The vast majority of drug substances are administered in milligram quantities, much too small to be

weighed easily. When the dose of a drug is minute, as that of ethinyl estradiol (0.5mg) solid dosage
forms such as tablets and capsules must be prepared with fillers or diluents so that the size of resultant
dosage unit is large enough to pick up with the finger tips. 

Basic Reasons for Designing a Dosage Form

Besides providing the mechanism for safe and convenient delivery of accurate dosage, dosage forms are
needed for additional reasons.

1. PROTECTION OF DRUG FROM EXTERNAL FACTORS

-For the protection of drug substance from the destructive influences of atmospheric oxygen or
humidity for example coated tablets, sealed ampoules,

 2. PROTECTION OF DRUG FROM GASTRIC ACID

-For the protection of a drug substance from the destructive influence of gastric acid after oral
administration for example enteric coated tablets. 

3. MASKING TASTE OR ODOUR

-To conceal the bitter salty or offensive taste or odour of a drug substance. (e.g. capsules
flavored syrups) 

4. PROVIDING A SUITABLE MEDIUM

-To provide a suitable vehicle or medium for the preparations of substances that are either
insoluble or unstable elsewhere. (e.g. suspension dosage form)

 5. CONTROLLED DRUG ACTION

-To provide time, to control drug action. (e.g. various controlled release tablets, capsules and
suspensions)

 6. FOR TOPICAL DRUG APPLICATION

-To provide optimal drug action from topical administration sites. (e.g. ointments, creams,
transdermal patches and nasal preparations)

 7. FOR DRUG ADMINISTRATION IN BODY ORIFICES

-To provide for the insertion of the drug into one of the body orifices (e.g. rectal and vaginal
suppositories)
 8. FOR DIRECT ADMINISTRATION INTO BLOOD

-To provide for the placement of drugs directly into the blood stream or into body tissues. (e.g.
injections) 

9. TO ADMINISTER DRUG INTO NASAL PASSAGE AND RESPIRATORY TRACT\

-To provide for optimal drug action through inhalation therapy. (e.g. inhalants and inhalation
aerosols)

 10. FOR ADMINISTERING DRUG IN LIQUID FORM

-To provide a clear liquid dosage form of substances. (e.g. syrups and solutions) 

11. FOR ADMINISTERING DRUG TO CHILDREN

-For administration of drug in children and neonates who are unable to take tablets, or bear
taste & odour of the medicine or the needle of the syringe. (e.g. Flavored sweetened syrups and
suspensions) 

12. FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

-To deliver the medicine to patient on urgent basis especially in emergency situations. (e.g.
Injections or Infusions)