FPGEE for National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the FPGEE Exam. Study key pharmacy topics with quizzes and flashcards. Every question includes hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

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What is the main role of suspending agents in formulations?

  1. Increase viscosity and inhibit agglomeration

  2. Accelerate the rate of dissolution

  3. Provide flavoring to the product

  4. Enhance color and appearance

The correct answer is: Increase viscosity and inhibit agglomeration

Suspending agents play a critical role in pharmaceutical formulations primarily by increasing viscosity and inhibiting agglomeration. The increased viscosity helps to maintain a uniform distribution of solid particles throughout a liquid formulation, ensuring that the active ingredients do not settle at the bottom over time. This is particularly important for suspensions, where the solid particles must remain evenly dispersed to deliver the intended dose effectively. Inhibiting agglomeration further supports this by preventing the solid particles from clumping together, which can lead to inconsistencies in dosing and effectiveness. By ensuring that the particles remain suspended, these agents contribute to the stability and efficacy of the medication, making them essential in formulations where active ingredients need to be evenly distributed for proper therapeutic effect. The other options relate to various characteristics of a formulation but do not accurately capture the primary function of suspending agents. While increasing viscosity and improving stability are crucial for maintaining the quality of the formulation, flavoring and color enhancement pertain more to the sensory attributes of a product rather than its functional stability.