87.

A solution contains 5% of anhydrous dextrose in water for injection. How many milliosmoles per
liter are represented by this concentration? (MW of dextrose is 180 g). Question could be read: What
is the osmolarity of D5W?
5 g of dextrose are found in 100 ml of water

a. 255.50 mOsmol/L. x g of dextrose are found in 1000 ml (L) of water.

b. 278.00 mOsmol/L.* Weight ( g / L) xSpeciesx1000
Osmolarity =
MolecularWeight( g )

c. 287.00 mOsmol/L.

50 x1x1000

d. 301.30 mOsmol/L.
e. 310.00 mOsmol/L.

= = 277.8 mOsmol/L
180
+

88. A solution contains 156 mg of K ions per 100 ml. How many milliosmoles are represented in a
+
liter of the solution? (MW of K = 39 g)
+
a. 30 mOsmol/L. 156 mg of K are found in 100 ml of water x g of K+ are found in 1000 ml (L) of water, x =
1560 mg = 1.56 g
b. 35 mOsmol/L.
Weight( g / L) xSpeciesx1000

c. 40 mOsmol/L.*

Osmolarity =
MolecularWeight( g )

d. 45 mOsmol/L.
1.56 x1x1000

= = 40 mOsmol/L

e. 50 mOsmol/L.

39

89. A solution contains 10 mg% of Ca++ ions. How many milliosmoles are represented in 1 liter of
the solution? (MW of Ca++ = 40 g).
a. 0.5 mOsmol/L. 10 mg of Ca++ are found in 100 ml of water x g of Ca++ are found in 1000 ml (L) of water,
x = 100 mg = 0.1 g
b. 1.0 mOsmol/L.
Weight( g / L) xSpeciesx1000

Osmolarity =

c. 1.5 mOsmol/L. MolecularWeight( g )

d. 2.0 mOsmol/L.
0.1x1x1000

= = 2.5 mOsmol/L

e. 2.5 mOsmol/L.*

40

90. How many milliosmoles are represented in a liter of an 0.9% sodium chloride solution? (MW of
Nacl = 58.5, species = 2).

0.9 mg of Nacl is found in 100 ml of water

a. 308 mOsmol/L.*
x g of Nacl are found in 1000 ml (L) of water, x = 9 g

b. 358 mOsmol/L.

Weight( g / L) xSpeciesx1000

Osmolarity =

c. 399 mOsmol/L. MolecularWeight( g )

d. 413 mOsmol/L. 9 x2x1000

= = 307.7 mOsmol/L

e. 429 mOsmol/L. 58.5

91. A ready-to-use enteral nutritional solution has an osmolarity of 470 mOsm/L. How many ml of
purified water are needed to adjust 8 fluid ounces of the enteral solution to an osmolarity (280
mOsm/L)?
a. 120 ml.
b. 160 ml.*
c. 240 ml.
d. 300 ml.
e. 400 ml.
d. 3000 days.*
One of the most convenient methods of solving this problem is using the equation: (Q1) (C1) = (Q2)
(C2)

77.
78. Approximately 50% of the drug is excreted unchanged in the urine. If the normal dosage scheduled
a. 25mg
q6h. every 6 hours. A patient with renal function 20% of the normal should receive?
for Dicloxacillin
is 125mg
b. 31.25mg q6h.
79.
c. the
75mg
q6h.* quantity that can be weighed on a balance with a sensitivity requirement of 6
80. What is
minimum
d.
62.5mg
mg if an error of 5% q6h.
is permissible?
a. 100 mg.
b. 120 mg.*
c. 140 mg.
d. 160 mg. Sensitivity Requirement (SR) = Minimum Qty to be weighed x Permissible error % SR = (x)
mg x 5% 6 mg = (x) mg x 5/100 (x) mg = 100x 6/5 = 120 mg

81.
82. If the pka of Aspirin is 6.4, what fraction of the drug would be ionized at pH 7.4?
a. 60%
b. 75% 100 Charge: 10-1=0.1 1+10ch arg e ( PH - pKa ) % of ionized drug = Acid = -1 10-2=0.01
c. 80%
Base = 1 10

-3

-0.001

100 100 100 100 100

d. 90%*

==

-=-

-- =

10

-4

=0.0001

1+(0.1) 1.1 1+101 1+10

1(1)

1+10

1(7.4 6.4)

e. 100%
83. If half life elimination of a drug is 2 hours, what fraction of the original dose of the drug will
remain in the body after 4 hours?
a. 80%
b. 50%
c. 25%*
d. 12.5%
e. 7.5%
84. A graph (log Cp versus time) of Cp = CO
a. A straight line with a positive slope.
b. A straight line with a negative slope.*
c. Does not exist.
d. A circle.
e. Negative slope.

e-kt

will give: (Cp = concentration of drug, Dose = e

-kt)

85. A pharmacist adds one gram of calcium chloride (CaCl 2. 2H2O) to a 500 ml bottle of water. How
many mEq. Of chloride are present in each ml of solution? (Ca = 40; MW CaCl 2 = 111; H2O = 18).
a. 0.014
b. 0.027
c. 0.036
d. 0.041
e. 13.60*
86. Suppose 12 suppositories, each containing 300 mg aspirin, are required. Given the density factor
of aspirin is 1.1, what is the amount of Cocoa butter required for the preparation?
a. 20.40 g.
b. 20.04 g.
Total amount of aspirin = 12 x 300 = 3,600 mg = 3.6 g.
TotalAmountOfAspirin 3.6

Amount of aspirin replacing Cocoa butter = =

c. 20.54 g DensityFactorofAspirin 1.1 = 3.27

d. 20.73 g.* Total amount of Cocoa Butter = 12 x 2 = 24 g.
e. 18.22 g. Amount of Cocoa Butter Needed = 24 3.27 = 20.73 g

66.
67. What is the Creatinine clearance (ClCR) of a 20 year old man weighing 72 kg and has a Serum
Creatinine Concentration (CCR)=1.0 mg/dl?
a. 140 ml/min.
b. 120 ml/min.*
c. 100 ml/min.
d. 80 ml/min.
By applying the method of Cockroft and Gault

(140 - age,in, years)(body.weight.in.kg)

ClCR = 72(Ccr.in.mg / dl)
(140 -20)(72)
ClCR = = 120 ml/min 72(1)
68.
69. 500,000 unit of penicillin G is equal to: (1 unit = 0.6 mcg)
a. 200 mg.
b. 300 mg.*
c. 400 mg.
d. 600 mg.
70.
71. The press coating of a tablet contains 200 mg of a drug for immediate release. The amount of the
drug will provide an adequate therapeutic level. The drug in the slow release core must sustain
-1
therapeutic level for 12 hours. If the elimination rate constant of this drug is 0.15 hr , the total amount
of drug in each tablet is:
a. 360 mg.
b. 460 mg.
c. 560 mg.*
d. 660 mg.
72.
73. In an adequately powered, randomized controlled trial conducted over 2 years, the desired clinical
outcome (i.e. prevention of a serious cardiovascular event) with a new drug is achieved in 25% of the
study sample. In the patients who receive a placebo, only 15% obtain the same clinical benefit. The
relative risk reduction achieved with the new drug over the study period is:
a. 10%.
b. 15%.
c. 25%.
d. 40%*.
e. 50%. Divide (15%/25%)x100= 60 then take 60 off 100, 100-60=40%
74. In adequately powered, randomized controlled trial conducted over 3 years, a specific serious side
effect (i.e. reduction in leukocytes) with conventional therapy is seen in 0.5% of the study sample. In
patients who receive a newly discovered drug, only 0.45% experience the same side effect. Based on
these results, the minimum number of patients that would have to receive the new drug for 3 years to
statistically demonstrate the prevention of one episode of this side effect in at least one patient is:
a. 15.
b. 20.
c. 150.
d. 200.
e. 2000*. Subtract (0.5%-0.45%)x100=0.05, then divide 100/0.0.5=2000.
75.
1/2
76. A drug degrades at the rate of 1mg in 60 day from 100mg, what is the t of the drug?
a. 6000 days.
b. 5000 days.
c. 4000 days.

61. The concentration of sodium fluoride (NaF) in a communitys drinking water is 0.6 ppm.
Express this concentration as a percentage.
a. 0.00006%.
b. 0.0006%.
c. 0.006%.
d. 0.06%
e. 0.6% Sodium fluoride is a solid chemical. The o.6 ppm concentration indicates 0.6 g of sodium
fluoride present in 1,000,000 ml of solution. Therefore, the grams present in 100 ml will be:

= then x == 0.00006g
1,000,000ml 100ml 1,000,000
62. The upper therapeutic drug concentration for valproic acid is considered to be 100 g / ml .
Express this value in terms of mg/dL.
a. 0.1 mg/dL.
b. 1 mg/dL.
c. 10 mg/dL.
d. 100 mg/dL.
e. 1000 mg/dL.
Because 1000 g = 1 mg and 100 ml = 1 dL. 100 g = 0.1 mg/ml = 10 mg/dL
63. The USP contains nomograms for estimating body surface area (BSA) for both children and adults.
Which of the following measurements must be known in order to use this nomogram?
a. Age and height.
b. Age and weight.
c. Height and Creatinine clearance.
d. Height and weight.
e. Weight and sex. The nomogram in the USP consists of three parallel vertical lines. The left line
is calibrated with height measurements in both centimeters and inches, whereas the right line lists
weights in kilograms and pounds. Using data based on the patients measurements, a line is drawn
between the two outside parallel lines. The intercept on the middle line, which is calibrated in square
meters of body surface area, allows the estimation of the patients BSA.
64. What is the minimum amount of a potent drug that may be weighted on a prescription balance
with a sensitivity requirement of 6 mg if at least 98% accuracy is required?
a. 6 mg.
b. 120 mg.
c. 180 mg.
d. 200 mg.
e. 300 mg.
Sensitivity Requirement (SR) = (Minimum weighable amount) x (acceptable error) Minimum
weighable amount = (6)/2% = 300 mg.
65. A total parentral nutrition (TPN) order requires 500 ml of D30W. How many ml of D40W should be
used if the D30W is not available?
a. 125 ml.
b. 300 ml.
c. 375 ml.
d. 400 ml.
e. 667 ml. 500 ml of D30W will contain 150 g of dextrose. D40W contains 40 g of dextrose per
100 ml.

40g 150 150x100

= Then x == 375ml
100ml x 40

5860 mg = (x) (74.6)/1 = 78.5 mg

58. Lanoxin pediatric elixir contains 0.05 mg of digoxin per ml. How many micrograms are there in
3 ml of the elixir?
a. O.15 g .
b. 0.015 g .
c. 1.5 g .
d. 0.0015 g .
e. None of the above.
1 mg = 1000 g . Therefore, 0.15 mg of digoxin contained in 3 ml of the elixir would be equivalent
to 150 g of drug.
59. How many ml of adrenaline chloride solution (0.1%) may be used to prepare the solution.
a. 0.002 ml.
b. 0.04 ml.
c. 1 ml.
d. 2 ml.
e. 5 ml. Use the equation of: (Q1) (C1) = (Q2) (C2) (4 ml) (1/2000) = (x ml) (1/1000) then x = 2 ml.
60. Five thousand (5000) nanogram equals 5:
a. Centigrams.
b. Grams.
c. Kilogram.
d. Microgram.
e. Milligram.

54. How much elemental iron is present in every 300 mg of ferrous sulfate (FeSO4 u 7H2O)? (Atomic
weights: iron = 55.9; S = 32; O = 16; H = 1. Iron has valences of +2 and +3).
a. 30 mg.
b. 60 mg.
c. 110 mg.
d. 120 mg.
e. 164 mg. The formula weight of ferrous sulfate is (55.9+32+(4x16)+(7x2)+(7x16) = 278. The
amount of iron present in 300 mg of the chemical will be: 300 mg . 278
x . 55.9 x = (55.9 x 300)/278 = 60.32 g
- This result would be obtained if the correct answer was either doubled or halved to reflect the +2
valence of iron. The valence of iron has no significance in this type of problem because only one
atom of iron is present in each molecule of ferrous sulfate.
-Ditto.
1
This result assumes that the ferrous sulfate is anhydrous with a molecular weight of 152. This is
incorrect, because the 300 mg weight is based on a chemical formula containing 7 waters of hydration.
2
This is the amount of anhydrous ferrous sulfate present in each 300 mg. The question asks for
iron (Fe) only.
55. The infusion rate of theophylline established for a neonate is 0.08 mg/kg/hr. How many mg of
drug are needed for one daily bottle if the body weight is 16 lb.
a. 0.58 mg.
b. 14 mg.
c. 30 mg.
d. 150 mg.
e. 8 mg.
The body weight will be = 16/2.2 = 7.27 kg Dose in mg = 0.08 x 24 x7.27 = 13.96 mg
56. A patients serum cholesterol value is reported as 4 mM/L. This concentration expressed in terms
of mg/dL will be:
a. 0.154 mg/dL.
b. 1.54 mg/dL.
c. 154 mg/dL.
d. 596 mg/dL.
e. 1540 mg/dL. An increasing number of laboratory test values and drug doses are being
reported in terms of millimoles (mM). Weight qualities expressed in molar amounts allow a more
realistic evaluation of the actual number of drug molecules present, for example, when comparing
salts of a drug. In this problem, the mM/L concentration is converted by realizing that 1 mole of
cholesterol weighs 386 g and 4 mmoles equals 0.004 moles.

1mole 0.004mole 386x0.004

= then x == 1.54g
386gx 1

x = 1.54 g in 1 L or 1450 mf/L and 154 mg/dL

57. A 250 ml infusion bottle contains 5.86 g of potassium chloride (KCl). How many milliequevalents
(mEq) of KCL are present? (Mol. Wt. KCL = 74.6)
a. 12.7 mEq.
b. 20 mEq.
c. 78.5 mEq.
d. 150 mEq.
e. None of the above. 1 equivalent weight of KCL = 74.6 g 1 milliequivalent (mEq) = 74.6 mg

1mEq x 5860x1

= then x == 78.5mEq
74.6mg 5860mg 74.6
or the problem may be solved by using the equation: mg of chemical = (mEq) (mol.wt.)/(valence)

52. A pharmacist repackages 10 lb of an ointment into jars to be labeled 2 oz (avoir.). How many jars
can be filled?
a. 73.
b. 80.
c. 83.
d. 88.
e. 100.
Ten pounds contain 454 g x 10 = 4540 g. Two ounces (avoir.) consist of 28.4 g/oz, or 56.8 g.
Thus, 4540 g divided by 56.8 = 80 jars.
53. The estimated Creatinine clearance rate for a 120 lb patient is 40 ml/min. What maintenance
dose should be administrated if the normal maintenance dose is 2 mg/dl of body weight?
a. 60 mg.
b. 100 mg.
c. 120 mg.
d. 160 mg.
e. 240 mg.
The normal maintenance dose would be = 120 lb x 2 mg/lb = 240 mg. Because the normal
Creatinine clearance rate is 100 to 120 ml/min

40ml / min 100ml / min 40x240

= then x == 96, or 100 mg.
x 240mg 100

48. A radiopharmacist prepares a solution of 99mTC (40 mCi/ml) at 6:00 am. If the solution is intended
for administration at 12:00 pm at a dose of 20 mCi, how many ml of the original solution are
needed? The half-life of the radioisotope is 6 h.
a. 0.5 ml.
b. 1.0 ml.
c. 1.5 ml.
d. 2.0 ml.
e. 5.0 ml. Because the time interval between preparation and administration is 6 h, and the halflife of the radiopharmaceutical is 6 h, approximately one-half of the original strength has decayed.
Therefore, 1 ml of the solution now assaying at 20 mCi/ml is needed.
49. How much sodium chloride is needed to adjust the following prescription to Isotonicity? (E value
Rx
for sodium thiosulfate
is 0.31)
Sodium
thiosulfat
1.2%
e
Step 1: Determine amount
of sodium thiosulfate in the prescription: 100 ml
Sodium
Qs
x 1.2% = 1.2 g,
or
1200
chloride mg. Step 2: Multiply the amount of
chemical by itsPurified
E value: 1200
100 mg
ml x 0.31 = 372 mg (equivalent
amount of NaCl).
Step 3:qs
Determine amount of NaCl needed as if no
water
other0.37
chemical was present: 100 ml x 0.9% = 900 mg. Step 4:
a.
Subtract
g. contribution by chemical (step 2) from the amount of NaCl
(step
3): 900 mg 372 mg = 528 mg (amount of NaCl needed to
b. 0.45
render the solution isotonic).
50. After one month of therapy, all of the patients listed had a systolic blood pressure reduction of 10
mm with a Standard Deviation (SD) of 5 mm. Blood pressure measurements were made 1 week on
five patients with the following averages:

What percentage of patients had a reduction between 5 and 15 mm?

a. 20%.
b. 40%.
c. 50%
Patie
1
2
3
4
5
d. 70%.
nt
18 19 15
e. 90%. A standard deviation is calculated mathematically for experimental data. It shows the
dispersion of numbers around the mean (average value). On SD will include approximately 67% to
70% of all values, whereas 2 SDs will include approximately 97% to 98%.
51. How many ml of glycerin would be needed to prepare 1 lb of an ointment containing 5% w/w
glycerin? (The density of glycerin is 1.25 g/ml)
a. 1.2 ml.
b. 18.2 ml.
c. 22.7 ml.
d. 24 ml.
e. 28.4 ml.
A density or SG of 1.25 indicates that 1 ml of the liquid weighs 1.25 g. Because 1 lb of the ointment
contains 5% w/w glycerin, 454 g x 5% w/w = 22.7 g of glycerin. Density = w/v, then v = w/d =
22.7/1.25 = 18.2 ml

45. The adult intravenous (IV) dose of zidovudine is 2 mg/kg q4h six times daily. How many mg will a
180 lb patient receive daily?
a. 12 mg.
b. 164 mg.
c. 650 mg.
d. 980 mg.
e. 2160 mg.
First, convert the weight in pounds to kilograms: (1 kg = 2.2 lb)

1kg 2.2lb 1x180

= then x == 81.8kg
x 180lb 2.2
Second, determine the total daily dose = 81.8 x 2 mg x 6 doses = 981.8 mg
46. Calculate the dose of a drug to be administered to a patient if the dosing regimen is listed as 2
mg/kg/day. The patient weighs 175 lb.
a. 78 mg.
b. 160 mg.
c. 140 mg.
d. 350 mg.
e. 770 mg. Because 1 kg = 2.2 lb

1kg 2.2lb 1x175

= then x == 79.55kg Then total daily dose = 79.55 x 2 = 159.1 mg
x 175lb 2.2
47. What concentration of the original 99mTC solution described below will remain 24 h after its original
preparation? Solution of 99mTC (40 mCi/ml)
a. 15 mCi.
b. 10 mCi.
c. 7.5 mCi.
Original
40
d. 5.0 mCi.
Activity
mCi/ml
e. 2.5 mCi.
20
After 6 h
mCi/ml
The loss in first-order kinetics is a constant
fraction of the immediate past concentration. In this
10
After 12 h
example, the half-life of 6 h allows a quick
comparison of the amount of radioactivity remaining.
mCi/ml

"TEMPERATURE CONVERSION"
All problems of conversion of Fahrenheit (F) to Centigrade (C) temperature may be solved by the
following formula:
o

9C = 5F - 160
40. Convert 32oF to Centigrade?
9C = 5F 160
= (5x 32) 160
=0
.C = 0oC
41. Convert
212oF to Co?
9C = 5F 160
o
o
42. Convert 100 C to F ?=9C
160
5F = (9 x 100)+ 160
(5 =
x 5F
212)
160
o
= 900 + 160 F = 1060/5 =
.F900
= 212 F

.C = 100oC
"PROOF SPIRITS"
Proof Gallon = Wine gallon x Proof Strength
One proof gallon is defined as the gallon of 100 proof (50%) ethyl alcohol. Any quantity of alcohol
containing the equivalent of 1 gallon of 50% alcohol is a proof gallon. Therefore, 1/2 gallon of 200 proof
(100%) alcohol is a proof gallon. Two gallons of 25% alcohol is 50% proof. The wine gallon is the
common unit of volume measure.
43. 55 gallons of 45% alcohol contains how many proof gallons?

GallonxStrength 55x45
Pr oofGallon = == 49.5
50 50
44. 25 gallons of 70% alcohol contain how many proof gallons?

25x70
Pr oofGallons == 35
50

"ALLIGATION"
It is an arithmetic method of solving problems that involve the mixing of solutions, ointments, mixture of
solids possessing different % strengths. Alligation medically used to calculate the % strength of a mix
made by mixing two or more components of a given % strength.
38. What is the % v/v of alcohol in the following mixture, 1 Liter 60%, 3000ml of 40%, 1000 ml of
70%?
1000 X 60% = 60 000ml absolute alcohol. 3000 X 40%
= 120 000ml absolute alcohol. 1000 X 70% = 70
000ml absolute alcohol.
5000 250 000

.5000 ml contains 250,000 absolute alcohol.

100ml contains (x)
100x250
. x == 50%
5,000
39. What is the final % of Zinc Oxide ointment made by mixing ZnO ointment of the following strengths,
200mg of 10% + 50gm of 20% + 100gm of 5%?
200 X 10% = 20 00 50 X 20% = 10 00
100 X 5% = 5 00
350 35 00

.350ml contains 35 00 absolute alcohol.

100ml contains (x)

100x35

. x == 10%
350
NB: Occasionally, you will run into a problem where the addition of a diluent or solvent is contained. In
these cases, consider the volume of the diluent as having 0% concentration of the drug.

36. How many ml of 1:5000 Potassium Permanganate solution can be made from 50ml of 0.5%?

1
= 0.0002 = 0.02%

5000 .50 x 0.5% = (x) x 0.02% 50x0.5

. x == 1250ml
0.02
37. You receive the following prescription: Ephedrine SO 4 0.25% Rose
Water ad 10ml
How many ml of 1:50 stock solution of ephedrine SO4 are necessary for dispensing?
1:50 = 2%
.0.25% x 10= 2% x (x) 10x0.25

. x == 1.25ml
2

0.1 ml.
32. A floora.nurse
requests a 50 ml minibottle to contain heparin injection 100 u/ml. The number of ml of
b.
0.5 ml.
heparin injection
10,000 u/ml needed for this order will be:
c. 1 ml.
d. 2.5 ml.
100ux e. 5 ml.
= then x =100 x 50= 5000 u 1ml 50ml

10,000u 5,000
= then x = 5,000/10,000 = 0.5 ml 1ml x
33. If 20ml of a 1:200 w/v solution are diluted to 500ml, what is the final concentration?
1:200 = 5%

.20 x 0.5% = (x) x 500 20x0.5

. x == 0.02%
500
34. How many grams of pure hydrocortisone powder must be mixed with 60 g of 0.5% hydrocortisone
cream if one wishes to prepare a 2.0% w/w preparation?
a. 0.90 g.
b. 0.92 g.
c. 0.30 g.
d. 1.20 g.
e. 1.53 g. Because the amount of 0.5% hydrocortisone cream is exactly 60 g, the final weight of the
cream will be greater when hydrocortisone powder is added. Therefore, the problem may be solved by
allegation alternate method or by simple algebra.

100%

1.5 Parts of 100%

2%

0.5%

98 Parts of 0.5%

60gx 1.5x60
= then = 0.92g
98 parts 1.5 parts 98
or, by algebra, let x = weight of 100% HC powder
(x g) (100%) + (60 g) (0.5%) = (60 g + x g) (2%)
x + 0.3 = 1.2 + 0.02x
x = 0.92 g
35. If a 65% w/v sugar solution is evaporated to 85% of its original volume, what will be its
concentration?
Suppose the volume is 100ml .65%
x 100 = (x) x 85 65x100

. x == 76.47%
85

"DILUTION & CONCENTRATION OF SOLUTIONS"

There are two (2) important rules to follow:
1-When ratio strengths are given in the problem, convert to percentage % strength before
beginning your calculations.
2-Whenever the problem deals with proportional parts, reduce them to the lowest possible common
).denominator (
30. If 500ml of a 15% v/v solution is diluted to 1500ml, what is the resulting % strength of the final
solution?

15,000 15%
=
500 x%
500x15
. x == 5%
1500
or Strength x Volume = Strength x Volume 15(%) x 500 = (x) x 1500

15x500
(x) == 5%
15000
31. A vial of lyophilized drug is labeled 10,000 units: to reconstitute, add 17 ml of Sterile Water for
Injection to obtain 500 units per ml. How many ml of SWFI must a pharmacist add if a 1000 u/ml
concentration is needed by the nurse?
a. 7 ml.
b. 8.5 ml.
c. 10 ml.
d. 17 ml.
e. 20 ml.
When some drug powders, especially bulky antibiotics, are reconstituted, the volume occupied
by the bulk powder once it has dissolved must be considered. In this example, the final volume
of solution is:

500u 10,000u
= then x = 20 ml.
1ml x
The previously listed volume means that the volume occupied by the bulk powder must have been
20 17 ml = 3 ml. When a concentration of 1000 u/ml is desired, the total volume of solution that
must be prepared will be:

1000u 10,000u
= then x = 10 ml.
1ml x
Therefore, the pharmacist must add 7 ml of SWFI to the vial. When the powder has dissolved,
the resulting volume will be 10 ml.

5.25g 1 1046x1
= Then x == 199.24
1046ml x 5.25
28. A solution contains 1.5 mEq of calcium per 100 ml. Express the solutions strength of cacium in
terms of mg/L (The atomic weight of calcium is 40)
a. 30 mg/L.
b. 60 mg/L.
c. 150 mg/L.
d. 300 mg/L.
e. 600 mg/L Because the valence of calcium is +2, 1 mEq equals 40 mg divided by 2 = 2- mg.
Therefore, 1.5 mEq = 30 mg. If using the equation: Mg of chemical = (mEq) (mol. Wt.)/(valence) = (1.5 x
10 mg.or 300 mg/L
40)/(2) = 30
a. mg/dL
b. 20 mg.
c. 30 mg.
29. How much of Gentian Violet is used to make 500ml of 1:10000 solution?
d. 50 mg.
e. 500
mg. . 0.05 , and that is equal to 50mg.

1 x

=
100
500
00
x1

x == gm
10000

For solidsGram/1000ml of
in liquid mixture.
"RATIO SOLUTIONS"
For liquidsMl/1000ml of
in liquids mixture.
solidsGrams/1000gra
)( )1(For
100
0.02
22.
Express calls for a solution of drug equal to 2 mg/ml. Express concentration of this solution as
24. A
prescription
x parts part=
a0.02%
ratio as ratio
5000 1 10000
strength?
strength?
2 = = 1:5000
Multiply by 1000:
23.
Express
1004000
x = mg's into grams
2mg/ml = 2000mg/1000ml
then 1
change
1:4000
as
a
%
Therefore
x=
= 2gm/1000ml then = 1gm/500ml or
concentration?
0.025% 4000

= then x == 500

0.002gm 1ml 1
100 1 = x

1gm xml 0.002

25. What is the ratio strength of the solution made by dissolving 125mg 2 tablets of mercury bichloride
in 500ml of a
solution? (Solution) Total mgs = 125 x 2 = 250mg. Which, is equal to 0.25gm

0.25 0.05 1
.= = (=0.05%)
500 100 2000 .The ratio is 1:2000
26. How many grains of Potassium permanganate could be used to make 500ml of 1:2500 solution?

Then change grams into grains according to 1gm=15.43grain = 0.2gm x 15.43 = 3.086 grains
27. A pharmacist dilutes 100 ml of Clorox with 1 quart of water. Express the concentration of sodium
hypochlorite in the final solution as w/v ratio. Commercial Clorox contains 5.25% w/v sodium
hypochlorite.
a. 1/9.
b. 1/10.
c. 1/100.
d. 1/180.
e. 1/200.
One hundred ml of Clorox contains 5.25 of sodium hypochlorite. The final dilution will be 100 + 946 ml
of water for a total of 1046 ml. The ratio strength will be:
250
1 gm in
0ml
(x) gm in 500
ml

gm =x gm( )
`1
ml
25 ml500
00

0.24

= 4.76 + Log

0.16
= 4.76 + 0.176
= 4.94 And since pH before addition of NaOH was 4.76, then the change in pH is going to be:
pH = 4.94 4.76 = 0.18
21. For the curve equation where y is function of x, y = 12x 3x2. What is the slope if; x = 1, y = 9?
a. 3.
b. 6.
c. 7.
d. 9.

17. A hospital clinic requests 2lb of 2% hydrocortisone ointment. How many grams of 5% hydrocortisone
ointment would be diluted with white petrolatum to prepare this order?
a. 18.2 g.
b. 27.5 g.
c. 45.4 g.
d. 363.2 g.
e. 545 g.
We have first to convert 2lb into grams = 2 x 454 = 908gm
908gm X 2% = XgmX 5%

908x2%
Xgm = = 363.2gm

5%
+

18. Find the pH of a solution which has H concentration of 6 x 10

a. 32.218
b. 322.18
c. 3221.8
d. 3.2218
-4

-4

-4

-4

6 x 10 = 0.0006, pH = -Log 6 x 10 = -(Log 6 + Log 10 ) = -(0.7782 + (-4.0)) = - (3.2218) = + 3.2218

19. PH of a certain solution is 11.1; calculate H+ concentration of the solution?
-12
PH = -Log H Log H = - 11.1 = 7.94 x 10
20. Calculate the change in pH upon adding 0.04 mole of NaOH to a liter of a buffer solution of 0.2M
concentration of sodium acetate and acetic acid. Pka value of acetic acid is 4.76 at 25oC?
a. 0.16
b. 0.17
c. 0.18
d. 0.19

salt
PH = Pka + Log

acid
0.2
= 4.76 + Log

0.2
= 4.76 + Log 1
= 4.76 The addition of 0.04M of NaOH converts 0.04M of acetic acid to
0.2M concentration of sodium acetate, consequently the concentration of acetic acid is decreased
and the concentration of sodium acetate is increased by equal amount according to the following
equation:

Salt +base
PH = Pka + Log

Salt - base
0.2 + 0.04
= 4.76 + Log

0.2 - 0.04

20 ml . x mg 200mg x 20x200

= then x == 33.3
120ml 20ml 120
15. The directions intended for the patient on a prescription read 1 tbsp ac & hs for 10 days what is
the minimum volume the pharmacist should dispense?
a. 160 ml.
b. 200 ml.
c. 400 ml.
d. 600 ml.
e. 800 ml. One tablespoonful (tbsp) delivers 15 ml of liquid. In this prescription, the patient is
receiving four doses per day for 10 days. Therefore, 15 ml x 4 x 10 days = 600 ml total.
16. How many capsules of 250mg of a drug should be used to prepare 100ml solution which has a
concentration of 250mg/5ml?
a. 20 capsules.
b. 15 capsules.
c. 10 capsules.
d. 5 capsules.
250mg (One capsule) --------------------5ml of solution ??
--------------------100ml of solution

100mlx1cap
Number of capsules = = 20 Capsules.

5ml

9. A 10ml vial of concentrated stock solution for electrolyte replacement therapy contains 55g of
calcium chloride. The amount of calcium in each ml is:
a. 25 mmole.
b. 50 mmole.
c. 100 mmole.
d. 500 mmole.
10. Five subjects given a single IV dose of a drug have the following elimination half lives: 3, 9, 6, 5,
and 4 hours. The mean half-life is:
a. 4.0 h.
b. 5.0 h.
c. 5.4 h.
d. 5.8 h.
e. 6.0 h. Mean half-life= (3+9+6+5+4)/5 = 5.4
11. Solution of a substance is 1:10000, what is the percentage w/v in mg?
a. 5mg%
b. 10mg%
c. 15mg%
d. 100mg%
12. Ampicillin is mixed in a 5% dextrose bag. The degradation rate of ampicillin is 12mh/hr. What is T 90
of the ampoule?
13. Prepare 30ml solution of 2.5% Clindamycin using 150mg Clindamycin capsules. How many capsules
are needed?
a. 3 Capsules.
b. 5 Capsules.
c. 7 Capsules.
d. 10 Capsules. 2.5g in 100ml is equal to 2500mg in 100ml
150 mg . 1 Capsule 2500 mg . X

2500mgx1capsule
X = = 16.67 Capsules

150mg
16.67 Capsules . 100ml Y . 30ml

16.67capx30ml
Y = = 5 Capsules.

100ml
14. How many mg of codeine phosphate are being consumed daily by a patient taking the following
Codeine
200 mg 120 ml
prescription as
phosphat
described? Rx
e
Dimetap q.s.
In todays health practice,
the symbol
i is used to represent a 1 teaspoon dose. The symbols original
p Elixir3
I
meaning as a drachm
(weight)
or
fluidrachm
(volume) quantities is archaic and should not be used.
Sig t.i.d. p.c.
Because a standard: teaspoon
is
considered
to
be
5 ml, the patient in this prescription is receiving four
& h.s.
daily doses for6.25
a total of 20 ml.
120 ml . 200 mg codeine phosphate
mg.
8.25
mg.

a. 200 ml.
b.
ml.2% iodine solution must be mixed with a 7% iodine solution to obtain 1 L of 5%
7. How many300
ml of
c. 400 ml.
strength?
d. 500 ml.
e. 600 ml.
This problem can be solved by the allegation alternate or simple parts method.
7% 3 Parts of 7%

5%

2% 2 Parts of 2%
Thus, the final solution will contain 2 parts of 2% iodine for every 3 parts of 7% iodine.

2 parts 5 parts
=

x 1000ml 2x1000
x = = 400ml of 2% iodine solution.

a. 0.90 g.
b. 0.92
g. of pure hydrocortisone powder must be mixed with 60 g of 0.5% hydrocortisone
8. How many
grams
g.
creamc.
if 0.30
one wishes
to prepare a 2.0% w/w preparation?
d. 1.20 g.
e. 1.53 g.
Because the amount of 0.5% hydrocortisone cream is exactly 60 g, the final weight of the cream will be
greater when hydrocortisone powder is added. Therefore, the problem may be solved by allegation
alternate method or by simple algebra.

100%

1.5 Parts of 100%

2%

0.5%

98 Parts of 0.5%

60gx 1.5x60
= then = 0.92g
98 parts 1.5 parts 98
or, by algebra, let x = weight of 100% HC powder
(x g) (100%) + (60 g) (0.5%) = (60 g + x g) (2%) x + 0.3 = 1.2 + 0.02x x = 0.92
g

5%
40 Parts of 5%
20%
5 Parts of 20%
NB. This system can be used to determine the relative concentration of three, four, or more different
strengths required to prepare another requested strength.
5. A pharmacist wishes to prepare a 10% ointment of drug. He has some 50%, 20%, and 5% in stock.
How should he mix to make the 10% product?

50% 5 Parts of 50%

10%

10%
5% 10 Parts of 5%

The total = 5 parts of 50% + 5 parts of 20% + 50 part of 5%

6. In what proportion must the following strengths be mixed to obtain a 10% mixture, 20%, 15%, 5%,
and 3%?

5 Parts of 15% 5 Parts of 5%

Proportions are 7 parts of 20% + 5 parts of 15% + 5 parts of 5% + 10 parts of 3%

78%

22 Parts

32%

10% 46 Parts

473x46
Low alcohol = = 320ml.

68
473x22
High alcohol = = 153ml.

68
4. In what proportion should 15% Boric acid solution be mixed with white petrolatum to produce 2%
boric acid ointment?

15% 2 Parts of Boric acid

2%

0%
13 Part of petrolatum
The final proportion is 2:13

"PHARMACEUTICAL CALCULATIONS"
of a
required
To find out the relative amounts of solute or other substances of different strengths, you must use the X
strength
to make a mixture
.
High
Part of high
C
oncentration concentration ingredient
ingredient
needed.

"ALLIGATION ALTERNATE"

Low Part of low concentration concentration ingredient. ingredient

needed.

1. A formula for a cosmetic cream requires 5g of an emulsifying blend consisting of Span 80 and Tween
80. If the required HLB (Hydrophilic Lipophilic Balance) is 10.5, how many grams of each emulsifying
agent should be used in preparing the emulsion? (HLB of span 80 is = 4.3 and Tween 80 is 15)
Span 80 4.3 parts of span 80

Tween 80 15 6.2 parts of tween 80

5x4.5
Span 80 = = 2.14 g.

10.5 5x6.2
Tween 80 = = 2.95 g

10.5
2. Which proportion of 95% alcohol and 50% alcohol should be used to make a solution of 70% alcohol?
95% 20 Part

70%

50% 25 Part
The final proportions are 20:25 or (4:5 95%:50%)
3. A physician requested that an elixir containing 32% alcohol be prepared, how much low alcohol elixir
(10%) and high alcohol elixir (78%) must be mixed to prepare 1 pint (473ml) of the requested elixir?
.-.. ........-