Tablet

• Disk of compressed drug
• variety shapes/colors
• scorned/not scored
• may be coated for ease in swallowing

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

Capsule

• Drug contained inside a gelatin type container
• Easier to swallow
• May be taken apart and added to food or beverages (unless contraindicated)

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

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

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)

Emulsion

liquid drug preparation that contains oils and fats in water

Elixir, fluid extract

• Liquid drug form with alcohol base
• Tightly capped to prevent evaporation
• Should not be available to alcoholics (contains alcohol)

Syrup

• Sweetened, flavored liquid drug form
• Cherry/fruit flavor preparations are common for children

Solution

• Liquid form in which the drug is totally and evenly dissolved
• Appearance is clear, rather that cloudy or settled

Orally dissolving tablet (ODT)

• Quick melts, will dissolve in mouth and then be swallowed

Gel Caps

• Dissolve faster in stomach then tablets