How to prepare for a Pharma interview(Part 1)

Why are you interested in working in the pharmaceutical industry? I have always been fascinated by the pharmaceutical industry because of its potential to significantly impact people's lives. The ability to develop and deliver life-saving medications and innovative treatments motivates me. I believe that working in the pharmaceutical industry will allow me to contribute to advancements in healthcare and make a positive difference in society.Remember, these answers are just examples, and it's important to personalize your responses based on your own experiences, skills, and the specific position you are applying for.
What is pharmacopeia? A pharmacopeia is an authoritative and comprehensive compilation of standards, guidelines, and specifications for the preparation, quality control and use of medicinal substances and pharmaceutical products. It serves as a reference book or manual that provides information on the identity, purity, strength, dosage forms, testing methods and labeling requirements for medications.
List out different types of tablets.
- Immediate-Release Tablets,
- Extended-Release Tablets,
- Chewable Tablets,
- Sublingual Tablets,
- Effervescent Tablets,
- Buccal Tablets,
- Orally Disintegrating Tablets,
- Enteric-Coated Tablets,
- Film-Coated Tablets,
- Scored Tablets,
- Multilayer Tablets,
- Bilayer Tablets,
- Matrix Tablets,
- Osmotic-Release Tablets,
- Delayed-Release Tablets,
- Floating Tablets,
- Bi-Layer Floating Tablets,
- Multi-particulate Tablets,
- Mini-Tablets,
- Dispersible Tablets,
- Rectal Tablets,
- Implantable Tablets,
- Pediatric Tablets,
- Controlled Porosity Osmotic Tablet,
- Multiple-Unit Pellet System Tablets,
- Dry Powder Inhalation Tablets,
- Compressed Tablets,
- Effervescent Dispersible Tablets and
- Orodispersible Tablets.
Define Tablet. The tablet is a solid dosage form of medication or drug substance. It is typically made by compressing or molding a powdered or granulated mixture of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients into a defined shape and size. Tablets are designed to be swallowed whole and are intended for oral administration, although there are also specialized tablets for other routes of administration such as sublingual, buccal, or rectal. They are one of the most commonly used and convenient dosage forms due to their ease of administration, portability, and precise dosing.
Define Capsule. A capsule is a solid dosage form that encloses one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) within a shell or container. The shell is typically made of gelatin or a vegetarian alternative, and it is designed to contain and protect the medication. Capsules are available in two main types:
- Hard Gelatin Capsules,
- Soft Gelatin Capsules.
What are the in-process checks conducted during tablet compression? During tablet compression, several in-process checks are performed to ensure the quality and consistency of the tablets being produced. These checks help identify any issues or deviations that may occur during the compression process. Here are some common in-process checks,
- Weight Variation,
- Thickness and Diameter,
- Hardness,
- Friability,
- Disintegration Time,
- Content Uniformity and
- Visual Inspection.
How many tablets shall be taken for friability check? For tablets with a unit mass equal to or less than 650 mg, take a tablet of 6.5 g. For tablets with a unit mass of more than 650 mg, take a sample of 10 whole tablets.
What is the standard number of rotations used in the friability test? 100 Rotations.
What is the fall height of the tablet in the friabilator during the friability test? Tablets fall from 6 inches in height in each turn within the apparatus.
What are the factors that influence the tablet hardness?
- Compression force,
- Binder quantity and
- Moisture content.