Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA) Practice Exam

What method is most appropriate when incorporating a small amount of potent substance with a large amount of excipient?

1. Simple mixing

2. Geometric dissolution

3. Direct compression

4. Pill rolling

The correct answer is: Geometric dissolution

When incorporating a small amount of potent substance with a large amount of excipient, simple mixing would not be suitable as it may result in an uneven distribution of the potent substance, leading to variability in the final product. Direct compression, on the other hand, would not be effective as it requires a compatible mixture of ingredients, which may not be the case with a potent substance and large amount of excipient. Pill rolling is a method typically used for traditional herbal medicine preparation and would not be applicable for this situation. Therefore, the most appropriate method in this case would be geometric dissolution, which involves accurately weighing and mixing the two substances until a uniform blend is achieved. This method ensures a homogenous distribution of the potent substance throughout the large amount of excipient, resulting in a consistent and safe final product.