Page 19 - A guide to dosage form 1_full v3

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

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