Drug Preparation

solid preparations:

pill, tablet, capsule, enteric coated, extended release, lozenge, powder

types of drug preparations:

solid, liquid, topical, aerosol, suppository

liquid preparations

elixir, syrup, solution, suspension

topical preparations

ointment, lotions, transdermal patches

pill

a mixture of a powdered drug with a cohesive material; may be round or oval

capsule

a powder or gel form of an active drug enclosed in a gelatinous container; may also be called liquigel

enteric coat

a tablet or pill coated to prevent stomach irritation

extended release

preparation of a medication that allows for slow and continuous release over a predetermined period; may also be referred to as CR or CRT (controlled release), SR (sustained or slow release), SA (sustained action), LA (long acting), or TR (timed release)

tablet

small, solid dose of medication, compressed or molded; may be any color, size, or shape (e.g., caplets are elongated/oval in shape and are often coated

lozenge

small oval, round, or oblong preparation containing a drug in a flavored or sweetened base that dissolves in the mouth and releases the medication; also called troche

powder

single or mixture of finely ground drugs

elixir

medication in a clear liquid containing water, alcohol, sweeteners, and flavor

syrup

medication combined in a water and sugar solution

solution

a drug dissolved in another substance

suspension

finely divided, undissolved particles in a liquid medium; should be shaken before use

ointment

semisolid preparation containing a drug to be applied externally;

lotion

drug particles in a solution for topical use

transdermal patches

unit dose of medication applied directly to skin for diffusion through skin and absorption into the bloodstream

suppository

an easily melted medication preparation in a firm base such as gelatin that is inserted into the body