Liquid dosage forms
Liquid dosage forms
• One of the oldest dosage forms used in treatment.
• Rapid & High absorption of soluble medicinal products . Particular use for
individuals having difficulty in swallowing SDF (e.g.: Pediatric, Geriatric,
Intensive care & Psychiatric) Patients. Solutions are homogeneous liquid
preparation containing one or more completely dissolved components (One-phase
system).
• Active ingredients dissolved within vehicles to obtain uniform sols.
• In general, water used as vehicle in w medicaments dissolved, water is
Non-toxic, Nonirritant, Tasteless, Relatively cheap, and many drugs are water
soluble (Aqueous sol.)
Classification
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Solutions: definition
• Pharmaceutical solutions generally defined as liquid preparations in which the
therapeutic agent and the various excipients are dissolved in the chosen solvent
system.
• Oral sol. defined as ‘Oral Liquids containing one or more active ingredients
dissolved in a suitable vehicle’ (BP).
• Pharmaceutical sol. classified according to their intended use as :
• Oral solution, - Otic solution Ophthalmic solution,
• Topical solution.
• Parenteral preparations Sol. categorized by a traditional name related to the
solvent system used and/or their intended function (e.g. Spirits, Syrups Tinctures,
Aromatic waters, and Elixirs).
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Advantages of pharmaceutical solutions
• The drug immediately available for absorption. By providing drug in a solution, the
dissolution phase absorption can bypassed → quicker absorption.
• Flexible dosing is possible. The active ingredient within sol. present in a certain
Conc. per unit volume.
• Solutions are designed for any route of absorption: the oral route of
administration , via Parenteral preparations (injections), enemas for rectal use,
Topical (for use on skin) & ophthalmic preparations are all sols.
• No need to shake the container. Unlike suspensions as the active ingredient is
dissolved within the vehicle.
• Facilitate swallowing in difficult cases (e.g. infants or the elderly). It is more easier
for patients to take solution
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Disadvantages of pharmaceutical solutions
1. Drug stability is reduced in Solution by hydrolysis or oxidation.
For this reason, Sol. is commonly has a shorter expiry date than equivalent solid
dosage forms.
2. It is difficult to mask unpleasant tastes. Although when formulatedinto a sol. by
the addition of a Flavorings.
3. A major disadvantage of all liquid dosage forms; they are much larger & more
bulky, difficult to transport.
Liquids packed in glass bottles are obviously prone to breakage and cause loss of
the preparation.
4. Technical accuracy is needed to measure the dose on administration.
patient accuracy in measuring a dose is required
5. Some drugs are poorly soluble so it is necessary to alter vehicle or drug
form in order to formulate a convenient prep.
6. A measuring device is needed for administration so need to be supplied to
the patient to be able to measure an accurate dose
EXCIPENTS USED IN FORMULATION OF LDF
1. Surfactants – enhancing the wetting property
2. Hydrocolloids – emulsion, binding, gelling agent
3. Diluents – bulking the quantity
4. Solubilizer – enhance the solubility
5. Stabilizer &/or preservatives –
6. Coloring, flavouring, sweetening agent – organoleptic
properties
Vehicles
1. Aqueous Vehicle – Water
2. Non aqueous vehicle – Oils, Hydroxylate compounds
3. Alcohol – IPA, Glycerol,
Suspending Buffers
Emulsifying Viscosity enhancer
solublizers
Co-solvent
