Introduction to Pharmaceutics: D1

Pharmaceutics

The scientific discipline that covers the conversion of a drug substance into medicines suitable for administration.

API

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient; a drug that is pharmacologically active.

Excipients

Non-active ingredients added to the drug formulation.

Dosage Form

The type of medicine, which can be solid, liquid, or semi-solid.

Formulation

The composition and structure of the medicine.

Patient Acceptability

A characteristic of medicines that must be easy and pleasant to use.

Desired Drug Action: Local

Drug action that occurs only where applied, e.g., eye drops.

Desired Drug Action: Systemic

Drug action that occurs throughout the whole body, e.g., oral medicines.

Routes of Administration: Oral

Administration of medicine via the mouth.

Routes of Administration: Topical

Administration of medicine to a surface, e.g., skin.

Routes of Administration: Parenteral

Administration of medicine by injection (intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular).

Routes of Administration: Pulmonary

Administration of medicine via the lung.

Desired Drug Release: Immediate Release

Release of the drug shortly after administration.

Desired Drug Release: Modified Release

Release of the drug over a delayed or extended period.

Dose Accuracy and Uniformity

The necessity for patients to receive a correct dose each time.

Stability in Medicines

The characteristic of medicines that must not degrade during storage.