About the Pharmacy Board Exam
Exam Structure
- Administered by PRC Board of Pharmacy
- Covers 5 major pharmacy areas
- Multiple-choice format
- Passing rate: 75% overall
- Governed by RA 10918 (Philippine Pharmacy Act)
Major Pharmacy Areas
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Pharmaceutics
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Pharmacy Practice & Management
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Fresh Questions Every Time
Our questions are constantly updated and randomized. No two quiz sessions are the same, ensuring a unique learning experience each time you practice. This helps you prepare more effectively by exposing you to varied question formats.
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10 questionsPharmaceutical Chemistry
Medicinal chemistry, drug synthesis, and chemical analysis
Topics Covered (6)
- Medicinal Chemistry Principles
- Drug Structure and Activity
- Chemical Analysis Methods
- Drug Synthesis and Metabolism
- Analytical Techniques (HPLC, GC)
- Organic Chemistry Applications
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10 questionsPharmacology
Drug mechanisms, therapeutic uses, and adverse effects
Topics Covered (6)
- Drug Mechanisms of Action
- Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
- Adverse Drug Reactions
- Drug Interactions
- Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
- Clinical Pharmacology
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10 questionsPharmaceutics
Drug formulation, dosage forms, and compounding
Topics Covered (6)
- Dosage Form Design
- Pharmaceutical Excipients
- Drug Formulation Techniques
- Compounding Principles
- Quality Control and Assurance
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
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10 questionsClinical Pharmacy
Patient care, drug therapy management, and counseling
Topics Covered (6)
- Medication Therapy Management (MTM)
- Patient Counseling and Education
- Drug Therapy Monitoring
- Clinical Decision Making
- Pharmacotherapy Guidelines
- Adverse Event Management
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10 questionsPharmacy Practice & Management
Pharmacy laws, ethics, and business management
Topics Covered (6)
- Philippine Pharmacy Act (RA 10918)
- Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165)
- Generics Act (RA 9502)
- Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP)
- Pharmacy Ethics and Professional Conduct
- Pharmacy Business Management
Comprehensive Pharmacy Board Exam Study Guide
📅 3-Month Study Timeline
| Month | Focus Areas | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Pharmacology | Study drug classifications, mechanisms of action, medicinal chemistry principles, practice pharmaceutical calculations |
| Month 2 | Pharmaceutics & Clinical Pharmacy | Master dosage forms, formulation techniques, compounding, MTM, patient counseling, pharmacotherapy protocols |
| Month 3 | Pharmacy Practice & Review | Memorize RA 10918, RA 9165, RA 9502, GPP guidelines, comprehensive review, practice exams, mock tests |
💊 Essential Drug Classifications (High-Yield for Exam)
| Drug Class | Key Examples | Mechanism of Action | Major Adverse Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACE Inhibitors | Enalapril, Lisinopril, Captopril | Inhibit ACE, decrease angiotensin II | Dry cough, hyperkalemia, angioedema |
| Beta-Blockers | Metoprolol, Atenolol, Propranolol | Block beta-adrenergic receptors | Bradycardia, fatigue, bronchospasm |
| Statins | Atorvastatin, Simvastatin, Rosuvastatin | Inhibit HMG-CoA reductase | Myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, elevated liver enzymes |
| NSAIDs | Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac | Inhibit COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes | GI bleeding, renal impairment, CV events |
| Proton Pump Inhibitors | Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Esomeprazole | Inhibit H+/K+ ATPase pump | Headache, C. difficile infection, osteoporosis |
| Antibiotics (Penicillins) | Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Penicillin G | Inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis | Allergic reactions, diarrhea, rash |
| Diuretics (Loop) | Furosemide, Bumetanide, Torsemide | Inhibit Na-K-2Cl cotransporter in Loop of Henle | Hypokalemia, ototoxicity, dehydration |
| Antidiabetics (Biguanides) | Metformin | Decrease hepatic glucose production | GI upset, lactic acidosis (rare), vitamin B12 deficiency |
🔢 Essential Pharmaceutical Calculations
1. Dose Calculations
Formula: Dose = (Desired Dose / Stock Strength) × Volume
Example: Order 500mg, Stock 250mg/5mL → (500/250) × 5 = 10 mL
2. IV Drip Rate
Formula: Drops/min = (Volume × Drop Factor) / Time (min)
Example: 1000mL over 8h, 20 gtts/mL → (1000×20)/(8×60) = 42 gtts/min
3. Dilutions (C1V1 = C2V2)
Formula: C₁V₁ = C₂V₂
Example: Dilute 100mL of 70% alcohol to 50% → (70×100) = (50×V₂), V₂ = 140mL
4. Alligation Method
Use: Mix two concentrations to get desired strength
Draw diagonal lines, calculate parts needed of each concentration
5. Body Surface Area (BSA)
Mosteller Formula: BSA (m²) = √[(Height(cm) × Weight(kg)) / 3600]
Used for chemotherapy and pediatric dosing
6. Creatinine Clearance (CrCl)
Cockcroft-Gault: CrCl = [(140-age) × weight] / (72 × SCr) × 0.85 (if female)
Used for renal dose adjustments
🧪 Common Dosage Forms & Pharmaceutical Excipients
Solid Dosage Forms
- Tablets: Compressed powders (immediate, sustained, enteric-coated)
- Capsules: Hard gelatin (powder/granules), soft gelatin (liquids)
- Powders: Bulk, divided, effervescent
- Granules: Coarse particles for reconstitution or compression
Liquid Dosage Forms
- Solutions: Clear, homogeneous mixtures (syrups, elixirs, tinctures)
- Suspensions: Dispersed solid particles (shake well before use)
- Emulsions: Oil-in-water or water-in-oil (creams, lotions)
- Injections: Parenteral (IV, IM, SC) - sterile, pyrogen-free
Key Excipients (Pharmaceutics)
- Binders: PVP, starch, cellulose (tablet cohesion)
- Disintegrants: Sodium starch glycolate, croscarmellose (tablet breakup)
- Lubricants: Magnesium stearate, talc (reduce friction)
- Preservatives: Methylparaben, benzalkonium chloride (antimicrobial)
Quality Control Tests
- Dissolution Test: Rate of drug release from dosage form
- Disintegration Test: Time for tablet to break apart
- Uniformity of Content: Drug content consistency
- Sterility Test: Absence of microorganisms (parenterals)
⚖️ Philippine Pharmacy Laws (Memorization Priority)
RA 10918 - Philippine Pharmacy Act (2016)
- Defines practice of pharmacy, registration, and licensing requirements
- Establishes PRC Board of Pharmacy with 5 members (3-year terms)
- Requires bachelor's degree in pharmacy and passing PLE for licensure
- Mandates continuing professional development (CPD) for license renewal
- Defines ownership: Only licensed pharmacists can own community pharmacies
- Penalty: Illegal practice punishable by fine (₱200,000-₱500,000) or imprisonment (2-5 years)
RA 9165 - Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (2002)
- Regulates dangerous drugs (Schedule I-IV) and controlled precursors
- Requires S2 License from PDEA for pharmacies dispensing controlled substances
- Mandates recordkeeping for dangerous drugs (separate logbook, 2 years)
- Prescription requirements: Physician's signature, patient details, date
- Penalty: Unauthorized sale/possession punishable by life imprisonment + fines
- Special provisions: Mandatory drug testing for students, employees, applicants
RA 9502 - Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act (2008)
- Promotes use of generic drugs (mandatory generic name on prescriptions)
- Pharmacists must inform patients of cheaper generic alternatives
- Maximum Drug Retail Prices (MDRP) for selected drugs
- Parallel importation allowed to reduce drug prices
- Penalty: Non-compliance fined ₱50,000-₱200,000 or imprisonment (6 months-2 years)
Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) - WHO Standards
- Patient-centered care: Counseling, medication therapy management
- Quality assurance: Proper storage (temperature, light, humidity control)
- Professional competence: CPD, evidence-based practice
- Ethical conduct: Patient confidentiality, informed consent, conflict of interest avoidance
🏥 Clinical Pharmacy & Medication Therapy Management (MTM)
SOAP Note Format (Clinical Documentation)
- S (Subjective): Patient complaints, symptoms ("I feel dizzy")
- O (Objective): Vital signs, lab results (BP 140/90, K+ 3.2)
- A (Assessment): Diagnosis, drug therapy problems (hypokalemia)
- P (Plan): Interventions (start K supplement, monitor levels)
Drug-Related Problems (DRPs)
- Indication: Untreated condition, unnecessary drug therapy
- Effectiveness: Wrong drug, dose too low, drug resistance
- Safety: Adverse drug reaction, dose too high, toxicity
- Adherence: Patient not taking medication as prescribed
Pharmacokinetic Parameters (PK/PD)
- Absorption: Bioavailability (F), first-pass metabolism
- Distribution: Volume of distribution (Vd), protein binding
- Metabolism: CYP450 enzymes (CYP3A4, CYP2D6), Phase I & II
- Excretion: Renal clearance, half-life (t½), elimination
Common Drug Interactions (High-Yield)
- Warfarin + NSAIDs: ↑ bleeding risk (avoid or monitor INR closely)
- Statins + Azole antifungals: ↑ myopathy risk (CYP3A4 inhibition)
- ACE inhibitors + K-sparing diuretics: ↑ hyperkalemia risk
- Digoxin + Loop diuretics: ↑ digoxin toxicity (hypokalemia)
🎯 Exam Day Strategies & Tips
Before the Exam
- ✓ Review drug suffixes (-pril, -olol, -statin) for quick drug class identification
- ✓ Memorize top 200 drugs by generic/brand name
- ✓ Practice pharmaceutical calculations daily (30 min)
- ✓ Create flashcards for RA 10918, RA 9165, RA 9502 key provisions
- ✓ Review common drug interactions and contraindications
- ✓ Sleep 7-8 hours the night before the exam
During the Exam
- ✓ Read questions carefully - identify what is being asked
- ✓ Eliminate obviously wrong answers first (process of elimination)
- ✓ For calculations: Write down formula, units, show your work
- ✓ Clinical scenarios: Think patient safety first (ABCDE approach)
- ✓ Time management: Don't spend >2 min per question
- ✓ Review flagged questions if time permits
📚 Recommended Study Materials
- • Pharmacology: Katzung's Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, Lippincott Illustrated Reviews
- • Pharmaceutics: Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy
- • Medicinal Chemistry: Foye's Principles of Medicinal Chemistry
- • Laws: Full text of RA 10918, RA 9165, RA 9502 (Official Gazette)
- • Practice Questions: PinoyReviewer.com (this site), PLE review centers
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Complete Pharmacy Board Exam Coverage
5 major pharmacy categories with 50+ practice questions with detailed explanations. Questions cover all competencies required by the PRC Board of Pharmacy.