Rate Limiting Steps

Dispersions Solutions MW < 500 Partition Coefficient

MW > 500 Log K o/w 1-3 = Diffusion

Log K o/w outside of 1-3 = Partition Coefficient
Emulsions Partitioning
Suspensions Dissolution
Semisolids Suspended Dissolution
Dissolved Partition
Solids Powders Dissolution
Granules Dissolution
Tablets Immediate Release ~ Dissolution (Undergoes quick disintegration, deaggregation and
dissolution)
*IR coatings DO NOT affect 4Ds
Chewable, Sublingual, Dissolution (Fast disintegration)
Effervescent
Rapid Dissolving Diffusion & Partition Coefficient (liquefies in mouth) (FAST disintegration
Tablets (RDT) and dissolution)
Modified Release (MR) Enteric-coated/General Disintegration (enteric coating), then 4 Ds
*See below Buccal & Vaginal Dissolution Coefficient (NO DISINTEGRATION
& slow dissolution)
Capsules HGC Solid dosage forms Dissolution
*rupture dissolution of (powders, granules,
*generally ⬆ oral gelatin capsule in GIT tablets)
bioavailability than not a RLS because ER depends on rate control (refer to below )
a tablet occurs rapidly Suspension Solid Particle Dissolution
*Depends on inside
formualation Solution (nonaqueous) Diffusion Coefficient or Partition Coefficient
SGC Depends on dosage form inside; refer to HGC above
Modified Release Delayed Release (DR) Coating must dissolve for the drug to undergo the 4D processes and so the
removal of the coating is rate limited. (Dissolution or disintegration?)
Repeat Action Tablets First layer is IR and the solution is rate limiting (dissolution) and for the
(RA/Repetabs) second layer the removal of the coating is rate limiting (?)
Targeted Release ???
Extended Release (ER) Dissolution Coated Systems Dissolution
Controlled Soluble Matrix Systems Dissolution
Diffusion Resevoir/semi-permeable Diffusion
Controlled membrane
system
Insoluble Matrix Systems Diffusion
Ion Exchange Displacement of the drug on the insoluble polymer matrix
Controlled reservoir by endogenous electrolytes
Osmosis Push pull layer of the polymer in the tablet that is pulling
Controlled the water into the tablet and pushing the drug out