MEDPLUS INTERVIEW

What is the difference between a Schedule H and Schedule X drug?

Answer:
Schedule H drugs require a prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Schedule X
drugs are more restricted due to their potential for abuse (e.g., narcotics or psychotropics).
Schedule X drugs require a duplicate prescription, and records must be maintained for 2
years.

2. Can you explain how you check for drug interactions before dispensing?
Answer:
I check the patient’s medication history and look for known interactions using drug
interaction checkers or pharmacy software. I also verify dosage, timing, and
contraindications. If unsure, I consult a senior pharmacist or doctor before dispensing.

3. What should you do if a customer requests a medicine without a valid prescription?

Answer:
If it’s a prescription-only drug, I politely explain that I cannot dispense it without a valid
prescription. I may guide them to consult a doctor. For OTC drugs, I advise based on
symptoms and dosage.

4. How do you handle expiry management of medicines?

Answer:
I regularly check expiry dates using FEFO (First Expiry, First Out) method. Expiring items
are flagged and either returned to vendors or offered as per company policy. Daily or weekly
checks help avoid dispensing expired stock.

5. How do you store temperature-sensitive medicines like insulin or vaccines?

Answer:
These are stored in a dedicated refrigerator between 2–8°C. I monitor and log the temperature
daily to ensure compliance. In case of temperature deviations, I report it immediately and
follow SOP.

6. What information must be included on a prescription to dispense legally?

Answer:
The prescription must include the doctor’s name, registration number, patient details, date,
drug name, dosage, duration, and the doctor’s signature. Without these, the prescription is
invalid.

7. How do you handle high customer traffic during peak hours?

Answer:
I stay calm, prioritize prescriptions, and communicate wait times clearly. I focus on accuracy
and use quick billing and scanning tools to serve efficiently. Team coordination is key.

8. If a medicine is out of stock, how would you manage the customer’s requirement?
Answer:
I check for alternatives (generic or branded), confirm with the customer or prescribing doctor,
and place an urgent order if needed. If not possible, I help them locate the medicine at
another nearby store.
9. How do you ensure accurate billing and reduce discrepancies?
Answer:
I double-check scanned items and quantities before billing. I verify discounts, expiry dates,
and batch numbers. At day end, I match sales records with inventory and cash.

10. How do you explain dosage and side effects to customers?

Answer:
I use simple language to explain how and when to take the medicine. I mention common side
effects and tell them to contact a doctor if anything unusual happens.

11. What would you do if a customer is angry about a price difference or delay in
service?
Answer:
I remain calm and listen to their complaint. I explain the reason politely (e.g., price printed is
old, or delay is due to prescription check). If needed, I escalate to the manager.

12. How do you handle a situation where a patient doesn’t understand how to use a
medicine?
Answer:
I demonstrate using dummy samples or visual aids if needed. I explain timing, food
instructions, and correct usage clearly, possibly in their regional language.

13. How do you manage stress in community pharmacy settings?

Answer:
I stay organized, prioritize tasks, and remain calm under pressure. I communicate clearly with
customers and coworkers, and I never rush the dispensing process. Taking short mental
breaks and staying focused on patient safety helps manage stress effectively.

14. Tell me about yourself.

Answer:
I’m a registered pharmacist with strong knowledge of medicines, patient counseling, and
pharmacy operations. I’m passionate about healthcare and customer service, and I enjoy
helping people understand their medications better. I’m hardworking, responsible, and eager
to grow in a professional retail environment like MedPlus.

15. Few drug names or brand names?

Answer:

 Paracetamol – Brand: Calpol, Crocin

 Pantoprazole – Brand: Pantocid, Pantop
 Amoxicillin – Brand: Mox, Amoxil
 Metformin – Brand: Glycomet, Gluformin
 Atorvastatin – Brand: Lipitor, Storvas
16. Which drugs are used in BP (Hypertension)?

Answer:

 Amlodipine (Calcium channel blocker)

 Telmisartan (ARB)
 Losartan (ARB)
 Atenolol (Beta-blocker)
 Enalapril (ACE inhibitor)

17. Antihistamine drugs?

Answer:

 Cetirizine (Brand: Cetzine)

 Loratadine (Brand: Claritin)
 Fexofenadine (Brand: Allegra)
 Diphenhydramine (Brand: Benadryl)
Used for allergies, cold symptoms, or itching.

18. Why do you want this job?

Answer:
I want this job because MedPlus is a reputed company that values professionalism and
customer care. I’m looking for a role where I can apply my pharmacy knowledge, grow my
skills, and contribute to a well-organized team.

19. Sales Growth and Private Label Sales?

Answer:
Sales growth means increasing store revenue over time, and it reflects better customer
engagement and product sales. Private label sales refer to selling MedPlus-branded products,
which offer higher margins and build customer trust due to affordability and quality.

20. Store Management and Staff Management?

Answer:
Store management involves keeping the pharmacy clean, managing stock, billing, and
compliance. Staff management involves training, scheduling, and motivating the team to
ensure smooth operations and excellent customer service.

21. Good response to any customer?

Answer:
Always greet politely, listen to their query, and respond clearly. For example:
"Good morning sir/madam. How can I help you? Please wait while I check the medicine.
Here is your bill and medicine. Please take this after food, and contact a doctor if any issues
arise."

22. General knowledge about basic math calculation and drug name?

Answer:
I can do basic percentage, discounts, quantity conversions (e.g., mg to g), and divide doses. I
know common drugs, their dosage forms, and their uses. Example: 500mg tablet twice a day
for 5 days = 10 tablets total.

23. What is a prescription?

Answer:
A prescription is a written instruction from a registered medical practitioner for a pharmacist
to dispense specific medicines, mentioning dosage, duration, and patient details.

24. What are CNS and ANS drugs?

Answer:

 CNS (Central Nervous System) drugs: Act on brain/spinal cord. Eg: Diazepam,
Phenytoin.
 ANS (Autonomic Nervous System) drugs: Affect involuntary functions. Eg:
Atropine, Salbutamol.

25. What are CVS drugs? What is an acute disease?

Answer:

 CVS (Cardiovascular System) drugs: Used for heart and blood pressure. Eg:
Atenolol, Amlodipine.
  Acute disease: Short-term, sudden-onset conditions like fever, infection, or cold.

26. What is a valid prescription?

Answer:
A valid prescription must include patient name, date, drug name, dose, duration, doctor’s
signature, and registration number.

27. What are chronic illnesses?

Answer:
Chronic illnesses are long-term conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, or arthritis
that require ongoing treatment.

28. Drug names, Brand name, Marketing

Answer:
Example:

 Generic: Paracetamol
 Brand: Crocin, Calpol
Marketing involves how companies promote brand versions of generic drugs using
packaging, pricing, and advertisements.

29. Prescription Reading, Drugs Composition, and Drug Categories (Schedule

H, H1)

Answer:
I carefully read drug name, dosage, and frequency.

 Composition example: Augmentin = Amoxicillin + Clavulanic acid

 Schedule H: Prescription only
 Schedule H1: Stricter control, needs record-keeping (e.g., Alprazolam, Cefixime)

30. Medicine for Diabetes?

Answer:

 Oral: Metformin, Glimepiride, Sitagliptin

  Injectable: Insulin – Regular, Glargine
Brand examples: Glycomet, Amaryl, Januvia

31. Drug names and uses, and side effects?

Answer:

 Cetirizine: For allergy; side effect: drowsiness

 Paracetamol: For fever/pain; side effect: liver damage in high dose
 Amlodipine: BP control; side effect: swelling in feet
 Metformin: Diabetes; side effect: stomach upset

32. Strong point? Weak point?

Answer:

 Strong: I’m very responsible and focused on accuracy.

 Weak: I used to be shy in communication, but now I’ve improved by working
directly with customers.

33. Different schedules of drug?

Answer:

 Schedule H: Prescription drugs

 Schedule H1: Record-maintained prescription drugs
 Schedule X: Narcotics; strict control
 Schedule G: Must be taken under medical supervision
 Schedule C & C1: Biological products (injections, insulin)

34. Why should we hire you?

Answer:
I have strong knowledge of medicines, excellent customer service skills, and I'm disciplined
and dependable. I will contribute to the store’s performance, ensure safe dispensing, and
provide good service to every customer.

35. What is the difference between generic and branded drugs?

Answer:
Generic drugs contain the same active ingredient as branded ones and work the same way,
but are usually cheaper. Example: Paracetamol (generic) vs Crocin (brand).

36. How do you calculate pediatric doses?

Answer:
Using formulas like Young’s Rule or Clark’s Rule.
Example (Clark’s Rule):
Child dose = (Weight in kg × Adult dose) ÷ 70

37. What are antibiotics? Can you name a few types?

Answer:
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections.
Types include:

 Penicillins (Amoxicillin)
 Cephalosporins (Cefixime)
 Macrolides (Azithromycin)
 Fluoroquinolones (Ciprofloxacin)

38. What is the difference between bactericidal and bacteriostatic drugs?

Answer:

 Bactericidal drugs kill bacteria (e.g., Penicillin)

 Bacteriostatic drugs inhibit bacterial growth (e.g., Tetracycline)

39. How do you store schedule X and narcotic drugs?

Answer:
They must be kept in a locked cupboard, separate from other drugs, with proper records of
sale and purchase maintained, as per NDPS Act guidelines.

40. What are NSAIDs? Name a few.

Answer:
NSAIDs = Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Used for pain, fever, inflammation.
Examples: Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Naproxen.

41. What is bioavailability?

Answer:
It’s the percentage of an active drug that reaches the bloodstream after administration. It’s
100% in IV form but less in oral form due to metabolism.

42. What are controlled-release or sustained-release tablets?

Answer:
They release the drug slowly over time, reducing frequency of doses.
Example: Metformin SR, Prolonged-release capsules.

43. What is the importance of batch number and expiry date?

Answer:

 Batch number helps trace the product back to its manufacturing batch
 Expiry date ensures medicine is safe and effective to use

44. What are antipyretics?

Answer:
Drugs used to reduce fever.
Examples: Paracetamol, Ibuprofen.

45. What are antacids and when are they used?

Answer:
They neutralize stomach acid and are used in acidity or gastritis.
Examples: Gelusil, Digene.

46. What is the cold chain and how is it maintained?

Answer:
The cold chain ensures temperature-sensitive medicines like vaccines are stored between 2–
8°C. It is maintained using pharma refrigerators and daily temperature logs.

47. What is pharmacovigilance?

Answer:
It’s the process of monitoring, detecting, assessing, and preventing adverse effects of
medicines after they’re released in the market.

48. What is the difference between OTC and prescription drugs?

Answer:

 OTC: Sold without a prescription (e.g., antacids, pain balm)

 Prescription drugs: Require a doctor's prescription (e.g., antibiotics, BP medication)

49. Name a few Schedule H1 drugs.

Answer:
Examples include:

 Cefixime
 Alprazolam
 Tramadol
Sales must be recorded in a special register with prescriber details.

50. What is drug interaction? Give an example.

Answer:
It’s when one drug affects the action of another.
Example: Warfarin + Aspirin → Increased bleeding risk.

51. What is the role of a pharmacist in preventing medication errors?

Answer:
Verify prescriptions, check for interactions, ensure correct dosage, patient counseling, and
proper labeling.
52. What are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)?

Answer:
Used to reduce stomach acid production.
Examples: Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Rabeprazole.

53. Difference between ointment, cream, gel, and lotion?

Answer:

 Ointment: Greasy, for dry skin

 Cream: Semi-solid, for moist areas
 Gel: Transparent, quick-absorbing
 Lotion: Liquid, for large body areas

54. What are anti-diarrheal drugs?

Answer:
Used to stop diarrhea.
Examples: Loperamide, Racecadotril.

55. What do you know about medplus?

Answer- MedPlus is one of India’s leading and most trusted retail pharmacy chains. It was
founded in 2006 by Dr. Madhukar Gangadi and has grown rapidly over the years. MedPlus
operates thousands of stores across multiple states, offering a wide range of products
including prescription medicines, OTC (over-the-counter) products, health supplements,
FMCG items, and personal care products.

The company is known for its high focus on genuine medicines, competitive pricing, and
excellent customer service. MedPlus also operates an online platform and app that allows
customers to order medicines online and get home delivery, which is very convenient.

Apart from that, MedPlus also promotes its private label products in categories like
vitamins, nutrition, and wellness, helping customers get quality products at affordable prices.

Their vision is to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for everyone, and they
emphasize accuracy in dispensing, store hygiene, stock availability, and professional staff
training.
56. How would you counsel a patient on how to take antibiotics properly?

Answer:
I would tell the patient to:

 Take the antibiotic exactly as prescribed, at the right time and dose.
 Complete the full course, even if symptoms improve early.
 Avoid skipping doses or stopping mid-way.
 Do not share antibiotics with others.
 Take with or without food as advised (e.g., azithromycin on an empty stomach).
 Watch for side effects like diarrhea or rash and report if severe.

57. How do you differentiate between Schedule G, H, H1, and X drugs?

Answer:

Schedule Description Restrictions

Caution: For medical
G Non-narcotic drugs like hormones
supervision
H Prescription only Antibiotics, steroids – No OTC sale
Maintain register for 3 years (e.g. Tramadol,
H1 Strict prescription control
Levofloxacin)
Double-lock storage, special license (e.g.
X Narcotic/Psychotropic
morphine)

58. What are some common side effects of antihypertensive drugs?

Answer:

 ACE inhibitors (e.g., Enalapril): Dry cough

 Beta-blockers (e.g., Atenolol): Fatigue, bradycardia
 Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide): Frequent urination, electrolyte imbalance
 Calcium channel blockers (e.g., Amlodipine): Swollen ankles, headache

59. Explain the significance of drug expiry and storage.

Answer:

 Expiry date ensures the efficacy and safety of a drug. After expiry, the drug may
become ineffective or harmful.
 Proper storage maintains stability. For example, insulin must be refrigerated (2–
8°C).
 Incorrect storage can degrade drugs before expiry (heat, light, moisture).
60. What is drug tolerance and drug resistance?

Answer:

 Tolerance: When the body becomes less responsive to a drug over time, needing
higher doses.
 Resistance: When microorganisms (like bacteria) survive despite drug use (e.g.,
antibiotic resistance in TB).
Tolerance = patient side. Resistance = pathogen side.

61. What’s the difference between insulin regular and insulin glargine?

Answer:

 Insulin Regular: Short-acting, starts in 30 min, peaks in 2–4 hrs. Used before meals.
 Insulin Glargine (e.g., Lantus): Long-acting, works for up to 24 hrs with no peak.
Used once daily for basal control.

62. What’s the difference between a suspension and a syrup?

Answer:

 Suspension: Solid particles dispersed in liquid. Must be shaken before use.

o E.g., Cefixime suspension.
 Syrup: Clear, sweet liquid with drug dissolved.
o E.g., Paracetamol syrup.
Suspensions have visible particles, syrups are fully dissolved.

63. What are the indications and contraindications of NSAIDs?

Answer:

 Indications: Pain, inflammation, fever, arthritis.

 Contraindications:
o Peptic ulcers
o Kidney disease
o Asthma (in some cases)
o Allergy to NSAIDs
o Pregnancy (late term)
64. How do you manage expired or near-expiry stock?

Answer:

 Segregate expired stock from active inventory.

 Label clearly as “Expired – Not for sale”.
 Return to supplier if policy allows (expiry return).
 Destroy as per biomedical waste rules if not returnable.
 For near-expiry: Use FIFO method (First-In, First-Out) and offer fast-moving
discounts if allowed.

65. What precautions are taken while handling high-alert medications (like
insulin, warfarin)?

Answer:

 Double-check dosage and patient info before dispensing.

 Store separately and clearly label “High Alert”.
 Provide patient counseling about side effects and monitoring (e.g., INR for warfarin,
hypoglycemia for insulin).
 Maintain strict documentation and do not interchange brands without doctor
approval.