Common Types Of Drug Preparation (Part 1)

There are many types and formats of medicines. However, there are some (particularly rare) that come in only one form.

Through this quiz, you will learn how drugs are prepared and what they are used for.

  • Question of

    A mist of tiny particles or droplets in the air.

    • Aerosol
    • Powder
    • Cream
    • Aqueous solution

    Correct Wrong

    Basically, aerosols are suspensions of small particles or droplets in the air. Patients usually receive aerosolized medications through a nebulizer or other type of aerosol generator, such as a metered-dose inhaler.

  • Question of

    It is a semisolid emulsion of oil and water.

    • Cream
    • Ampule
    • Aqueous solution
    • Gel

    Correct Wrong

    Typically applied to the skin, creams are emulsions of oil and water. In addition, mucous membranes such as the vaginal or rectum can be treated with creams.

  • Question of

    Topical preparation with a low viscosity or thickness designed for skin application.

    • Lotion
    • Tincture
    • Caplet
    • Syrup

    Correct Wrong

    Lotions are made of low-viscosity topical preparations. Conversely, creams and gels tend to have a greater viscosity due to their relatively low water content.

  • Question of

    A sweet liquid taken orally to treat one’s illness.

    • Elixir
    • Ointment
    • Lotion
    • Powder

    Correct Wrong

    The term elixir refers to a sweet liquid taken orally to cure a variety of diseases.

  • Question of

    They are made of glass and have a scored neck to indicate where to break to retrieve the medication.

    • Ampule
    • Vial
    • Elixir
    • Caplet

    Correct Wrong

    In liquid form, ampules are small glass containers in 1 ml to 10 ml sizes that contain a single dose of medication. They're made of glass with a marked neck that indicates where to break them to get to the medication.

  • Question of

    A type of solution in which the solvent is water.

    • Aqueous solution
    • Vial
    • Tincture
    • Lozenge

    Correct Wrong

    In aqueous solutions, water is the solvent. For example, normal saline is an aqueous solution of 0.9% NaCl.

  • Question of

    A solid dosage form that contains a finely divided mixture of drugs or chemicals in a dry form.

    • Powder
    • Aqueous suspension
    • Tincture
    • Capsule

    Correct Wrong

    Powder is a solid dosage form that contains finely divided drugs or chemicals in a dry form meant to be ingested or applied externally.

  • Question of

    Extracted plant or animal material dissolved in ethanol (ethyl alcohol).

    • Tincture
    • Aqueous suspension
    • Ointment
    • Elixir

    Correct Wrong

    A tincture typically consists of an extract of plant or animal material dissolved in ethanol (ethyl alcohol). (For example, tinctures of iodine as an antiseptic, often containing 2–7% elemental iodine, along with potassium iodide or sodium iodide, dissolved in ethanol and water.)

  • Question of

    Sometimes called a heat rub.

    • Liniment
    • Elixir
    • Extract
    • Gel

    Correct Wrong

    Liniments, also known as heat rubs, are fluid in viscosity or formulated as lotions or balms, and are usually rubbed in to allow the active ingredients to penetrate. Usually, these products are sold to relieve pain and stiffness caused by sore or muscular aches.

  • Question of

    A concentrated drug form of preparation from vegetables or animals.

    • Extract
    • Ointment
    • Ampule
    • Liniment

    Correct Wrong

    Extract is a highly concentrated form of a drug preparation derived from plants or animals.