LAGMAY, EFRELYN BSPHARMA1

PHARMACEUTICAL DOSAGE FORMS

a. Solid Dosage Forms

- These comprise drug products

with definite shape and
volume. They constitute
approximately 90% of all
dosage forms clinically used
to provide systemic
administration of therapeutic
agents.

. A. Tablets
1) Ordinary tablets: Tablets that are swallowed as whole

2) Effervescent tablets need to be dissolved in water prior to administration.

3) Chewable tablets consist of a drug complex mixed with a gum base. The drug is released by
chewing. Chemical disruption also caused by interaction with saliva.  Example: antacid
tablets.

4) Buccal and sublingual tablets dissolve slowly in the mouth, cheek pouch (buccal), or under
the tongue (sublingual). Buccal or sublingual absorption is desirable for drugs subjected to
extensive first-pass metabolism. Examples: nitroglycerin tablets.

5) Controlled-release tablets sustained-release(SR) are tablets in which their drug release is

controlled over a long period. used to improve patient compliance and to reduce side effects.

6) Lozenges are tablet-like formulations that are intended for slow dissolution in the mouth. 
used principally for continuous application of drugs to the mucous membrane of the mouth and
throat
 B. Capsules
-are solid preparations intended for oral use. The drug substance is enclosed in either a hard or
soft, water- soluble shell of gelatin.

Types of Capsules

1) Hard gelatin capsules are usually filled with powders or granules containing the drug. After
ingestion, the gelatin shell begins to dissolve in the GIT. Examples: antibiotic capsules e.g.
ampicillin.

2) Soft gelatin capsules Prepared from glycerol in addition to gelatin and water. May contain a
non-aqueous solution or a drug suspension. Examples: vit. A, vit. E, and nifedipine capsules.

3) Controlled-release capsules are capsules in which their drug release is controlled over a long
period. used to improve patient compliance and to reduce side effects. Examples: Voltarine®
capsules.

C. Powders
- may be dispensed in small paper packets or in bulk. Some powders are applied to skin for
protective purposes and are termed dusting powders, e.g. talc powder.

b. Semi-solid Dosage
Forms
- These preparations applied
on the skin or to the mucous
membrane to achieve local or
systemic effect.

- Examples include ointments, pastes, creams, gels etc. Semi-solid dosage forms have many
characteristics in common – consistency, presentation, preservation requirement, and also route
of administration which is mainly topical.

a. Ointment
 - are semisolid preparations in which the active drug is dissolved in fatty base intended for
external application on the skin.

b. Cream

- are prepared from a base which is miscible with water. Cream is less greasy than ointment.

c. Liniment

- are preparations of various substances in an oily, soapy or alcoholic base applied to

the skin by rubbing. usually used for their counter-irritant effects e.g. camphor
liniment.

d. Gel

- is thick colloidal preparation contains suspended drug particles e.g. aluminum

hydroxide gel.

e. Suppositories

- are semisolid preparations contain the drug in waxy base for insertion into the rectum,
vagina (called pessaries or ovules) or urethra (bougies). melt at body temperature,
allowing the drug to be released after insertion and exert its medicinal action.

c. Liquid Dosage Forms

-These include drug products administered in
the form of solutions, suspensions, colloidons,
emulsions etc.

- Liquid dosage form can be sterile or non-

sterile depending on the route of administration.

1. Aqueous preparations
I. Solutions: are clear homogeneous mixtures that contain one or more chemical
substances dissolved in a solvent
II. Syrups: are clear solutions that contain the active substance plus sugar and
flavoring agents to give pleasant taste.
III. Suspensions: are cloudy mixtures. Prepared by dispersing solid drug particles
in water with the aid of a suspending agent. May require shaking before
administration e.g. antibiotic suspensions.
 IV. Emulsions: are homogenous milky solution are mixtures of oil and water with
the aid of an emulsifying agent to make. do not require shaking before administration.
V. Decoction: obtained by boiling in water dried plants. should be prepared fresh
VI. Infusion: obtained by soaking dried plants in cold or boiling water.should be
prepared fresh
VII. Lotions: are soft aqueous suspensions or emulsions intended for local
application to the skin e.g. calamine lotion.

2. Alcoholic preparations
I. Elixirs: are clear sweetened and flavored hydroalcoholic solutions intended for
oral use.
II. Spirits (Essences): are alcoholic or hydroalcoholic solutions of volatile oils
e.g. peppermint spirit and lemon spirit. intended for oral or topical use.
III. Tinctures: are alcoholic concentrates of vegetable materials or chemical
substances used for preparation of orally or topically used drugs.

d. Gaseous Dosage Forms

- This class comprises drug products that

are packaged under pressure in a holder
with a ceaseless or restricted conveyance
valve framework.
- The gas inside contains restoratively
dynamic medicaments that are released upon activation of an appropriate valve
system.
- Examples include aerosols, nebulizer, sprays, inhalers et

E. Parenteral administration:

i. Ampoules: containing single dose of the drug.

ii. Vials: rubber-capped glasses contain a
number of doses.
iii. Bottles: rubber-capped containers contain
large volume of fluid (e.g. dextrose 5%).
f. Inserts, Implants, and Devices

- drugs are embedded into biodegradable or non-biodegradable

materials and inserted into a variety of cavities (e.g. vagina, s.c.
tissue and eye) to allow controlled and slow release of the drug.
Examples: contraceptives and pilocarpine.

G. Transdermal Patches

-are composed of a compartment that holds the

medication and has an adhesive layer to adhere on the skin.
 ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION

a. Oral Dosage Forms

- Oral dosage forms comprise

pharmaceutical formulations taken
orally for systemic effects.
- They are absorbed through the
various epithelia and mucosa of the
gastrointestinal tract at varying
rates with the exception of drugs that are absorbed in the buccal cavity.

- Examples include tablets, capsules, suspensions, lozenges, pills, granules, powders,

emulsions etc.

b. Topical Dosage Forms

- which possesses either hydrophobic or hydrophilic properties. These drugs are
applied to the skin or other topical surfaces (such as the eye, ear and nose) mainly for
local action.

These include drug molecules that are in a

suitable

 solid base
(e.g., powders and aerosols)
 semi-solid base
(e.g., ointments, creams, foams, gels,
poultice and pastes),
 liquid form
(e.g., solutions, suspension of solids in aqueous solutions or emulsions)
 Systemic drug delivery can also be achieved using topical preparations (e.g., transdermal
patches), though absorption is often poor and erratic
c. Rectal Dosage Forms

- These are solutions, suppositories or emulsions

administered rectally for local rather than systemic
effect.
- These formulations can also be used to deliver
drugs that are inactivated by gastrointestinal fluids
when administered orally or when the oral route of
the patient is precluded.

d. Parenteral Dosage Forms

- These are usually sterile, particulate free and
non-pyrogenic solutions or suspensions (of
drugs in water or other suitable physiological
acceptable vehicles) that are injected into the
body using syringe and needle, infusion set etc.

e. Respiratory/Inhaled Dosage
Forms

- This is a type of dosage form where

drugs are delivered in gaseous, aerosol
mist or ultrafine solid particle form
into the lungs

- . These classes of dosage form are mainly for direct teatment and management of
respiratory diseases.

- Examples include nebulizers, powder aerosols and pressurized metered dose

aerosols.
f. Vaginal Dosage Forms

- These are dosage forms that are

intended to be used in the vaginal
cavity for either contraception,
induction of labour, treatment of
vaginal infections or local menopausal
symptoms.

- Commonly used vaginal dosage forms include creams, tablets, vaginal gels and
pessaries, suppositories, foams, ointments, tampons and inserts. Others include
vaginal rings, vaginal films etc.

g. Ophthalmic Dosage Forms

- These are principally sterile solutions,

ointments and suspensions, essentially
free from particles or substances that
might irritate the eye.
- They are meant to be gently applied to
the eyelids or placed in the pocket
between the eyelids and the eyeball.
- Ophthalmic dosage forms are commonly used to treat local ocular disorders, e.g.
infection and inflammation; or intraocular disorders e.g. glaucoma.

h. Nasal Dosage Forms

- Nasal formulations are non-

sterile aqueous-based systems that are
instilled within or sprayed into the
nasal cavity from a dropper or from a
plastic squeeze bottle.
 - They are predominantly employed for the treatment of local disorders – infections,
congestion, and allergic rhinitis. Nasal preparations when absorbed through the nasal
mucosa to achieve systemic effect.

i. Otic Dosage Forms

- These are non-sterile aqueous

solutions, or solutions prepared with
glycerin or other solvents and
dispersing agents that are instilled
into the ear canal for the treatment of
local disorders.
Route of Administration Pharmaceutical Dosage
Forms

1. Oral dosage forms - Tablets

- Capsules
- Solutions
- Syrups
- Elixers
- Suspensions
- Gels
- Powders

2. Sublingual  - Tablets
- Troches or
- Lozenge
3. Parenteral - Solutions
- Suspensions
4. Epicutaneous(topical) - Solutions
- Suspensions
- Gels
- Powders
- Ointments
- Creams
- Pastes
- Aerosol
- Lotions
- Sprays

5. Conjunctival - Ointments
- Solutions
6. Intraocular/ Intraaural - Solutions
- Suspensions
7. Intranasal - Solutions
- Ointments
- Aerosol
- Sprays
- Inhalants
8. Intrarespiratory - Aerosol
9. Rectal - Solutions
- Ointments
- Suppositories
10. Vaginal - Tablets
- Solutions
- Ointments
- Emulsions
- Suppositories
 11. Urethra - Solutions
- Suppositories

10 MOST POPULAR MEDICATION IN THE

PHILIPPINES

1. Amoxicillin
Brand Names: Amoxil, Trimox, Moxatag
GENERIC NAME(S): Amoxicillin

Uses
Amoxicillin is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This medication is a penicillin-type
antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common
cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.

How to use Amoxicillin

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually every 8 or 12
hours. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Interactions
A product that may interact with this drug is: methotrexate.
Amoxicillin may cause false positive results with certain diabetic urine testing products (cupric
sulfate-type). This drug may also affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory
personnel and your doctors know you use this drug.

Precautions
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
kidney disease, a certain type of viral infection (infectious mononucleosis).
2. Paracetamol
Generic Name: paracetamol (oral/rectal) (par RA cet a MOL)

Alternate Name: acetaminophen (a SEET a MIN oh fen)

Uses
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. The exact mechanism of action
of is not known.

Paracetamol is used to treat many conditions such as headache, muscle aches, arthritis, backache,
toothaches, colds, and fevers. It relieves pain in mild arthritis but has no effect on the underlying
inflammation and swelling of the joint.

How to use Paracetamol

Take this product by mouth as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you are
uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions
A product that may interact with this drug is: ketoconazole.

Precautions
Before taking acetaminophen, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have
any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions
or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver
disease, regular use/abuse of alcohol.

3. Metformin HCL
BRAND NAME(S): Glucophage

GENERIC NAME(S): Metformin

Uses
Metformin is used with a proper diet and exercise program and possibly with other medications to
control high blood sugar. It is used in patients with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar
helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function
problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Metformin
works by helping to restore your body's proper response to the insulin you naturally produce. It also
decreases the amount of sugar that your liver makes and that your stomach/intestines absorb.

How to use Metformin HCL

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking
metformin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or
pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 1-3 times a day with meals. Drink
plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Interactions
Beta-blocker medications (such as metoprolol, propranolol, glaucoma eye drops such as timolol)
may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar falls too low
(hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness, hunger, or sweating, are
unaffected by these drugs.

Precautions
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
severe breathing problems (such as obstructive lung disease, severe asthma), blood problems (such as
anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency), kidney disease, liver disease.

4. Cetirizine
Generic Name: cetirizine (se TIR a zeen)
Brand Names: Zyrtec
Uses
Cetirizine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose,
itching eyes/nose, sneezing, hives, and itching. It works by blocking a certain natural substance
(histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction.

Cetirizine does not prevent hives or prevent/treat a serious allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis).
Therefore, if your doctor has prescribed epinephrine to treat allergic reactions, always carry your
epinephrine injector with you. Do not use cetirizine in place of your epinephrine.

How to use Cetirizine HCL

If you are taking the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read all directions on the product package
before taking this medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has
prescribed this medication, take it as directed, usually once daily.

Interactions
Do not use with any other antihistamines applied to the skin (such as diphenhydramine cream,
ointment, spray) because increased side effects may occur.
Precautions
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
difficulty urinating (such as due to an enlarged prostate), kidney disease, liver disease.

5. Albuterol Inhalation
Generic Name: albuterol inhalation (al BYOO ter all)

Brand Names: ProAir HFA, ProAir RespiClick, Proventil HFA,

Ventolin HFA, AccuNeb
Uses
Albuterol (also known as salbutamol) is used to prevent and treat wheezing and shortness of breath
caused by breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). It is also
used to prevent asthma brought on by exercise. It is a quick-relief medication. Albuterol belongs to a
class of drugs known as bronchodilators. It works in the airways by opening breathing passages and
relaxing muscles. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or
school.

How to use Albuterol

Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before
you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Follow the illustrated directions for the
proper use of this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions
Albuterol is very similar to levalbuterol. Do not use medications containing levalbuterol while using
albuterol.

Precautions
Before using albuterol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar drugs
(such as levalbuterol, metaproterenol, salmeterol); or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients (such as lactose, milk proteins), which can cause allergic reactions
or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

6. Loperamide
Generic Name: loperamide (loe PER a mide)

Brand Name: Diamode, Imodium A-D, Imodium A-D EZ

Chews, Imodium A-D New Formula, Imodium, Maalox
Anti-Diarrheal, Pepto Diarrhea Control, Imotil, Kao-Paverin,
Kaopectate 1-D, Diar-Aid
Uses
This medication is used to treat sudden diarrhea (including traveler's diarrhea). It works by slowing
down the movement of the gut. This decreases the number of bowel movements and makes the stool
less watery. Loperamide is also used to reduce the amount of discharge in patients who have
undergone an ileostomy. It is also used to treat on-going diarrhea in people with inflammatory bowel
disease.

Loperamide treats only the symptoms, not the cause of the diarrhea (e.g., infection). Treatment of
other symptoms and the cause of the diarrhea should be determined by your doctor.

How to use Loperamide

If you are using the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read all the directions on the product
package before taking this medication. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, follow your
doctor's directions and the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medication by mouth, usually after each loose stool, or as directed by your doctor. The
dosage is based on your condition and response to treatment. In children, dosage is also based on age
and weight. Adults should not use more than 8 milligrams in 24 hours if self-treating, or 16
milligrams in 24 hours if under a doctor's direction.

Interactions
Some products that may interact with this drug include: pramlintide, recent/current antibiotic use,
drugs that can cause constipation (including anticholinergics such as belladonna/scopolamine,
antispasmodics such as glycopyrrolate/oxybutynin, potent narcotic pain medicines such as morphine,
certain antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline),
cholestyramine, ritonavir, saquinavir.

Precautions
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this
medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: stomach/abdominal pain without diarrhea,
bowel obstruction (e.g., ileus, megacolon, abdominal distention

7. Amlodipine
Generic Name: amlodipine (am LOE di peen)

Brand Names: Katerzia, Norvasc

 Uses
Amlodipine is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure.
Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
Amlodipine belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. It works by
relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.

How to use Amlodipine

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually
once daily.

Some brands of the liquid form of this medication should be shaken before use, while
other brands should not be shaken before use. Check the manufacturer's information or
ask your pharmacist for specific directions. Carefully measure the dose using a special
measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the
correct dose.

Interactions
Some products have ingredients that could raise your blood pressure. Tell your
pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially
cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).

Precautions
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,
especially of: a certain structural heart problem (aortic stenosis), very low blood pressure,
liver disease.

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more
dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it
safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your
doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

8. Ascorbic acid
Generic Name: ascorbic acid (vitamin C) (as
KORE bik AS id)
Brand Name: Acerola, Ascorbic Acid Quick
Melts, C/Rose Hips, Cecon, Cemill 500, C-Time,
Ester-C, N Ice with Vitamin C, Sunkist Vitamin C, Vasoflex HD, Vicks Vitamin C
Drops, Vitamin C, Cenolate, Mega-C-Acid Plus, Cee-500, C-500-Gr, Centrum Singles-
 Vitamin C, Ascot, Cevi-Bid, Vitamin C TR, Vitamin C with Rose Hips, Cemill 1000,
Ascor L NC, Ascor

Uses
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is used to prevent or treat low levels of vitamin C in people
who do not get enough of the vitamin from their diets. Most people who eat a normal diet
do not need extra ascorbic acid. Low levels of vitamin C can result in a condition called
scurvy. Scurvy may cause symptoms such as rash, muscle weakness, joint pain, tiredness,
or tooth loss.

Vitamin C plays an important role in the body. It is needed to maintain the health of skin,
cartilage, teeth, bone, and blood vessels. It is also used to protect your body's cells from
damage. It is known as an antioxidant.

How to use Ascorbic Acid

Take this vitamin by mouth with or without food, usually 1 to 2 times daily. Follow all
directions on the product package, or take as directed by your doctor.

Interactions
This vitamin may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including certain urine glucose
tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your
doctors know you use this drug.

Precautions
Before using this vitamin, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially
of: kidney disease (such as kidney stones), a certain enzyme deficiency (G6PD
deficiency).

During pregnancy, this vitamin has been found to be safe when used in recommended
doses. Higher doses should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the
risks and benefits with your doctor.

9. Ibuprofen
Generic Name: ibuprofen (EYE bue PROE fen)
Brand Names: Advil, Midol, Motrin, Motrin IB, Motrin
Migraine Pain, Proprinal, Smart Sense Children's Ibuprofen,
PediaCare Children’s Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer,
PediaCare Infant’s Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer
 Uses
Ibuprofen is used to relieve pain from various conditions such as headache, dental pain,
menstrual cramps, muscle aches, or arthritis. It is also used to reduce fever and to relieve
minor aches and pain due to the common cold or flu. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-
inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking your body's production of certain
natural substances that cause inflammation. This effect helps to decrease swelling, pain,
or fever.

How to use Ibuprofen

If you are taking the over-the-counter product, read all directions on the product package
before taking this medication. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, read the
Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking ibuprofen and
each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

Some products that may interact with this drug include: aliskiren, ACE inhibitors (such
as captopril, lisinopril), angiotensin II receptor blockers (such as losartan, valsartan),
cidofovir, corticosteroids (such as prednisone), lithium, "water pills" (diuretics such as
furosemide).

This medication may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with other drugs that also
may cause bleeding. Examples include anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel, "blood
thinners" such as dabigatran/enoxaparin/warfarin, among others.

Precautions

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,
especially of: asthma (including a history of worsening breathing after taking aspirin or
other NSAIDs), blood disorders (such as anemia, bleeding/clotting problems), growths in
the nose (nasal polyps), heart disease (such as previous heart attack), high blood pressure,
liver disease, stroke, throat/stomach/intestinal problems (such as bleeding, heartburn,
ulcers).

10. Simvastatin
Generic Name: simvastatin (SIM va sta tin)
Brand Names: Zocor

Uses
Simvastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats
(such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It belongs
to a group of drugs known as "statins." It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol
made by the liver. Lowering "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides and raising "good"
cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks.

In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle

changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if
overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your doctor for more details.

How to use Simvastatin

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the
evening. If you are using the tablet form of this medication, you may take this medication
with or without food.

Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for
serious side effects.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: "blood thinners" (such as
warfarin), cyclosporine, danazol, daptomycin, gemfibrozil.

Precautions
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,
especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, alcohol use.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use
(including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Limit alcoholic beverages. Daily use of alcohol may increase your risk for liver
problems, especially when combined with simvastatin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for
more information.