PRINCIPLES OF SEMI-SOLID AND SOLID DOSAGE FORM SELECTIONS

Question 1

DOSAGE FORMS

Answer 1

The physical form in which a drug is produced and administered

Question 2

the importance of selecting specific dosage forms for specific purposes

Answer 2

Determines therapeutic outcomes

Drug stability

Patient compliance(some patients might for example prefer tablets to capsules )

Question 3

factors that influence selecting a dosage form for drug design

Answer 3

Drug properties
Patient factors
Therapeutic goals
cost effectiveness
Pharmacogenomics

pharmacogenomics is the study of how our genes affect the way we respond to medications

Question 4

types of dosage forms

Answer 4

liquids
semi solids
solid

Question 5

enteric-coated tablets

Answer 5

enteric-coated formulations prevent stomach acid from dissolving the drug(basically protects the drug from the stomach )

note this prevents drug release until after the stomach

Question 6

controlled-release formutions and types

Answer 6

To control the rate at which the drug is released into the bloodstream, maintaining consistent drug levels for a prolonged period

Sustained-release (SR)
Extended-release (ER/XR)
Modified-release (MR)

Question 7

difference between soft gelatin capsules and hard gelatin capsules

Answer 7

hard consists of two different pieces, a cap and a body, and usually contains dry powdered or granular substances

soft is one-pieced, sealed, and cannot be opened without breaking, usually contains liquids

Question 8

advantages of solid dosage forms

Answer 8

Stable and durable.
Precise dosing.
Convenient for storage and transport.
Familiar to patients

Question 9

disadvantages of solid dosage forms

Answer 9

Slow onset of action (compared to liquid forms).
May cause GI irritation.
Not suitable for patients with swallowing difficulties.

Question 10

the main steps in tablet production

Answer 10

Weighing and Dispensing
Milling
Granulation (Wet or Dry)
Drying
Blending
Compression
Coating (if required)
Packaging

Question 11

some methods used to mask unpleasant taste in solid dosage forms

Answer 11

Coating (sugar, film, or enteric coating)

flavouring agents

Effervescent formulations

Microencapsulation

Question 12

give some examples of semi-solid dosage forms

Answer 12

Ointments
Creams
Gels
Pastes
lotions

note that gels could be water or alcohol based, creams could be water or oil based, while ointments are oil based.

pastes, ointments, creams, gels (in descending order of thickness)

Question 13

which semi-solid formulation is best for oily skin, and which is best for very dry skin

Answer 13

gels are best for oily skin as they are non-greasy and easily absorbed, while ointments are best for oily skin

creams are suitable for normal to dry skin

Question 14

advantages of semi-solid formulations

Answer 14

Local action for skin conditions.
Fewer systemic side effects.
Easy to apply and remove

Question 15

limitations with semi-solid formulations

Answer 15

May be messy to apply.
Variable absorption rates.
Shorter shelf life due to moisture

Question 16

the fastest mode of delivery of drugs into the bloodstream

Answer 16

intravenous infusion or injections(delivers straight to the bloodstream)

Other fast delivery methods include inhalation (e.g., for asthma medications) and sublingual administration (e.g., nitroglycerin for angina), but IV is typically the fastest.