Dosage forms Flashcards
tablets
Most popular form
Prepared by mechanical compression
Must be dissolved in the stomach
chewable tablets
can be swallowed whole
enteric-coated tablets
Dissolution in the stomach is prevented
Must dissolve in intestines only
Should never be chewed, broken, or crushed
Should not be taken with antacids
Sublingual tablets
Quickly absorbed to the bloodstream
Absorption is not in the GI tract
Only small amount needed
Avoids the first-pass effect
buccal tablets
Between cheek and gum
Dissolved slowly over a period of time
Film-coated tablets
Masks odor or taste
Prevents deterioration due to light and air
Ex> Biaxin, Depakote
Sustained, timed-release tablets
Active ingredient is released at a constant rate
Lozenges
“troches” or “pastilles”
Dissolved slowly in the mouth to keep the drug in contact with mouth or throat longer
pellets
Cylinder-shaped tablets implanted just under skin for continuous absorption
capsules
Enclosed within a gelatin shell
After 10-30 min in the stomach, is dissolved
Eliminates bad tastes and odors
effervescent tablets
Carbon dioxide gas is released by acid/base reaction of active ingredient + sodium bicarbonate + citric (or tartaric) acid
Masks unpleasant, salty, or bitter taste
syrups
Sugar hinders bacterial growth
ex> antibiotics, cough preparations
Solutions
Medication is insoluble in the liquid
Needs to be shaken before taking
ex> Bactrim suspension
Elixer
Sweetened water with alcohol
Not for babies
Tinctures
Highest concentrations of alcohol
