Pharmaceutical Analysis Interview Questions (Important for PPSC &

PAFDA)
1. What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative analysis?
2. Define accuracy, precision, LOD, and LOQ.
3. What is a titration, and what types are used in pharmaceutical analysis?
4. What are the primary techniques in UV-Vis spectroscopy?
5. What is the role of chromatography in pharmaceutical analysis?
6. Explain the principle of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
7. How is IR spectroscopy used in drug identification?
8. What is system suitability in chromatographic analysis?
9. Describe how to validate an analytical method.
10. Explain the difference between GC and HPLC.
11. Detectors for HPLCs and GC-MS.
12. Limitations of FTIR & GCMS?
13. Difference between Quality assurance and quality control.
14. Responsibilities of Pharmacist as an Analyst?
15. What is confidentiality and impartiality?
Pharmaceutics / Biopharmaceutics Interview Questions
1. What is bioavailability, and why is it important?
2. Define half-life and its relevance in dosage form design.
3. Explain the difference between ointments, creams, and gels.
4. What are sustained release and controlled release formulations?
5. What are the ideal properties of a tablet / Capsules / Syrups ?
6. Difference between Emulsion, Suspension and Microemulsion?
7. What are suspending and emulsifying agents? Name them.
8. Describe various methods of tablet coating.
9. Define Novel drug delivery system. Explain Micro particles, Nanoparticles,
hydrogels, Liposomes.
10. Explain factors affecting drug absorption from the GI tract.
11. What is the role of excipients in tablet formulation
12. Differentiate between sterile and non-sterile dosage forms.
13. How do you perform in-vitro dissolution studies?
14. Explain BCS classification and its impact on formulation design.
15. Describe the process of lyophilization and its applications.
16. Discuss the design and evaluation of transdermal drug delivery systems.
17. What are in process quality control test?
18. Define Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics.
19. What is ADME?
20. Differentiate one compartment, two compartment model.
21. What are bioequivalence studies?
22. Name dissolution apparatuses.
23. What are tablets defects?
24. What are aerosols? Any examples.
 25. Types of capsules?
26. What is EDL?
27. What is Inventory?
28. What is Difference b/w inventory and EDL?
29. What is expiry date? Can you increase expiry date of a medicine? 5.
Management of inventory?
30. Why you want to work as Hospital pharmacist? What is role of pharmacist in
hospital?
31 what is role of Pharmacist is Pharmacy &Therapeutic committee?
32. Comment on Generic Prescribing? What you should recommend for Pakistan
Generic Prescribing or Brand Prescribing? and Why? If Generic than you should
lose your job as representative?
33. PDR 2007 Forms
34. D.I divided Sample into how many parts?
35. D.I seizes sample/area for how much time?
36. What is difference between Pharmacy and Medical store?
37. What is MDR?
38. When a Drug Inspector visit a Pharmacy what 5 activities he do ?
39. What is Difference Between Federal Drug Inspector and Provincial Drug
Inspector?

1. Qualitative vs. Quantitative Analysis:

 Qualitative Analysis: Identifies the presence or absence of substances.
 Quantitative Analysis: Measures the amount or concentration of substances.
2. Definitions:
 Accuracy:Degree of Closeness of a measured value to the true value.
 Precision: Consistency of repeated measurements.
 LOD (Limit of Detection): Lowest concentration of an analyte that can be reliably
detected.
 LOQ (Limit of Quantification): Lowest concentration that can be quantitatively
measured with acceptable accuracy and precision.
3. Titration: A technique to determine the concentration of a substance in a solution by
adding a reagent of known concentration. Types used in pharmaceutical analysis
include acid-base titrations, redox titrations, and complexometric titrations.
4. Primary Techniques in UV-Vis Spectroscopy:
 Absorbance measurement
 Transmittance measurement
 Derivative spectroscopy
5. Role of Chromatography: Separates components in a mixture for analysis,
identification, and quantification in pharmaceutical formulations.
6. HPLC Principle: High-Performance Liquid Chromatography separates compounds
based on their interactions with a stationary phase and a mobile phase under high
pressure.
7. IR Spectroscopy in Drug Identification: Identifies functional groups in compounds
by measuring the absorption of infrared light, providing a molecular fingerprint.
8. System Suitability: A set of tests to ensure that the chromatographic system is
functioning properly before analyzing samples, including parameters like resolution
and repeatability.
9. Method Validation: Involves assessing specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision,
range, and robustness to ensure the method is reliable for its intended purpose.
10.GC vs. HPLC:
 GC (Gas Chromatography): Used for volatile compounds.
 HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography): Used for non-volatile and
thermally unstable compounds.
11.Detectors:
 HPLC: UV-Vis detectors, fluorescence detectors, refractive index detectors.
 GC-MS: Mass spectrometer, flame ionization detector.
12.Limitations:
 FTIR: Limited to functional group identification; cannot provide detailed structural
information.
 GC-MS: Requires volatile samples; non-volatile compounds need derivatization.
13.Quality Assurance vs. Quality Control:
 Quality Assurance: Focuses on preventing defects in processes.
 Quality Control: Involves testing products to ensure they meet quality standards.
14.Responsibilities of Pharmacist as Analyst: Conducting quality control tests,
ensuring compliance with regulations, and analyzing pharmaceutical products for
safety and efficacy.
15.Confidentiality and Impartiality:
 Confidentiality: Protecting patient information.
 Impartiality: Making unbiased decisions in patient care and medication management.
16.Bioavailability: The fraction of an administered dose of unchanged drug that reaches
systemic circulation; important for determining dosage and effectiveness.
17.Half-Life: The time it takes for the concentration of a drug in the body to reduce by
half; relevant for determining dosing intervals.
18.Ointments, Creams, and Gels:
 Ointments: Oil-based, greasy preparations.
 Creams: Emulsions (oil and water), less greasy.
 Gels: Water-based, clear, and jelly-like.
19.Sustained Release vs. Controlled Release:
 Sustained Release: Releases the drug over an extended period.
 Controlled Release: Delivers the drug at a predetermined rate.
20.Ideal Properties of Dosage Forms: Stability, bioavailability, patient compliance,
ease of administration, appropriate release characteristics, and acceptable taste (for
syrups).
21.Emulsion vs. Suspension vs. Microemulsion:
 Emulsion: Mixture of two immiscible liquids (oil and water).
 Suspension: Heterogeneous mixture of solid particles in a liquid.
 Microemulsion: Thermodynamically stable mixture of oil, water, and surfactants that
appears clear.
22.Suspending and Emulsifying Agents:
 Suspending Agents: Xanthan gum, methylcellulose.
 Emulsifying Agents: Lecithin, polysorbate 80.
23.Tablet Coating Methods: Sugar coating, film coating,
24.Novel Drug Delivery System: Advanced systems designed to improve drug delivery
and efficacy.
 Microparticles: Small particles that can encapsulate drugs for controlled release.
 Nanoparticles: Extremely small particles that enhance drug solubility and targeting.
 Hydrogels: Water-swollen networks that can release drugs in response to
environmental changes.
 Liposomes: Spherical vesicles of lipid bilayer that encapsulate drugs, improving
bioavailability and reducing toxicity. Targeted drug delivery
25.Factors Affecting Drug Absorption from the GI Tract: Drug formulation, pH of
the GI tract, presence of food, gastrointestinal motility, and the drug's
physicochemical properties (solubility, permeability).
26.Role of Excipients in Tablet Formulation: Inactive substances that aid in the
manufacturing process, improve stability, enhance bioavailability, and facilitate drug
delivery.
27.Sterile vs. Non-Sterile Dosage Forms:
 Sterile Dosage Forms: Free from viable microorganisms, used for injections or
ophthalmic solutions.
 Non-Sterile Dosage Forms: May contain microorganisms, used for oral or topical
applications.
28.In-Vitro Dissolution Studies: Involves placing tablets or capsules in a dissolution
apparatus, using a specific medium, and measuring the amount of drug released over
time using UV-Vis spectroscopy or other analytical methods.
29.BCS Classification: The Biopharmaceutics Classification System classifies drugs
based on their solubility and permeability. It impacts formulation design by guiding
the selection of appropriate dosage forms to enhance bioavailability.
30.Lyophilization: A freeze-drying process that involves freezing a substance and then
reducing the pressure to allow the frozen water to sublimate. It is used to preserve
sensitive biological materials, such as vaccines and proteins, by removing moisture.
31.Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems: Designed to deliver drugs through the skin for
systemic effects. Evaluation includes assessing skin permeability, release rates, and
pharmacokinetics to ensure efficacy and safety.
32.In-Process Quality Control Tests: Tests conducted during manufacturing to ensure
that the product meets specified quality standards, including checks for weight
variation, content uniformity, and dissolution.
33.Pharmaceutics: The science of formulating drugs into dosage forms.
Biopharmaceutics: The study of the relationship between the physical/chemical
properties of drugs and their pharmacological effects.
34.ADME: Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion; the processes that
determine the pharmacokinetics of a drug.
35.One Compartment vs. Two Compartment Model:
 One Compartment Model: Assumes the body acts as a single, uniform compartment.
 Two Compartment Model: Considers the body as two compartments (central and
peripheral) for more complex drug distribution.
36.Bioequivalence Studies: Studies that compare the bioavailability of two formulations
of the same drug to ensure they have similar effects in the body.
37.Dissolution Apparatuses: Common types include USP Apparatus 1 (basket), USP
Apparatus 2 (paddle), and USP Apparatus 3 (rotating cylinder).
38.Tablet Defects: Common defects include capping, chipping, lamination, mottling,
and hardness issues.
39.Aerosols: Suspensions of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas. Examples
include inhalers and spray products.
40.Types of Capsules: Hard capsules, soft capsules, gelatin capsules, and enteric-coated
capsules.
41.EDL (Essential Drug List): A list of medications considered essential for a basic
healthcare system, ensuring availability of necessary drugs.
42.Inventory: The stock of drugs and medical supplies available in a pharmacy or
healthcare setting.
43.Difference Between Inventory and EDL: Inventory refers to the total stock of drugs
available, while EDL is a list of essential medications that should be available in a
healthcare system.
44.Expiry Date: The date until which a drug is expected to remain effective. Extending
it is generally not recommended without stability data.
45.Management of Inventory: Involves tracking stock levels, ensuring proper storage,
conducting regular audits, and managing reordering to prevent shortages or overstock.
46.Role of Hospital Pharmacist: Hospital pharmacists manage medication therapy,
ensure safe and effective drug use, provide drug information, and collaborate with
healthcare teams.
47.Pharmacy & Therapeutic Committee Role: Pharmacists evaluate medications for
formulary inclusion, ensuring safe and effective drug use in hospitals.
48.Generic vs. Brand Prescribing: Generic prescribing is often recommended for cost-
effectiveness

49. What is MDR?

MDR (Multi-Drug Resistant): Refers to microorganisms, particularly bacteria, that are
resistant to multiple antimicrobial drugs, making infections difficult to treat and posing
significant public health challenges.

50. When a Drug Inspector visits a Pharmacy, what 5 activities does he do?
 Inspection of Records: Review of purchase and sale records to ensure compliance
with regulations.
 Checking Storage Conditions: Ensuring that drugs are stored under appropriate
conditions (temperature, humidity).
 Verification of Expiry Dates: Checking that no expired medications are on the shelves.
 Assessment of Labeling: Ensuring that all products are correctly labeled according to
regulatory standards.
 Review of Compliance: Evaluating adherence to Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) and
other relevant regulations.
51. What is the Difference Between Federal Drug Inspector and Provincial Drug
Inspector?
 Federal Drug Inspector: Operates at the national level, enforcing drug regulations and
standards set by federal authorities, overseeing drug manufacturing and importation.
 Provincial Drug Inspector: Operates at the state or provincial level, focusing on the
enforcement of local drug laws, inspecting pharmacies, and ensuring compliance with
provincial regulations.