10+ Executive Pharmacist Interview Questions and Answers

Answering questions related to antibiotics, beta blockers, stroke, emergency drugs, and doses of Paracetamol and Amoxicillin.

• Antibiotics: Penicillin, Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin

• Beta blockers: Metoprolol, Propranolol, Atenolol

• Beta blockers reduce heart rate and blood pressure

• Stroke is a medical condition where blood flow to the brain is interrupted

• Emergency drugs: Epinephrine, Naloxone, Atropine

• Dose of Paracetamol: 500mg-1000mg every 4-6 hours

• Dose of Amoxicillin: 250mg-500mg ev...read more

There are several types of prescriptions, including written, verbal, and electronic prescriptions.

• Written prescriptions are the most common type and are physically given to the patient to take to the pharmacy.

• Verbal prescriptions are given over the phone or in person and are only allowed in certain situations.

• Electronic prescriptions are becoming more common and are sent directly from the prescriber's computer to the pharmacy.

• Other types of prescriptions include faxed prescri...read more

Antipyretics reduce fever, while analgesics relieve pain; some drugs can serve both purposes.

• Antipyretics lower body temperature during fever (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen).

• Analgesics alleviate pain without affecting fever (e.g., aspirin, naproxen).

• Some medications, like acetaminophen, can act as both antipyretics and analgesics.

• Mechanism: Antipyretics work on the hypothalamus, while analgesics target pain receptors.

A prescription typically includes the patient's name, medication name, dosage, and instructions for use.

• Patient's name is usually at the top of the prescription

• Medication name is written in capital letters

• Dosage specifies the amount of medication to be taken

• Instructions for use include how often to take the medication and any special instructions

• Prescriptions may also include the prescriber's name and contact information

Schedule refers to the classification of drugs based on their potential for abuse and medical use.

• Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, such as heroin and LSD.

• Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse but have accepted medical uses, such as oxycodone and fentanyl.

• Schedule III drugs have a moderate to low potential for abuse and accepted medical uses, such as codeine and anabolic steroids.

• Schedule IV drugs have a low potential fo...read more

Insulin is administered via subcutaneous route.

• Insulin is commonly administered through subcutaneous injections.

• Other routes of administration for insulin include intramuscular and intravenous.

• Subcutaneous injections are typically given in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

• Insulin pens and syringes are commonly used for subcutaneous administration.

Effective communication and empathy are key for pharmacists to build trust and ensure patient safety.

• Listen actively to patients' concerns to understand their needs.

• Provide clear medication instructions, ensuring patients understand dosage and timing.

• Empathize with patients, acknowledging their feelings and experiences, such as anxiety about new medications.

• Encourage patients to ask questions, fostering an open dialogue about their treatment.

• Follow up with patients to monitor...read more

The dose of medicine refers to the amount of medication that should be taken at one time or over a period of time.

• The dose of medicine is typically prescribed by a healthcare provider based on factors such as the patient's age, weight, and medical condition.

• It is important to follow the prescribed dose to ensure the medication is effective and to avoid potential side effects.

• Doses can vary depending on the type of medication, the form it is administered in (e.g. pill, liquid,...read more

Pharmacists ensure safe medication use, provide patient care, and collaborate with healthcare teams for optimal health outcomes.

• Medication Management: Pharmacists review prescriptions for accuracy and potential drug interactions.

• Patient Counseling: They educate patients on medication usage, side effects, and adherence.

• Health Screenings: Pharmacists conduct health assessments, such as blood pressure checks and diabetes screenings.

• Collaboration: They work with doctors and other...read more

Handling narcotics requires strict adherence to regulations, proper documentation, and secure storage to prevent misuse.

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to federal and state regulations regarding the handling of narcotics, such as the Controlled Substances Act.

• Secure Storage: Store narcotics in a locked cabinet or safe, accessible only to authorized personnel to prevent theft or misuse.

• Accurate Documentation: Maintain meticulous records of all narcotic transactions, in...read more

Verifying a prescription involves checking for accuracy, legality, and appropriateness to ensure patient safety and effective treatment.

• Patient Information: Confirm the patient's name, date of birth, and contact details match the prescription to ensure it is for the correct individual.

• Medication Details: Check the medication name, dosage, and frequency against the prescription to ensure they are appropriate for the patient's condition.

• Prescriber Verification: Ensure the presc...read more

Sale growth is a key metric for measuring the success and profitability of a pharmacy.

• Sale growth can be achieved through effective marketing strategies and expanding product offerings.

• Analyzing sales data and identifying trends can help in making informed decisions to drive growth.

• Providing excellent customer service and building strong relationships with patients can also lead to increased sales.

• Implementing loyalty programs or offering discounts can incentivize repeat busi...read more

Vaccinations are biological preparations that provide immunity against specific infectious diseases, enhancing the body's defense.

• Influenza Vaccine: Protects against the seasonal flu, recommended annually for most individuals.

• MMR Vaccine: Combines measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines, typically given in childhood.

• Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine: Protects against three serious bacterial diseases, recommended for adolescents and adults.

• Hepatitis B Vaccine: Provides ...read more

Lasa drugs are medications that are considered to have a low potential for abuse and are used for legitimate medical purposes.

• Lasa drugs include certain medications like buprenorphine, which is used for pain management and opioid addiction treatment.

• These drugs are often monitored due to their potential for misuse, but they serve important therapeutic roles.

• Examples of lasa drugs also include certain benzodiazepines, which are prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders.

• Lasa d...read more