Medication Forms and Administration Routes

Flashcards testing knowledge of medication forms prepared for oral, topical, parenteral, and body cavity administration.

Caplet

A solid oral medication form shaped like a capsule and coated for ease of swallowing.

Capsule

Medication encased in a gelatin shell.

Tablet additives

Binders (adhesives to allow powder to stick together), disintegrators (to promote tablet dissolution), lubricants (for ease of manufacturing), and fillers (for convenient size).

Enteric-coated tablet

A tablet coated to prevent dissolution in the stomach; the coating dissolves in the intestine, where the medication is absorbed.

Elixir

A clear fluid containing water and/or alcohol; often sweetened.

Extract

A syrup or dried form of pharmacologically active medication, usually made by evaporating a solution.

Aqueous solution

A substance dissolved in water and syrups.

Aqueous suspension

Finely dissolved medication particles dispersed in a liquid medium; when left standing, particles settle to the bottom of the container.

Oral syrup

Medication dissolved in a concentrated sugar solution.

Tincture

An alcohol extract from a plant or vegetable.

Troche (lozenge)

Flat, round tablets that dissolve in the mouth to release medication; not meant for ingestion.

Oral aerosol

Aqueous medication sprayed and absorbed in the mouth and upper airway; not meant for ingestion.

Sustained release form

A tablet or capsule containing small particles of medication coated with material requiring varying amounts of time to dissolve.

Ointment (salve or cream)

A semisolid, externally applied preparation usually containing one or more medications.

Liniment

A topical preparation usually containing alcohol, oil, or soapy emollient applied to the skin.

Lotion

A semiliquid suspension that usually protects, cools, or cleanses the skin.

Topical paste

A medication preparation thicker than an ointment, absorbed through the skin more slowly, and often used for skin protection.

Transdermal disk or patch

A medicated disk or patch absorbed through the skin slowly over a long period of time (e.g., 24 hours).

Parenteral solution

A sterile preparation containing water with one or more dissolved compounds.

Parenteral powder

Sterile particles of medication that are dissolved in a sterile liquid (e.g., water, normal saline) prior to administration.

Intraocular disk

A small, flexible oval (like a contact lens) consisting of two soft outer layers and a middle layer containing medication; slowly releases medication when moistened by ocular fluid.

Suppository

A solid dosage form mixed with gelatin and shaped as a pellet for insertion into a body cavity (rectum or vagina); melts at body temperature to release medication for absorption.