Introduction: This concise guide covers types of materials and storage requirements in drug stores, essential knowledge for B. Pharm students. You will learn classification of pharmaceutical materials (bulk drugs, excipients, reagents, controlled substances, hazardous materials), appropriate storage conditions (ambient, cool, cold, frozen), and critical concepts such as temperature control, humidity management, light protection, segregation of incompatible items, cold chain handling, security for controlled drugs, inventory management (FIFO/FEFO), and Good Storage Practices. Practical topics include packaging selection (amber glass, HDPE), monitoring devices, documentation, and handling temperature excursions to maintain drug stability and patient safety. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.
Q1. Which storage condition is defined as 2°C to 8°C and commonly required for many vaccines?
- Ambient temperature
- Cool storage
- Freezer storage
- Controlled room temperature
Correct Answer: Cool storage
Q2. Which packaging material is preferred for light-sensitive drugs to protect from photodegradation?
- Clear polyethylene
- Amber glass
- Aluminum foil without lining
- Transparent PVC
Correct Answer: Amber glass
Q3. What does FEFO inventory management stand for and prioritize?
- First Expired, First Out — prioritize earliest expiry
- First Entered, First Out — prioritize earliest arrival
- Fastest Expiring, Fast Out — prioritize fastest-moving items
- Frequently Examined, First Out — prioritize frequently checked stock
Correct Answer: First Expired, First Out — prioritize earliest expiry
Q4. Which monitoring device provides continuous temperature logging and alarm for a cold room?
- Mercury thermometer
- Temperature data logger with alarm
- Manual temperature chart with hourly entries
- Humidity indicator card
Correct Answer: Temperature data logger with alarm
Q5. Which material should be segregated from oxidizers in a drug store to prevent dangerous reactions?
- Organic solvents (flammable liquids)
- Non-reactive excipients
- Inert pharmaceutical salts
- Glass vials
Correct Answer: Organic solvents (flammable liquids)
Q6. For medicines labelled “Store below -20°C,” what storage equipment is required?
- Domestic refrigerator
- Pharmacy cold room (2–8°C)
- Ultra-low temperature freezer or deep freezer
- Ambient air-conditioned room
Correct Answer: Ultra-low temperature freezer or deep freezer
Q7. Which acronym describes documentation and procedures that ensure consistent storage and handling quality?
- GHP — Good Hygiene Practices
- GLP — Good Laboratory Practices
- GSP — Good Storage Practices
- GMP — Good Manufacturing Practices
Correct Answer: GSP — Good Storage Practices
Q8. Which is the primary risk when storing highly hygroscopic materials without desiccants?
- Light-induced degradation
- Microbial contamination from dryness
- Absorption of moisture causing caking and degradation
- Oxidation due to excess oxygen
Correct Answer: Absorption of moisture causing caking and degradation
Q9. What is the correct immediate action for a sustained temperature excursion in a vaccine refrigerator?
- Discard all vaccines immediately
- Document the excursion and quarantine affected stock pending stability guidance
- Return vaccines to manufacturer without investigation
- Ignore if temperature returns to normal within 24 hours
Correct Answer: Document the excursion and quarantine affected stock pending stability guidance
Q10. Which storage area is required for Schedule H controlled substances in many regulations?
- Open shelf with other OTC items
- Secured, locked cabinet with restricted access
- Room temperature box with signboard
- Refrigerated drawer
Correct Answer: Secured, locked cabinet with restricted access
Q11. What is the recommended storage practice for flammable solvents in a drug store?
- Store next to oxidizers for convenience
- Store in approved flammable storage cabinet away from ignition
- Store on open racks near heating devices
- Keep in glass jars on counters
Correct Answer: Store in approved flammable storage cabinet away from ignition
Q12. Which parameter is most important to control for moisture-sensitive antibiotics?
- Ambient light intensity
- Relative humidity in storage area
- Air pressure in the room
- Vibration frequency
Correct Answer: Relative humidity in storage area
Q13. Which container material is unsuitable for storing nitroglycerin due to permeation risks?
- Glass amber ampoules
- Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) lined cans
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) containers
- Aluminum foil laminated pouches
Correct Answer: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) containers
Q14. What is the best practice for segregating expired and recalled medicines in a drug store?
- Return them to general stock
- Quarantine in a clearly marked, secured area pending disposal
- Mix with active stock but mark with pen
- Store on top shelf for quick removal
Correct Answer: Quarantine in a clearly marked, secured area pending disposal
Q15. Which instrument would you use to verify relative humidity in a pharmaceutical storeroom?
- Thermometer
- Hygrometer
- Barometer
- Lux meter
Correct Answer: Hygrometer
Q16. For cold chain transport, which practice helps minimize temperature excursions?
- Use of insulated containers with phase-change materials or dry ice
- Transport in single-layer cardboard boxes during summer
- Rely solely on vehicle cabin temperature
- Packing with cotton wool only
Correct Answer: Use of insulated containers with phase-change materials or dry ice
Q17. Which documentation is essential to record temperature history of a pharmaceutical refrigerator?
- Temperature monitoring log or data logger reports
- Sales invoices
- Manufacturer brochures
- Patient dispensing records
Correct Answer: Temperature monitoring log or data logger reports
Q18. Which storage requirement is critical for light-sensitive ophthalmic solutions?
- Store in transparent bottles in sunlight
- Protect from light using amber containers and opaque secondary packaging
- Freeze them to preserve activity
- Store at high humidity to prevent evaporation
Correct Answer: Protect from light using amber containers and opaque secondary packaging
Q19. What is the main purpose of using desiccants in pharmaceutical packaging?
- To increase humidity inside packaging
- To absorb moisture and protect hygroscopic drugs
- To act as a flavoring agent
- To supply oxygen to the product
Correct Answer: To absorb moisture and protect hygroscopic drugs
Q20. Which is the correct temperature range commonly defined as “controlled room temperature” for many drug monographs?
- –20°C to –10°C
- 2°C to 8°C
- 20°C to 25°C (with excursions 15°C–30°C)
- Above 40°C
Correct Answer: 20°C to 25°C (with excursions 15°C–30°C)
Q21. Which storage practice reduces the risk of cross-contamination between bulk chemicals and finished dosage forms?
- Storing all products on the same shelf
- Segregating raw materials, APIs, and finished products in separate designated areas
- Mixing products in transit boxes
- Keeping incompatible chemicals together for space saving
Correct Answer: Segregating raw materials, APIs, and finished products in separate designated areas
Q22. What is the recommended action when receiving a shipment of temperature-sensitive drugs showing out-of-range temperatures?
- Accept and store as usual
- Quarantine shipment, document condition, and consult supplier/manufacturer for stability assessment
- Immediately dispose without documentation
- Return to stockroom after shaking packages
Correct Answer: Quarantine shipment, document condition, and consult supplier/manufacturer for stability assessment
Q23. Which regulatory document provides guidance on storage and distribution of medicinal products?
- Pharmacopoeial monographs only
- Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines
- Local traffic regulations
- Patent specifications
Correct Answer: Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines
Q24. Which practice helps ensure potency of drug substances stored long-term in bulk?
- Storing on open pallets in direct sunlight
- Using validated containers with proper closure and controlled conditions
- Keeping them in damp basements
- Frequent manual handling without gloves
Correct Answer: Using validated containers with proper closure and controlled conditions
Q25. Which indicator is most useful to detect temperature excursions inside frozen vaccine shipments?
- Time–temperature indicator (TTI) or freeze indicator labels
- pH paper
- Standard thermometer left in packaging
- Humidity strip
Correct Answer: Time–temperature indicator (TTI) or freeze indicator labels
Q26. Which class of materials requires storage in corrosion-resistant containers and trays?
- Non-reactive plastics
- Strong acids and bases (corrosives)
- Neutral saline solutions
- Powdered lactose
Correct Answer: Strong acids and bases (corrosives)
Q27. In a pharmacy, what is the preferred method to manage slow-moving stock nearing expiry?
- Mark them down and move to front of shelf for early sale using FEFO
- Hide them on top shelves to avoid sale
- Mix with fresh stock without labeling
- Donate without recording
Correct Answer: Mark them down and move to front of shelf for early sale using FEFO
Q28. What should be included on a storage label for hazardous pharmaceutical materials?
- Only manufacture date
- Hazard class, handling precautions, and emergency contact information
- Barcode only
- Price and supplier phone number only
Correct Answer: Hazard class, handling precautions, and emergency contact information
Q29. Which ventilation requirement is important for storerooms holding volatile organic solvents?
- No ventilation to keep odors contained
- Adequate mechanical ventilation to prevent vapor buildup and explosive atmospheres
- Window fans directed inward only
- Natural ventilation but no extraction
Correct Answer: Adequate mechanical ventilation to prevent vapor buildup and explosive atmospheres
Q30. Why is calibration of temperature monitoring devices essential in pharmaceutical storage?
- Calibration makes devices look modern
- To ensure accurate readings that guarantee product quality and regulatory compliance
- It is optional and rarely needed
- Calibration increases power consumption
Correct Answer: To ensure accurate readings that guarantee product quality and regulatory compliance
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