Top Pharmacist II Oral Interview Questions & Sample Answers

🧪 Pharmacist II Oral Interview Questions & Sample Answers (20 Questions)

Panel 4 | Language: English

1. Explain your background from birth to the present.

Answer:
"I was born in [your town], attended primary school at [school], and completed my O-Level and A-Level at [school]. I later earned a Bachelor of Pharmacy from [University]. Through internships at [Hospital/Pharmacy], I developed strong practical knowledge in dispensing, patient care, inventory control, and pharmacovigilance."

2. Mention five cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor drugs.

Answer:

• Aspirin

• Ibuprofen

• Diclofenac

• Naproxen

• Indomethacin

3. List six factors affecting drug monitoring and evaluation.

Answer:

• Patient compliance

• Correct dosage

• Drug-drug interactions

• Adverse drug reactions

• Monitoring tools (labs, diagnostics)

• Patient’s medical condition

4. What factors affect the storage of medicines?

Answer:

• Temperature and humidity

• Exposure to light

• Packaging type

• Pest infestation

• Duration of storage

• Storage equipment condition

5. What information is found in a dispensing register book?

Answer:

• Date of dispensing

• Patient's name

• Medication name and dosage

• Quantity dispensed

• Prescriber’s name

• Batch number and expiry

6. Which documents are used to control drugs in storage?

Answer:

• Bin Cards

• Stock Register

• Inventory Control Forms

• Store Ledger

7. What is pharmacovigilance?

Answer:
Pharmacovigilance is the process of monitoring, detecting, assessing, and preventing adverse effects of medicines to ensure patient safety and drug efficacy.

8. How would you handle an expired drug in your pharmacy?

Answer:
Segregate it immediately from active stock, label it “Expired,” report it to the appropriate authority, and ensure it’s safely disposed of following regulatory guidelines.

9. What is the difference between a generic and brand-name drug?

Answer:
Generic drugs have the same active ingredients, dosage, and strength as brand-name drugs but are typically more affordable. They may differ in shape, color, or inactive ingredients.

10. What are the responsibilities of a hospital pharmacist?

Answer:

• Dispensing medications

• Counseling patients

• Verifying prescriptions

• Monitoring therapy outcomes

• Participating in ward rounds

• Managing stock and procurement

11. What are common drug-related problems (DRPs)?

Answer:

• Adverse drug reactions

• Drug interactions

• Overdose

• Underdose

• Non-adherence

• Wrong drug selection

12. How do you ensure rational drug use in a hospital?

Answer:
By educating prescribers and patients, using Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs), evaluating prescriptions, and participating in drug and therapeutic committees.

13. How would you counsel a patient starting on antiretroviral therapy (ART)?

Answer:
Explain dosage, timing, importance of adherence, possible side effects, and when to return for follow-up. Use patient-friendly language and check for understanding.

14. Name five antihypertensive drug classes.

Answer:

• ACE inhibitors

• Beta blockers

• Calcium channel blockers

• Diuretics

• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)

15. What is the importance of batch numbers on drugs?

Answer:
They help trace the product during recalls, quality checks, and monitor production consistency for safety purposes.

16. How would you deal with a patient receiving the wrong prescription?

Answer:
Do not dispense the medicine. Contact the prescriber to clarify, correct the prescription if needed, and document the incident per policy.

17. What is the purpose of a formulary in a healthcare setting?

Answer:
To standardize medication use, promote cost-effective treatments, and ensure availability of essential medicines approved for use.

18. What are essential elements of a medicine label?

Answer:

• Drug name (generic and/or brand)

• Dosage and strength

• Usage instructions

• Expiry date

• Batch number

• Manufacturer

19. What causes antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?

Answer:

• Overuse and misuse of antibiotics

• Poor infection control

• Incomplete antibiotic courses

• Unregulated access to antibiotics

• Lack of awareness and surveillance

20. What is the cold chain and why is it important?

Answer:
The cold chain is a temperature-controlled supply chain used for vaccines and temperature-sensitive drugs. It preserves efficacy and safety from manufacture to administration.