70+ Pharmacist Interview Questions and Answers for Freshers

Blood pressure medicine, diabetes medicine, and cholesterol medicine with content.

• Blood pressure medicine: Lisinopril, Amlodipine, Metoprolol

• Diabetes medicine: Metformin, Insulin, Glipizide

• Cholesterol medicine: Atorvastatin, Simvastatin, Rosuvastatin

The full form of Latin term od BD, OD & TDS are Once a day, Twice a day, and Three times a day respectively.

• OD - Once a day

• BD - Twice a day

• TDS - Three times a day

Chromatography is a technique used to separate and analyze mixtures of substances based on their different properties.

• Chromatography involves a stationary phase and a mobile phase.

• The stationary phase can be a solid or a liquid that is fixed in place.

• The mobile phase is a liquid or gas that carries the mixture through the stationary phase.

• Different components of the mixture interact differently with the stationary phase, leading to separation.

• Common types of chromatography in...read more

Generic medicines are copies of branded drugs that have the same active ingredients, dosage, and efficacy.

• Generic medicines are cheaper than branded drugs.

• They are approved by regulatory authorities after proving bioequivalence with the branded drug.

• They have the same dosage, strength, route of administration, and intended use as the branded drug.

• Generic medicines may have different inactive ingredients, which can affect the drug's appearance, taste, and shelf life.

• Examples o...read more

Gram positive bacteria are a type of bacteria that retain the crystal violet stain during the Gram staining process.

• Gram positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall

• They appear purple or blue when stained with crystal violet

• Examples include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Clostridium difficile

Drug inspectors visit to ensure compliance with drug laws and regulations.

• Drug inspectors visit unannounced to check for compliance with drug laws and regulations.

• They inspect the premises, records, and inventory of drugs.

• They may also take samples of drugs for testing.

• The pharmacy staff should cooperate with the inspectors and provide them with the necessary information.

• If any violations are found, the inspectors may take legal action against the pharmacy.

Anti-epileptic drugs are medications used to treat seizures and epilepsy by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain.

• Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are also known as anticonvulsants.

• They work by reducing the excessive electrical activity in the brain that causes seizures.

• Examples of AEDs include phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproic acid, levetiracetam, and lamotrigine.

Yes, there are risks associated with prescribing medicines to patients.

• All medicines have potential side effects and risks

• Prescribing the wrong medication or dosage can lead to adverse reactions

• Patients may have allergies or other medical conditions that make certain medications unsafe

• Drug interactions can occur when multiple medications are prescribed

• Improper use or abuse of medications can also pose risks

• Pharmacists must carefully consider all of these factors when prescrib...read more

Antihypertensive drugs are classified into several categories based on their mechanism of action.

• Diuretics (e.g. hydrochlorothiazide)

• Beta blockers (e.g. metoprolol)

• ACE inhibitors (e.g. lisinopril)

• ARBs (e.g. losartan)

• Calcium channel blockers (e.g. amlodipine)

Bioavailability refers to the proportion of a drug or substance that enters the bloodstream when introduced into the body, and is therefore able to have an active effect.

• Bioavailability is the measure of the rate and extent to which a drug reaches systemic circulation.

• It is influenced by factors such as route of administration, metabolism, and drug formulation.

• For example, intravenous administration typically has 100% bioavailability, while oral administration may have lower ...read more

Pharmacists must take various precautions to ensure patient safety and avoid medication errors.

• Verify prescriptions and dosages before dispensing medication

• Check for drug interactions and allergies

• Ensure proper storage and handling of medications

• Provide clear instructions to patients on how to take their medication

• Keep up-to-date with new medications and their potential side effects

• Maintain accurate records of all medications dispensed

• Report any adverse reactions or medicatio...read more

Patent drugs are exclusive to the original manufacturer while generic drugs are copies of the original drug.

• Patent drugs are developed by pharmaceutical companies and are exclusive to them for a certain period of time.

• Generic drugs are copies of the original drug and can be produced by any company once the patent has expired.

• Patent drugs are usually more expensive than generic drugs.

• Generic drugs must have the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, and route of admini...read more

Therapeutic dose is the amount of medication required to produce the desired therapeutic effect, while lethal dose is the amount that can cause death.

• Therapeutic dose is determined based on factors such as patient's age, weight, and medical condition.

• It is important to find the right therapeutic dose to achieve the desired treatment outcome without causing harm.

• Lethal dose refers to the amount of a substance that can be fatal if ingested, injected, or absorbed.

• Lethal dose var...read more

Cold chain medicines are medications that require specific temperature control to maintain their efficacy and safety.

• Cold chain medicines are medications that are sensitive to temperature and require specific storage and transportation conditions.

• These medicines need to be stored and transported within a specific temperature range to ensure their effectiveness and safety.

• The temperature of freeze for cold chain medicines is typically below 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahren...read more

Understanding medicine, its uses, administration, and drug absorption is crucial for a pharmacist.

• Pharmacists must have a thorough understanding of different types of medications and their uses.

• They must also know how to properly administer medications to patients.

• Understanding drug absorption is important to ensure that patients receive the correct dosage and experience the desired effects.

• Pharmacists must also be knowledgeable about potential side effects and drug interacti...read more

DOLO medicine is a combination of paracetamol and caffeine used for relieving pain and reducing fever.

• DOLO medicine contains paracetamol and caffeine.

• Paracetamol is a common pain reliever and fever reducer.

• Caffeine is added to enhance the analgesic effect of paracetamol.

• It is commonly used for headaches, body aches, and fever.

• Examples of DOLO medicine brands include DOLO 650 and DOLO 500.

Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections. Here are five commonly used antibiotics:

• Penicillin: Effective against a wide range of bacteria.

• Amoxicillin: Used to treat various infections, including respiratory and urinary tract infections.

• Ciprofloxacin: Often prescribed for urinary tract and respiratory infections.

• Azithromycin: Effective against respiratory and skin infections.

• Doxycycline: Used to treat acne, respiratory infections, and Lyme disease.

Rx symbol on Prescription means 'prescription' or 'recipe'.

• Rx is an abbreviation for the Latin word 'recipe', which means 'take'

• It is used as a medical prescription symbol to indicate that a medication or treatment is to be dispensed

• The symbol is often followed by the name of the medication, dosage, and instructions for use

• The Rx symbol is also used in the pharmaceutical industry to indicate a drug that requires a prescription

• The symbol has been used for centuries and is stil...read more

Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing medications, providing advice on drug interactions and side effects, and ensuring patient safety.

• Dispensing medications accurately and safely

• Providing advice on drug interactions and side effects

• Ensuring patient safety by checking for allergies and contraindications

• Collaborating with healthcare professionals to optimize patient care

• Maintaining accurate records of medications dispensed and patient information

Pharmacists play a crucial role in healthcare by ensuring safe and effective use of medications.

• Dispensing medications and providing instructions on their proper use

• Monitoring patients' medication therapy and ensuring its effectiveness

• Collaborating with healthcare professionals to optimize patient care

• Counseling patients on medication side effects and potential drug interactions

• Compounding medications and preparing specialized dosage forms

• Educating patients and the community ...read more

Molarity is a measure of the concentration of a solute in a solution.

• Molarity is defined as the number of moles of solute per liter of solution.

• It is denoted by the symbol 'M'.

• Molarity is commonly used in pharmacy to prepare and dilute solutions.

• For example, a 1 M (1 molar) solution of sodium chloride contains 1 mole of sodium chloride dissolved in 1 liter of solution.

Schedule H drugs are prescription drugs which are required to be sold by prescription only.

• Schedule H drugs are drugs which have a higher potential for abuse and addiction.

• These drugs are considered to be more dangerous and have stricter regulations for their sale and distribution.

• Examples of Schedule H drugs include opioids like morphine and codeine, as well as certain stimulants and sedatives.

H1 drugs are antihistamines used to treat allergies. Narcotic drugs are opioids used for pain relief.

• H1 drugs are commonly used to relieve symptoms of allergies such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose.

• Examples of H1 drugs include cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine.

• Narcotic drugs, also known as opioids, are powerful pain relievers.

• They work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to reduce pain perception.

• Examples of narcotic drugs include morphine,...read more

Scheduled drugs are substances regulated by the government due to their potential for abuse or addiction.

• Scheduled drugs are classified into five categories or schedules based on their potential for abuse and medical use.

• Schedule I drugs have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, while Schedule V drugs have a low potential for abuse and accepted medical use.

• Examples of scheduled drugs include opioids like oxycodone and fentanyl, stimulants like Adderall and ...read more

Molality is a measure of the concentration of a solute in a solvent, expressed as the number of moles of solute per kilogram of solvent.

• Molality is different from molarity, which is the number of moles of solute per liter of solution.

• It is commonly used in chemistry and pharmacy to accurately measure the concentration of a solute in a solvent.

• Molality is temperature-independent, unlike molarity.

• For example, a solution with a molality of 0.5 mol/kg means there are 0.5 moles of...read more

N-acetylcysteine is the antidote for paracetamol overdose.

• N-acetylcysteine is the antidote for paracetamol toxicity

• It works by replenishing depleted glutathione stores in the liver

• Administration within 8-10 hours of overdose is crucial for efficacy

There are five generations of cephalosporins.

• First generation cephalosporins: cefazolin, cephalexin

• Second generation cephalosporins: cefuroxime, cefaclor

• Third generation cephalosporins: ceftriaxone, cefotaxime

• Fourth generation cephalosporins: cefepime

• Fifth generation cephalosporins: ceftaroline

Paracetamol is a common pain reliever and fever reducer medication.

• Also known as acetaminophen

• Available over-the-counter

• Used to treat headaches, muscle aches, toothaches, and more

• Can be found in combination with other medications, such as cold and flu remedies

• Maximum daily dose should not exceed 4 grams

• Can cause liver damage if taken in excess

There are typically 20 drops in 1 mL of liquid medication.

• There are variations depending on the viscosity of the liquid and the dropper size.

• It is important to follow the instructions provided by the pharmacist or healthcare provider.

• For example, a medication may require 10 drops for a 0.5 mL dose.

A drug is a substance that is used to treat, cure, or prevent a disease or medical condition.

• Drugs can be prescribed by healthcare professionals or purchased over-the-counter.

• They can be in the form of tablets, capsules, liquids, creams, or injections.

• Examples of drugs include antibiotics, painkillers, antihistamines, and antidepressants.

Diuretic drugs are used to increase urine output and reduce fluid retention.

• Loop diuretics: furosemide, bumetanide

• Thiazide diuretics: hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone

• Potassium-sparing diuretics: spironolactone, amiloride

• Osmotic diuretics: mannitol

• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: acetazolamide

Normality refers to the concentration of a substance in a solution, expressed as the number of equivalents per liter.

• Normality is a measure of the concentration of a substance in a solution.

• It is expressed as the number of equivalents per liter (eq/L).

• Normality is commonly used in acid-base reactions and redox reactions.

• For example, a 1M solution of hydrochloric acid (HCl) is also 1N because HCl is monoprotic.

• However, a 1M solution of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is 2N because it is...read more

Common drug names used to treat hypertension.

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: Lisinopril, Enalapril

• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): Losartan, Valsartan

• Calcium channel blockers (CCBs): Amlodipine, Diltiazem

• Diuretics: Hydrochlorothiazide, Furosemide

• Beta blockers: Metoprolol, Atenolol

Yes, I am familiar with the basics of dispensing medicine.

• Understanding the prescription provided by the doctor

• Calculating the correct dosage for the patient

• Properly labeling the medication with patient information and instructions

• Ensuring the medication is stored properly and dispensed in the correct quantity

• Providing counseling to the patient on how to take the medication

Body organs are specialized structures that perform specific functions in the body.

• Heart

• Lungs

• Liver

• Kidneys

• Stomach

• Brain

• Pancreas

• Intestines

• Spleen

• Gallbladder

Antibiotics are medications that fight bacterial infections, while NSAIDs are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to reduce pain and inflammation.

• Antibiotics are drugs that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria.

• They are commonly used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin infections.

• Examples of antibiotics include penicillin, amoxicillin, and ciprofloxacin.

• NSAIDs are a class of drugs used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation...read more

Drug food interactions occur when a drug interacts with nutrients in food, affecting its absorption, metabolism, or effectiveness.

• Grapefruit juice can interact with certain medications, such as statins, leading to increased side effects or reduced effectiveness.

• Dairy products can bind to antibiotics like tetracycline, reducing their absorption and effectiveness.

• High-fiber foods can decrease the absorption of certain medications, such as levothyroxine.

• Alcohol can interact with...read more

ABC Analysis is a method used to categorize medicines based on their importance and usage.

• ABC Analysis categorizes medicines into three groups: A, B, and C.

• Group A includes high-value medicines with high usage, requiring close monitoring and frequent restocking.

• Group B includes medium-value medicines with moderate usage, requiring regular monitoring and restocking.

• Group C includes low-value medicines with low usage, requiring minimal monitoring and restocking.

• Regular review a...read more

Voglibose is available in tablet form and typically comes in quantities of 0.2mg, 0.3mg, and 0.4mg.

• Voglibose is available in tablet form

• Common quantities include 0.2mg, 0.3mg, and 0.4mg

• The dosage may vary depending on the patient's condition and the doctor's prescription

Antibiotics are classified into different categories based on their therapeutic use and potential for abuse.

• H1 drugs are antibiotics with the highest potential for abuse and are tightly regulated.

• Schedule X antibiotics are also highly regulated due to their potential for misuse and dependence.

• Other antibiotics are classified into different schedules based on their therapeutic use and potential for abuse.

• Examples of antibiotics in Schedule X include certain fluoroquinolones an...read more

Drugs can be classified based on their chemical structure, therapeutic use, and legal status.

• Chemical structure: drugs can be classified as opioids, benzodiazepines, etc.

• Therapeutic use: drugs can be classified as analgesics, antibiotics, etc.

• Legal status: drugs can be classified as prescription-only, over-the-counter, etc.

• Other classifications include mechanism of action and route of administration.

• Examples: morphine (opioid), amoxicillin (antibiotic), aspirin (analgesic)

Jurisprudence is the study of law and legal principles.

• Jurisprudence involves the study of legal systems, theories, and principles.

• It examines how laws are created, interpreted, and enforced.

• Pharmacists need to have knowledge of jurisprudence to understand regulations and laws related to pharmacy practice.

Pharmacognosy is the study of medicinal drugs derived from natural sources, such as plants, animals, and minerals.

• Pharmacognosy involves the identification, isolation, and extraction of active compounds from natural sources.

• It also includes the study of traditional medicinal practices and the development of new drugs based on natural products.

• Examples of pharmacognosy include the use of plant extracts like ginseng for energy and turmeric for anti-inflammatory purposes.

Pharmacology is the study of how drugs interact with living organisms to produce a therapeutic effect.

• Pharmacology involves studying the effects of drugs on the body, including their mechanisms of action, side effects, and interactions.

• It also includes the study of drug development, drug delivery systems, and drug metabolism.

• Pharmacology is essential for understanding how medications work and for ensuring their safe and effective use in patients.

A prescription is a written order from a healthcare provider to a pharmacist for a specific medication to be dispensed to a patient.

• Prescriptions must include the patient's name, medication name, dosage, frequency, and instructions for use.

• Prescriptions are legally required for certain medications, such as controlled substances.

• Prescriptions can only be written by licensed healthcare providers, such as doctors, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants.

Scheduled H drugs are prescription medications with high potential for abuse and addiction.

• Scheduled H drugs are classified under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act in India.

• These drugs require a prescription from a registered medical practitioner.

• Examples of Scheduled H drugs include morphine, methadone, and fentanyl.

Cooperation in Kerala has a rich history, with various cooperative movements and initiatives contributing to the state's development.

• Kerala has a strong tradition of cooperative societies, dating back to the early 20th century.

• The first cooperative society in Kerala was the Trivandrum Central Cooperative Bank, established in 1914.

• The Kerala State Cooperative Bank, formed in 1916, played a crucial role in providing financial support to the cooperative movement.

• The Kozhikode Di...read more