drug pharmaceutics/safe admin

Question 1

tablets and substances

Answer 1

Tablets need to disintegrate in the gastrointestinal tract, so usually a substance, such as starch, is incorporated into them (it swells when in contact with fluids). These types of substances are known as excipients.
• Another two substances incorporated into the tablets are:
– a binding agent, which helps keep the tablet whole in the container;
– a lubricating material to help prevent the ingredients from sticking to the manufacturing material.

Question 2

ENTERIC-COATED (E.C) PREPARATIONS

Answer 2

Tablets coated in a special formulation so that they
disintegrate in the alkaline environment of the intestine
• These tablets cannot be chewed or crushed

Question 3

Capsules, hard and soft

Answer 3

– hard gelatine capsules contain the drug as a solid.
– soft gelatine capsules contain the drug in a non-aqueous solution. If the drug is a liquid (i.e. vitamin E), it may be dissolved in another oil such as soybean oil.
– The hard capsules have an advantage over tablets in that they can be opened up and the powdered contents
sprinkled over honey or jam. Capsules can also come in
many colours, which can aid in the identification of the
drug (although should not always be relied upon).

Question 4

sustained-release prep (SR)

Answer 4

Some drugs have a short half-life in the body, and therefore it is sometimes convenient to formulate the drug so that it is released slowly into the gastrointestinal tract.

• The advantages of such a preparation is the increase in patient compliance. It is usually easier to remember to take a tablet once or twice a day as opposed to three or four times a day.
• Sustained-release formulations may be identifiable by the abbreviations SR or CR on the drug container

Question 5

oral prep

Answer 5

– Linctus – a syrup specifically formulated for coughs
– Elixirs – an alcoholic solution for drugs that are
insufficiently soluble in water
– Tinctures – contain alcohol in a more concentrated form.
Most tinctures however, are mainly used for topical
treatment (i.e. iodine)
– Suspension – a relatively insoluble, solid drug that is used
without alcohol
– Emulsion - a relatively insoluble, liquid drug that is used
without alcohol

Question 6

Topical application

Answer 6

– The application of a drug to an area of the body for
direct treatment.
- creams
- drops
- pastes, gels, lotions

Question 7

Eye drops

Answer 7

– aqueous or oily solutions or suspensions for

instillation into the eye.

Question 8

Nose drops

Answer 8

– liquid preparations used in the nasal passages. Oily solutions should not be used as the oil hinders the ciliary action of the nasal mucosa. Oily solutions could also cause additional problems by entering the trachea and causing aspiration pneumonitis.

Question 9

Ear drops

Answer 9

– oily solutions that are formulated to efficiently

coat and adhere to the aural cavity

Question 10

Creams

Answer 10

have an aqueous base whereby the water evaporates fairly quickly, leaving the drug on only the superficial layers of the skin. Very little of the drug is absorbed through the skin where it could have a systemic action.

Question 11

• Ointments

Answer 11

have a lipid base and accordingly have a greasy appearance and feel. The presence of water repellant substances on the skin (i.e. Vaseline) acts like an occlusive dressing. An occlusive dressing completely
shuts out the air from the skin however sweating still occurs. The trapped sweat under the dressing softens the skin, thus enabling the drug to penetrate the skin deeply. Ointments should not be used on areas where
the skin is thinner, such as the face or genitals.

Question 12

• Eye ointments

Answer 12

are formulated to melt quickly upon application so that

vision is not seriously impaired.

Question 13

• Pastes

Answer 13

have a high powder content and are useful in
protecting areas of the skin from moisture. Nappy rash and other conditions of the perineal area in babies respond well to pastes.

Question 14

GELS AND LOTIONS

Answer 14

• Alcoholic gels and lotions are often used for the hairy areas of the body, as they are less messy than conventional ointments or creams. However, because evaporation of the carrier is rapid, there is little penetration of the drug.

Question 15

TOPICAL PREPARATIONS: TRANSDERMAL

Answer 15

The skin is useful to administer drugs that require low blood levels over long periods of time. (patch)
Nitradisc (glyceryl trinitrate) – Used for Angina
Fentanyl citrate – Used for pain
Hyoscine – Used for Motion sickness
Nicotine – Used for Smoking withdrawal
Oestradiol – Prevention of menopausal
symptoms.

Question 16

intramuscular (injections)

Answer 16

delivered into the muscle – oily solutions,
suspensions, or potentially irritant substances, or if rapid
absorption is required.

Question 17

intraperitoneal (injections)

Answer 17

drugs such as those which have direct contact with intraperitoneal organs during peritoneal dialysis.

Question 18

Intrathecal (injections)

Answer 18

for drugs that do not penetrate the blood brain barrier; they may be delivered to the cerebrospinal fluid in the subarachnoid space, usually after lumbar puncture.

Question 19

intravenous (IV) (injections)

Answer 19

if very rapid effect is required or if preparation is too

irritant to tissues

Question 20

Subcutaneous (injections)

Answer 20

if relatively slower absorption required (kim kardashian)

Question 21

Epidural (injections)

Answer 21

: into epidural space. Mainly used for anaesthetic and

analgesic delivery.

Question 22

what are the 7 rights of medication

Answer 22

right meds
right dose
right patient
right route 
right time
right documentation 
right reason