Specialized Pharmaceutical Forms Quiz

Specialized Pharmaceutical Forms

• Devices are specialized dosage forms, where the desired administration and targeting of the drug is achieved with the help of the packaging container.

Transdermal Patch

• A transdermal patch is a medicated adhesive placed on the skin to deliver a specific dose of medication into the bloodstream.
• Important characteristics include controlled and constant drug release into the patient.
• Components include backing, membrane, adhesive, and liner.
• Backing protects the patch from the environment and is impermeable.
• Membrane controls the release of the drug.
• Adhesive binds the components and contains permeation enhancers to promote skin permeability.
• Liner protects the patch during storage and is peeled off before use.
• Examples of drugs administered via transdermal patches include nitroglycerin, estradiol, nicotine, hyoscine, and fentanyl.
• Frequency of patch change varies depending on the drug.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

• Levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs prevent fertilization by impairing sperm viability and interfering with sperm movement.
• NUVARING is a plastic ring device that releases hormones locally to avoid pregnancies.

Inhaled Formulations

• Inhaled formulations deliver drug particles or solutions in an aerosolized form to the lungs.
• Aerosols are colloidal dispersions of liquids or solids in gases.
• Oral aerosol inhalers are used to treat asthma and other respiratory issues.

Oral Aerosol Inhalers

• Types of inhalers include small volume nebulizers (SVNs), pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs), and dry-powder inhalers (DPIs).
• Choice of inhaler depends on the drug, formulation, desired delivery site in the lungs, and the patient characteristics.
• Advantages of inhalation route include targeted organ delivery, small doses, quick onset, and limited side effects.

Small-volume Nebulizers (SVNs)

• SVNs administer medication as a mist inhaled into the lungs.
• They use oxygen, compressed air, or ultrasonic power to break down solutions and suspensions into aerosol droplets.
• Each administration typically takes 5-10 minutes.

Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDIs)

• MDIs are pressurized dosage forms that deliver medication to the lungs by creating an aerosol.
• They deliver a measured amount of drug.
• MDIs can deliver quick-relief or everyday controller medications for asthma.
• MDI delivery efficiency depends on the patient's inspiratory flow rate, breathing pattern, and hand-mouth coordination.
• Spacers are often used to improve drug delivery and reduce side effects (aphonia, oral thrush) by minimizing drug particle deposition on the upper airway (e.g., oropharynx) and increasing lung deposition.
• Spacers are particularly helpful for children, patients with impairments or unconsciousness, or anyone having difficulty coordinating hand-mouth breathing.
• MDIs can be used with spacers or masks, which are useful for patients who cannot reliably inhale through their mouth.
• Masks come in various sizes and are suitable for all ages, even children and adults with cognitive issues.

Dry-powder Inhalers (DPIs)

• DPIs produce aerosols through inhalation force rather than through a propellant.
• Compared to MDIs, DPIs are often easier to use
• Rapid inhaling rate is required which is not suitable in patients like pediatric or elderly patients.
• Generally, DPIs are easier to use.
• Typical types of DPIs are Diskus® or Accuhaler™, Turbuhaler®, Handihaler®, Breezhaler®, Genuair®, and Ellipta®.

Auto-injection Devices

• Auto-injection devices allow patients or non-medical personnel to self-administer medications.
• Medications administered this route include insulins, glucagon, heparin, methotrexate, and adrenaline.

Parenterals: Insulins

• Insulins are administered via injection.
• Methods for insulin administration include insulin syringes (subcutaneous tissue), insulin pens, and insulin pumps.

Insulin Therapy

• Aim is to mimic normal pancreas insulin secretion through basal (continuously secreted) and bolus (in response to glucose levels) insulin administrations.
• Basal insulin is provided by intermediate or long-acting formulations (e.g. NPH, Lente, Ultralente, Lantus, Glargine, Levemir, Detemir).
• Bolus insulin is provided by rapid or short-acting insulins (e.g. Humalog, Novolog, Apidra, Regular).

Insulin Administration

• Insulin can be administered safely via insulin syringes or pens.
• Insulin pumps deliver insulin continuously or in bolus doses.

Insulin Names

• Insulin names are described by pharmaceutical brand names and device names.
• The specific types include rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting insulins.

Test your knowledge on specialized pharmaceutical dosage forms, including transdermal patches and intrauterine devices. This quiz covers key components, drug delivery mechanisms, and examples of medications. Explore how these devices enhance drug targeting and administration in patients.