Dosage form
Dosage Form
Dosage form (pronunciation: /ˈdəʊsɪdʒ fɔːm/) refers to the physical form in which a medication is produced for administration. It is a critical aspect of pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences.
Etymology
The term 'dosage form' is derived from the English words 'dosage', which means the size or frequency of a dose of a medicine or drug, and 'form', which refers to the shape, visual appearance, or configuration of an object.
Types of Dosage Forms
There are several types of dosage forms, each designed to optimize the delivery and absorption of the active ingredient. These include:
- Tablets: These are solid dosage forms typically containing active pharmaceutical ingredients along with excipients.
- Capsules: These are small, cylindrical dosage forms that are filled with powdered or liquid medication.
- Liquids: These include solutions, suspensions, and emulsions.
- Topicals: These are applied externally to the skin or mucous membranes.
- Injectables: These are administered directly into the body via a needle and syringe.
Importance of Dosage Forms
The choice of dosage form is crucial in the drug development process and can significantly impact the drug's efficacy, stability, and patient compliance. The dosage form determines the route of administration, the rate of drug release, and the site of release within the body.
Related Terms
- Route of administration: The path by which a drug is taken into the body.
- Pharmacokinetics: The study of how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and excretes drugs.
- Bioavailability: The extent and rate at which the active ingredient is absorbed and becomes available at the site of action.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dosage form
- Wikipedia's article - Dosage form
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