PQs - Powders, Granules and Capsules

Which particle size category requires all material to pass through a #40 sieve, with no more than 40% passing through a #80 sieve?

Moderately coarse powder

A pharmacist is preparing divided powders containing a potent corticosteroid. Which technique ensures accurate dosing and uniform distribution?

Trituration via Geometric dilution

Which method of comminution is most suitable for rubbery substances such as camphor?

Pulverization by intervention

Angle of repose primarily provides information about which powder property?

Flow properties

Which blending method is most suitable for potent drug substances?

Tumbling

Which of the following best explains why granules exhibit better flow properties than powders?

Spherical shape

In effervescent granules, what is the ideal ratio of citric acid to tartaric acid?

1:2

Which granulation method uses internal binder (water of crystallization from citric acid)?

Dry

Which capsule excipient enhances wettability and dissolution of hydrophobic drugs?

Sodium dodecyl sulfate

For divided powders, what is the primary reason they are avoided for potent drugs during spatulation?

Risk of loss and inaccurate dosing

What is a primary advantage of sealing hard gelatin capsules?

Prevents capsule separation during handling

Which capsule shell ingredient protects contents from light?

Titanium dioxide

What occurs if hard gelatin capsule moisture drops too low?

Capsules become brittle

Which excipient improves powder flow into capsule bodies?

Colloidal silicon dioxide

Which vehicle is acceptable in soft gelatin capsule?

Polyethylene glycol

Why must aldehydes be excluded from soft gelatin capsule formulations?

Cause gelatin cross-linking

USP requirement for capsule dissolution?

85% in 45 min

Which capsule size has the largest capacity?

Size 000

Which lubricant is commonly used in capsule formulations?

Magnesium stearate

Why are effervescent granules preferred over powders for taste‑masking?

Controlled CO₂ generation