A dosage form refers to the condition of a substance used for medicinal purposes, which is optimal for its use and storage. There are a large number of classifications on the basis of which medications are divided into groups. Depending on the consistency, the following dosage forms are distinguished: solid, liquid, soft.
The most common to use is solid form. The peculiarity of its manufacture is that, using certain technologies, it is possible to provide the necessary time and sequence of dissolution and absorption of components in the gastrointestinal tract. Consider each representative in this group.
Tablets
Tablets are called solid dosage forms, which are obtained by pressing granules or powders. They have a specific dose and may consist of one or more active substances. The tablets have a variety of shapes: round, oval, square, triangular with rounded edges, convex for easy swallowing, and others.
Solid dosage forms in the form of tablets have various uses:
- oral (inside), here include effervescent;
- external - dissolved in order to use as a rinse, used for lotions or rinsing;
- sublingual (put under the tongue), buccal (injected drug on the cheek);
- vaginal - used exclusively by women, inserted into the vagina;
- implantation under the skin - the product is aseptically sewn under the skin in the region of the anterior abdominal wall or under the shoulder blade.
A certain sequence of absorption of the components of the tablet in the gastrointestinal tract requires refusing to chew it (unless otherwise specified in the instructions). Some drugs are coated so that the bitter taste does not act irritatingly on the oral mucosa.
Solid dosage forms (tablets) must be stored in the packaging in which they are released from the factory. It protects drugs from moisture, sunlight, and ensures sterility. The packaging should be stored in a dry place, protected from light. If necessary, it is in the refrigerator.
Jelly beans
Solid dosage forms, which are obtained by layer-by-layer application of active substances to particles of an inert carrier using sugar syrups. Dragee has the following advantages:
- the ability to release in solid form those substances that are not amenable to pressing;
- separation of various active substances in a single dose;
- elimination of unpleasant smell and taste of the drug;
- reduced ability to irritate the body;
- good protection of the active substance from light, oxygen and mechanical stress.
The disadvantages are as follows:
- the need to use a small amount of active substance;
- slow release and disintegration of the drug;
- difficulty swallowing;
- the possibility of decomposition under the influence of heat and liquids.
Dragee form is used infrequently. Mainly for those drugs that can be used in small doses.
Powders
These are solid dosage forms for internal and external use and flowability. The composition of the powder may include one or more active substances. The advantages are considered to be ease of manufacture, high bioavailability, as well as ease of use. It is convenient to store powders, transport, select the exact dosage.
However, these forms oxidize very quickly, absorb moisture. May have an unpleasant taste or smell. Powders are released in dosed and undosed (powder) form. Depending on the method of use, drugs for internal and external use are distinguished.
The manufacture of solid dosage forms must go through the following steps:
- Weighing, grinding and sifting of active medicinal substances.
- For complex preparations - mixing the necessary components.
- Separation into doses and packaging of each of them.
- Check for compliance with established requirements and standards.
- Making powders for the holidays.
Dry extracts
These solid dosage forms are obtained by removing the solvent used to make the preparation. After drying, the mass decreases. The presence of the liquid part in the dry extract is allowed no more than 5% of the total weight of the drug. This type is considered the most rational of all extracts.
Representatives of the group are divided into the following subgroups:
- extracts having a limited upper limit of the active substance;
- extracts having an unlimited upper limit of the active substance.
In the first case, the preparations contain the exact dose of the substance. To achieve this, use special excipients (glucose, sugar, potato dextrin) or mix the extracts in certain proportions. The second version of the preparations does not contain fillers. They are made from those active substances that are not potent.
Granules
Solid dosage forms, the prescriptions for which are prescribed only in an abbreviated way, are produced in the form of grains of irregular shape weighing no more than 0.05 g. The granules can be without shells, coated, effervescent, for the manufacture of liquids taken internally.
These forms are widely used in homeopathy. They are prepared with the addition of lactose, a mixture of lactose with sucrose. Those that are used in traditional practice are produced on the basis of sugar, sodium bicarbonate, starch, with the addition of food colors.
In granules, those active substances that have an unpleasant taste or smell can be released, irritate the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and stomach. Dosed with spoons (teaspoons, tablespoons).
Drug fees
These drugs are dry medicinal plant substances that are used in a single form or as a combination of several herbs with the addition of essential oils or various salts. Fees are used for the preparation of infusions, decoctions, medicinal baths. The required amount of the drug is measured in tablespoons. The following types of fees are distinguished:
- ordinary (raw materials are packed in cardboard boxes);
- pressed (in the form of briquettes or tablets);
- instant teas (ground or packaged in filter bags).
Medicinal substances must be stored in a place protected from moisture (at least 15 ° C).
Pills
A solid dosage form that has an accurate dosage and is used for internal use. The pill in most cases has a spherical shape. As a basis, auxiliary substances are used, to which the active active substance is added, and the top is made of plastic mass.
The weight of one pill does not exceed 0.5 g, and the diameter is 8 mm. The technology of solid dosage forms allows you to combine in this representative those components that cannot be combined in other solid forms. Recently, in the form of pills, biologically active additives have been produced.
A plastic surface that becomes slippery due to saliva and a spherical shape are factors aimed at facilitating swallowing of the drug. Pills should be stored in a cool place, protected from moisture.
Caramel
Representatives of solid dosage forms resembling lozenges. Their manufacturing process is similar to candy manufacturing technology. The drugs are intended for the treatment of diseases of the oral cavity, they are not chewed, but kept in the mouth until completely dissolved.
Medicinal substances are mixed with sugar and molasses to give a good taste to the product. In order for caramels to acquire the necessary color and aroma, coloring and aromatic additives are introduced into the mixture.
Lozenges
Solid dosage form available in the form of flat dense masses. The active substance that is part of the drug is mixed with sugar and mucus. Pastilles are as follows:
- orange
- anise-licorice;
- menthol-eucalyptus;
- honey-lemon, etc.
They are used by chewing or resorption, mainly in the treatment of diseases of the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract.
Glossets
They are small tablets having a glossy surface, which are used for sublingual use. Preparations made in this way tend to dissolve quickly. Glossets can also be used buccally (by the cheek). The active substance is absorbed through the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. Prescribed in the same way as simple tablets.
The pencils
Called medicinal or medical pencils. This is a solid dosage form that looks like a cylinder with a round or sharp end. It is used exclusively for external use. Depending on the manufacturing method and type of base, the following types of pencils are distinguished:
- fused;
- sulfate (based on hydrophilic masses);
- menthol (based on fat mass);
- ointment (similar to lipsticks) - may contain salicylic acid, novocaine, dermatol, sulfur, xeroform.
According to the method of application, the following varieties of medicinal pencils are distinguished:
- hemostatic - is used to eliminate bleeding from capillaries;
- repellent - protects from insect bites;
- cosmetic antibacterial - to eliminate inflammation on the face, fight acne and acne;
- cold - used to stop the symptoms of colds;
- dental - with its help, the application of drugs to the mucous membrane of the oral cavity.
Polymer films
These are solid dosage forms that look like oval or rectangular plates containing the active drug substance. The film is created from a bio-soluble polymer, which ensures the rapid development of the drug effect and its long-term manifestation. Such films are used for attachment to the oral cavity or eye.
Films for the eyes are sterile and retain their condition, being in a tear fluid and a hermetically sealed vial. The films used for attachment to the gums act quickly, but more durable than sublingual preparations.
Soft, hard, liquid dosage forms have their own characteristics that are characteristic for a particular group. This is their advantage of using in certain clinical cases. Hard and soft dosage forms, like liquid ones, are selected, depending on the required duration of action, method of use, duration of the effect of the active drug substance.