Excipients and their Functions: A Comprehensive Guide for Pharmacy Students

Question 1

In pharmaceutical formulation, which factor is paramount when selecting an excipient, as per regulatory guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Safety and efficacy

Answer

Cost-effectiveness

Answer

Availability

Answer

Patient preference

Question 2

In a solid oral dosage form, what is the primary role of binders?

Accepted Answer

Providing cohesiveness and maintaining dosage form integrity

Answer

Enhancing drug dissolution

Answer

Improving formulation stability

Answer

Masking the taste of the active pharmaceutical ingredient

Question 3

Which class of excipients is responsible for binding drug particles together to form a solid dosage form?

Accepted Answer

Binders

Answer

Diluents

Answer

Disintegrants

Answer

Lubricants

Question 4

How do disintegrants assist in the disintegration of tablets?

Accepted Answer

They absorb water, swell, and cause the tablet to break apart

Answer

They form channels that allow water to enter the tablet

Answer

They lubricate the tablet surface, promoting disintegration

Answer

They chemically react with the tablet's binder, weakening the bonds between particles

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of incorporating glidants in pharmaceutical formulations?

Accepted Answer

To reduce friction between powder particles, improving flowability

Answer

To enhance drug dissolution rate by increasing surface area

Answer

To prevent moisture absorption and ensure stability

Answer

To bind active ingredients to excipients

Question 6

Which type of excipient is commonly employed to modify drug release and sustain therapeutic effects?

Accepted Answer

Sustained-release polymers

Answer

Antioxidants

Answer

Surfactants

Answer

Binders

Question 7

How do sweeteners influence the palatability of oral liquid formulations?

Accepted Answer

They reduce bitterness and improve taste perception

Answer

They mask unpleasant odors and aftertaste

Answer

They enhance drug dissolution rate and absorption

Answer

They prevent bacterial growth and ensure microbiological safety

Question 8

Identify an example of an inert excipient that does not possess a specific pharmaceutical function?

Accepted Answer

Talc

Answer

Lactose

Answer

Sodium bicarbonate

Answer

Polyethylene glycol

Question 9

Emulsifying agents are predominantly employed in pharmaceutical formulations to:

Accepted Answer

Stabilize emulsions and prevent phase separation

Answer

Enhance drug solubility and dissolution rate

Answer

Sustain drug release and prolong therapeutic effect

Answer

Increase drug absorption and bioavailability

Question 10

Which excipient is commonly used as a binder in tablet formulations?

Accepted Answer

Microcrystalline cellulose

Answer

Sodium chloride

Answer

Starch

Answer

Talc

Question 11

The primary consideration when selecting excipients for a drug formulation should be:

Accepted Answer

Compatibility with the active drug substance

Answer

Alignment with patient preferences

Answer

Adherence to regulatory guidelines

Answer

Feasibility of manufacturing processes

Question 12

A potential risk associated with inappropriate excipient selection is:

Accepted Answer

Compromised drug stability and efficacy

Answer

Increased production expenses

Answer

Delayed onset of therapeutic action

Answer

Difficulty in patient compliance

Question 13

Which excipient is commonly used as a disintegrant in tablet formulations?

Accepted Answer

Sodium starch glycolate

Answer

Calcium carbonate

Answer

Polyethylene glycol

Answer

Magnesium stearate

Question 14

Antioxidants are primarily incorporated into pharmaceutical formulations to:

Accepted Answer

Prevent drug degradation and oxidation

Answer

Improve patient adherence and convenience

Answer

Reduce drug absorption and bioavailability

Answer

Modify drug release and therapeutic effect

Question 15

Which excipient is commonly utilized as a retardant in extended-release formulations?

Accepted Answer

Ethylcellulose

Answer

Lactose

Answer

Talc

Answer

Magnesium stearate

Question 16

Which disintegrant type absorbs fluids and expands to break apart a tablet?

Accepted Answer

Swelling

Answer

Erosive

Answer

Lubricating

Answer

Effervescent

Question 17

Which of the following excipients is primarily used to control the release of drugs from oral solid dosage forms?

Accepted Answer

Modified-release excipient

Answer

Disintegrant

Answer

Lubricant

Answer

Glidant

Question 18

What is the primary role of antioxidants in pharmaceutical formulations?

Accepted Answer

To prevent or delay drug degradation caused by oxidation

Answer

To enhance drug solubility

Answer

To prolong drug release

Question 19

Which of the following is a commonly used suspending agent in liquid pharmaceutical formulations?

Accepted Answer

Xanthan gum

Answer

Sodium chloride

Answer

Lactose

Answer

Starch

Question 20

Which type of excipient is used to improve the flowability of powders and prevent caking?

Accepted Answer

Glidant

Answer

Surfactant

Answer

Antioxidant

Answer

Lubricant

Question 21

What is the primary function of emulsifying agents in pharmaceutical formulations?

Accepted Answer

To stabilize emulsions and prevent phase separation

Answer

To prolong drug release

Answer

To enhance drug absorption

Question 22

Which of the following factors does NOT affect the selection of an appropriate excipient for a specific pharmaceutical formulation?

Accepted Answer

Patient's genetic background

Answer

Drug solubility

Answer

Route of administration

Answer

Desired drug release profile

Question 23

What is the primary function of diluents in pharmaceutical formulations?

Accepted Answer

To increase the bulk of the formulation without significantly altering its properties

Answer

To enhance drug absorption

Answer

To prolong drug release

Question 24

Which of the following excipients is primarily used to enhance the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs?

Accepted Answer

Surfactant

Answer

Lubricant

Answer

Preservative

Answer

Binder