DOSAGE FORMS
what is a drug ?
-> A drug is a natural or a synthetic compound or substance, which is used for treatment,
prevention and diagnosis of any disease or disorders.
It is also called as an API : active pharmaceutical ingredient i.e a raw form of the drug which
will have a biological effect in our body. It is available in any physical states :
- solid : paracetamol
- liquid : rivastigmine
- gaseous : Nitrous oxide
But, without a dose, drugs are nothing.
Dose : the amount or the quantity of drug required to give therapeutic effect in the
biological system.
We can’t give a drug in its raw form. They are administered in different dosage forms.
Dosage forms :
It is a physical form that helps to deliver a dose of drug into the body.
It is a carrier of the unit dose of drug
It consist : drug + excipient = Dosage forms
Excipients are inactive ingredients, also called ‘additives’, used to give a particular shape to
the formulation, increase stability and palatability.
Importance of dosage forms :
- Accurate dose
- Protection from gastric environment
Eg: Enteric coated tablets
- Protection against the micro-organism, external environment
Eg: Coated tablets, sealed ampoules
- Masking unpleasant taste and odor
Eg: Sugar coated tablets, using sweetening agents for liquid orals
- Provide drugs within body tissues
Eg: Parenterals
- Controlling releasing of drug
Eg: Sustain release and control release tablets
- Facilitating insertion of drug into body cavities
Eg: Implants, Suppositories
- Providing drug therapy through pulmonary route (inhalation therapy)
Eg: Nebulizers, aerosols
- Provide action of drug topically for local therapy
Eg: Ointments, lotions
The science of dosage form design or formulation is called pharmaceutics.
