Introduction to Dosage Form

The dose is a particular amount of medication taken at any point in time. The terms dose and dosage are often used interchangeably. The dosage is how often or how to take an amount of drug. According to the American Medical Association, dosages are usually expressed in milligrams. An introduction to dosage forms defines dosage forms as the mechanisms by which drug doses are administered to required areas of the body such that it gives the maximum and best possible results and minimal side effects. There are different types of dosage forms which will be discussed further in this article. The importance of dosage forms will also be briefed.

Introduction to Dosage Form

Dosage forms are sometimes referred to as unit doses. They are pharmaceutical products with particular amounts of different ingredients. A particular drug may have different dosages. For example, a dose of Paracetamol, which is one of the most frequently used medicines, has different dosages like 500 mg and 650 mg. This refers to the amount of the particular chemical or drug present in the medicine. 

Types of Dosage Forms

There are different types of dosage forms.

Solid Dosage Forms

1. Capsules: These are the most common solid dosage forms. Capsules are small gelatin-made containers used in administering oils, liquids, or powders. They are coated with materials to prevent dissolving in gastric juices. Capsules readily dissolve in the intestines to release their contents for quick absorption.
2. Tablets: They are powdered drugs or drugs in granule form molded to any shape for administration. They greatly vary in size and shape.
3. Pills: A combination of powdered drugs and adhesive, now mostly replaced by pills and tablets.

Liquid Dosage Forms

Liquid dosage forms (LDF) are prepared by dissolving drugs in a solvent like alcohol, glycerine, etc. They can also be suspended by mixing the drug with water or oil. It has several advantages like faster absorption and is easily palatable. But they have a shorter life and are less stable. In addition, it is harder to measure the dosage accurately.

1. Suspensions: Heterogenous mixture containing solid particles. Useful in the case of children and for people who aren’t comfortable with solid dosages.
2. Emulsions: A mix of two or more liquids that are immiscible. Suspensions of fats or oils with some emulsifying agents, which are tasteless and odorless.
3. Mixtures: They are drugs in solution or suspension form for oral administration.
4. Syrups: Concentrated aqueous preparations of a sugar or sugar substitute with or without flavoring agents and medicinal substances.

For External Administration

These dosage forms are usually used in cases where the medicines are administered externally, and not consumed internally.

1. Lotions: They are liquids applied to the skin for protective, cleansing, or cooling purposes in general. A most common example is sunscreens applied to the skin to protect skin from harmful rays of the sun.
2. Ointments: Semisolid substances with a greasy nature for local application. Usually applied to skin or mucus.
3. Pastes: They are similar to ointments but consist of multiple medications. It is applied to oozing surfaces.
4. Sprays: These are solutions consisting of one or more drugs.
5. Inhalants: Drugs that enter the nasal passage when inhaled.

Other Forms

There are other ways a dosage can be administered like injection, oral, nasal and many more.

Importance of Dosage Form

A general introduction to dosage forms must be given to every individual to keep them aware of what they consume. The importance of dosage form lies in the fact that it is the number of medicinal drugs we take. It should be maintained at an optimum level so that it doesn’t affect the proper functioning of bodily functions in our body. It is essential to know which types of medicines are suited for our body and what medications should be used for countering a particular unnatural body condition. It is also important as dosage forms indicate how a particular medicine should be administered. Insulin, which is an unstable compound, cannot be given orally or in any of the liquid or solid dosage forms. Insulin gets digested before it reaches the intestine if taken orally. In this case, it is given as an injection. This highlights the importance of dosage form.

Agents in Developing Suitable Dosage Forms

Dosage forms cannot be directly administered to patients. There might be a bitter taste or foul odour. Additionally, some drugs may be influenced by atmospheric oxygen and their medicinal properties could get destroyed. To prevent these, some agents are used along with the drugs in their respective dosage forms.

Sweetening agents are the most common type of such agents. They are mostly used in liquid dosage forms to mask the bitter taste. Sucrose and cane sugar are some of the most common sweetening agents. Colouring agents are used for making the drugs more presentable.

Conclusion

Dosage forms refer to how, when and what amount of medications need to be administered and how to consume them. There are different dosage forms like solid, liquid and externally used forms. Each has its area of application. The importance of dosage forms lies in the fact that it gives the idea about how each medicine needs to be consumed. It gives clarity on the amount of different medicinal drugs consumed by our body. This helps in keeping track so that it doesn’t affect the natural functions of our body.