Drug forms

Physical state

• Liquids

• Semi- solids

• Solids (pills)

• Gases (inhalers, anesthetic)

Convenient administration

• Available in multiple forms 

• Baytril (enrofloxacin) - liquid, injectable, tablet 

•  Ivermectin - oral drench, injectable, pour-on, dry pre-mix, slow release bolus, flavored tabs

Liquids: solution

• solute is completely dissolved in the solvent 

• Solute - dissolved substance

•  ○ Solvent - dissolving substance 

• ● Does not settle out ○ Precipitate

•  ● Tincture ○ Solvent = alcohol

Liquids:Suspensions

• Solute particles are large and suspended, not dissolved in solvent

• Will settle out, MUST BE SHAKEN well prior to use

• Ex. ● Metacam oral ● Penicillin injectable

Liquids: Lotions -

topical or mucus membrane application - Soothing

Liquids: liniment

• topical application to counter irritation

•  ○ Relieves deeper pain ○ Feel cool or warm (alcohol?)

Liquid: Drench

 liquid administered orally ○ Ivermectin drench ○ Valbazen

Liquid: syrup

drug is in flavored liquid for oral use

Semi-Solids: ● Ointments

oil emulsions used for dry lesions ○ Not water-miscible (immiscible)

Semi-Solids: Cream

•  oil and water, with water being greater component ○ Moist lesions ○ Water-miscible 

Semi-Solids: paste

•  common for oral medication ○ Butequine analgesic paste ○ Ivomec paste 

Semi-Solids: gels

• Transparent or translucent ○ Domoso gel ○ Quest ge 

Solids: Tablet

•  firm, powder mixture that is compressed ○ May be scored to allow for ease of breaking apart

Solids: Bolus

•  large tablet (usually LA) 

Solids: Capsule

•  powder contained in a gelatin case ○ Amoxil capsule (red/yellow)

Solids: Implant

•  hard pellet designed to be inserted subcutaneous (SQ) ○ Ralgro growth implant 

Solids: Granules

small balls of compressed powder ○ Atravet granules

Solids: Powder

simplest form, usually a mix of drug and diluent ○ Tetracycline powder