Types of Drug Preparations

Question 1

1. Solids

Answer 1

• absorbed through the alimentary tract
• routes of administration can be oral, buccal, or sublingual
• rarely used in surgery because of its oral route of administration
  Examples: tablets, capsules, lozenges, & powders

Question 2

2. Semi-solids

Answer 2

• for topical or systemic effect
• applied directly to skin or mucous membranes
• Examples: creams, ointments, gels, dermal patches, & suppositories

Question 3

3. Liquids

Answer 3

• contain drugs that are dissolved in a base
  Examples: suspensions, emulsions, solutions, tinctures, elixirs, syrups, liquid sprays, & foams
  Suspension – fine, undissolved solid particles of a drug suspended with a liquid
  Emulsion – mixture of 2 liquids not mutually soluble, e.g. fat & water
  Solution – liquid drug containing a dissolved substance

Question 4

4. Gases

Answer 4

• introduced into respiratory tract to provide systemic effect
  Examples: anesthesia agents e.g. nitrous oxide, Halothane®, Enflurane®, Isoflurane®, Suprane®, & Sevoflurane®

Question 5

Suspension

Answer 5

fine, undissolved solid particles of a drug suspended with a liquid

Question 6

Emulsion

Answer 6

– mixture of 2 liquids not mutually soluble, e.g. fat & water

Question 7

Solution

Answer 7

– liquid drug containing a dissolved substance