Pharmaceutics: Tablet, Capsule, Oral Suspension Formulations Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary advantage of effervescent tablets?

They are typically filled with oils

They are portable and convenient (correct)

They are more accurate than other dosage forms

They are implanted beneath the skin

Which type of capsules is usually filled with oils or active ingredients suspended in oils?

Soft-shelled capsules (correct)

Effervescent tablets

Hard-shelled capsules

Pellets

What makes oral suspensions more flexible than tablets and capsules?

Flexibility to meet specific patient needs (correct)

Stability concerns

Improved accuracy

Swallowing challenges

Why do oral suspensions require stability studies?

To ensure they remain stable over time Signup and view all the answers

What are the advantages of tablet formulations in pharmaceutics?

They are easy to manufacture, portable, and convenient for patients. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary disadvantage of hard-shelled capsules?

May not be complete when swallowed Signup and view all the answers

Why are tablets not suitable for immediate therapy?

They take time to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tablet is used for children and is flavored?

Chewable tablets Signup and view all the answers

What type of tablet is coated to prevent acid destruction in the stomach?

Enteric-coated tablets Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tablet is placed under the tongue to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream?

Sublingual tablets Signup and view all the answers

What are the disadvantages of tablet formulations in pharmaceutics?

They are not suitable for all drugs and patients. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of hard capsules in pharmaceutical formulation?

They are made using gelatin or other non-gelatin ingredients Signup and view all the answers

Why must liquid formulations in hard capsules have low viscosity?

To prevent leakage Signup and view all the answers

What sets softgels apart from hard capsules in pharmaceutical formulation?

They allow for encapsulation of oil-based drugs Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is crucial in the selection of dosage form between tablets and capsules?

Properties of the API Signup and view all the answers

Why do softgels play a significant role in pharmaceutical product development?

They allow for encapsulation of oil-based drugs not suitable for hard capsules Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical aspect of drug development related to pharmaceutical formulation?

The selection of appropriate excipients and their modification Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of excipients in tablet formulations?

To improve the stability of the tablets Signup and view all the answers

How do functional excipients differ from regular excipients in tablet formulation?

Functional excipients are modified to serve more than one function Signup and view all the answers

What role do disintegrants play in tablet formulations?

Aiding in tablet breakdown in the body Signup and view all the answers

Why are prototype products tested for properties like hardness and disintegration time during tablet formulation development?

To evaluate the tablets' physical characteristics and performance Signup and view all the answers

In the context of capsule formulation, what makes select functional excipients crucial for product development?

Their modifications that impact dissolution and deformation Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes functional excipients from other excipients in capsule formulation?

Functional excipients are capable of serving multiple functions or process improvements Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pharmaceutics: Understanding Tablet, Capsule, and Oral Suspension Formulations

Pharmaceutics is the branch of pharmacy that deals with the design, development, and production of pharmaceutical products. One of the primary focuses of pharmaceutics is the formulation of drugs into various dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, and oral suspensions.

Tablet Formulation

Tablets are one of the most common solid dosage forms. They are simple to manufacture, portable, and convenient for patients to use. Tablets can be made to disguise unpleasant tastes and are easily identified by healthcare professionals. However, there are some drawbacks to using tablets. Not all drugs are suitable for oral use, as some may be degraded by stomach acid or deactivated by the liver. Additionally, tablets may not be suitable when immediate therapy is needed, as they take time to be degraded by the GI tract, absorbed into the bloodstream, and delivered to the site of intended action. Tablets are also not suitable for patients who are unable to swallow or for drugs that are poorly absorbed by the GI tract, requiring high doses.

Types of Tablets

Chewable tablets: These are flavored tablets that are often used for children.
Enteric-coated tablets: These tablets have a coating that prevents acid destruction in the stomach.
Sublingual tablets: These tablets are placed under the tongue to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
Effervescent tablets: These tablets dissolve in liquid to release carbon dioxide.
Pellets: These are small tablets that can be implanted beneath the skin or used for rectal or vaginal administration.

Capsule Formulation

Capsules are another commonly used dosage form. They contain powder or liquid drug substances. There are two primary types of capsules: hard-shelled and soft-shelled.

Hard-shelled capsules: These capsules are made of two halves that fit together and contain powder or liquid medication.
Soft-shelled capsules: These capsules are typically filled with oils or active ingredients that have been suspended or dissolved in oils.

Capsules have many advantages similar to tablets. They are convenient to take, portable, and do not have an unpleasant taste. They are also easy to produce on a mass scale.

Oral Suspension Formulation

Oral suspensions are liquid dosage forms that are often used for pediatric patients or for drugs that are not easily formulated into other solid dosage forms. These suspensions can be compounded from powders or granules. However, they require stability studies to ensure they remain stable over time and to prevent underdosing or the formation of precipitates.

Advantages of Oral Suspensions

Improved accuracy: Oral suspensions can be more accurate than other dosage forms, especially when age-appropriate commercial medicines are not available.
Flexibility: They are more flexible than tablets and capsules, as they can be compounded to meet specific patient needs.

Disadvantages of Oral Suspensions

Stability concerns: Oral suspensions may be subject to microbiological growth and require rigorous compounding and stability studies to ensure their safety.
Administration challenges: Swallowing of oral suspensions may not be complete, especially in young children, which could lead to underdosing.

In conclusion, pharmaceutics encompasses a wide range of dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, and oral suspensions. Each formulation has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of dosage form depends on the specific drug and patient needs. Understanding these formulations is crucial for optimizing drug delivery and ensuring patient safety and compliance.

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Description

Test your knowledge on tablet, capsule, and oral suspension formulations in pharmaceutics. Learn about the advantages, disadvantages, and types of tablets, capsules, and oral suspensions. Understand the importance of dosage form selection for optimizing drug delivery and ensuring patient safety.