DOSAGE FORMS

DR Fatma Tarek
DEFINITIONS

 Pharmacology: is a science of study of

drugs.

 Drug: is any substance that treats, prevents,

ameliorates or diagnoses diseases.
SOURCES OF DRUGS
1- Plant sources: examples
 emetine (alkaloid)…………….route of ipecac.

 Digitalis (glycosides)………….leaves of

foxglove.
2- Animal sources: examples
 heparin ……………… lung of pig.

 Insulin ………………..Pancreas of pig or cow.

3 – Mineral sources: examples

 iodine for thyroid disease.

 magnesium sulfate for constipation.

 calcium carbonate for hyperacidity and

peptic ulcer.
4- Microorganism sources: example

antibiotics for treatment of bacterial infections.

Pinicillium notatum fungus
5- Synthetic:

a- Simple synthetic drugs:

By chemists in small laboratory, examples:
aspirin, sulfonamides…
b- Complex synthetic drugs: by modern
technology like recombinant DNA (rDNA)
[Genetic engineering] for example hormones
like insulin, growth hormones… and growth
factors and interleukins.
:DRUG NOMENCLATURE
1- Chemical name: is the name given according
to chemical structure of the drug. It is usually
complex and difficult to be used in prescription
e.g. Acetylsalicylic acid.
2- Generic name: usually an abbreviated
version of the chemical name is frequently
used. It is the name listed in
pharmacopoeia.e.g. Aspirin.
3- Trade/ brand name: it is the name owned by
the pharmaceutical company that manufactures
the drug. One drug could have so many
trade/brand
names e.g.: Aspocid , Rivo.
DOSAGE FORMS OF DRUGS
Def : A dosage form refers to the package or
container of which the drug has taken the
shape.
I- Liquid
Aqueous :

 Solutions: Solutions are clear homogenous mixtures

that contain the drug dissolved in a solvent, usually
water (For example, 5% glucose in water).
 Syrups: Sugar-based aqueous solutions that have
medication dissolved in them (For example, cough
syrup).
 Suspensions: Suspensions are drugs that do not remain
dissolved where solid particles are dispersed in liquid
phase. After sitting for even short periods, these drugs
will tend to separate. They must always be shaken well
before use. (For example, antibiotic suspensions).
 Emulsions: Emulsions are preparations in
which an oily substance is mixed with a
solvent into which it does not dissolve. When
mixed, it forms globules of fat floating into
the solvent. e.g. Cod liver oil emulsion .
 Decoctions: Are obtained by boiling dried

plants in water and should be prepared fresh.

 Infusions: Are obtained by soaking dried

plants in cold or boiling water. They should

be prepared fresh.
ALCOHOLIC

 Tinctures: Tinctures are drug preparations

whereby the drug was extracted chemically
with alcohol. (For example, tincture of
iodine).
 Spirits: Spirits are solutions that contain

volatile chemicals dissolved in alcohol (For

example, lemon spirit).
 Elixirs: Elixirs are clear sweetened and

flavored alcoholic or hydroalcoholic solution

to improve the taste (For example, Tylenol
elixir).
Unshaped - Powders
 Powdered drugs may be dispensed in small paper packets

or in bulk.
 It may be formulated as effervescent granules (for oral

use).
 Some powders are applied topically to skin e.g talc powder.

Shaped e.g. Tablets, capsules, pills, transdermal patches and

others.
1- Tablets:
Are granulated or powdered drugs which have been
compressed into small discs. They contain active ingredients
and excipients There are many types of tablets:
 Conventional Tablets (can be divided – half/quarters).

 Sugar coated Tablets: They are compressed tablets

coated with sugar to improve taste and odour of the drugs

and to protect drugs from deterioration (usually not to be
divided).
 Effervescent tablets: They need to be
dissolved in water prior to administration so
the final dosage form is a solution.
 Sublingual and buccal tablets (SL): They

are small flat tablets dissolve slowly in the

cheek pouch (buccal) or under the tongue
(sublingual).
 Chewable tablets: The drug is released by

chewing if swallowing is difficult as in children.

 Vaginal tablets: These tablets undergo slow

dissolution and drug release in vaginal cavity.

 Lozenges: other forms of tablets that are not
meant to be swallowed but to dissolve in the
mouth to release the medication more slowly.
They are similar to hard candy; flat, larger than
normal-sized tablets. e.g. strepsils.

 Enteric coated tablets: These are

compressed tablets coated by substances that
resist gastric secretions but disintegrate and
release their medications in the intestine.
 Sustained released tablets: These are
long acting oral preparations. They are
formed of groups of drug particles each is
coated with special envelope that dissolve at
different dissolution rates to give a long
acting effect, e.g. antihistaminics. However,
the dosage form may fail and "dose -
dumping" with resultant toxicity can occur,
since the total dose of the drug ingested will
be absorbed in a short time
2- Pills:
Pills are drugs that are shaped into balls or ovals
that makes them easy to swallow and are often
coated to improve taste. e.g. oral contraceptive
pills.
3- Capsules:
Are small containers of drugs made of gelatin:
a. Hard gelatin capsules: Usually contain
powdered drugs.
b. Soft (flexible) gelatin capsules: Contain a
liquid solution or suspension .
c. Sustained released capsules (spansules):
as sustained released tablets
SEMISOLID DOSAGE FORMS
 Suppositories: Suppositories are semisolid preparations
contain the drug in waxy base that is solid at room
temperature (approximately 21oC). When placed into the
body either rectally or vaginally, they dissolve and are then
absorbed into the tissue .
 Ointments: are semisolid preparations in which the active
drug is dissolved in fatty base and intended for external
application to the skin. The fatty base immiscible with water
and used for dry lesions.
 Creams: are prepared from a base which is miscible with
water so it is suitable for oozing lesions. Cream is less
greasy than ointment.
 Liniments: are preparations of various substances in an
oily , soapy or alcoholic base applied to the skin by rubbing.
 Gel: is thick colloidal preparation contained suspended drug
particles.
GASEOUS DOSAGE FORMS
 Gases: e.g. oxygen
 Volatile liquid

 Solution aerosol: the drug is inhaled as fine

mist of liquid by means of nebulizer or

atomizer.
 Finely micronized powder: taken by spinhaler.
CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO THE
:ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION

[Link] dosage forms: e.g. solid and liquid

preparations.
[Link] dosage forms: e.g. suppositories or
enema (evacuant or retention).
[Link] dosage forms: e.g. gases, volatile
liquid, aerosol and finely micronized powder.
[Link] dosage forms: they are sterile,
pyrogen free preparations in the form of solution,
suspension, oil or powder for reconstruction may
be contained in:
[Link]: for single dose.
[Link]: rubber-capped glasses for either single or
multiple uses.
[Link]: Big container of large volume of fluid
e.g. glucose 5%
[Link] dosage forms: e.g. ointment, cream,
liniment, dusting powder.