Pharmacy Drug Delivery Systems 2

Question 1

Which parameter is MOST critical when designing a transdermal patch for a drug with high molecular weight?

Accepted Answer

Skin permeation enhancement

Answer

High molecular weight drugs penetrate skin poorly, so permeation enhancers are critical for effective transdermal delivery.

Question 2

A drug formulated as a liposome is BEST described as:

Accepted Answer

A phospholipid bilayer vesicle encapsulating drug

Answer

Liposomes are closed phospholipid bilayer vesicles that can encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs.

Question 3

Which route of administration completely bypasses first-pass metabolism?

Accepted Answer

Intravenous

Answer

Intravenous administration delivers drug directly to systemic circulation, entirely bypassing hepatic first-pass metabolism.

Question 4

An osmotic pump tablet (OROS) releases drug primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Osmotic pressure driving drug through a laser-drilled orifice

Answer

OROS tablets use osmotic pressure built up by water influx to push drug solution through a precisely drilled delivery orifice.

Question 5

Which excipient class is commonly used in hot-melt extrusion to improve drug solubility?

Accepted Answer

Enteric polymers like HPMC-AS

Answer

HPMC-AS and similar polymers form solid dispersions via hot-melt extrusion, improving the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs.

Pharmacy Practice Test