Oral Dosage Forms Flashcards
Capsules
Oblong gelatin, contains medicine. Often preferred because of shape-exterior becomes slippery when in contact with liquid
Tablets
Solid dosage forms, vary in size, shape & weight. Some are scored to allow splitting for varied doses.
Buccal: between cheek & gum
Sublingual: under tongue
Chewable
Effervescent: dissolve in water & drink
Enteric coated: prevents dissolving in stomach-dissolve in intestines-never chewed
Lozenges: held in mouth while dissolve, keeps active ingredient in mouth & throat longer
Controlled-release
Can be Tablets, capsules or medication particles within a capsule or tablet-released over period of time. Contain 2-4 times dose of immediate release-released over 8-24 hours
Types of controlled release
LA (long acting)
SA (sustained action)
SR (sustained release)
ER (extended release)
XR (extended release)
Solutions
Active ingredient(s) dissolved in liquid (usually water) & may or may not have color
Suspensions
Medication particles suspended in liquid-not dissolved. Thickening agent added to keep particles evenly distributed. Label shake well is added
Reconstituted powders
Some require distilled water (to avoid impurities & mineral salts in tap water) added to convert to solution or suspension. After conversion product is only good 10-14 days & often require refrigeration. Before reconstituting:
Loosen powder by tapping bottle several times
Always read manufacturer instructions for mixing prep
Verify customer is waiting in store for pickup
Elixirs
Water and alcohol (hydroalcoholic) liquids-often contain flavoring agents
Fluid extracts or tinctures
Combination of plant extracts in alcohol, water or a combination of both
Spirits or essences
Alcoholic or hydroalcoholic solutions of volatile substances. Must be stored in tight containers to prevent loss through evaporation
Syrups
Concentrated solutions of sugar in water & active ingredients. May or may not contain alcohol
Emulsions
Mixture of oil & water & NO ALCOHOL. Will separate over time, must be shaken before dispensing. Label must be placed on all prescriptions
