Page 21 - A Guide to Dosage Form 1

TYPES OF PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS

INTERNAL PREPARATIONS
Dosage form Definition Form
Cachet Dry powder enclosed in a shell. The shell is prepared from Solid
rice flour and water, and moulded into a suitable shape and
dried. Suitable for administering medications with unpleasant
taste.
Capsule Medication enclosed in a shell which is made from gelatine. Solid
Suitable for administering medications with unpleasant taste.
Draught Liquid preparations for oral administration, usually formulated Liquid
in single dose volume of 50 mL.
Elixir Liquid preparation which is clear and pleasantly flavoured. Liquid
Contains potent or nauseous medications, with high
proportion of alcohol, sugar, glycerol or propylene glycol.
Emulsion A mixture of two immiscible liquids, one is subdivided in the Liquid
other and the system is stabilised by an emulsifying agent.
This term is only used for oil-in-water preparations for internal
use.
Granule Medicinal substances prepared in the form of small irregular Solid
particles (2-4 mm).
Injection Sterile solutions or suspensions for parenteral administration. Liquid
Linctus Viscous liquid preparation usually used for the treatment of Liquid
cough. Contains sucrose and medicinal substances and
possess demulcent, expectorant or sedative properties.
Lozenge A medicated flavoured solid dosage form which is intended to Solid
dissolve or disintegrate slowly in the mouth.
Mixture Solution or suspension of medications in a suitable aqueous Liquid
vehicles (occasionally in non-aqueous vehicles).
Pastille Made from an inert basis (gelatin, glycerol, acacia, glucose) Solid/ Semi-
and is intended to dissolve slowly in the mouth. solid
Pill A small spherical or ovoid mass containing one or more Solid
medicament. Diameter is between 3-8 mm.
Powder Mixtures of two or more medicated ingredients for internal Solid
use.
Solution Aqueous preparation with soluble medicated ingredients. Liquid
Syrup Concentrated medicated aqueous solution of sucrose or other Liquid
sugars which is suitable flavoured for internal use
Tablet Compact medicated product in compressed or moulded form Solid