Common Registration Assessment, Part 1

Metoclopramide tablet strengths and five-day courses for the GPhC assessment

Three original practice questions, with the working shown. Read the stated prescription or plan before calculating.

Published 24 October 2026. Independent revision material, not GPhC questions, not for patient care.

A pharmacist at the counter
Photo from Pexels, used under the Pexels licence. It is a stock image and does not show the exercise.

The BNF adult dose for metoclopramide at 60 kg and above is 10 mg up to three times a day, for a maximum of 5 days. Below 60 kg the limit is 500 micrograms per kilogram daily in three divided doses, again for a maximum of 5 days.

The NHS describes metoclopramide as an anti-sickness medicine, including for nausea linked to migraine.

Each question fixes the values needed for its arithmetic. Write the unit beside every step and distinguish a single dose from a daily total or course supply. All prescriptions and patients here are fictional; these are revision materials, not for patient care.

The method

  1. Identify the exact formulation, strength, dose and frequency supplied in the question.
  2. Convert an X mg/5 mL strength to mg/mL if a dose-to-volume conversion is needed.
  3. Calculate one dose first; for tablets or capsules divide prescribed mg by mg per unit.
  4. Scale to the stated frequency and duration only when a total quantity is requested.
  5. Apply whole-container or complete-day rounding only if the question specifies it.

Three practice questions

Work each one on paper first, then open the answer. All patients and prescriptions are fictional.

Question 1

A fictional prescription specifies metoclopramide 10 mg three times a day for 5 days, using 10 mg tablets. How many tablets cover the course?

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Answer: 15 tablets

Working: 3 doses per day × 5 days = 15 doses; 15 × 1 tablet = 15 tablets.

Question 2

A fictional adult weighs 60 kg and the plan caps the daily amount at 500 micrograms per kilogram, divided into 3 doses. What is one dose in milligrams?

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Answer: 10 mg

Working: 500 micrograms × 60 = 30,000 micrograms = 30 mg per day; 30 ÷ 3 = 10 mg per dose.

Question 3

A fictional course is metoclopramide 10 mg three times a day for the maximum 5 days. What is the total amount over the course?

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Answer: 150 mg

Working: 10 mg × 3 × 5 = 150 mg.

NHS: Metoclopramide

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/metoclopramide/

Where marks are lost

  • Using a remembered strength or schedule instead of the stated product.
  • Reporting a daily total when the question asks for one dose or the course.
  • Treating arithmetic as evidence that a real prescription is clinically suitable.

Frequently asked questions

Are these official assessment questions?

No. They are original revision exercises, not official GPhC questions and not for patient care.

Can a quantity calculation justify a formulation switch?

No. Follow the formulation and prescription in the exercise. Real switches and dose changes need clinical checks.

How should I check the answer?

Check the requested unit, then work backwards from the quantity to the stated dose and duration.

Sources

The questions above are original and use fictional patients and prescriptions. PreRegExamPrep is not affiliated with or endorsed by the General Pharmaceutical Council.

Practise until the method is automatic

Try 15 free questions with worked answers. No sign-up required.

More calculation topics

See also the formula sheet, the eight sample questions and the approved calculator page.