100+ Hospital Pharmacist Interview Questions and Answers

Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.

• Insulin helps to lower blood sugar levels by promoting the uptake of glucose into cells.

• It stimulates the liver to convert glucose into glycogen for storage.

• Insulin also inhibits the breakdown of stored glycogen into glucose.

• It promotes the synthesis of proteins and the storage of fats.

• Insulin deficiency or resistance can lead to diabetes.

A pharmacy is a healthcare facility where medications are dispensed and pharmaceutical care is provided.

• Pharmacies are responsible for dispensing prescription medications to patients.

• They also provide over-the-counter medications, health advice, and counseling.

• Pharmacies may offer additional services like medication therapy management and immunizations.

• Pharmacists play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and effective use of medications.

• Examples of pharmacies include communit...read more

A bronchodilator is a medication that relaxes and opens up the airways in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.

• Bronchodilators are commonly used to treat conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchitis.

• They work by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways, allowing them to widen and improve airflow.

• Examples of bronchodilators include albuterol, salmeterol, and ipratropium bromide.

Dosage forms are different ways in which medications can be administered. Tablets, syrups, creams, and lotions are common dosage forms.

• Tablets are solid dosage forms that are swallowed whole or chewed. They come in different shapes, sizes, and colors.

• Syrups are liquid dosage forms that are taken orally. They are usually sweetened to make them more palatable.

• Creams are semi-solid dosage forms that are applied topically to the skin. They are used for local treatment of skin con...read more

Insulin should be kept on the door side of the fridge to prevent temperature fluctuations.

• Insulin is a temperature-sensitive medication that needs to be stored in a controlled environment.

• The door side of the fridge is less prone to temperature fluctuations compared to the back or bottom shelves.

• Temperature fluctuations can affect the efficacy of insulin and potentially lead to ineffective treatment.

• Storing insulin on the door side of the fridge helps maintain a more consiste...read more

Enteric coated tablets are designed to release medicament in the intestine.

• Enteric coated tablets have a special coating that protects the medication from being released in the stomach.

• The coating is resistant to the acidic environment of the stomach but dissolves in the alkaline environment of the intestine.

• This allows the medication to be released and absorbed in the intestine, where it is most effective.

• Examples of medications commonly formulated as enteric coated tablets ...read more

The drug that decreases the activity of another drug is called an antagonist.

• An antagonist binds to the same receptor as the other drug, blocking its effects.

• Antagonists can be competitive or non-competitive, depending on their mechanism of action.

• Examples of antagonists include naloxone (antagonist for opioids) and atropine (antagonist for acetylcholine).

A red card typically indicates that the patient has an allergy or other medical condition that requires special attention.

• Red cards are often used in hospitals to alert healthcare providers of a patient's medical condition.

• The specific meaning of a red card may vary depending on the hospital or healthcare system.

• Patients may be given red cards if they have allergies, are at risk for falls, or have other medical conditions that require special attention.

• Healthcare providers sh...read more

Ethambutol is a tablet used in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB).

• Ethambutol belongs to the category of anti-tuberculosis drugs.

• It is commonly used in combination with other TB medications.

• Ethambutol works by inhibiting the growth of TB bacteria.

• It is available in tablet form for oral administration.

• Dosage and duration of treatment with ethambutol depend on the patient's condition and the specific TB regimen being followed.

Azithromycin is classified as a macrolide antibiotic. There are different types of penicillins, including penicillin G, penicillin V, amoxicillin, and ampicillin.

• Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic

• Penicillins include penicillin G, penicillin V, amoxicillin, and ampicillin

Pharmacy is the science and practice of preparing and dispensing drugs and medicines.

• Pharmacy involves the preparation, dispensing, and management of medications

• Pharmacists play a crucial role in ensuring safe and effective use of medications

• Pharmacy also involves patient counseling and education on medication use

• Pharmacy is an integral part of the healthcare system

• Examples of pharmacy settings include hospitals, community pharmacies, and long-term care facilities

Antibiotics are drugs used to treat bacterial infections. They work by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria.

• Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, not viral infections.

• Common antibiotics include penicillin, amoxicillin, and ciprofloxacin.

• Higher antibiotics, also known as broad-spectrum antibiotics, are used to treat a wider range of bacterial infections.

• Examples of higher antibiotics include vancomycin, meropenem, and linezolid.

Schedule X drugs are highly regulated substances with a high potential for abuse and addiction.

• Schedule X drugs are classified as controlled substances by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in the United States.

• These drugs have a high potential for abuse and addiction, and their use is strictly regulated.

• They are typically prescribed for medical conditions that require close monitoring and supervision.

• Examples of Schedule X drugs include opioids like oxycodone and hydr...read more

It is difficult to determine the number one hospital in India as it depends on various factors such as specialties, facilities, and patient satisfaction.

• There are several top hospitals in India known for their excellence in different medical fields.

• Some renowned hospitals include All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Apollo Hospitals, and Fortis Healthcare.

• AIIMS is a premier medical institution offering comprehensive healthcare services and renowned for its researc...read more

Antibiotics are categorized into different classes based on their mechanism of action and spectrum of activity.

• Antibiotics can be classified into several categories such as penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, and aminoglycosides.

• Each category of antibiotics has a unique mode of action and targets specific types of bacteria.

• For example, penicillins inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis, while macrolides interfere with protein synthesis.

• Dif...read more

There are several classes of antihypertensive drugs including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta blockers, and calcium channel blockers.

• Diuretics increase urine output and decrease blood volume, such as hydrochlorothiazide

• ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, such as lisinopril

• ARBs block the action of angiotensin II, such as losartan

• Beta blockers decrease heart rate and contractility, such as metoprolol

• Calcium channel blockers decrease cal...read more

Ryles tube is not used for administering antibiotics. NABH is a certification for hospitals.

• Ryles tube is a type of nasogastric tube used for enteral feeding or gastric decompression.

• Antibiotics are typically administered orally, intravenously, or topically.

• NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers) is an accreditation body for hospitals in India.

Antibiotic drugs are medications used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria.

• Antibiotic drugs are used to treat bacterial infections.

• They work by either killing the bacteria or inhibiting their growth.

• Examples of antibiotic drugs include: Penicillin, Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin, Doxycycline.

Anti-diabetic drugs are medications used to manage and treat diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels.

• Types of anti-diabetic drugs include insulin, metformin, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, thiazolidinediones, DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, and GLP-1 receptor agonists.

• Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and is commonly used in type 1 diabetes treatment.

• Metformin is a commonly prescribed oral medication for type 2 diabetes that helps lower blood sugar...read more

Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria.

• Antibiotics work by targeting specific bacterial processes or structures.

• They are prescribed by healthcare providers to treat various infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin infections.

• Common types of antibiotics include penicillins, cephalosporins, and fluoroquinolones.

• Antibiotics can be administered orally, topically, or intravenously depen...read more

Drug resistance refers to the ability of microorganisms to withstand the effects of drugs that are intended to kill or inhibit them.

• Drug resistance occurs when microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses, develop mechanisms to evade the effects of drugs.

• It can be acquired through genetic mutations or acquired from other resistant organisms.

• Drug resistance is a major concern in healthcare as it can lead to treatment failure and the spread of resistant strains.

• Examples include ...read more

Jurisprudence is the study and interpretation of laws and legal principles.

• Jurisprudence involves analyzing and understanding the legal system and its principles.

• It includes studying the history, philosophy, and theories of law.

• Jurisprudence helps in interpreting and applying laws to specific cases.

• It involves examining legal precedents and understanding the reasoning behind them.

• Pharmacists need to have knowledge of jurisprudence to ensure compliance with pharmacy laws and r...read more

Upselling is encouraging customers to purchase a higher-end product or additional items, while cross-selling is suggesting related or complementary products.

• Upselling involves persuading a customer to buy a more expensive version of the product they are interested in.

• Cross-selling involves offering customers related or complementary products to go along with their original purchase.

• Examples: Upselling - suggesting a customer upgrade to a premium brand of medication. Cross-sel...read more

Drugs are substances that interact with our body to produce a therapeutic effect. They can be administered in various ways and play a crucial role in treating diseases.

• Drugs can be administered orally, intravenously, topically, or through inhalation

• They work by interacting with specific receptors in the body to produce a desired effect

• Drugs can act as agonists (activating receptors) or antagonists (blocking receptors)

• They can be metabolized by the body and excreted through ur...read more

Pharmacist registration is done with the regulatory body of the country or state.

• Pharmacists must be registered with the regulatory body in their country or state.

• In the United States, pharmacist registration is done with the state board of pharmacy.

• In the United Kingdom, pharmacist registration is done with the General Pharmaceutical Council.

• Registration requirements may vary by country or state.

• Pharmacists must meet certain education and training requirements to be eligible...read more

Disintegration test is a test to determine the time it takes for a drug to disintegrate into smaller particles in a specified medium.

• Disintegration test is performed to ensure that a drug will break down properly in the body.

• It helps to assess the effectiveness of tablet or capsule formulations.

• The test involves placing the drug in a dissolution medium and measuring the time it takes for the drug to disintegrate.

• Disintegration time can vary depending on the formulation and th...read more

Quality control is a process that ensures products or services meet specified requirements and standards.

• Quality control involves monitoring and testing products or services to identify any defects or deviations from standards.

• It aims to prevent errors or defects from reaching the customers.

• Quality control includes activities such as inspections, sampling, testing, and documentation.

• It helps in maintaining consistency and improving the overall quality of products or services....read more

The total inventory valuation of a pharmacy refers to the monetary value of all the medications and supplies in stock.

• Inventory valuation is important for financial reporting and managing pharmacy operations.

• It involves calculating the cost of each item in stock and multiplying it by the quantity.

• The valuation can be done using different methods such as FIFO (First-In, First-Out) or weighted average cost.

• For example, if the pharmacy has 100 units of a medication with a cost o...read more

A prescription is a written order from a healthcare provider for the dispensing of medication. Handling of prescription involves various steps.

• Prescription is a legal document that includes the patient's name, medication name, dosage instructions, and prescriber's information.

• Pharmacists receive prescriptions from patients or healthcare providers.

• They verify the prescription for accuracy and legality.

• Pharmacists interpret the prescription to determine the appropriate medicati...read more

I have a D pharma percentage of 80%.

• My D pharma percentage is 80%.

• I have completed 80% of my D pharma degree.

• Out of the total D pharma course, I have completed 80%.

• I have a strong foundation in D pharma with an 80% completion rate.

Normal blood pressure ranges from 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg.

• Normal blood pressure is typically around 120/80 mmHg.

• The top number (systolic pressure) represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats.

• The bottom number (diastolic pressure) represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest.

• Blood pressure can vary throughout the day and can be influenced by factors like stress, physical activity, and medication.

• High blood pressure (hypertension) is gene...read more

An example of an anti-tuberculosis drug is Isoniazid. To maintain its registration, regular monitoring of safety and efficacy data is required.

• Example of an anti-tuberculosis drug: Isoniazid

• Regular monitoring of safety and efficacy data is essential for maintaining registration

Examples of narcotics drugs include morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl. Maintenance of narcotics drugs involves proper storage, documentation, and disposal procedures.

• Examples of narcotics drugs: morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl

• Store narcotics drugs securely to prevent theft or misuse

• Maintain accurate records of narcotics drug inventory and dispensing

• Follow proper disposal procedures for expired or unused narcotics drugs

Dispensing drugs to patients involves accurately preparing and providing medications as prescribed by healthcare providers.

• Verify the prescription details and patient information before dispensing

• Accurately measure and package the medication according to the prescription

• Provide clear instructions to the patient on how to take the medication

• Ensure proper labeling of the medication with dosage instructions and warnings

• Document the dispensing process accurately in the patient's ...read more

Pharmacokinetics is the study of how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted by the body.

• Pharmacokinetics examines how drugs are absorbed into the bloodstream.

• It also studies how drugs are distributed throughout the body and reach their target sites.

• Metabolism refers to the process of drug breakdown and transformation in the body.

• Excretion involves the elimination of drugs and their metabolites from the body.

• Understanding pharmacokinetics helps in determini...read more

I will prioritize patients based on their urgency and ensure efficient time management.

• Assess the urgency of each patient's needs

• Create a schedule and prioritize patients accordingly

• Delegate tasks to pharmacy technicians if necessary

• Ensure timely medication dispensing and counseling

• Document patient interactions and medication orders

• Communicate with healthcare providers as needed

Diabetic drugs are medications used to manage diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels.

• Diabetic drugs help regulate blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes.

• There are different types of diabetic drugs, including insulin, oral medications, and injectable medications.

• Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use and store glucose properly.

• Oral medications for diabetes include metformin, sulfonylureas, and DPP-4 inhibitors.

• Injectable medications like GLP-1 receptor agoni...read more

Antihypertensive drugs are used to treat high blood pressure. They can be classified into several classes.

• Diuretics: Examples include hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide.

• Beta blockers: Examples include metoprolol and propranolol.

• Calcium channel blockers: Examples include amlodipine and diltiazem.

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: Examples include lisinopril and enalapril.

• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): Examples include losartan and valsartan.

• Alpha blocker...read more

Justin and Vovran injections are both painkillers, but they contain different active ingredients.

• Justin injection contains ketorolac tromethamine, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and inflammation.

• Vovran injection contains tramadol hydrochloride, which is an opioid pain medication used to treat moderate to severe pain.

• Both injections have different side effects and contraindications, and should only be used under the supervision of a...read more

Pharmacology is the study of how drugs interact with living organisms and how they affect the body.

• Pharmacology involves studying the properties, effects, and uses of drugs.

• It explores how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted by the body.

• Pharmacologists investigate the mechanisms of drug action and their interactions with cells, tissues, and organs.

• They also study drug safety, efficacy, and potential side effects.

• Examples of pharmacology include understa...read more

A hospital pharmacist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the safe and effective use of medications in a hospital setting.

• Hospital pharmacists work closely with healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive the appropriate medications and dosages.

• They review medication orders, assess patient profiles, and provide drug information to healthcare teams.

• Dispensing refers to the process of preparing and providing medications to patients according to a prescripti...read more

Some common multivitamin tablet names include Centrum, One A Day, Nature Made, Kirkland Signature, and GNC Mega Men.

• Centrum

• One A Day

• Nature Made

• Kirkland Signature

• GNC Mega Men

Antacid drugs are medications that help neutralize stomach acid to relieve symptoms of indigestion, heartburn, and acid reflux.

• Antacid drugs work by increasing the pH level in the stomach, reducing acidity.

• They can provide quick relief from symptoms like heartburn, indigestion, and sour stomach.

• Common ingredients in antacid drugs include aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate.

• Antacid drugs are available in various forms such as tabl...read more

Rx is a Latin term used in medical prescriptions to indicate 'take' or 'prescription'.

• Rx is derived from the Latin word 'recipe', which means 'take' or 'receive'.

• It is commonly used as a symbol on medical prescriptions to indicate that a medication is to be dispensed.

• The symbol Rx is often followed by the name of the medication and the instructions for use.

• For example, a prescription might say 'Take 1 tablet by mouth daily' with Rx preceding it.

• Rx is recognized internationall...read more

Pharmacodynamics is the study of how drugs interact with the body to produce their effects.

• Pharmacodynamics focuses on the relationship between drug concentration and its effects on the body.

• It involves studying drug-receptor interactions, drug mechanisms of action, and the resulting physiological and biochemical changes.

• Pharmacodynamics helps determine the potency, efficacy, and safety of drugs.

• For example, understanding the pharmacodynamics of an analgesic drug helps predic...read more

An example of an antidepressant drug is fluoxetine.

• Antidepressant drugs are used to treat depression and other mental health conditions.

• They work by balancing chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters.

• Fluoxetine is a commonly prescribed antidepressant and belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of drugs.

• Other examples of antidepressant drugs include sertraline, escitalopram, and venlafaxine.

A diuretic is a medication that increases urine production and helps remove excess fluid from the body.

• Diuretics are commonly used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and edema.

• They work by increasing the excretion of sodium and water through the kidneys.

• Examples of diuretics include furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide), and spironolactone (Aldactone).