Pharmaceutical Chemistry is an important subject for the RRB Pharmacist examination. It covers various topics, including inorganic pharmaceuticals, organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, drugs, chemical structures, and pharmaceutical compounds.
To help candidates prepare effectively, we have compiled 50 important Pharmaceutical Chemistry multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with correct answers and explanations.
These questions are designed for practice and revision of important pharmaceutical chemistry concepts relevant to pharmacist competitive examinations.
Section 1: Inorganic Pharmaceutical Chemistry MCQs
Q1. Which of the following is used as an antacid?
A. Ferrous sulphate
B. Magnesium hydroxide
C. Potassium chloride
D. Sodium thiosulphate
Correct Answer: B. Magnesium hydroxide
Explanation: Magnesium hydroxide is commonly known as milk of magnesia. It neutralizes excess gastric acid and is used as an antacid.
Q2. Which compound is commonly known as Glauber’s salt?
A. Sodium bicarbonate
B. Sodium sulphate decahydrate
C. Magnesium sulphate
D. Calcium carbonate
Correct Answer: B. Sodium sulphate decahydrate
Explanation: Glauber’s salt is the common name for sodium sulphate decahydrate (Na₂SO₄·10H₂O).
Q3. Which of the following is used as an antidote in cyanide poisoning?
A. Sodium nitrite
B. Sodium chloride
C. Calcium carbonate
D. Magnesium hydroxide
Correct Answer: A. Sodium nitrite
Explanation: Sodium nitrite is used as part of the traditional cyanide antidote regimen. It helps convert haemoglobin into methemoglobin, which binds cyanide. Modern treatment also includes hydroxocobalamin.
Q4. Which of the following compounds is used as a haematinic?
A. Ferrous sulphate
B. Sodium bicarbonate
C. Zinc oxide
D. Calcium carbonate
Correct Answer: A. Ferrous sulphate
Explanation: Ferrous sulphate provides elemental iron and is used in the prevention and treatment of iron-deficiency anaemia.
Q5. What is the chemical formula of potassium permanganate?
A. KMnO₄
B. K₂Cr₂O₇
C. KClO₃
D. K₂SO₄
Correct Answer: A. KMnO₄
Explanation: Potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) is a strong oxidizing agent used in certain pharmaceutical and antiseptic applications.
Q6. Which of the following is used as a protective agent on the skin?
A. Zinc oxide
B. Sodium chloride
C. Potassium iodide
D. Ammonium chloride
Correct Answer: A. Zinc oxide
Explanation: Zinc oxide is used as a skin protectant in preparations such as protective creams and ointments.
Q7. Which compound is commonly known as Epsom salt?
A. Sodium sulphate
B. Magnesium sulphate heptahydrate
C. Calcium sulphate
D. Potassium sulphate
Correct Answer: B. Magnesium sulphate heptahydrate
Explanation: Epsom salt is magnesium sulphate heptahydrate (MgSO₄·7H₂O).
Q8. Which of the following is used as a saline cathartic?
A. Magnesium sulphate
B. Zinc oxide
C. Ferrous sulphate
D. Calcium carbonate
Correct Answer: A. Magnesium sulphate
Explanation: Magnesium sulphate acts as an osmotic laxative by retaining water in the intestine.
Q9. Which of the following is used in the treatment of iodine deficiency?
A. Potassium iodide
B. Sodium bromide
C. Calcium chloride
D. Zinc sulphate
Correct Answer: A. Potassium iodide
Explanation: Potassium iodide provides iodine, which is required for thyroid hormone synthesis.
Q10. Which gas is used as a medical inhalation anaesthetic?
A. Oxygen
B. Nitrous oxide
C. Carbon dioxide
D. Nitrogen
Correct Answer: B. Nitrous oxide
Explanation: Nitrous oxide is an inhalational anaesthetic gas with analgesic properties. It is commonly called laughing gas.
Section 2: Organic Pharmaceutical Chemistry MCQs
Q11. Which functional group is present in alcohols?
A. –COOH
B. –OH
C. –CHO
D. –NH₂
Correct Answer: B. –OH
Explanation: Alcohols contain a hydroxyl (–OH) functional group attached to a saturated carbon atom.
Q12. Which functional group is present in carboxylic acids?
A. –OH
B. –CHO
C. –COOH
D. –CO–
Correct Answer: C. –COOH
Explanation: Carboxylic acids contain the carboxyl functional group (–COOH).
Q13. What is the chemical name of aspirin?
A. Acetylsalicylic acid
B. Salicylic acid
C. Benzoic acid
D. Acetic acid
Correct Answer: A. Acetylsalicylic acid
Explanation: Aspirin is chemically known as acetylsalicylic acid. It belongs to the NSAID group and is used as an analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory agent.
Q14. Which of the following is an aromatic compound?
A. Benzene
B. Ethane
C. Propane
D. Butane
Correct Answer: A. Benzene
Explanation: Benzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon containing a six-membered conjugated ring with delocalized π electrons.
Q15. What is the molecular formula of benzene?
A. C₆H₁₂
B. C₆H₆
C. C₅H₆
D. C₇H₈
Correct Answer: B. C₆H₆
Explanation: Benzene has the molecular formula C₆H₆ and contains six carbon and six hydrogen atoms.
Q16. Which of the following is an example of an aldehyde?
A. Acetone
B. Formaldehyde
C. Ethanol
D. Acetic acid
Correct Answer: B. Formaldehyde
Explanation: Formaldehyde (HCHO) is the simplest aldehyde and contains the –CHO functional group.
Q17. Which of the following is a heterocyclic compound?
A. Benzene
B. Pyridine
C. Cyclohexane
D. Ethane
Correct Answer: B. Pyridine
Explanation: Pyridine is a six-membered aromatic heterocyclic compound containing one nitrogen atom in its ring.
Q18. Which nitrogen-containing functional group is present in primary amines?
A. –COOH
B. –NH₂
C. –CHO
D. –COO–
Correct Answer: B. –NH₂
Explanation: Primary amines contain the –NH₂ group attached to a carbon-containing group.
Q19. Which of the following is a saturated hydrocarbon?
A. Ethene
B. Ethyne
C. Ethane
D. Benzene
Correct Answer: C. Ethane
Explanation: Ethane (C₂H₆) is an alkane containing only single bonds between carbon atoms.
Q20. Which reagent is commonly used to identify aldehydes?
A. Tollens’ reagent
B. Sodium chloride
C. Hydrochloric acid
D. Sodium bicarbonate
Correct Answer: A. Tollens’ reagent
Explanation: Tollens’ reagent is used to identify aldehydes. A positive test generally produces a silver mirror due to the reduction of silver ions.
Section 3: Medicinal Chemistry MCQs
Q21. Which of the following drugs belongs to the sulfonamide class?
A. Sulfamethoxazole
B. Amoxicillin
C. Ciprofloxacin
D. Azithromycin
Correct Answer: A. Sulfamethoxazole
Explanation: Sulfamethoxazole is a sulfonamide antibacterial drug that inhibits bacterial folate synthesis.
Q22. Which drug is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI)?
A. Ranitidine
B. Omeprazole
C. Aluminium hydroxide
D. Domperidone
Correct Answer: B. Omeprazole
Explanation: Omeprazole inhibits the gastric H⁺/K⁺-ATPase enzyme and reduces gastric acid secretion.
Q23. Which of the following is a first-generation antihistamine?
A. Cetirizine
B. Loratadine
C. Diphenhydramine
D. Fexofenadine
Correct Answer: C. Diphenhydramine
Explanation: Diphenhydramine is a first-generation H₁ antihistamine. It can cause sedation because it crosses the blood-brain barrier.
Q24. Which drug belongs to the fluoroquinolone class?
A. Ciprofloxacin
B. Amoxicillin
C. Erythromycin
D. Doxycycline
Correct Answer: A. Ciprofloxacin
Explanation: Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial drug that inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV.
Q25. Which of the following drugs is an example of a benzodiazepine?
A. Diazepam
B. Paracetamol
C. Aspirin
D. Ibuprofen
Correct Answer: A. Diazepam
Explanation: Diazepam is a benzodiazepine used for its anxiolytic, sedative, anticonvulsant, and muscle-relaxant properties.
Q26. Which drug is commonly used as an antimalarial?
A. Chloroquine
B. Metformin
C. Atenolol
D. Omeprazole
Correct Answer: A. Chloroquine
Explanation: Chloroquine is an antimalarial drug used against susceptible Plasmodium species. Resistance limits its use in many regions.
Q27. Which of the following is an example of a macrolide antibiotic?
A. Azithromycin
B. Ciprofloxacin
C. Amoxicillin
D. Gentamicin
Correct Answer: A. Azithromycin
Explanation: Azithromycin belongs to the macrolide group and inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit.
Q28. Which drug is classified as an H₂ receptor blocker?
A. Omeprazole
B. Famotidine
C. Pantoprazole
D. Sucralfate
Correct Answer: B. Famotidine
Explanation: Famotidine blocks histamine H₂ receptors in gastric parietal cells and reduces gastric acid secretion.
Q29. Which of the following drugs is an ACE inhibitor?
A. Amlodipine
B. Enalapril
C. Atenolol
D. Furosemide
Correct Answer: B. Enalapril
Explanation: Enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor used in the management of hypertension and heart failure.
Q30. Which drug belongs to the biguanide class of antidiabetic agents?
A. Glibenclamide
B. Metformin
C. Glimepiride
D. Pioglitazone
Correct Answer: B. Metformin
Explanation: Metformin is a biguanide that primarily reduces hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity.
Q31. Which of the following drugs is a beta-blocker?
A. Propranolol
B. Amlodipine
C. Enalapril
D. Losartan
Correct Answer: A. Propranolol
Explanation: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocker used in hypertension, angina, and certain cardiac conditions.
Q32. Which drug belongs to the penicillin group?
A. Amoxicillin
B. Azithromycin
C. Ciprofloxacin
D. Doxycycline
Correct Answer: A. Amoxicillin
Explanation: Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum aminopenicillin antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Q33. Which of the following is an example of a corticosteroid?
A. Prednisolone
B. Paracetamol
C. Ibuprofen
D. Diclofenac
Correct Answer: A. Prednisolone
Explanation: Prednisolone is a glucocorticoid with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties.
Q34. Which drug is used as an anticoagulant?
A. Heparin
B. Paracetamol
C. Atropine
D. Digoxin
Correct Answer: A. Heparin
Explanation: Heparin is an anticoagulant that enhances the activity of antithrombin and inhibits several coagulation factors, particularly thrombin and factor Xa.
Q35. Which of the following is an opioid analgesic?
A. Morphine
B. Aspirin
C. Ibuprofen
D. Paracetamol
Correct Answer: A. Morphine
Explanation: Morphine is a strong opioid analgesic that primarily acts on mu-opioid receptors to relieve severe pain.
Section 4: Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Knowledge MCQs
Q36. What is the chemical name of paracetamol?
A. Acetylsalicylic acid
B. N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetamide
C. Benzoic acid
D. Salicylic acid
Correct Answer: B. N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetamide
Explanation: Paracetamol is chemically known as N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetamide. It is used as an analgesic and antipyretic.
Q37. Which of the following is a local anaesthetic?
A. Lidocaine
B. Morphine
C. Diazepam
D. Phenobarbital
Correct Answer: A. Lidocaine
Explanation: Lidocaine is an amide-type local anaesthetic that blocks voltage-gated sodium channels and prevents nerve impulse conduction.
Q38. Which of the following drugs is an example of a barbiturate?
A. Phenobarbital
B. Diazepam
C. Lorazepam
D. Alprazolam
Correct Answer: A. Phenobarbital
Explanation: Phenobarbital is a barbiturate used mainly as an anticonvulsant. It enhances GABA-mediated inhibitory activity.
Q39. Which drug is classified as a loop diuretic?
A. Hydrochlorothiazide
B. Spironolactone
C. Furosemide
D. Acetazolamide
Correct Answer: C. Furosemide
Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits the Na⁺-K⁺-2Cl⁻ cotransporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle.
Q40. Which of the following drugs is an antifungal agent?
A. Fluconazole
B. Acyclovir
C. Amoxicillin
D. Ciprofloxacin
Correct Answer: A. Fluconazole
Explanation: Fluconazole is an azole antifungal drug that inhibits fungal ergosterol synthesis by blocking the enzyme lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase.
Q41. Which drug is used in the treatment of tuberculosis?
A. Isoniazid
B. Acyclovir
C. Fluconazole
D. Metformin
Correct Answer: A. Isoniazid
Explanation: Isoniazid is a first-line antitubercular drug that inhibits mycolic acid synthesis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Q42. Which of the following is an antiviral drug?
A. Acyclovir
B. Amoxicillin
C. Cefixime
D. Gentamicin
Correct Answer: A. Acyclovir
Explanation: Acyclovir is an antiviral drug primarily used for herpes simplex and varicella-zoster virus infections.
Q43. Which drug is an example of a calcium channel blocker?
A. Amlodipine
B. Propranolol
C. Enalapril
D. Digoxin
Correct Answer: A. Amlodipine
Explanation: Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker that reduces calcium entry into vascular smooth muscle and causes vasodilation.
Q44. Which of the following is a cholinergic antagonist?
A. Atropine
B. Neostigmine
C. Pilocarpine
D. Bethanechol
Correct Answer: A. Atropine
Explanation: Atropine is a competitive muscarinic receptor antagonist that blocks the effects of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors.
Q45. Which of the following drugs is a proton pump inhibitor?
A. Lansoprazole
B. Famotidine
C. Ranitidine
D. Magnesium hydroxide
Correct Answer: A. Lansoprazole
Explanation: Lansoprazole belongs to the proton pump inhibitor class and suppresses gastric acid secretion by inhibiting the H⁺/K⁺-ATPase enzyme.
Q46. Which of the following is a sulfonylurea antidiabetic drug?
A. Metformin
B. Glimepiride
C. Pioglitazone
D. Acarbose
Correct Answer: B. Glimepiride
Explanation: Glimepiride is a second-generation sulfonylurea that stimulates insulin release from pancreatic beta cells.
Q47. Which drug is an example of a tetracycline antibiotic?
A. Doxycycline
B. Cefixime
C. Azithromycin
D. Ciprofloxacin
Correct Answer: A. Doxycycline
Explanation: Doxycycline belongs to the tetracycline class and inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit.
Q48. Which of the following drugs is used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease?
A. Levodopa
B. Fluoxetine
C. Phenytoin
D. Diazepam
Correct Answer: A. Levodopa
Explanation: Levodopa is a dopamine precursor that crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted into dopamine in the brain.
Q49. Which of the following drugs is an antihyperlipidemic agent belonging to the statin group?
A. Atorvastatin
B. Furosemide
C. Atenolol
D. Omeprazole
Correct Answer: A. Atorvastatin
Explanation: Atorvastatin inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis, thereby reducing LDL cholesterol levels.
Q50. Which of the following drugs is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor?
A. Allopurinol
B. Colchicine
C. Ibuprofen
D. Aspirin
Correct Answer: A. Allopurinol
Explanation: Allopurinol inhibits xanthine oxidase and reduces uric acid production. It is used in the long-term management of gout.
📝Preparation Tips for RRB Pharmacist Pharmaceutical Chemistry
To score well in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, candidates should concentrate on the following topics:
- Important inorganic pharmaceutical compounds and their uses.
- Chemical structures and functional groups.
- Classification of drugs.
- Chemical names of commonly used medicines.
- Antacids, antiseptics, and haematinics.
- Antibiotics and their chemical classes.
- Antidiabetic and antihypertensive drugs.
- Antifungal, antiviral, and antitubercular drugs.
- Important medicinal chemistry reactions and drug mechanisms.
- Common pharmaceutical salts and their chemical formulas.
🎯 Conclusion
Regular practice of Pharmaceutical Chemistry MCQs can help improve your understanding of important drug classifications, chemical properties, and pharmaceutical compounds.
Disclaimer: These are practice questions prepared for examination revision. They are not claimed to be official RRB previous-year questions.