2-2.
DOSAGE FORMS
a. Discussion. Drugs are compounded into various types of preparations
depending upon the physical characteristics of the drugs, the purpose for which
intended, and the method by which they are to be administered. Some drugs are
prepared in more than one form and may therefore be administered in several ways.
b. Solid Preparations.
(1)
Powder. A drug that is ground up and used in powder form.
(2)
Capsule. A drug placed in a gelatin container (figures 2-1C and D).
(3) Tablet. A molded or compressed solid mass of one or more medicinal
substances, often diluted and bound together by other ingredients. The shape, usually
discoid, may vary considerably from one tablet to another (figure 2-1A).
(4) Suppository. A drug that is molded into shape for insertion in a body
opening and which melts or dissolves at body temperature (figure 2-1B).
(5) Ointment. A drug suspended in lard, Vaseline, lanolin, or other solid or
semisolid base, intended for external application.
Figure 2-1. Solid dosage forms.
MD0913
2-3