Dosage Forms Flashcards
Oblong, gelatin containers typically filled with a powder
Usually swallowed whole, but some can be sprinkled onto food
Capsules
Oblong, gelatin containers filled with a liquid
Gelcaps
Compressed oral form without multiple layers, release mechanisms, or extra coating
Standard tablet
Compressed oral form with multiple layers or meds, typically for a combined effect or delayed release mechanism
Multiple compressed tablets
Tablet in capsule shape but same mechanism
Caplet
Oral dosage form with an outer film layer
May use terms like film, enteric/enteric coated, or buffered
Coated tablet
Oral dosage form placed between teeth and gums which dissolves in the mouth
Buccal tablet
Oral form placed under the tongue to dissolve
Sublingual tablet
Oral form that can be chewed
Chewable tablet
Oral form that disintegrates in the mouth on tongue
Oral disintegrating tablets (ODT)
Also known as wafers
Oral form that mixes active ingredient with sodium or potassium bicarbonate, and is dissolved in water to create a fizzy solution
Effervescent tablets
Oral dosage form that dissolves in the mouth for a local effect
Lozenge
Oral form in thin strips or films that can be placed on top or under tongue, or in buccal pouch that are swallowed
Thin strips/films
Oral form placed on tongue and washed down with liquid in powder or granule form
Powder/granules
Oral dosage form where a solute is completely dissolved in a solvent, typically water
Often clear or transparent, and may contain sweeteners or flavorings
Solution
Oral dosage form where a solute is dispersed or suspended in a solvent, but not fully dissolved
Often cloudier or colored, and often need to be shaken before each dose
Suspension
Oral dosage form that is a clear, sweetened combination of water and alcohol, used for meds that do not dissolve in water alone
Elixir
Oral dosage form that is a thick, concentrated solution of sugar and med, may also contain flavors like cherry, grape, bubblegum, etc.
Syrup
Oral dosage form typically used as a flavoring agent, that is alcoholic or hydroalcoholic solutions of volatile substances, containing a high alcohol content (60-80%)
Also includes non-medicines like perfumes
Spirits
Oral dosage form that is alcoholic or hydroalcoholic solutions from vegetable extracts, typically used with a dropper and often are things like herbal extracts
Often used for natural wellness not typically medication
Tincture
Oral dosage form that is an extract of vegetable drugs with alcohol as the solvent; more potent than tinctures
Fluid extracts
Topical dosage form that is oil-based and semi solid; leaves a greasy, oily film on skin that offers longer-lasting effects and protection
Ointment
Topical dosage form that is a semi solid, water-in-oil emulsion (small amount of oil), absorbed by skin easier but less protection
Creams
Topical dosage form that evaporate rapidly and can be used to cover larger areas of the body, especially areas with hair; contain large amounts of water
Lotions
Topical dosage form with particles suspended in liquid like water or jelly and can provide a cooling sensation; also dries quickly and can be used on areas with hair
May also change between solid and liquid forms when agitated
Gels
Topical dosage form that is a mix of ethyl, alcohol, and active ingredient, and dries as a film coating on the skin
Collodion
Topical dosage form that is a liquid mixture of oil, emulsion, or alcoholic solution of soap; also more watery and thin and rubbed in with friction
Liniment
Topical dosage form that is thicker than other forms, often applied to leave a protective coating; often used in the mouth
Pastes
Topical dosage form that is more airy and easier to apply than lotions
Foams; aerosol meds
Topical dosage form that comes in a powder to apply to moist areas
Dusting powders
Topical dosage form that is applied to the skin and may or may not able to cut; can be layered or even contain liquid forms
Transdermal patches
A type of patch where the drug is contained in a liquid inside the patch
Reservoir patches
A type of patch containing multiple layers, where the drug is built into the matrix layer, and may contain layers for controlled release mechanisms
Matrix patches
Suspensions, solutions, or ointments used in/near the ears and eyes
Ophthalmic and otic drops
Respiratory dosage form sprayed inside the nostril for a local effect
Intranasal spray
Respiratory dosage form inhaled into the lungs
Inhalers
Type of inhaler that uses a propellant; pressed down while inhaling deeply
Metered dose inhalers (MDI)
Type of inhaler that uses a spring to aerosolize the drug; tube-shaped
Soft mist inhaler (SMI)
Type of inhaler that is breath-activated to pull the drug in; disc or tube-shaped; uses a powder that is exposed before inhaling
Dry powder inhaler (DPI)
This is attached to an inhaler to collect the gas so that patients can breathe normally if they struggle to breathe deeply
Spacer
Respiratory dosage form that uses a nebulizer machine and inhaled through a mask, typically for a short period (5-15 minutes)
Nebulizer or inhalant solution
Rectal dosage form that may be refrigerated, and remains solid until inserted; uses a cocoa butter or glycerin base; local or systemic effect
Suppository
Rectal dosage form that is a solution or suspension
Enema
Vaginal dosage form that is ovoid, bullet, or cone shaped and inserted into the vagina; typically used with an applicator
Suppository
Vaginal dosage form that is inserted by a doctor into the uterus that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy; can take many shapes
Intrauterine device (IUD)
Vaginal dosage form used with an applicator in tablet form that is inserted into the vagina
Vaginal tablet
Vaginal dosage form that is a ring-shaped device inserted into the vagina against the cervix to prevent pregnancy
Vaginal ring
Vaginal dosage form used as a cleanser for irritation or itching
Vaginal douche
Parenteral dosage form injected into a vein and typically uses IV infusions
Intravenous (IV)
Parenteral dosage form injected into a vein and typically contains water and oil for nutrition
Intravenous (IV) emulsion
Parenteral dosage form injected into the muscle, typically in shoulder or buttocks; can also be self-administered
Intramuscular (IM) injection
Parenteral dosage form injected into the fatty tissue below the skin; top of thigh, abdomen, outside upper arm
Subcutaneous (SubQ)
Parenteral dosage form injected into the upper layers of the skin, requiring a smaller needle, and typically less painful
Intradermal (ID) injection
