Excipients and their purpose/drug formulations and their key differences

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Cosolvents Primary Purpose in Drug Delivery

Increase the solubility of poorly water

Cosolvents Common Examples

Ethanol, propylene glycol, PEG 400 Surfactants Primary Purpose in Drug Delivery

Surfactants Common Examples

Polysorbate 80 (Tween), Sodium lauryl sulfate, Poloxamers Anions/Cations Primary Purpose in Drug Delivery

Anions/Cations Common Examples

Sodium (cation), Hydrochloride (anion) Polymers Primary Purpose in Drug Delivery

Polymers Common Examples

HPMC, PVP, Carbopol, Ethyl cellulose Emulsifiers Primary Purpose in Drug Delivery

Emulsifiers Common Examples

Nonionic surfactants, Lecithin Cyclodextrins Primary Purpose in Drug Delivery

Cyclodextrins Common Examples

β

Gelling Agents Common Examples

Carbomer, Poloxamer 407, Chitosan Plasticizers Primary Purpose in Drug Delivery

Plasticizers Common Examples

Glycerin, Sorbitol, PEG, Triethyl citrate Lubricants Primary Purpose in Drug Delivery

Lubricants Common Examples

Magnesium stearate, Talc, Stearic acid Sweeteners Primary Purpose in Drug Delivery

Sweeteners Common Examples

Aspartame, Mannitol, Sucrose Anti

Anti

tacking Agent Common Examples

Opacifier Common Examples

Titanium dioxide Colorant Primary Purpose in Drug Delivery

Colorant Common Examples

Red iron oxide, FD&C dyes Solubilizing Agent Primary Purpose in Drug Delivery

Solubilizing Agent Common Examples

PEG, Citric acid, Surfactants Binder Primary Purpose in Drug Delivery

Binder Common Examples

Starch, PVP, HPMC, HPC Diluent / Filler Primary Purpose in Drug Delivery

Diluent / Filler Common Examples

Lactose, Microcrystalline cellulose, Mannitol Disintegrant Primary Purpose in Drug Delivery

Disintegrant Common Examples

Croscarmellose sodium, Sodium starch glycolate Glidant Primary Purpose in Drug Delivery

Glidant Common Examples

Colloidal silicon dioxide Preservative Primary Purpose in Drug Delivery

Preservative Common Examples

Benzalkonium chloride, Methylparaben, Phenol Isotonicity Agent Primary Purpose in Drug Delivery

Isotonicity Agent Common Examples

Sodium chloride, Dextrose Vehicle Primary Purpose in Drug Delivery

Vehicle Common Examples

Water for injection, Mineral oil, Cocoa Butter

Tablets Description and Mechanism of Release

Compressed solid forms

can be immediate, delayed (enteric

coated), or extended release.

Tablets Key Differences / Characteristics

Most common

allows for multiple dosage strengths and subdividing (scoring). Hard Capsules Description and Mechanism of Release

Drug blend (dry powder or liquid) contained within an edible gelatin or HPMC shell.

Hard Capsules Key Differences / Characteristics

Faster development for new drugs

minimal stress during manufacturing. Soft Gel Capsules Description and Mechanism of Release

Elastic shell containing high plasticizer levels, used for liquid or semi

Soft Gel Capsules Key Differences / Characteristics

Primarily used for liquid

ODTs / Films Key Differences / Characteristics

Ideal for patients with swallowing difficulties

can avoid first

pass metabolism. Solutions Description and Mechanism of Release

Solutions Key Differences / Characteristics

Ensures dose uniformity

typically does not cause blurry vision (ocular). Suspensions Description and Mechanism of Release

Particles of insoluble drug dispersed in a liquid vehicle.

Suspensions Key Differences / Characteristics

Must be shaken before use

particle size is critical to prevent irritation. Emulsions Description and Mechanism of Release

Mixtures of two immiscible liquids (oil and water) stabilized by surfactants.

Emulsions Key Differences / Characteristics

Useful for delivering drugs dissolved in non

SEDDS / SMEDDS Key Differences / Characteristics

physically more stable than typical emulsions

eliminates need for bile salts to enhance absorption. Ointments Description and Mechanism of Release

Greasy, hydrocarbon

Ointments Key Differences / Characteristics

Stay in place longer

provide emollient effects (hydration) for dry lesions. Creams Description and Mechanism of Release

Emulsion

less greasy than ointments.

Creams Key Differences / Characteristics

Often preferred for moist, weeping lesions. Pastes Description and Mechanism of Release

Pastes Key Differences / Characteristics

Stiff systems that act as excellent protective barriers (e.g., for diaper rash). Gels Description and Mechanism of Release

Gels Key Differences / Characteristics

Can be formulated to solidify in

Suppositories Key Differences / Characteristics

Used for local or systemic effects

can bypass hepatic first

pass metabolism. Vaginal Rings Description and Mechanism of Release

Vaginal Rings Key Differences / Characteristics

Permits prolonged dosing

avoids daily intake fluctuations. Osmotic Pump Description and Mechanism of Release

Tablet with a semi

Osmotic Pump Key Differences / Characteristics

Provides zero

Hydrophilic Matrix Key Differences / Characteristics

Release is controlled by drug diffusion through the gel or polymer erosion. Insoluble Matrix Description and Mechanism of Release

Insoluble Matrix Key Differences / Characteristics

Release occurs as GI fluids enter pores, dissolve the drug, and it leaches out.