MCQ on Drug formulation and dosage forms

🟢 Easy Level (1–20)

1. Which of the following is a solid dosage form?
   a) Syrup
   b) Suspension
   c) Tablet ✔️
   d) Emulsion
   Explanation: Tablets are compressed solid dosage forms.
2. A capsule is typically made of:
   a) Gelatin ✔️
   b) Plastic
   c) Cellulose
   d) Starch
   Explanation: Capsules are usually made from gelatin for oral drug delivery.
3. A solution in which the drug is completely dissolved is called a:
   a) Suspension
   b) True solution ✔️
   c) Emulsion
   d) Colloid
   Explanation: A true solution has solute completely dissolved in solvent.
4. Which route is used for topical drug delivery?
   a) Oral
   b) Intravenous
   c) Intramuscular
   d) Dermal ✔️
   Explanation: Topical dosage forms are applied directly to the skin.
5. Which dosage form is used for rectal administration?
   a) Suppository ✔️
   b) Tablet
   c) Syrup
   d) Capsule
   Explanation: Suppositories are designed to melt or dissolve in the rectum.
6. Which is a liquid dosage form?
   a) Capsule
   b) Cream
   c) Suspension ✔️
   d) Powder
   Explanation: A suspension contains undissolved particles in liquid medium.
7. A parenteral route bypasses which organ?
   a) Kidney
   b) Gastrointestinal tract ✔️
   c) Lung
   d) Skin
   Explanation: Parenteral routes (like IV) avoid the GI tract.
8. The enteric coating of tablets is used to:
   a) Enhance sweetness
   b) Protect drug from stomach acid ✔️
   c) Make drug more attractive
   d) Increase solubility
   Explanation: Enteric coatings prevent dissolution in the acidic stomach.
9. Which dosage form delivers drug directly to the lungs?
   a) Tablet
   b) Cream
   c) Inhaler ✔️
   d) Suppository
   Explanation: Inhalers deliver drugs via the pulmonary route.
10. The release of drug over a period of time is called:
    a) Immediate release
    b) Sustained release ✔️
    c) Delayed release
    d) Instant absorption
    Explanation: Sustained-release forms provide slow drug release over time.
11. Which form is best suited for children?
    a) Capsule
    b) Syrup ✔️
    c) Suppository
    d) Tablet
    Explanation: Syrups are easy to swallow and palatable for children.
12. A drug in emulsion is dispersed in:
    a) Solid
    b) Another immiscible liquid ✔️
    c) Gas
    d) Sugar
    Explanation: Emulsions are mixtures of two immiscible liquids.
13. Lozenges are intended to be:
    a) Swallowed whole
    b) Dissolved slowly in mouth ✔️
    c) Injected
    d) Chewed
    Explanation: Lozenges dissolve slowly in the oral cavity for local effect.
14. Eye drops are also called:
    a) Intravenous
    b) Ophthalmic solution ✔️
    c) Buccal preparation
    d) Otic drops
    Explanation: Ophthalmic solutions are sterile preparations for eyes.
15. Which route provides the fastest drug action?
    a) Oral
    b) Rectal
    c) Subcutaneous
    d) Intravenous ✔️
    Explanation: IV administration delivers drug directly into the bloodstream.
16. Ointments are usually:
    a) Water-based
    b) Greasy and semi-solid ✔️
    c) Liquid-based
    d) Powdery
    Explanation: Ointments are oil-based semi-solid preparations for external use.
17. Which is a unit-dose form?
    a) Capsule ✔️
    b) Powder
    c) Emulsion
    d) Cream
    Explanation: Capsules contain a single dose of medication.
18. Which of the following is an external dosage form?
    a) Capsule
    b) Lotion ✔️
    c) Tablet
    d) Suspension
    Explanation: Lotions are applied to the skin externally.
19. Buccal tablets are administered:
    a) Swallowed
    b) Placed between gum and cheek ✔️
    c) Chewed
    d) Inhaled
    Explanation: Buccal tablets are absorbed through the mucosa of the cheek.
20. A transdermal patch is used to:
    a) Measure blood pressure
    b) Monitor heart rate
    c) Deliver drugs through the skin ✔️
    d) Prevent skin irritation
    Explanation: Transdermal systems allow continuous drug absorption via skin.

🟡 Moderate Level (21–40)

21. Which dosage form contains drug in a volatile base for inhalation?
    a) Aerosol ✔️
    b) Syrup
    c) Gel
    d) Capsule
    Explanation: Aerosols deliver drugs as fine mist for respiratory absorption.
22. What is the major drawback of oral dosage forms?
    a) First-pass metabolism ✔️
    b) Poor taste
    c) High cost
    d) Rapid absorption
    Explanation: Oral drugs pass through the liver before reaching circulation.
23. Which solid dosage form dissolves slowly for prolonged action?
    a) Tablet
    b) Capsule
    c) Controlled-release tablet ✔️
    d) Syrup
    Explanation: Controlled-release forms maintain consistent drug levels.
24. A sterile, injectable solution is known as:
    a) Parenteral preparation ✔️
    b) Ointment
    c) Elixir
    d) Emulsion
    Explanation: Parenteral forms are sterile solutions for injection.
25. Suppositories can be used via:
    a) Oral route
    b) Rectal and vaginal routes ✔️
    c) Nasal route
    d) Subcutaneous route
    Explanation: Suppositories are inserted rectally or vaginally for local/systemic effect.
26. What is a disadvantage of topical formulations?
    a) Rapid onset
    b) Risk of local irritation ✔️
    c) Long duration
    d) Systemic toxicity
    Explanation: Topical drugs may cause local allergic reactions.
27. What is the main purpose of excipients in formulation?
    a) Enhance disease
    b) Aid in processing and drug delivery ✔️
    c) Increase toxicity
    d) Cause side effects
    Explanation: Excipients help in formulation stability and performance.
28. Which of the following is a non-aqueous base for suppositories?
    a) Water
    b) PEG
    c) Cocoa butter ✔️
    d) Sodium chloride
    Explanation: Cocoa butter is a common fat-based suppository vehicle.
29. Modified-release forms aim to:
    a) Increase frequency
    b) Decrease dosing frequency ✔️
    c) Reduce shelf-life
    d) Make formulation complex
    Explanation: They are designed to maintain therapeutic levels for longer durations.
30. Which form is best for drugs unstable in GI tract?
    a) Syrup
    b) Parenteral ✔️
    c) Chewable tablet
    d) Capsule
    Explanation: Parenteral avoids GI tract degradation.
31. The bioavailability of a drug is highest in:
    a) Oral form
    b) Rectal form
    c) Intravenous form ✔️
    d) Nasal form
    Explanation: IV drugs have 100% bioavailability.
32. Which semisolid form contains water in oil emulsion?
    a) Cream
    b) Ointment ✔️
    c) Lotion
    d) Gel
    Explanation: Ointments are often water-in-oil emulsions.
33. Which of the following must be sterile?
    a) Tablets
    b) Capsules
    c) Eye drops ✔️
    d) Syrup
    Explanation: Ophthalmic products must be sterile to prevent infection.
34. An elixir is an oral solution that contains:
    a) No solvent
    b) Only water
    c) Alcohol ✔️
    d) Oil
    Explanation: Elixirs are sweetened hydroalcoholic solutions.
35. A gel is:
    a) Solid
    b) Semisolid ✔️
    c) Gas
    d) Liquid
    Explanation: Gels are semisolid systems with drug dispersed in a gelling agent.
36. A drug administered sublingually:
    a) Goes to GI tract
    b) Has low absorption
    c) Absorbs through oral mucosa ✔️
    d) Is swallowed
    Explanation: Sublingual route allows rapid mucosal absorption.
37. The main advantage of capsules over tablets is:
    a) Higher cost
    b) Longer disintegration time
    c) Better patient compliance ✔️
    d) Poor bioavailability
    Explanation: Capsules are easier to swallow and mask taste.
38. Which preparation is used for nasal drug delivery?
    a) Gel
    b) Nasal spray ✔️
    c) Suppository
    d) Lotion
    Explanation: Nasal sprays deliver drugs directly to the nasal mucosa.
39. The coating that delays drug release until intestine is called:
    a) Film coat
    b) Enteric coat ✔️
    c) Sugar coat
    d) Clear coat
    Explanation: Enteric coating prevents gastric dissolution.
40. Which dosage form bypasses hepatic first-pass metabolism?
    a) Oral tablet
    b) Sublingual ✔️
    c) Capsule
    d) Syrup
    Explanation: Sublingual drugs directly enter systemic circulation.

🔴 Hard Level (41–50)

41. What determines drug release from a matrix tablet?
    a) Sugar content
    b) Polymer type and drug solubility ✔️
    c) Flavor
    d) Color
    Explanation: Matrix tablets release drug based on matrix composition.
42. Zero-order release in dosage forms indicates:
    a) Irregular release
    b) Fast release
    c) Constant drug release rate ✔️
    d) Pulse dosing
    Explanation: Zero-order kinetics implies constant drug release over time.
43. A drug incorporated into liposomes is intended for:
    a) Skin whitening
    b) Targeted drug delivery ✔️
    c) Color improvement
    d) Osmotic release
    Explanation: Liposomes are carriers for targeted delivery.
44. What is the main risk with intravenous emulsions?
    a) Pain
    b) Embolism ✔️
    c) Slow onset
    d) Staining
    Explanation: IV emulsions may cause fat embolism if improperly formulated.
45. Rectal administration avoids:
    a) Absorption
    b) Partial first-pass metabolism ✔️
    c) Distribution
    d) Blood-brain barrier
    Explanation: Lower rectum bypasses hepatic first-pass metabolism.
46. A reservoir-type transdermal system provides:
    a) Burst release
    b) Controlled and consistent drug release ✔️
    c) pH dependent release
    d) Immediate action
    Explanation: Reservoir systems use membrane control for steady release.
47. Bioadhesive formulations are designed to:
    a) Evaporate quickly
    b) Stick to mucosal surfaces ✔️
    c) Act externally only
    d) Dissolve in blood
    Explanation: They prolong contact time at absorption sites.
48. Cyclodextrins in formulation act as:
    a) Flavors
    b) Solubilizing agents ✔️
    c) Diluents
    d) Binders
    Explanation: Cyclodextrins enhance solubility of poorly soluble drugs.
49. Which form ensures drug release in colon?
    a) Oral syrup
    b) Sublingual
    c) Delayed-release coated tablet ✔️
    d) Capsule
    Explanation: These are designed to resist stomach acid and release in the colon.
50. A microsphere drug delivery system is used to:
    a) Achieve controlled release ✔️
    b) Increase irritation
    c) Provide flavor
    d) Reduce shelf life
    Explanation: Microspheres release drugs over extended periods.