Dosage Forms

Capsules

Oblong gelatin containers with meds inside. Easy to swallow, sometimes can be pulled apart or placed in devices for inhalation. Size 5 to 000.

Tablets

Come in a variety of types and properties.

Lozenge/troches

Candy-like, remains in mouth until dissolved. Treats mouth and throat

Powders

oral, or topical.

Granules

Powders that have been wet and then dried to nonuniform particles. Reconstitute

Suppositories

Melt at body temp. Local or systemic. Semisolid.

Cream

Water + Oil + other ingredients. Washable, less greasy, good for large areas. Dry, cool, protect, soothe skin. Semisolid.

Ointment

Solid + liquid meds to lubricate/protect skin or mucous membranes. Semisolid.

Oleaginous Ointment

Hydrophobic, protect from air, keep moisture in. Greasy and not washable.

Water-soluble ointment

Not greasy, washable

Anhydrous ointments

Absorb water, protect from air, keep moisture in. Greasy and not washable. Contain no water. Less effective moisturizer.

Emulsions

Liquid mixtures of oil and water. Oil-in-water will be occlusive and greasy, Water-in-oil the opposite.

Pastes

Still ointments of at least 20% solids. Do not melt at body temp. Particularly protective.

Liquids

More rapid absorption, precise dosing, short expiration, poor taste, potential for special storage and dose errors

Solutions

Homogenous Mixture. Quick absorption and theraputic onset.

Douche

Aqueous solution to clean/disinfect body cavity/skin

Irrigating Solution

Large volume aqueous solution to wash body. Typically antimicrobial

Enemas

Empty rectum or treat lower gastrointestinal disease

Gargles/washes

Treat mouth and throat

Syrup

Viscous aqueous solution with high sugar content

jellies

semisolid, frequently used as lubricant

mucilage

thick solution with vegetable matter to prevent solids from settling

Hydroalcoholic solutions

contain both alcohol and water

Elixir

sweet oral hydroalocholic solution

Colloidon

alcoholic solution applied to skin. alcohol evaporates and forms a protective barrier

Spirit

volitaile compounds dissolved in alcohol. Inhaled or internally applied

Glycerites

glycerin vehicles to dissolve meds and be mixed with alcohol

Magma/milk

suspension of undissolved meds in water for oral use

Lotions

powder suspended in liquid for soothing inflamed skin

Gel

Suspension of small undissolved med particles in water

Extractives

Suspensions from concentrated chemicals, (extracts, fluidextracts, tinctures)

Emulsion

oil and water mixture kept together by emulsifying agent

liniments

liquid suspension, solution, or emulsion that creates mild irritation to fix deeper irritation

transdermal patches

liquid adhesives that deliver medication to bloodstream thru skin

sprays

liquid pump dispenser for instilling into nose, under tongue, or onto skin

Inhalants

Fine powder or solution into fine mist for mouth or nose

Aerosols

Fine particles or liquid into nose, mouth or skin via gaseous pressure