INTRODUCTIONS

Dosage form design refers to the process of developing pharmaceutical formulations that
deliver drugs to patients in an effective and convenient manner. This involves considerations
such as the type of drug being administered, the desired route of administration, and the
characteristics of the patient population. The history of dosage form design dates back to
ancient times when medicines were often delivered in crude forms such as powders, teas, or
ointments. Over the years, dosage form designs have evolved to suit new disease and other
natural changes in terms of the body respondeds lto drugs

History and New Trends of Dosage Form Designs

The history of dosage form design dates back thousands of years when ancient civilizations
used various methods to administer drugs. These methods included oral administration of
crude plant materials, topical applications, and even attempts at controlled release using
syringes made from animal bladders. However, dosage form design as a formalized discipline
emerged during the 19th and 20th centuries with the development of modern pharmaceuticals.

The 20th century witnessed further innovations, such as sustained-release formulations,

controlled-release systems, and transdermal patches, expanding options for drug delivery and
improving therapeutic outcomes.In recent years, dosage form design has been influenced by
several key trends:

Personalized Medicine: Tailoring dosage forms to individual patient characteristics, such as

genetics, metabolism, and lifestyle, to optimize treatment efficacy and minimize side effects.

Advanced Drug Delivery Systems:Nanotechnology, liposomal delivery, and microneedle patches

enable targeted drug delivery, enhancing bioavailability and reducing systemic toxicity.

Novel Formulations: Development of novel dosage forms like orally disintegrating tablets,
chewable tablets, and film strips to improve convenience, especially for pediatric and geriatric
patients.

3D Printing: Utilizing 3D printing technology to create personalized dosage forms with precise
dosing and customized release profiles.

Biodegradable and Eco-friendly Materials: Incorporating biodegradable polymers and

environmentally sustainable materials in dosage form design to reduce environmental impact.

Implantable Devices: Implantable drug delivery systems offer long-term, sustained release of
medications, particularly for chronic conditions like diabetes and pain management.

Combination Products: Integrating multiple drugs or drug classes into a single dosage form to
simplify treatment regimens and improve patient adherence.
Smart Dosage Forms: Incorporating sensors or electronic components into dosage forms to
monitor drug release, patient adherence, and physiological parameters for personalized therapy.

Drugs are rarely administered as pure chemical substances alone and are almost always given
as formulated preparations or medicines. These can vary from relatively simple solutions to
complex drug delivery systems through the use of appropriate additives or excipients in the
formulations. The excipients provide varied and specialized pharmaceutical functions. It is the
formulation additives that, amongst other things, solubilize, suspend, thicken, preserve, emulsify,
modify dissolution, improve the compactability and flavour drug substances to form various
medicines or dosage forms.

Dosages come in different forms based on their site of action in the body i.e solids, semi-solids,
gaseous, and liquids.

1. Tablets: Tablets are solid, flat-shaped dosage forms that contain active pharmaceutical
ingredients (APIs) along with various excipients. They are designed to be swallowed whole or
chewed in some cases. Tablets can be further classified into immediate-release (IR), extended-
release (ER), or enteric-coated tablets. The design of tablets involves compressing the API and
excipients into a solid form, often incorporating binders, disintegrants, and lubricants to ensure
proper dissolution and disintegration characteristics.

2. Capsules: Capsules are solid dosage forms with a shell typically made of gelatin or
vegetarian alternatives. They enclose a precise dosage of API in powder, granule, or pellet form.
Capsules can be either hard or soft, with the former containing dry ingredients and the latter
having a liquid or semi-

solid formulation. The design of capsules involves filling the API and excipients into the
appropriate shell, ensuring accurate dosing, and considering factors like dissolution rate and
stability.
3. Solutions: Solutions are liquid dosage forms in which the active ingredient is dissolved
uniformly in a suitable solvent. Solutions are often used for drugs that are highly soluble or
require rapid absorption. The design of solutions involves dissolving the API in an appropriate
solvent, incorporating appropriate flavoring agents and excipients, and ensuring stability and
container compatibility.

4. Suspensions: Suspensions are liquid dosage forms consisting of finely divided solid particles
dispersed in a liquid medium. These dosage forms are used for drugs that are poorly soluble, or
when a more controlled release is desired. The design of suspensions involves homogeneously
dispersing and suspending the drug particles using appropriate excipients, stabilizers, and
viscosity modifiers. Regular shaking is often required before administration to ensure proper
uniformity.

5. Topical preparations: Topical dosage forms include creams, ointments, gels, lotions, and
transdermal patches. They are intended for local application on the skin or mucous membranes.
Topical preparations are designed to deliver drugs directly to the targeted area of the body. The
design of topical dosage forms involves selecting suitable bases, solvents and penetration
enhancers.
 [1] From the website: http://www.imshealth.com/deployedfiles/imshealth/Global/...
Content/Corporate/Press%20Room/Total_World_Pharma_Market_Topline_... metrics_2012.pdf,
as of February 1, 2014.

[2] From the website: http.//money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/global500/2009/...

performers/industries/profits, as of February 1, 2014.

[3] P. Temin, 1978, The evolution of the modern pharmaceutical industry, MIT Press,
Cambridge, MA.
In conclusion, dosage form design has undergone a remarkable journey from traditional
remedies to cutting-edge innovations. Historical developments laid the foundation for modern
dosage forms, while current trends emphasize personalized medicine and advanced delivery
systems. As technology advances, the focus remains on optimizing drug delivery, improving
patient outcomes, and shaping the future of pharmaceutical treatment.