Semisolid Dosage Forms: Properties, Applications, and Assessment

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a common type of semisolid dosage form?

Accepted Answer

Solution

Answer

Ointment

Answer

Cream

Answer

Gel

Question 2

Which of the following bases is commonly used in water-soluble ointments?

Accepted Answer

Polyethylene glycol

Answer

Petrolatum

Answer

Lanolin

Answer

Carbomer

Question 3

The primary mechanism of drug release from most semisolid dosage forms is:

Accepted Answer

Diffusion

Answer

Osmosis

Answer

Active transport

Answer

Erosion

Question 4

The primary purpose of using an antioxidant in a semisolid dosage form is to:

Accepted Answer

Prevent drug degradation

Answer

Enhance drug absorption

Answer

Reduce skin irritation

Answer

Improve stability

Question 5

Which of the following factors does NOT significantly affect drug release from semisolid dosage forms?

Accepted Answer

Molecular weight of the drug

Answer

Partition coefficient of the drug

Answer

Viscosity of the vehicle

Answer

pH of the formulation

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a type of semisolid dosage form commonly used in pharmacy?

Accepted Answer

Suppository

Answer

Ointment

Answer

Cream

Answer

Gel

Question 7

What is the primary function of an emollient in an ointment base?

Accepted Answer

To soften and smooth the skin, reducing dryness and irritation

Answer

To promote absorption of active ingredients into the skin

Answer

To provide a cooling effect, reducing inflammation

Answer

To protect the skin from moisture loss, preventing dehydration

Question 8

What type of rheological property is essential for ensuring a cream is spreadable but not too runny?

Accepted Answer

Yield stress

Answer

Viscosity

Answer

Elasticity

Answer

Plasticity

Question 9

Which of the following is a common gelling agent used in semisolid formulations?

Accepted Answer

Carbomer

Answer

Sodium chloride

Answer

Propylene glycol

Answer

Magnesium sulfate

Question 10

What is the purpose of a penetration enhancer in a semisolid formulation?

Accepted Answer

To increase the drug's absorption through the skin

Answer

To reduce the risk of skin irritation

Answer

To improve the stability of the formulation

Answer

To provide a cooling effect

Question 11

Which of the following accurately describes the nature of ointments?

Accepted Answer

Semi-solid emulsions with a high concentration of oil.

Answer

Applied to the skin for protection and skin softening.

Answer

Formulated using water-soluble bases.

Answer

Primarily used to treat bacterial infections.

Question 12

In semisolid dosage forms, the role of surfactants is to:

Accepted Answer

Reduce surface tension and promote emulsification.

Answer

Increase formulation viscosity.

Answer

Act as antimicrobial agents.

Answer

Enhance drug absorption.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a typical characteristic of ointments?

Accepted Answer

Non-greasy

Answer

Occlusive

Answer

Greasy

Answer

Emollient

Question 14

What is the primary purpose of incorporating a humectant into a cream formulation?

Accepted Answer

Prevent moisture loss from the skin

Answer

Enhance drug absorption

Answer

Act as a preservative

Answer

Reduce skin irritation

Question 15

What is a crucial factor that must be considered during the formulation of a paste?

Accepted Answer

Viscosity

Answer

pH

Answer

Solubility

Answer

Particle size

Question 16

Which of the following is a common excipient used as a thickening agent in semisolid formulations?

Accepted Answer

Methylcellulose

Answer

Polysorbate 80

Answer

Sodium lauryl sulfate

Answer

Isopropyl alcohol

Question 17

What is the primary function of a preservative in a semisolid formulation?

Accepted Answer

To inhibit microbial growth

Answer

To enhance drug activity

Answer

To adjust pH

Answer

To improve stability

Question 18

Which of the following accurately describes a hydrophilic ointment base?

Accepted Answer

High water content and a non-greasy texture

Answer

High oil content and a greasy texture

Answer

Low water absorption capacity

Answer

Occlusive properties and poor drug penetration

Question 19

Which emulsifying agent is commonly incorporated into cream formulations to stabilize the dispersed phase?

Accepted Answer

Cetyl alcohol

Answer

Carbomer (gelling agent)

Answer

Magnesium stearate (lubricant)

Answer

Xanthan gum (thickening agent)

Question 20

What is the primary objective of incorporating a penetration enhancer into a semisolid dosage form?

Accepted Answer

To enhance drug permeation across the skin

Answer

To reduce skin irritation

Answer

To maintain product stability

Answer

To minimize unpleasant odors

Question 21

What key advantage does a paste dosage form offer compared to an ointment?

Accepted Answer

Higher drug concentration

Answer

Less greasy feel

Answer

Enhanced skin absorption

Answer

Lower production cost

Question 22

What is the primary function of a humectant in a semisolid dosage form?

Accepted Answer

To retain moisture and prevent drying

Answer

To act as a preservative

Answer

To enhance drug solubility

Answer

To increase product viscosity

Question 23

Which of the following excipients is commonly used to prevent microbial growth in semisolid dosage forms?

Accepted Answer

Methylparaben

Answer

Glycerol

Answer

Silicone

Answer

Starch

Question 24

What is the main benefit of using a suppository as a drug delivery system?

Accepted Answer

Targeted drug delivery to the rectum or vagina

Answer

Rapid onset of action

Answer

High bioavailability

Answer

Sustained drug release over an extended period