1
Tablet
- Disk of compressed drug
- variety shapes/colors
- scorned/not scored
- may be coated for ease in swallowing
2
Enteric Coated Tablet
- Special coating that resists disintegration by gastric juices
- Dissolves further down the GI tract (in enteric, or intestinal region) for absorption in appropriate location
- Must NEVER be destroyed by chewing or crushing
3
Capsule
- Drug contained inside a gelatin type container
- Easier to swallow
- May be taken apart and added to food or beverages (unless contraindicated)
4
Time-Release (sustained release) capsule
- contains drug particles that have various coatings (often different colors) that differ in the amount of time required to dissolve
- Delivers dose of drug over an extended period of time
- ADVANTAGE: decreased frequency of administration
- DO NOT CRUSH(Pellets inside): May cause damage and cause the drug to be released all at once and cause the person to be overdosed
- It should be swallowed whole
5
Lozenge (troche)
- Tablet containing palatable flavoring, indicated for a local effect on the throat or mouth(often soothing)
- DO NOT SWALLOW-----dissolves in mouth
- Do not drink liquids for 15 minutes after using
6
Suspension
- Liquid for medication that must be shaken well before administration b/c drug settles to the bottom of the bottle
- Drug is not evenly distributed in liquid
- Example: Keflex suspension is common(usually for children)
7
Emulsion
liquid drug preparation that contains oils and fats in water
8
Elixir, fluid extract
- Liquid drug form with alcohol base
- Tightly capped to prevent evaporation
- Should not be available to alcoholics (contains alcohol)
9
Syrup
- Sweetened, flavored liquid drug form
- Cherry/fruit flavor preparations are common for children
10
Solution
- Liquid form in which the drug is totally and evenly dissolved
- Appearance is clear, rather that cloudy or settled
11
Orally dissolving tablet (ODT)
- Quick melts, will dissolve in mouth and then be swallowed
12
Gel Caps
- Dissolve faster in stomach then tablets