Pharmaceutics: Dosage Forms for D.Pharmacy Year 1

Pharmaceutics (ER20-11T) is the study of formulating drugs into dosage forms. It's the foundation of pharmacy practice.

What are Dosage Forms?

A dosage form is the physical form of a medicine that patients receive. The same drug can be formulated as a tablet, syrup, or injection depending on the need.

Classification of Dosage Forms

Solid Dosage Forms

Tablets

  • Most common dosage form
  • Types: Compressed, coated (sugar-coated, film-coated), chewable, sublingual, dispersible
  • Advantages: Accurate dosing, stable, easy to manufacture
  • Examples: Paracetamol 500mg, Amoxicillin 500mg tablets

    • Capsules

  • Hard gelatin capsules (powder/granules)
  • Soft gelatin capsules (oils, semi-solids)
  • Advantages: Easy to swallow, masks taste
  • Examples: Omeprazole capsules, Vitamin E capsules

    • Powders

  • Oral powders, dusting powders
  • Examples: ORS powder, antacid powders

    • Granules

  • Effervescent granules
  • Examples: Vitamin C effervescent

    • Liquid Dosage Forms

    Solutions

  • True solutions (clear, homogeneous)
  • Examples: Normal saline, ORS solution

    • Suspensions

  • Insoluble drug particles in liquid
  • Must be shaken before use
  • Examples: Amoxicillin suspension, antacid suspension

    • Emulsions

  • Oil-in-water (O/W) or water-in-oil (W/O)
  • Examples: Cod liver oil emulsion

    • Syrups

  • Concentrated sugar solution with drug
  • Examples: Cough syrups, vitamin syrups

    • Semi-Solid Dosage Forms

    Ointments: Oil-based preparations for skin Creams: Emulsion-type preparations (O/W usually) Gels: Semi-solid systems (water-based) Pastes: Stiff preparations (high solid content)

    Parenteral Dosage Forms

    Injections: IV, IM, SC routes Infusions: Large-volume IV preparations

    Tablet Manufacturing Process

  • Weighing of ingredients
  • Mixing (blending)
  • Granulation (wet or dry)
  • Drying (for wet granulation)
  • Compression
  • Coating (if required)
  • Quality control

    • Key Terms to Remember

    TermMeaning |------|---------| ExcipientInactive ingredient in formulation BinderHolds tablet ingredients together (e.g., starch) DisintegrantHelps tablet break apart (e.g., croscarmellose) LubricantPrevents sticking to punches (e.g., magnesium stearate) DiluentAdds bulk to tablet (e.g., lactose)

    FAQ

    Q: What is the most important dosage form in pharmaceutics? A: Tablets are the most common and important dosage form for exam purposes.

    Q: What is the difference between ointment and cream? A: Ointments are oil-based (anhydrous), greasy. Creams are emulsions (water + oil), less greasy.

    Q: What is a suspension? A: A dosage form where insoluble drug particles are dispersed in a liquid. Must be shaken before use.

    Q: What is an excipient? A: An inactive ingredient added to a drug formulation to aid manufacturing, stability, or patient acceptability.

    Q: What is granulation? A: Process of forming granules from powder to improve flow and compressibility for tablet manufacturing.