Page 22 - A Guide to Dosage Form 1

EXTERNAL PREPARATIONS

Dosage form Definition Route/Form
Aerosol inhalation Solution or suspension of a medication mixed with an inert Inhalation/
propellant, held under pressure in an aerosol dispenser. Liquid
Application Liquid or semi-liquid preparations for application to the skin. Skin/ Liquid,
semi-liquid
Collodion Liquid preparations made from pyroxylin in a mixture of Skin/ Liquid
organic solvents (ether, alcohol). Used to seal off a minor cut
or wound.
Cream Viscous emulsion of semi-solid consistency and is usually Skin/Semi
either oil-in-water (aqueous cream) or water-in-oil (oily solid
cream).
Dusting-powder Mixtures of two or more substances which are free from Skin/Solid
grittiness.
Enema Aqueous or oily solutions or suspensions for rectal Rectal/
administration. Any solid substances should be uniformly Liquid
dispersed in the preparation.
Eye drop Sterile aqueous or oily solutions or suspensions for eyes Eye/ Liquid
administration.
Eye lotion Solutions to wash or bath the eyes. Eye/ Liquid
Eye ointment Sterile semi-solid preparations for administration into the Eye/ Semi-
conjunctival sac or lid margin. solid
Gargle Aqueous solutions (usually concentrated) as a prophylactic or Throat/
treatment of throat infection. Need to be diluted. Liquid
Gel Semi-solid aqueous preparations which contain gelling agent Skin/ Semi-
such as gelatine, tragacanth, gelatinised starch or a cellulose solid
derivative.
Inhalation Preparation containing volatile ingredients which intended to Inhalation/
be vaporised and brought in contact with the lining of the Liquid
respiratory tract.
Insufflation Medicinal powders usually being diluted with inert powder Insufflation/
such as lactose, intended for administration into the ear, Solid
nose, throat, body cavities or wounds. Administered by using
an insufflator.
Liniment Liquid or semi-liquid preparations with analgesic, rubefacient, Skin/ Liquid
soothing or stimulating properties. or semi-
liquid
Lotion Liquid preparation for skin, containing alcohol to hasten its Skin/ Liquid
drying and gives a cooling effect.
Mouth-wash Aqueous solutions (concentrated form) containing substances Mouth/
with deodorant, antiseptic, local analgesic or astringent Liquid
properties.
Ointment Semi-solid preparation consisting of medications dispersed or Skin/ Semi-
dissolved in anhydrous basis. solid
Paint Medicated preparation for application to the skin or mucous Skin/ Liquid
membranes. Usually contains substances with antiseptic,
astringent, caustic or analgesic properties.
Paste Preparation with a high proportion of finely powdered Skin/ Semi-
medicaments mixed WITH a basis made of soft/liquid paraffin solid
(oily base) or glycerol/mucilage/soap (non-oily base).