Introduction to Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms

Question 1

List 3 traits of an excipient

Answer 1

1. They are pharmacologically inactive
2. Enhances flowability of powder during manufacturing process
3. Prevents alterations in structure during the product’s shelf life

Question 2

What’s the role of a glidant and provide an example

Answer 2

Improves flowability of powder.
- Talc powder

Question 3

What’s the role of a disintegrant and provide an example

Answer 3

Helps break down the tablet for easy absorption
- Ac-di-sol

Question 4

Define Lubricant and give an example

Answer 4

Prevents the stop from sticking to the pie and punch
- Magnesium Stearate

Question 5

List 3 limitations of an oral solid dosage form

Answer 5

• potential discomfort in the stomach
• poses swallowing concerns especially for paediatric patients (a child)
• manufacturing process is complex

Question 6

What is a dermal dosage form and provide examples

Answer 6

a med that is directly applied to the skin to exert a localised effect
- cream (counteract the excessive moisture and promotes dryness)
- lotions
- ointments (counteracts the dryness and promotes hydration)

Question 7

List 2 examples of respiratory dosage forms

Answer 7

1. Metered dose inhalers (i.e. asthma puffers)
2. Nebulisers

Question 8

Define cultural competence

Answer 8

The ability to understand, communicate and effectively interact with patients of different cultures

Question 9

List the 4 major components of CC

Answer 9

1. Awareness
2. Attitude
3. Knowledge
4. Skills

Question 10

Describe the key components of cultural competence

Answer 10

1.Knowing internal and external biases then providing the best healthcare to every individual regardless of there economic and cultural status - eliminates judgemental behaviour
2. developing positive attitudes towards cultural differences and fostering better relationships with different people
3. Gaining knowledge of different cultural practises
4. Acquiring skills and applying into the real wold practice

Question 11

List the components of social accountability

Answer 11

1. Addresses patient safety
2. cultural competence
3. Professional identity
4. Interpersonal skills
   - combining of all of these aspects it creates self-sustaining and improved health-care systems with better patient outcomes.

Question 12

Describe the constituencies of SA (HRECEP)

Answer 12

1. Healthcare Providers - ensure optimised patient care through accurate and safe dispensing dispensing and counselling of medications
2. Regulatory Bodies - APHRA enforces regulation which allows pharmacists to adhere to ethical guidelines
3. Educational Institutions - such as pharmacy schools are responsible for providing education on social responsibilities and ethical practises
4. Community - responsible to providing accessible health care services
5. Employers - has the responsibility to support ethical practises and provide enough resources to promote continuous professional development
6. Patients - primary duty of pharmacists is to serve the needs of the patient with urgency.

Question 13

Define health equity

Answer 13

“Is a state where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health”

Question 14

Why is health equity important?

Answer 14

Every human being on this planet, regardless of cultural background, education, or socio-economic status, deserves access to the highest standard of health. This is an undeniable right. However, many minority populations are currently experiencing significantly poorer health outcomes due to governments and healthcare organizations neglecting their needs and focusing disproportionately on wealthier, more privileged populations and countries. This is not only unethical but also biased and disrespectful. For instance, the under-five mortality rate in Africa is eight times higher than in European regions. In conclusion, pursuing health equity means providing an ample amount of health support to those who are at greater risk of poor health based on social conditions.

Question 15

Define social determinants of health

Answer 15

SD directly influences our health over time and can contribute to health equity or inequity

Question 16

Describe the SD of health

Answer 16

1. Social and economic environment
   - education levels
   - income
   - cultural values
   - relationship with family and friends
2. Physical environment
   - access to clean water, air, health services, safe housing and roads
3. Individual traits
   - genetics
   - coping skills
   -gender

Question 17

What is the foremost ethical decision a pharmacist should make when it comes to serving the needs of the patient?

Answer 17

Not leaving the patient untreated!

Question 18

List 5 benefits of spacers

Answer 18

1. Improved drug delivery
2. Decreased oral depositon
3. enhanced particle size distribution
4. consistent dosing
5. reduced propellent impact

Question 19

List 3 pros and cons of dermal dosage forms

Answer 19

Pros
2. 1. Fast rate of action
2. Can be used for slow release of drug over extended periods

Cons
1. Not all drug absorbed through the skin
2. Inaccurate dosing

Question 20

1 example of a bulking and binding agent

Answer 20

1. Lactose
2. Avicel

Question 21

List 3 pros and cons for oral solid dosage forms

Answer 21

1. Competitive unit production costs
2. Promotes both local and systematic delivery
3. Physical and chemical stability
4. Ease of use - easy to handle, transport and consume
5. First past metabolism
6. Swallowing difficulties
7. GI irritation
8. Manufacturing complexity
9. Delayed onset of action