WEEK 4: DOSAGE FORMS, SOLUBILITY

Liquid dosage forms

These are most commonly water-based solutions and can be classified as oral, topical, injectable, or ophthalmic solutions.

First pass effect

The processes by which drugs absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract are circulated to the liver first, where they may be partially metabolized before reaching systemic circulation.

Sustained release preparations

Dosage forms that release the drug over a prolonged period, allowing for less frequent dosing.

Enteric coated tablets

Tablets coated with a polymer that prevents degradation and release in the stomach, allowing dissolution in the intestines.

Ointments

Viscous, oily semi-solid preparations that are difficult to remove from skin, useful for hydrophobic drugs.

Suspensions

Heterogeneous mixtures where solute particles are dispersed in a liquid, requiring shaking before use.

Tonicity

The capability of a solution to affect cell volume by altering water content.

Vasoconstrictors

Drugs that cause constriction of blood vessels, potentially affecting drug absorption and distribution.

Intravenous (IV) administration

A method of drug delivery directly into the bloodstream for rapid effects.

Buffered solutions

Solutions that resist changes in pH when acids or bases are added, composed of a weak acid and its conjugate base.