Solid Liquid Dosage Forms

Expressions for liquid strengths include:

$\text{mg/mL}$
$\text{mg/5 mL}$ : Used for easier dosing, as $\text{5 mL}$ is a common dose volume (e.g., one teaspoon).
$\text{g/mL}$
\text{% W/V} (weight per volume)
\text{% V/V} (volume per volume)

Definition: A special type of homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances.
- Solute: A substance dissolved in another substance.
- Solvent: The substance in which the solute dissolves.
Characteristics:
- Particles cannot be seen by the naked eye.
- A solution is stable.
- Composed of only one phase.
- The drug is completely dissolved into a liquid form.
Examples: Imodium Oral Solution, Cetirizine Oral Solution, Fluoxetine Oral Solution.

Definition: Mixtures of insoluble solids suspended in a liquid with the aid of suspending agents.
- They are not clear.
- Particles settle out with gravity and can be filtered.
Oral Suspensions:
- Opaque mixtures of undissolved particles (solids or liquids) in a fluid.
- Physically unstable: Solid particles tend to settle, and liquid globules coalesce (aggregate together).
- Distinguished by larger particle sizes compared to colloidal dispersions.
Examples of Suspensions:
- Antacids: Poorly water-soluble and most effective in suspension form due to desired local effect and minimized absorption.
  - Examples: Diovol, Mylanta, Maalox (aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide), Riopan (magaldrate), Kaopectate (atapulgite).
- Antifungals: Nystatin (Mycostatin, Nilstat).
- Anticonvulsants: Phenytoin (Dilantin).
- Antibiotics for Pediatric Use:
  - Formulated as a suspension (e.g., erythromycin estolate, trimethoprim & sulfamethoxazole (co-trimoxazole) (Bactrim, Septra)).
  - Formulated in dry form and reconstituted into a suspension when needed (e.g., amoxicillin (Amoxil), cefixime (Suprax)).
Packaging:
- Dispensed in wide-mouth bottles with some airspace to allow for proper shaking and easier pouring.
- Requires a