Pharmaceutics: Dosage Forms Explained

Pharmaceutics (ER20-11T) is the study of formulating drugs into dosage forms — the foundation of pharmacy practice.

What Are Dosage Forms

The physical form a patient receives. The same drug can be a tablet, syrup, or injection depending on need.

Classification

Solid Dosage Forms

Tablets — most common. Compressed, sugar/film-coated, chewable, sublingual, dispersible. Examples: Paracetamol 500mg, Amoxicillin 500mg.

Capsules — hard gelatin (powders/granules), soft gelatin (oils, semi-solids). Easy to swallow, masks taste. Examples: Omeprazole, Vitamin E.

Powders — oral powders, dusting powders. Examples: ORS, antacid powders.

Granules — effervescent granules. Examples: Vitamin C effervescent.

Liquid Dosage Forms

Solutions — clear, homogeneous. Normal saline, ORS solution.

Suspensions — insoluble particles in liquid; shake before use. Amoxicillin suspension.

Emulsions — O/W or W/O. Cod liver oil emulsion.

Syrups — concentrated sugar solution with drug. Cough syrups, vitamin syrups.

Semi-Solid Dosage Forms

• Ointments — oil-based, for skin
• Creams — emulsion-type (usually O/W)
• Gels — semi-solid, water-based
• Pastes — stiff, high-solid content

Parenteral Dosage Forms

• Injections — IV, IM, SC routes
• Infusions — large-volume IV preparations

Tablet Manufacturing

1. Weighing of ingredients
2. Mixing (blending)
3. Granulation (wet or dry)
4. Drying (for wet granulation)
5. Compression
6. Coating (if required)
7. Quality control

Key Terms