Overview
This lecture covers the different solid dosage forms of medications, emphasizing their characteristics, uses, and patient considerations for safe and effective drug delivery.
Introduction to Dosage Forms
- A dosage form is the physical form in which medication is prepared for administration to patients.
- Dosage forms are broadly divided into solids and liquids, allowing flexible options for medication delivery.
Capsule Dosage Forms
- Capsules are small, oblong gelatin containers holding medication, making them easy to swallow.
- There are two main types: hard gelatin (can be opened to sprinkle contents) and soft gelatin (cannot be opened but easier to swallow).
Tablet Dosage Forms
- Tablets come in various shapes, sizes, and weights, and are typically swallowed whole with water.
- Patients often refer to all solid oral forms as "pills," but the correct terms are tablets and capsules.
Types of Tablets
- Caplets: Tablet shaped like a capsule with a film coating (e.g., Tylenol Extra Strength caplets).
- Scored Tablets: Have a groove for splitting to adjust dosing.
- Buccal Tablets: Placed between cheek and gums for slow absorption.
- Sublingual Tablets: Placed under the tongue for direct bloodstream absorption.
- Vaginal Tablets: Designed for absorption through the vaginal lining, useful for local irritation or inflammation.
- Chewable Tablets: Chewed before swallowing (examples: Tums, Pepto-Bismol).
- Effervescent Tablets: Dissolve in water, releasing carbon dioxide for rapid action (e.g., Alka-Seltzer).
- Enteric-Coated Tablets: Have a protective layer to prevent stomach dissolution and dissolve in the intestines (e.g., Dulcolax).
- Orally Disintegrating Tablets: Dissolve rapidly on the tongue for quick absorption (e.g., Zyrtec Dissolve Tabs).
Tablets vs. Capsules: Key Differences
- Tablets offer diverse shapes, sizes, and absorption rates, and can be split, chewed, or dissolved.
- Capsules provide a uniform appearance, release contents quickly after shell dissolves, and are generally swallowed whole.
- Tablets are more customizable, while capsules are primarily designed for whole swallowing.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Dosage Form — Physical form in which medication is prepared for patient administration.
- Capsule — Gelatin container holding medication, swallowed whole.
- Tablet — Compressed solid form of medication, various sub-types for specific uses.
- Caplet — Capsule-shaped tablet with a smooth coating.
- Scored Tablet — Tablet with a groove for splitting.
- Buccal Tablet — Tablet placed between cheek and gums.
- Sublingual Tablet — Tablet placed under the tongue.
- Effervescent Tablet — Tablet that fizzes and dissolves in water.
- Enteric-Coated Tablet — Tablet with a coating to resist stomach acid.
- Orally Disintegrating Tablet — Tablet dissolving rapidly in the mouth.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review examples of each tablet and capsule type.
- Prepare for a quiz on identifying dosage forms by their characteristics.