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Enteric-coated (EC) tabletsare designed todelay drug release until they reach the intestine, preventing stomach irritation and degradation by gastric acid. The coatingresists stomach acidbut dissolves in thehigher pH environment of the intestines.

Aspirin EC(prevents stomach irritation)

Pantoprazole EC(proton pump inhibitor)

Diclofenac EC(NSAID)

A. Buffered→ Incorrect; buffered formulationsneutralize stomach acidbut do not delay release until the intestines.

C. Controlled release→ Incorrect; controlled-release formulationsgradually release medicationover time but are not specifically designed tobypass the stomach.

D. Buccal→ Incorrect; buccal tablets dissolve in thecheek mucosa, bypassing the digestive system entirely.

Examples of Enteric-Coated Medications:Other Answer Choices Explained:References:

FDA Drug Formulation Guidelines

USP <795> Drug Release & Absorption Standards

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline (Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms & Drug Release Mechanisms)

AZ-Pakrefers to theAzithromycin 5-day therapy pack, which is commonly prescribed forbacterial infectionssuch as respiratory infections. The standard dosing regimen follows a"loading dose" strategyto quickly reach effective drug levels in the body:

Day 1:Taketwo tablets (500 mg total).

Days 2-5:Takeone tablet (250 mg) daily.

This regimen helps achieverapid therapeutic concentrationswhile maintaining effectiveness over five days.

A. 1 tablet PO on the current day, then 1 PO daily for 4 days→ Incorrect; aloading dose (2 tablets on Day 1)is required for proper drug efficacy.

B. 1 tablet PO on the current day, then 1 PO daily for 5 days→ Incorrect; the Z-Pak is a5-day regimen, not 6 days.

D. 3 tablets PO on the current day, then 1 PO every other day for 6 days→ Incorrect; this isnot a standard dosing regimenfor azithromycin.

Other Answer Choices Explained:References:

FDA Drug Monograph for Azithromycin (Z-Pak)

Lexicomp Drug Guide – Azithromycin Dosing

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline (Pharmacology – Infectious Disease Medications)

1 pint =473 mL(since 1 pint = 16 fluid ounces, and 1 fluid ounce = 29.5735 mL).A1% suspensionmeans1 g (1000 mg) of rifampin per 100 mLof suspension.

Total dose required:2 tbsp daily =30 mL per day(1 tbsp = 15 mL).

Total volume of the suspension:473 mL

Total rifampin required:(473 mL × 1000 mg) ÷ 100 mL =4730 mg

Each rifampin capsule contains300 mg.So,4730 mg ÷ 300 mg/capsule = 15.77 capsules, which rounds up to16 capsules.

Thus, the correct answer isC. 32 capsules(since the full pint must be compounded).

????Reference:Pharmacy compounding principles; PTCE study materials on dosage calculations.

Experiencingphotosensitivity(increased sensitivity to sunlight) as a result of takingciprofloxacinis an example of anadverse drug reaction (ADR). Thisunexpectedandundesirableeffect occurs in some individuals due tofluoroquinolones causing cellular damage from UV exposure.

A. Intended effect→ Incorrect; the intended effect of ciprofloxacin isbacterial infection treatment, not photosensitivity.

C. Synergistic effect→ Incorrect; asynergistic effectoccurs whentwo drugs work togetherto produce a greater effect, which is not the case here.

D. Anaphylactic reaction→ Incorrect;anaphylaxisis asevere allergic reactionwithrespiratory distress, hypotension, and swelling, not photosensitivity.

Other Answer Choices Explained:References:

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline (Medication Safety & Side Effects)

Lexicomp Drug Monograph for Ciprofloxacin

FDA Fluoroquinolone Safety Warnings

Nurtec ODT (Rimegepant)is anorally disintegrating tablet (ODT)used for theacute treatment of migraines. Since it is designed to dissolve quickly in the mouth,it is highly sensitive to moisture. Exposure to moisture can cause the tablets to degrade, dissolve prematurely, or lose potency.

Storage Requirement:

Must be kept in the original blister packaging until usetoprevent moisture exposure.

Should not be stored in pill organizers or opened ahead of time.

B. Light→ Incorrect; Nurtec ODT isnot highly photosensitive.

C. Heat→ Incorrect; while heat can degrade many medications,moisture is the primary concernfor ODT formulations.

D. Cold→ Incorrect; refrigeration isnot required, and cold storage does not affect the drug’s stability.

Other Answer Choices Explained:References:

FDA Drug Label for Nurtec ODT (Rimegepant) – Storage and Handling Instructions

USP <795> Nonsterile Compounding & Drug Stability Guidelines

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline (Medication Storage & Handling)

Beyond-use dates (BUDs) apply specifically to compounded medicationsand indicate thetime frame in which the medication remains stable and safe to use.

BUDs are different from expiration dates, which are determined by manufacturers through long-term stability testing.

USP <795> BUD Guidelines for Nonsterile Compounds:

Non-aqueous formulations(e.g., capsules, powders) →6 months

Water-containing oral formulations(e.g., suspensions) →14 days (refrigerated)

Water-containing topical formulations(e.g., creams, lotions) →30 days

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

B. Manufactured preparation expiration dates?❌Expiration dates apply tocommercially manufactured drugs, NOT compounded ones.

C. Shelf-life of manufactured drugs?❌This is determined by themanufacturer’s expiration date.

D. Time to prepare a compound?❌BUDsdo not refer to preparation time.

????Reference:USP <795> & USP <797> Guidelines, PTCE Compounding Study Materials.

Tetracyclines, includingdoxycycline and minocycline, are broad-spectrum antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections. They have amajor drug-drug interaction with calcium-containing antacidsand other minerals.

Chelation Effect:Calcium binds to tetracycline, forminginsoluble complexesthat prevent the antibiotic from being absorbed in thegastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Reduced Efficacy:Because the drug cannot be absorbed, the antibiotic’s effectiveness is significantly reduced.

Similar Interactions:Magnesium, iron, and aluminum (found in many antacids, dairy products, and multivitamins) also reduce tetracycline absorption.

Take on an Empty Stomach(1 hour before or 2 hours after meals).

Avoid Dairy, Antacids, and Multivitaminsfor at least2 hours before and aftertaking tetracycline.

Drink with a Full Glass of Waterto prevent esophageal irritation.

B. Decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine.→ Incorrect. Pseudoephedrine does not interact with tetracycline.

C. Antitussives that contain dextromethorphan.→ Incorrect. Dextromethorphan does not affect tetracycline absorption.

D. Analgesics that contain acetaminophen.→ Incorrect. Acetaminophen does not bind to tetracycline or impact its absorption.

Lexicomp Drug Interaction Database – Tetracycline and Calcium Interactions.

FDA Drug Label for Tetracycline – Absorption and Drug Interaction Warnings.

Mosby’s Pharmacy Technician: Principles and Practice – Tetracycline Pharmacology.

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline – Drug Interactions and Contraindications.

Why Should Tetracycline Not Be Taken with Calcium-Containing Antacids?Patient Counseling for Tetracycline Use:Why the Other Answer Choices Are Incorrect:Pharmacy Technician References:

Pseudoephedrineis regulated under theCombat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act (CMEA)of 2005 due to its potential use in methamphetamine production.

It is availableover-the-counter (OTC) but behind the pharmacy counter, and its sale requires:

Proof of ID

Purchase limits (3.6 g per day, 9 g per month)

A log of purchases maintained by the pharmacy

Loratadine, acetaminophen, and naproxendo not have federal restrictions like pseudoephedrine.

????Reference:U.S.Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act (CMEA)of 2005.

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A medication'sstabilityrefers tohow well it maintains potency, effectiveness, and safety over time. Several factors candegrade medications, includingoxygen, moisture, temperature, and light.

Oxygen exposurecan causeoxidation, leading to drug degradation and loss of potency.

Many medications, especiallyvitamins (e.g., vitamin C), biologics, and certain antibiotics, are susceptible to oxidative damage.

Medications requiring protection from oxygen are often packaged inair-tight containersorblister packs.

A. Allergies→ Incorrect; allergies affect thepatient, not the drug’sstability.

B. Equivalence→ Incorrect; equivalence refers tobioavailabilitybetween generic and brand-name drugs, not drug stability.

D. Indications→ Incorrect; indications refer toapproved uses of a drug, not factors affecting its stability.

Other Answer Choices Explained:References:

USP <797> and <795> Guidelines on Medication Stability

FDA Drug Stability and Shelf Life Guidelines

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline (Medication Storage & Stability)

According toUSP Chapter <800>(Hazardous Drugs—Handling in Healthcare Settings), solid oral dosage forms ofantineoplastic hazardous drugs (e.g., chemotherapy medications like methotrexate or tamoxifen)shouldnotbe placed inautomated counting or packaging machinesbecause:

Risk of Contamination– Tablets and capsulesmay generate dust or powder residue, which can spread hazardous drug particles into the environment.

Exposure Risks– Pharmacy staff may beexposed to hazardous particleswhen refilling, cleaning, or maintaining the machine. This poses a risk ofinhalation, dermal exposure, or accidental ingestion.

Strict USP <800> Compliance– Hazardous drugs requirespecial handling precautions, includingdesignated counting trays, dedicated equipment, and proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Automated machinesdo not provide the necessary containmentfor hazardous drug particles.

USP Chapter <800>– Mandates specific safety measures for handling hazardous drugs in pharmacies, including avoiding automated dispensing systems for hazardous solids.

NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) List of Hazardous Drugs– Identifies drugs requiring special handling to minimize occupational exposure.

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Hazardous Drug Guidelines– Reinforces the need to prevent aerosolization of hazardous drug particles.

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline– Covers hazardous drug handling, personal protective equipment (PPE), and compliance with USP <800>.

Key References:????Why Not the Other Options?

A. Require a sterile environment❌→ Tablets and capsules arenon-steriledosage forms, and USP <800> focuses on hazardous drug containment rather than sterility.

B. Are often involved in dispensing errors❌→ While hazardous drugs must be dispensed carefully,dispensing errors are not the main reason for avoiding automated machines.

D. Expire sooner than other medications❌→ Expiration dates are unrelated tohazardous drug contamination risks.