DOSAGE FORMS

18.10.23
Dosage Forms
• Are the means by which drug molecules are delivered to sites of
action within the body to produce optimum desired effects and
minimum adverse effects.
Why do we need dosage forms?
1. To provide safe and convenient delivery of accurate dosage
• Eg. tablets, capsules,syrups
2. To protect drug substances from atmospheric oxygen or moisture
• Eg. coated capsules, sealed ampoules
3. To protect drug substances from gastric acid after oral
administration
• Eg. enteric coated tablets
4. To conceal bitter taste or bad odour of a drug substance
• Eg. capsules, coated tablets, flavoured syrups
5. To provide optional drug action from topical administration sites
• Eg. ointment, cream, ear & nasal preparations
.

6. To provide for insertion of a drug into one of the body’s orifices

• Eg. rectal & vaginal suppositories
7. To provide extended drug action through controlled release
mechanisms
• Eg. controlled release tablets, capsules
8. To provide for the placement of drugs within body tissues
• Eg. implants
9. To provide for optimal drug action through inhalation therapy
• Eg. inhalants
Classification of dosage forms
1. Based on route of administration
• Oral
• Parenteral
• Topical
• Transdermal
• Inhaled
• Ophthalmic
• Rectal
• Vaginal
• Otic
2. Based on physical form
• Solid
• Semi-solid
• Liquid
• Gases
Based on route of administration
Based on physical form
SOLID DOSAGE FORMS
.
Examples
1. Tablets
• Solid dosage form prepared by compression method, containing one or more
medications
2. Capsules
• Solid unit dosage form that contain a solid, semi solid or liquid fill and a
gelatin shell
• Hard gelatin capsules are used for dry powder ingredients
• Soft gelatin capsules are used for semi-solid or active ingredients that are
dissolved in oil
LIQUID DOSAGE FORMS
.
Examples
1. Oral solution
• Clear liquid preparation containing one or more active ingredients dissolved
in a suitable vehicle
2. Oral suspension
• One or more active ingredients suspended in a suitable vehicle that usually
sediments but is readily dispersed on shaking to give a uniform suspension
3. Syrup
• Concentrated aqueous solution of a sugar, usually sucrose, to which
medicaments are added.
• Flavoured syrups are able to mask disagreeable tastes
SEMI-SOLID DOSAGE FORMS
.
Examples
1. Ointments
• Semi-solid, greasy preparations for application to the skin, comprise less than
20% water
2. Gels
• Semi-solid, clear, transparent, non greasy preparation also applied on the skin
3. Creams
• Viscous semi-solid emulsions for external use, comprise more than 20% water
PARENTERAL DOSAGE FORMS
.
Parenteral dosage forms
INHALED DOSAGE FORMS
.
Examples
1. Inhaler
• Solutions, suspensions or emulsions of drugs
in a mixture of inert propellants
• Lead to release of a dose of the medication
under pressure in an aerosol dispenser in the
form of droplets
• Commonly used in treatment of asthma

2. Nebulizer
• Device used to administer medication in form
of a liquid mist to the airways
• Pumps air or oxygen through a liquid
medicine to turn it into a vapor which is then
inhaled by the patient
RECTAL & VAGINAL DOSAGE
FORMS
.
Examples
1. Suppository
• Semi solid, cone-shaped medication inserted into the rectum where it melts
at body temperature
2. Enema
• Liquid introduced into the rectum and colon via the anus, eg for treatment of
constipation (acts as a bowel stimulant)
3. Pessary
• Solid medicated preparation designed for insertion into the vagina where
they melt or dissolve
THE END
.