Ultimate Pharmacist Interview Cheat Sheet
One-Page Prep for Retail & Hospital Pharmacist Interviews (June 22,
2025)
🌟 Interview Questions & Model Answers
1. Tell me about yourself
I’m [Your Name], a [B.Pharm/D.Pharm] graduate from [University]. I trained
for [duration] at [hospital/pharmacy], gaining hands-on experience in drug
dispensing, prescription verification, and patient counseling. I am highly
detail-oriented and patient-focused.
2. Describe your training
During my training at [institution], I worked with key drugs like Amoxicillin,
Paracetamol, Metformin, Insulin, and Amlodipine. I ensured prescription
accuracy and counseled patients on medication use and side effects.
🦠 Antibiotics
What are antibiotics?
Antibiotics are drugs used to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. They target
specific bacterial components like cell walls (e.g., Penicillin) or DNA
replication (e.g., Ciprofloxacin).
Examples: - Amoxicillin (ear/throat infections) - Azithromycin (respiratory
infections) - Ciprofloxacin (urinary tract infections) - Doxycycline (acne,
malaria) - Cefixime (tonsillitis) - Levofloxacin (lung infections)
What is Augmentin?
A combination of Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid, used for resistant bacterial
infections. Common strengths: 1000 mg, 625 mg, 375 mg.
🧪 Pharmacology Concepts
Pharmacokinetics (PK):
Describes how the body handles a drug: Absorption, Distribution,
Metabolism, Excretion (ADME).
Example: Paracetamol is absorbed in the stomach, metabolized in the liver,
and excreted via kidneys.
Pharmacodynamics (PD):
Explains the drug’s effect on the body.
Example: Paracetamol inhibits COX enzyme to reduce pain; Amlodipine
relaxes blood vessels.
📜 Licenses
Retail pharmacy form: Form 21 (for Schedule C/C1 drugs)
Wholesale license: Form 21B (for Schedule C/C1 drugs)
⚙️APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients)
Paracetamol (Crocin)
Amoxicillin (Himox)
Metformin (Glycomet)
Amlodipine (Amlong)
Diclofenac (Voveran)
❄️Storage
Cold storage (2–8°C): - Insulin - Vaccines - Erythropoietin - Amoxicillin
injection - Hepatitis B vaccine
🔒 Narcotics Handling
Storage: Locked cabinets with record books.
Examples: - Morphine - Oxycodone - Hydromorphone - Tramadol -
Buprenorphine - Fentanyl
🩺 Anti-Diabetic Drugs
Metformin (biguanide)
Glimepiride (sulfonylurea)
Sitagliptin (DPP-4 inhibitor)
Insulin (hormone)
Liraglutide (GLP-1 agonist)
Pioglitazone (TZD)
💉 Specific Drug Comparisons
Ultracet vs. Calpol: - Ultracet: Tramadol + Paracetamol for moderate to
severe pain (e.g., post-surgery). - Calpol: Paracetamol for mild pain/fever
(e.g., fever in children).
What is Betnesol?
Betamethasone, a steroid used for inflammation, vertigo, allergies,
autoimmune diseases, and skin conditions.
📋 Drug Schedules (Complete List)
Schedule Purpose Examples
A Licensing forms Form 20, 21, 24, 27, 28
B Drug testing fees Assay, purity,
bioequivalence,
dissolution
C Biologicals Insulin, Tetanus, Plasma,
Hep B, Rabies vaccine
C1 Antibiotics/hormones Amoxicillin, Cefixime,
Thyroxine, Prednisolone
D Imported drugs Penicillin, APIs,
Metformin, Vaccines
E Obsolete poisons Arsenic, Mercury, Lead,
Barium (no longer in
use)
F Blood/eye standards Blood bags, Plasma, Eye
drops, Albumin
F1 Vaccine regulations BCG, DPT, Polio, Rabies
antisera, Measles
G Medical supervision Ranitidine, Cetirizine,
Omeprazole, Metformin
H Prescription-only Amoxicillin, Amlodipine,
Ciprofloxacin
H1 Stricter Rx control Tramadol, Azithromycin,
Alprazolam, Codeine
I Quantity rules Batch sizes, vial counts,
volume formulas
J No cure claims Cancer, AIDS, TB,
Blindness, Diabetes
K Exempted items Aspirin (low dose), ORS,
Bandages, Iodine,
Schedule Purpose Examples
Condoms
M Manufacturing GMP, Clean rooms, QC,
standards Testing, Packaging
N Pharmacy setup Refrigerator, Shelves,
Counters, AC, Books
O Disinfectants Dettol, Savlon, Lysol,
Bleach
P Storage/shelf life Insulin, Eye drops,
Syrups, Vaccines
Q Coloring agents Tartrazine, Carmine,
Brilliant blue
R Condom standards Latex, Non-latex,
Spermicidal, Textured
S Cosmetic rules Creams, Shampoos,
Lipsticks, Moisturizers
T Ayurvedic/Unani rules Chyawanprash, Triphala,
Unani oils
U Manufacturing Batch logs, QC reports,
records Expiry logs
V Proprietary drugs Herbal balms, Tonics,
Skin ointments
W Obsolete Replaced by H;
barbiturates, sedatives,
analgesics
X Controlled drugs Buprenorphine,
Diazepam,
Phenobarbital,
Midazolam
Y Clinical trials New drugs,
Bioequivalence, Safety
studies
🧴 Formulation Comparisons
Suspension vs. Emulsion
Feature Suspension Emulsion
Composition Solid in liquid Liquid in liquid
Appearance Cloudy Milky or creamy
Stability Less stable, settles More stable
Shaking Needs shaking Usually stable without shaking
Example Amoxicillin syrup Calamine lotion
Syrup vs. Elixir
Feature Suspension Emulsion
Composition Solid in liquid Liquid in liquid
Appearance Cloudy Milky or creamy
Stability Less stable, settles More stable
Shaking Needs shaking Usually stable without shaking
Example Amoxicillin syrup Calamine lotion
Syrup vs. Elixir
Feature Syrup Elixir
Base Sugar Alcohol
Taste Sweet Less sweet or bitter
Alcohol Content None Contains alcohol
Use Children Adults
Example Cough syrup Phenobarbital elixir
Cream vs. Ointment
Feature Cream Ointment
Base Water-based Oil-based
Texture Light Greasy
Absorption Fast Slow
Best For Oily/normal skin Dry skin
Example Hydrocortisone cream Zinc oxide ointment
Prepare with confidence. Be clear, concise, and focused!
