Various dosage forms may exist for the same compound, since different medical conditions may warrant different routes of administration. For example, persistent vomiting may make it difficult to use an oral dosage form; in this case, it may be advisable to use either an injection or a suppository. Also, specific dosage forms may be warranted for certain medications, since there may be problems with stability, e.g. insulin cannot be given orally since it is digested by the gut.

Examples

Inhaled dosage forms

• Aerosol
• Gas
• Inhaler & Metered dose inhaler
• Solution for nebulizer

Ophthalmic dosage forms

• Eye drop (solution or suspension)
• Ophthalmic gel
• Ophthalmic ointment

Oral dosage forms

• Capsule
• Powder
• Solution
• Suspension
• Tablet
• Buccal or sublingual tablet
• Thin film

Otic dosage forms

• Ear drop (solution or suspension)

Parenteral dosage forms

• Solution or suspension for injection

Rectal dosage forms

• Enema
• Suppository

Topical dosage forms

• Cream - Emulsion of oil and water in approximately equal proportions. Penetrates stratum corneum outer layer of skin well.
• Ointment - Combines oil (80%) and water (20%). Effective barrier against moisture loss.
• Gel - Liquefies upon contact with the skin.
• Paste - Combines three agents - oil, water, and powder; an ointment in which a powder is suspended.
• Powder
• Liniment
• Lotion
• Transdermal patch

Vaginal dosage forms

• Douche
• Intrauterine device
• Pessary (vaginal suppository)
• Vaginal ring
• Vaginal tablet

Pharmaceutical form is the way drugs are delivered to the patient.

Types of pharmaceutical forms (abbreviation, Latin origin)

1. ampule (amp; lat. ampula)
2. capsule (cap., caps.; lat. capsula)
3. cream (cr., crm.)
4. elixir (elix.)
5. emulsion (emuls.; lat. emulsum)
6. microemulsion (microemuls.; gr. micro + lat. emulsum)
7. fluid (fl., fld.; lat. fluidum)
8. grain (gr.)
9. drop(s) (gtt(s).; lat. gutta(e))
10. injection (inj.; lat. injectio)
11. solution (liq.; lat. liquor)
12. solution (sol.; lat. solutio)
13. lotion (lot.; lat. lotio)
14. a spray (nebul.; lat. nebula)
15. powder (pulv.; lat. pulvis)
16. suspension (susp.; lat. suspensio)
17. syrup (syr.; lat. syrupus)
18. tablet (tab.; lat. tabella)
19. tincture (tr., tinc., tinct.; lat. tinctura)
20. ointment (ung.; lat. unguentum)

See also

• Drug delivery
• Pharmaceutical form
• Pharmacy informatics
• Route of administration

External links

• Dosage From Development