LIQUIDE DOSAGE FORMS

            Liquid dosage forms are prepared by dissolving the active ingredient(s) in an aqueous or nonaqueous solvent, by suspending the drug in appropriate medium or by incorporating the drug substance into
one or two phases of an oil and water system. These forms can be formulated for different routes of administration: oral use, introduction into body cavities, or applied externally. Liquid drugs may also be administered systemically by mouth or by injection throughout the body.

The oral liquid forms can be readily administered to children or people unable to swallow tablets or capsules.

I. SYRUP

         A medicine dosage form that consists of a high concentration of a sugar in water is called Syrup. Flavors may be added to mask unpleasant taste of certain medication. Cherry, grape, strawberry syrup drug preparations are common for children.

Example: Sara syrup, Ibuprofen syrup, Dalfagan syrup, etc.

II. SUSPENSION:

 ​​​​        Liquid form of medication that must be shaken well before administration because the medicine particles settle at the bottom of the bottle. The medicine is not evenly dissolved in the liquid (hydrophobic agents).

Example: Cotrim suspension, Diaryl suspension, Amoxicillin suspension, Cefixim suspension, etc។

III. ELIXIR  

        Liquid medicine form for oral use that contain primarily water, alcohol and sugar. Their alcohol content makes elixir convenient liquid dosage form for many drugs that are only slightly soluble in water.

Example: Hosolvan elixir, Terpin hydrate elixir, etc.

IV. EMULSION 

        A pharmaceutical preparation in which two agents of oil and water that cannot ordinarily be combined are mixed is called an emulsion. These forms can be administered orally, topically, or parenterally (intramuscularly). In order to prepare suitable emulsions and to have them remain stable for a suitable period of time, a number of emulsifying agents are used in their preparation.

Example: Propofol (Diprivan), Metronidazole topical emulsion, etc.

V. TINCTURE

        Alcoholic or water- alcohol solution of medicines. It is differ from elixir in that it is not sweeten. Tincture can be used orally or externally.

Example: Iodine tincture

VI. EYE, EAR, NOSE DROPS

        Medicines in sterile water (purified water-deionized, demineralized water) to be applied by drops.

Example: Ciprofloxacin eye/ear drop, New V-rotho, Tear Natural II, Pyinchin, etc.

VII. MOUTH WASHES SOLUTION 

         Aqueous solutions which are most often used for their deodorant, refreshing or antiseptic effect.

Example: Eludril, Septil, etc

VIII. ENEMA 

          An enema is a fluid injected into the lower bowel by way of the rectum and most frequent used as a cleansing enema which is given to relieve constipation or for bowel cleansing before a medical examination or procedure.

Example: Pata enema, etc

IX. DOUCHE SOLUTION  

         Sterile solution, often a cleansing or antiseptic agent for part of the body or body cavity.

Example: Povidone iodine, H₂O₂

X. LINIMENT

         Preparation for external use that is rubbed on the skin as a counterirritant. As such, the liniment creates a different sensation (e.g. tingling or burning) to mask pain in the skin, muscle or joint.

Example: Camphor liniment

XI. MEDICATIONS FOR INJECTION:

   1.Solution  

      Ready for injection. The solutions have a sterile water base and are thus referred to as aqueous solution. Some solutions have an oil base, which tends to cause a more prolonged absorption time. The oily nature of these solutions makes them thick, thus they are referred to viscous solution.

Example: Becozyme injection, Glucose 50% injection, Lactate ringer, NaCl 0.9%, etc

   2. Powder  

        Dry particle of medicines. The powder itself cannot be injected. It must be mixed with a sterile diluting solution-solvent (sterile water or saline solution) to render an injectable solution. This is termed reconstitution of medicine. Medicines are supplied undiluted in powder form because of the short period of time they remain stable after dilution.

Example: Ampicillin, Ceftriaxone, etc

            These products are packaged in ampoules, vials, bottles, plastic bags, and prefilled disposable syringes.

References:  

Essential Pharmacology for Health Occupations, 5TH EDITION,  RUTH WOODRAW