepts include solubilization (cosolvents, surfactants), humectants (glycerin, sorbitol), buffers (phosphate/citrate), preservatives, and flavoring. Pharmacopoeial quality control covers clarity, assay, pH, viscosity, and microbial limits; packaging, labeling (“For external use only—Do not swallow”), and storage are essential. Clinical considerations span dosing, dilution of concentrates, counseling (e.g., chlorhexidine interactions), and contraindications (e.g., iodine sensitivity). Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.

Q1. Which statement best defines a gargle as a monophasic liquid dosage form?

• An emulsion intended to be swallowed for systemic effect
• A true solution intended to be held and expelled from the throat/oral cavity
• A suspension intended for buccal absorption
• A syrup intended for pediatric systemic use

Correct Answer: A true solution intended to be held and expelled from the throat/oral cavity

Q2. The primary therapeutic purpose of a gargle is to:

• Deliver a sustained systemic effect through GI absorption
• Provide local action on the mucous membranes of the mouth and pharynx
• Lubricate the esophagus for easier swallowing
• Replace saliva in xerostomia

Correct Answer: Provide local action on the mucous membranes of the mouth and pharynx

Q3. Which excipient is most commonly used to increase palatability and slightly enhance viscosity in gargles?

• Glycerin
• Talc
• Magnesium stearate
• Starch

Correct Answer: Glycerin

Q4. A typical and acceptable pH range for gargles designed for mucosal comfort and drug stability is:

• 1.0–3.0
• 5.0–8.0
• 8.5–10.5
• 11.0–13.0

Correct Answer: 5.0–8.0

Q5. Which statement about chlorhexidine gluconate gargles is most accurate?

• They may be inactivated by anionic surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate
• They require a highly alkaline pH for optimal activity
• They are ineffective as antiseptics
• They are intended to be swallowed for best efficacy

Correct Answer: They may be inactivated by anionic surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate

Q6. Which of the following is a common active ingredient in antiseptic gargles?

• Povidone-iodine
• Paracetamol
• Amlodipine
• Metformin

Correct Answer: Povidone-iodine

Q7. Astringent gargles may include which agent to reduce mucosal edema?

• Potassium alum
• Sodium bicarbonate only
• Calcium carbonate
• Lactose

Correct Answer: Potassium alum

Q8. Why is ethanol sometimes included in gargle formulations?

• To act solely as a sweetener
• To function as a cosolvent for flavors/essential oils and aid preservation
• To increase the density to match saliva
• To convert the solution into a suspension

Correct Answer: To function as a cosolvent for flavors/essential oils and aid preservation

Q9. Which labeling statement is mandatory for gargles?

• “Shake well before use” for all formulations
• “For external use only—Do not swallow”
• “Sterile preparation—Injectable”
• “Refrigerate at all times”

Correct Answer: “For external use only—Do not swallow”

Q10. The best water quality to use when compounding gargles to avoid incompatibilities is:

• Hard tap water
• Purified water
• Seawater
• Distilled alcohol

Correct Answer: Purified water

Q11. A 2% w/v chlorhexidine gluconate stock solution is diluted to prepare 250 mL of 0.2% w/v gargle. How much stock is needed?

• 5 mL
• 25 mL
• 50 mL
• 100 mL

Correct Answer: 25 mL

Q12. Which buffer system is commonly used to maintain pH in gargles without irritating the mucosa?

• Phosphate buffer
• Borate–boric acid at pH 9.5–10
• Ammonia buffer
• Chromate buffer

Correct Answer: Phosphate buffer

Q13. Which statement correctly describes monophasic liquids?

• They contain undissolved solid particles dispersed in a vehicle
• They are homogeneous solutions with solute completely dissolved
• They are semisolid gels that flow under shear
• They are aerosols intended for pulmonary delivery

Correct Answer: They are homogeneous solutions with solute completely dissolved

Q14. Which preservative is commonly used in sugar-free aqueous gargles?

• Methylparaben with propylparaben
• Benzyl alcohol at 0.9% for neonates
• Formaldehyde solution
• Thiomersal for routine oral use

Correct Answer: Methylparaben with propylparaben

Q15. Which is the most appropriate counseling point for chlorhexidine gargles?

• Use immediately after brushing with SLS-containing toothpaste
• Avoid eating or drinking for 15–30 minutes after use
• Swallow for prolonged action
• Dilute with hard tap water to increase activity

Correct Answer: Avoid eating or drinking for 15–30 minutes after use

Q16. Which set best represents typical components of an extemporaneous soothing gargle?

• Sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, purified water
• Calcium carbonate, starch, talc
• Lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate
• Olive oil, beeswax, cholesterol

Correct Answer: Sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, purified water

Q17. What is the most critical quality control test to confirm no visible incompatibility in a gargle solution?

• Clarity and absence of precipitate
• Hardness
• Disintegration time
• Friability

Correct Answer: Clarity and absence of precipitate

Q18. Which statement about povidone-iodine gargles is correct?

• They are suitable for patients with iodine hypersensitivity
• They typically provide 1% available iodine in ready-to-use products
• They require pH above 9 for stability
• They are intended exclusively for pediatric swallowing

Correct Answer: They typically provide 1% available iodine in ready-to-use products

Q19. Excessive viscosity in gargles is undesirable primarily because it:

• Increases preservative efficacy
• Reduces spreadability and swishing comfort
• Eliminates the need for buffers
• Improves solubility of all actives

Correct Answer: Reduces spreadability and swishing comfort

Q20. Which of the following best describes pharmacopoeial classification of gargles?

• Sterile ophthalmic solutions
• Non-sterile aqueous solutions for application to the mouth and throat
• Rectal solutions
• Parenteral emulsions

Correct Answer: Non-sterile aqueous solutions for application to the mouth and throat

Q21. A patient uses a concentrated gargle labeled “Dilute 1:10 before use.” How many milliliters of water should be added to 10 mL of concentrate?

• 10 mL
• 90 mL
• 100 mL
• 110 mL

Correct Answer: 90 mL

Q22. Which sweetener is preferred for sugar-free gargles to avoid cariogenicity?

• Sucrose
• Sodium saccharin
• Fructose
• Maltose

Correct Answer: Sodium saccharin

Q23. Microbial quality for gargles should comply with pharmacopoeial limits. Which is a key requirement?

• Mandatory sterility testing for all batches
• Compliance with microbial limits and absence of specified pathogens
• No testing is required because actives are antiseptic
• Only fungal count is relevant

Correct Answer: Compliance with microbial limits and absence of specified pathogens

Q24. Which cosolvent is commonly used to solubilize essential oils in gargles?

• Propylene glycol
• Liquid paraffin
• Mineral oil
• Silicone oil

Correct Answer: Propylene glycol

Q25. A common patient safety warning for pediatric use of gargles is:

• Safe to swallow freely
• Use only under supervision due to risk of accidental ingestion
• No dilution is ever required
• Always use alcohol-containing products

Correct Answer: Use only under supervision due to risk of accidental ingestion

Q26. Which test best confirms preservative performance during shelf life?

• Assay of colorants
• Antimicrobial effectiveness testing (preservative efficacy test)
• Hardness testing
• Foam height determination

Correct Answer: Antimicrobial effectiveness testing (preservative efficacy test)

Q27. Which instruction improves reach of a gargle to the pharynx?

• Keep head tilted forward and breathe through the mouth silently
• Tilt head back and vocalize “ah” while gargling
• Lie down during gargling
• Hold the solution still without movement

Correct Answer: Tilt head back and vocalize “ah” while gargling

Q28. Which sign most likely indicates incompatibility in a gargle formulation containing essential oils?

• Uniform color and clarity
• Phase separation or opalescence after standing
• Stable pH within target range
• Consistent odor

Correct Answer: Phase separation or opalescence after standing

Q29. Which astringent/antiseptic pairing is appropriate for a throat gargle?

• Zinc sulfate with menthol flavor
• Magnesium stearate with ethanol
• Talc with glycerin
• Microcrystalline cellulose with saccharin

Correct Answer: Zinc sulfate with menthol flavor

Q30. Which is the most appropriate packaging and storage for gargles containing light-sensitive actives?

• Amber, tight containers; store at room temperature away from light
• Clear open beakers on the bench
• Paper sachets at high humidity
• Uncapped PET bottles in sunlight

Correct Answer: Amber, tight containers; store at room temperature away from light

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