Pharmaceutics: Tablet, Capsule, Oral Suspension Formulations Quiz

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.