Pharmacy India
RRB PHARMACIST - SURE SHOT
TOPIC - Pharmaceutical Aids & Preservatives SET-I
SUBJECT - Pharmaceutics
1. Which of the following pharmaceutical aids is specifically required in the formulation of emulsions to prevent the coa-
lescence of dispersed droplets, especially in oil-in-water emulsions?
(a) Bentonite (b) Acacia (c) Sodium chloride (d) Talc
2. Which preservative is most effective in preventing both fungal and bacterial contamination in aqueous pharmaceutical
formulations at low pH (below 7)?
(a) Sodium benzoateBentonite (b) Propyl parabenBentonite
(c) Methyl paraben (d) Ethanol
3. In the context of pharmaceutical formulations, which of the following antioxidants is most commonly used in oil-based
systems to prevent oxidative degradation of drugs?
(a) Ascorbic acid (b) Vitamin E (Tocopherols)
(c) Butylated HydroxyToluene (BHT) (d) Sodium metabisulfite
4. Which of the following characteristics is most important for a preservative used in the formulation of an ophthalmic
solution?
(a) Ability to provide a color to the solution (b) Non-toxicity at low concentrationS
(c) Solubility in alcohol (d) Ability to act as a lubricant
5. What is the role of chelating agents like EDTA in pharmaceutical formulations, and how do they improve stability?
(a) They increase solubility of active ingredients
(b) They prevent microbial contamination
(c) They bind to metal ions to prevent drug degradation
(d) They act as emulsifiers
6. When formulating pediatric syrups, why is the use of saccharin as a sweetening agent often preferred over other alter-
natives?
(a) It provides a natural taste (b) It has minimal caloric value
(c) It enhances the flavor profile of bitter drugs (d) It dissolves rapidly in water
7. Which of the following agents would be most appropriate for preventing oxidative degradation of an API in a cream for-
mulation that is exposed to air over time?
(a) Sodium metabisulfite (b) Benzalkonium chloride
(c) Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) (d) BHA (Butylated HydroxyAnisole)
8. Which class of pharmaceutical aids would be most suitable for improving the flow properties of powder formulations
during tablet manufacturing?
(a) Sweetening agents (b) Lubricants (c) Emulsifiers (d) Disintegrants
9. The use of cyclodextrins in pharmaceutical formulations is primarily intended to improve the solubility of which type of
drug?
(a) Water-soluble drugs (b) Drugs with high molecular weight
(c) Lipophilic (fat-soluble) drugs (d) Drugs with low bioavailability
10. Which of the following substances is an emulsifying agent commonly used in the formulation of oral emulsions for pedi-
atric use?
(a) Talc (b) Bentonite (c) Acacia (d) Magnesium stearate
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11. How do preservatives in pharmaceutical formulations help to extend the shelf-life of products, specifically those con-
taining water-soluble ingredients?
(a) By preventing the degradation of active ingredients through oxidation
(b) By reducing the solubility of active ingredients
(c) By maintaining the chemical integrity of water-sensitive ingredients
(d) By preventing microbial growth in aqueous environments
12. Which of the following sweetening agents is most appropriate for a diabetic patient requiring a sugar-free liquid for-
mulation?
(a) Sucrose (b) Aspartame (c) Sorbitol (d) Stevia
13. Which of the following pharmaceutical aids is used in the formulation of chewable tablets to improve the rate of disin-
tegration and ensure rapid dissolution in the mouth?
(a) Emulsifying agents (b) Lubricants
(c) Disintegrating agents (d) Solvents
14. In which type of pharmaceutical formulation is propylene glycol most commonly used as a humectant?
(a) Oral tablets (b) Ointments and creams
(c) Injectable formulations (d) Capsules
15. Which of the following is a natural antioxidant commonly used in pharmaceutical formulations, particularly in prod-
ucts containing lipid-based ingredients?
(a) Vitamin C (b) Ascorbyl palmitate (c) Sodium benzoate (d) Tocopherols (Vitamin E)
16. Why is sodium chloride used as a preservative in some pharmaceutical formulations?
(a) To enhance the solubility of drugs
(b) To prevent microbial growth in aqueous formulations
(c) To act as an emulsifier in suspensions
(d) To stabilize oils in ointments
17. What is the function of suspending agents like Acacia in pharmaceutical formulations?
(a) To prevent microbial growth
(b) To improve solubility of lipophilic drugs
(c) To ensure uniform dispersion of insoluble substances in a liquid
(d) To enhance the viscosity of the formulation
18. In tablet manufacturing, magnesium stearate is primarily used for which purpose?
(a) Disintegrating agent (b) Lubricant
(c) Sweetening agent (d) Emulsifier
19. Which of the following flavouring agents would be most appropriate for masking the taste of an unpleasant-smelling
antibiotic suspension intended for children?
(a) Vanilla (b) Cinnamon (c) Orange (d) Cocoa
20. Which of the following pharmaceutical aids is essential in the preparation of topical gel formulations due to its ability
to form a gel matrix and provide structure?
(a) Sodium chloride (c) Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)
(c) Magnesium stearate (d) Ethanol
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21. Which of the following organoleptic aids improves the appearance and appeal of a pharmaceutical formulation, espe
cially in oral liquids?
(a) Flavouring agents (b) Antimicrobial agents
(c) Sweetening agents (d) Solvents
22. Which type of preservative would be most effective in a highly acidic pharmaceutical formulation like an effervescent
tablet?
(a) Sodium benzoate (b) Methylparaben (c) Sodium chloride (D) Propylparaben
23. Which of the following is not a characteristic of an ideal emulsifying agent in pharmaceutical formulations?
(a) It should be non-toxic (b) It should provide stability to emulsions
(c) It should dissolve in both oil and water phases (d) It should enhance the flavour of the formulation
24. Which of the following pharmaceutical aids helps to prevent the clumping of powdered ingredients in a tablet formula-
tion?
(a) Glidants (b) Disintegrants (c) Lubricants (d) Emulsifiers
25. Which of the following is most commonly used as an absorbent in pharmaceutical formulations?
(a) Bentonite (b) Talc (c) Magnesium stearate (d) Sodium chloride
26. Which of the following preservatives is most effective in inhibiting the growth of mold, yeast, and certain bacteria in liq-
uid oral pharmaceutical formulations?
(a) Methyl paraben (b) Sodium benzoate (c) Propyl paraben (d) Benzalkonium chloride
27. What is the ideal characteristic of a preservative that acts in multiphase systems such as emulsions or suspensions?
(a) High cost (b) Poor solubility
(c) Ability to remain in the continuous phase (d) High reactivity with drug components
28. Which of the following antioxidants is commonly used to prevent the oxidation of active ingredients in pharmaceutical
preparations containing fats or oils?
(a) Propyl gallate (b) Sodium chloride (c) Sorbic acid (d) Chlorhexidine
29. Which of the following preservatives is most likely to be ineffective in formulations with a pH higher than 5?
(a) Benzoic acid (b) Sodium benzoate (c) Sorbic acid (d) Phenol
30. Which of the following preservative mechanisms involves inhibiting the growth of microbes by affecting the cell mem-
brane or cell wall?
(a) Antioxidants (b) Antimicrobial agents
(c) Chelating agents (d) Disintegrants
31. What is the major drawback of sodium chloride as a preservative in pharmaceutical formulations?
(a) It is toxic in high concentrations
(b) It only exhibits bactericidal activity
(c) It can reduce the effectiveness of active pharmaceutical ingredients
(d) It may interact with formulation excipients and reduce its availability
32. Which of the following preservatives is commonly used in eye drops to prevent contamination without irritating the
eye?
(a) Benzalkonium chloride (b) Phenol
(c) Chlorhexidine (d) Formaldehyde
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33. Which class of preservatives works by binding metal ions and preventing the deterioration of the drug due to metal-
catalyzed oxidation?
(a) Antioxid ants (b) Antimicrobial agents
(c) Chelating agents (d) Disinfectants
34. Which of the following preservatives is most likely to interact with packaging materials, reducing its effectiveness in
pharmaceutical formulations?
(a) Benzalkonium chloride (b) Sorbic acid
(c) Chlorhexidine (d) Quaternary ammonium compounds
35. The term "preservative capacity" refers to which of the following?
(a) The ability of a preservative to bind metal ions
(b) The level of contamination a preserved product can tolerate before becoming ineffective
(c) The solubility of the preservative in aqueous solutions
(d) The concentration at which the preservative remains effective
36. Which of the following preservatives is most effective in acidic pH environments, such as in the preparation of acidic
beverages or syrups?
(a) Sodium benzoate (b) Methylparaben (c) Propylparaben (d) Chlorhexidine
37. Which of the following is an example of a naturally derived preservative used in pharmaceutical formulations?
(a) Sodium benzoate (b) Propylparaben (c) Neem oil (d) Phenol
38. What factor most significantly affects the antimicrobial activity of preservatives in multi-phase pharmaceutical formula-
tions, such as emulsions?
(a) Type of packaging material (b) Temperature during manufacturing
(c) Interaction with formulation components (d) pH of the final product
39. Which preservative is known to have potential neurological side effects, such as damage to the central nervous system,
especially when used in large amounts or prolonged periods?
(a) Phenol (b) Methylparaben (c) Benzyl alcohol (d) Sodium chloride
40. In injectable formulations, which preservative is most commonly used to prevent microbial contamination during stor-
age and after multiple uses?
(a) Sodium benzoate (b) Methylparaben
(c) Benzalkonium chloride (d) Chlorobutanol
41. What is the primary function of quaternary ammonium compounds in pharmaceutical formulations?
(a) To act as emulsifiers
(b) To inhibit microbial growth by disrupting cell membranes
(c) To increase solubility of active ingredients
(d) To provide flavor masking
42. Which of the following is a major limitation when using phenolic compounds as preservatives in pharmaceutical formu-
lations?
(a) Toxicity at low concentrations (b) Difficulty in achieving desired antimicrobial activity
(c) Interaction with packaging materials (d) Their volatile nature and degradation in light
43. Which preservative is typically used in oral liquid formulations due to its low toxicity and effectiveness at low concen-
trations?
(a) Sorbic acid (b) Benzalkonium chloride
(c) Sodium benzoate (d) Phenolic compounds
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44. Which of the following preservatives is not recommended in injectable formulations due to its potential to cause irrita-
tion at the site of administration?
(a) Benzalkonium chloride (b) Sodium benzoate
(c) Methylparaben (d) Chlorobutanol
45. Which of the following preservatives acts by forming complexes with metal ions to prevent degradation in pharmaceu-
tical formulations?
(a) Sodium benzoate (b) EDTA (c) Chlorhexidine (d) BHT
46. In terms of preservatives, which of the following would most likely interact with excipients, reducing its effectiveness
in a formulation with a high content of lipophilic ingredients?
(a) Sodium chloride (b) Sorbic acid (c) Phenylmercuric nitrate (d) Parabens
47. Which of the following preservatives would most likely be chosen for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity in
pharmaceutical preparations, including those used for eye care?
(a) Chlorhexidine (b) Methylparab (c) Sodium benzoate (d) Phenol
48. Which of the following preservatives can cause hypersensitivity reactions in patients, especially with prolonged expo-
sure in products such as cosmetics and topical formulations?
(a) Methylparaben (b) Sodium chloride (c) Sorbic acid (d) Benzyl alcohol
49. Which of the following is a common analytical method used to quantitate preservatives such as benzoic acid in food
and pharmaceutical products?
(a) High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (b) Fluorimetric analysis
(c) Titrimetric method (d) Spectrophotometric methods
50. Which of the following is a common analytical method used to quantitate preservatives such as benzoic acid in food
and pharmaceutical products?
(a) High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (b) Fluorimetric analysis
(c) Titrimetric methods (d) Spectrophotometric methods
ANSWER KEY
1-b 2-a 3-b 4-b 5-c 6-b 7-d 8-b 9-c 10-c
11-d 12-b 13-c 14-b 15-d 16-b 17-c 18-b 19-c 20-b
21-a 22-a 23-d 24-a 25-a 26-b 27-c 28-a 29-a 30-b
31-d 32-a 33-c 34-b 35-b 36-a 37-c 38-c 39-c 40-d
41-d 42-b 43-d 44-c 45-a 46-b 47-c 48-a 49-a 50-a
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