Introduction: The Prohibition of certain advertisements is a key regulatory topic for B. Pharm students, covering laws, acts, and ethical norms that prevent misleading or harmful promotion of drugs and treatments. This subject explores the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, roles of CDSCO and state regulators, advertising restrictions for prescription and Schedule H medicines, “magic remedy” bans, digital and print media compliance, misbranding, substantiation of clinical claims, and penalties for violations. Understanding these rules helps future pharmacists ensure patient safety, ethical promotion, and legal compliance in pharmaceutical marketing. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.
Q1. What is the primary purpose of prohibiting certain advertisements related to drugs?
- To increase pharmaceutical company profits
- To protect public health by preventing misleading or harmful drug claims
- To promote more advertising jobs
- To encourage sales without evidence
Correct Answer: To protect public health by preventing misleading or harmful drug claims
Q2. Which Indian law specifically addresses objectionable advertisements for drugs and remedies?
- Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act
- Food Safety and Standards Act
- Indian Penal Code
- Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act
Correct Answer: Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act
Q3. Which regulatory body is primarily responsible for overseeing drug advertising compliance in India?
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)
- Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI)
- Medical Council of India
- Reserve Bank of India
Correct Answer: Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)
Q4. An “objectionable advertisement” commonly claims what kind of effects?
- Treats or cures serious listed diseases without scientific proof
- Improves packaging aesthetics
- Explains storage conditions
- Lists ingredients factually
Correct Answer: Treats or cures serious listed diseases without scientific proof
Q5. Which forms of media are covered by prohibitions on certain drug advertisements?
- Print media only
- Electronic media only
- Social media only
- All media including print, electronic and social media
Correct Answer: All media including print, electronic and social media
Q6. Who bears primary responsibility for ensuring an advertisement complies with drug advertising regulations?
- The manufacturer or advertiser
- The retail pharmacist
- The patient
- The courier service
Correct Answer: The manufacturer or advertiser
Q7. Are prescription drugs allowed to be advertised to the general public?
- Yes, without restriction
- No, advertising prescription drugs to the public is prohibited
- Only during prime-time TV
- Only with celebrity endorsement
Correct Answer: No, advertising prescription drugs to the public is prohibited
Q8. Which organization provides self-regulatory guidelines for advertising ethics in India?
- Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI)
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
- World Health Organization
- Pharmacy Council of India
Correct Answer: Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI)
Q9. The term “magic remedies” in advertising law generally refers to claims suggesting what?
- Miraculous or supernatural cures of serious illnesses
- Improved taste of a syrup
- Cosmetic color options
- Standard dosing schedules
Correct Answer: Miraculous or supernatural cures of serious illnesses
Q10. Why is scientific substantiation important for drug advertising claims?
- To ensure claims are evidence-based and protect patients
- To make ads longer
- To allow more celebrity endorsements
- To increase manufacturing speed
Correct Answer: To ensure claims are evidence-based and protect patients
Q11. What best defines a misleading or false advertisement in the pharmaceutical context?
- Any promotion that is factually inaccurate or deceptive about safety or efficacy
- An advertisement that uses complex technical terms
- An ad targeted only at professionals
- An ad that is too brief
Correct Answer: Any promotion that is factually inaccurate or deceptive about safety or efficacy
Q12. Are social media posts and influencer promotions subject to regulations on prohibited drug advertisements?
- No, social media is exempt
- Yes, digital and influencer content is covered by advertising rules
- Only if posted on government platforms
- Only if translated into print
Correct Answer: Yes, digital and influencer content is covered by advertising rules
Q13. Which actions can be taken against unlawful drug advertisements?
- Administrative sanctions
- Civil litigation and consumer claims
- Criminal prosecution in severe cases
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Q14. Which schedule in Indian drug regulation lists medicines that should be sold only on prescription?
- Schedule H
- Schedule M
- Schedule Y
- Schedule D
Correct Answer: Schedule H
Q15. Which of the following is NOT a prohibited advertising practice?
- Presenting accurate, referenced safety information
- Claiming guaranteed cure without evidence
- Using unverified testimonials promising recovery
- Promoting secret or hidden ingredients as miracles
Correct Answer: Presenting accurate, referenced safety information
Q16. Under consumer protection frameworks, who can seek redress for misleading drug advertisements?
- Consumers through consumer courts or commissions
- Only the manufacturer
- Only the advertising agency
- The postal department only
Correct Answer: Consumers through consumer courts or commissions
Q17. Which ethical principle is central to pharmaceutical promotion?
- Transparency and truthful communication
- Concealing side effects to boost sales
- Exaggerating benefits without proof
- Targeting vulnerable groups with bold claims
Correct Answer: Transparency and truthful communication
Q18. Which statement about advertising over-the-counter (OTC) drugs is correct?
- OTC drugs may be advertised to the public but claims must be factual and regulated
- OTC ads are completely banned
- OTC products require a prescription to be advertised
- OTC advertising needs no oversight
Correct Answer: OTC drugs may be advertised to the public but claims must be factual and regulated
Q19. The DMR Act explicitly seeks to prohibit advertisements claiming to cure which serious disease among the options?
- Cancer
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis
- Minor cuts and bruises
- Mild headache
Correct Answer: Cancer
Q20. In regulatory terms, what does “misbranding” of a drug typically mean?
- Labeling or advertising that is false or misleading regarding the product
- Manufacturing in small batches
- Storing a drug at room temperature
- Using biodegradable packaging
Correct Answer: Labeling or advertising that is false or misleading regarding the product
Q21. Who issues specific guidelines for online and digital pharmaceutical advertising compliance?
- Ministry of Health / CDSCO and allied regulatory authorities
- Ministry of Transport
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Reserve Bank of India
Correct Answer: Ministry of Health / CDSCO and allied regulatory authorities
Q22. A valid therapeutic claim in an advertisement should be supported by what?
- Robust scientific evidence such as clinical studies or authoritative references
- Popular opinion polls
- Celebrity testimonials alone
- Colorful graphics and jingles
Correct Answer: Robust scientific evidence such as clinical studies or authoritative references
Q23. Which type of advertising content is generally permissible for pharmaceutical companies?
- Scientific information targeted to healthcare professionals with proper references
- Guaranteed cure claims to the general public
- Anonymous patient testimonials promising miracles
- Claims of secret, undisclosed ingredients
Correct Answer: Scientific information targeted to healthcare professionals with proper references
Q24. Promotional material for prescription-only medicines may be legitimately targeted to which audience?
- Only qualified healthcare professionals
- The general public at large
- Children and teenagers
- Only retail customers in pharmacies
Correct Answer: Only qualified healthcare professionals
Q25. Which phrase in an advertisement is a clear regulatory red flag?
- “100% guaranteed cure”
- “Clinically studied with references”
- “Side effects: refer to leaflet”
- “Data from peer-reviewed journals cited”
Correct Answer: “100% guaranteed cure”
Q26. The main intent behind penalties for prohibited drug advertisements is to:
- Protect patient safety and public trust
- Boost short-term sales
- Reduce exports
- Encourage aggressive marketing
Correct Answer: Protect patient safety and public trust
Q27. What does “substantiation” require when making a health claim in advertising?
- Objective scientific evidence and appropriate documentation
- Anecdotal success stories only
- Only a marketing team’s approval
- Celebrity endorsements without data
Correct Answer: Objective scientific evidence and appropriate documentation
Q28. Which internal teams in a pharmaceutical company should verify advertisement content for regulatory compliance?
- Regulatory affairs, medical affairs, and pharmacovigilance teams
- Only the sales team
- Only the distribution team
- Only the packaging department
Correct Answer: Regulatory affairs, medical affairs, and pharmacovigilance teams
Q29. Comparative claims stating superiority over another approved drug are acceptable when:
- Supported by reliable evidence and not misleading
- No evidence is provided
- They are expressed vaguely with no data
- They use emotional testimonials only
Correct Answer: Supported by reliable evidence and not misleading
Q30. What is the primary ethical concern that motivates the prohibition of certain pharmaceutical advertisements?
- Protecting patient safety and maintaining public trust in medicines
- Maximizing short-term market share
- Reducing manufacturing costs
- Improving advertising aesthetics
Correct Answer: Protecting patient safety and maintaining public trust in medicines
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