Pharmaceutics: Dosage Forms Explained
Solids, liquids, semi-solids, parenterals — and the tablet manufacturing pipeline you'll be tested on in Year 1.
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
- Weighing of ingredients
- Mixing (blending)
- Granulation (wet or dry)
- Drying (for wet granulation)
- Compression
- Coating (if required)
- Quality control
Key Terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Excipient | Inactive ingredient |
| Binder | Holds tablet together (e.g. starch) |
| Disintegrant | Breaks the tablet apart (e.g. croscarmellose) |
| Lubricant | Prevents sticking (e.g. magnesium stearate) |
| Diluent | Adds bulk (e.g. lactose) |
FAQ
Most important dosage form for the exam?
Ointment vs cream?
What is a suspension?
What is an excipient?
What is granulation?
Kya aap D.Pharma ke liye eligible hain?
30 second ka check. Aapki eligibility + Phase 1 fee plan turant pata chal jaayega.
Aapne kya complete kiya (ya kar rahe hain)?