Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: From Tablets to Injections – Explained with Examples

Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: From Tablets to Injections – Explained with Examples


Dosage formsDosage formsphysical formtabletscapsulessyrupsinjectionscreamsointmentspatchesThe choice of dosage form depends onfactors likethe nature of the drugthe desired speed of actionpatient compliancethe condition being treatedDosage forms can be classified basedon two main basesRoute of AdministrationPhysical Form or StateRoute of AdministrationOral RouteParenteral Route (Injection)Topical RouteInhalation RouteRectal RouteVaginal RouteOtic (Ear) RouteNasal RouteRoute of AdministrationClassifies dosage forms by howthey are introduced into the bodyOral RouteTabletsCapsulesSyrupsElixirsSuspensionsSolutionsGranules and powdersParenteral Route (Injection)Intravenous (IV) - solutions andinfusionsIntramuscular (IM) - injections(solutions/suspensions)Subcutaneous (SC) - injectionsIntradermal - injectionsTopical RouteOintmentsCreamsGelsLotionsPastesTransdermal patchesTopical powdersInhalation RouteMetered Dose Inhalers (MDIs)Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs)Nebulizer solutionsNasal spraysRectal RouteSuppositoriesEnemasRectal gels and creamsVaginal RoutePessariesVaginal tabletsVaginal creams and gelsVaginal ringsOcular (Eye) RouteEye drops (solutions/suspensions)Ophthalmic ointmentsOcular insertsOtic (Ear) RouteEar dropsEar ointmentsNasal RouteNasal dropsNasal spraysNasal gelsPhysical Form or StateSolid Dosage FormsSemi-Solid Dosage FormsLiquid Dosage FormsGaseous Dosage FormsPhysical Form or StateBased on the physical nature of the dosage formSolid Dosage FormsTabletsCapsulesPowdersGranulesLozengesPillsSemi-Solid Dosage FormsOintmentsCreamsGelsPastesSuppositoriesLiquid Dosage FormsMonophasic BiphasicSolutionsSyrupsElixirsTincturesSuspensionsEmulsionsGaseous Dosage FormsInhalersAerosolsNebulizers