Pharmacy Compounding 5

Question 1

Which emulsifying agent is an example of a cationic surfactant used in compounding?

Accepted Answer

Benzalkonium chloride

Answer

Benzalkonium chloride is a cationic (positively charged) quaternary ammonium surfactant also used for its antimicrobial properties.

Question 2

A compounded preparation is described as a 'W/O emulsion.' This means:

Accepted Answer

Water is the dispersed phase and oil is the continuous phase

Answer

In a W/O (water-in-oil) emulsion, water droplets are dispersed within the oil continuous phase.

Question 3

Which pH range is generally considered most appropriate for a compounded ophthalmic preparation to minimize irritation?

Accepted Answer

6.5–7.5

Answer

The tear film pH is approximately 7.4, so ophthalmic preparations are buffered to a pH of 6.5–7.5 to minimize irritation.

Question 4

A 503B outsourcing facility differs from a 503A compounding pharmacy primarily because 503B facilities:

Accepted Answer

May compound without patient-specific prescriptions in larger quantities for office stock

Answer

503B outsourcing facilities may produce larger batches for office stock without patient-specific prescriptions but must register with the FDA and follow CGMP standards.

Question 5

When compounding a transdermal gel using PLO (Pluronic Lecithin Organogel), the lecithin component serves primarily as:

Accepted Answer

A penetration enhancer that increases skin permeation

Answer

Lecithin in PLO gels acts as a penetration enhancer by interacting with skin lipids to facilitate transdermal drug delivery.

Pharmacy Practice Test

Pharmacy Practice Test

Pharmacy Compounding 5