Health Product Manufacturing & Supply

Capsules are another common dosage form used for administering medications. They consist of a gelatine shell, typically containing one or more active ingredients in powder, granule, or liquid form. Capsules offer several advantages, including:

Easy Swallowing: Capsules are usually easier to swallow than tablets, especially for individuals who have difficulty swallowing large or solid dosage forms. They can also be opened and the contents mixed with food or drink for those who have trouble swallowing whole capsules.
Flexibility in Formulation: Capsules can accommodate a wide range of formulations, including powders, granules, pellets, and liquids. This flexibility allows for customized formulations tailored to specific patient needs, such as extended-release or combination therapies.
Masking Unpleasant Taste and Oder: Capsules can be formulated to mask the taste and odor of medications, improving patient acceptance and compliance, particularly for drugs with bitter or unpleasant flavors.

Syrups and suspensions are liquid dosage forms used for administering medications, especially to individuals who have difficulty swallowing solid dosage forms like tablets or capsules. While they share the characteristic of being liquid formulations, there are differences between the two: Syrup: A syrup is a concentrated solution of sugar (usually sucrose or glucose) in water, often flavored and medicated. Syrups are clear or translucent liquids with a sweet taste, making them palatable for administration, especially to pediatric and geriatric patients. Medications in syrup form are dissolved or dispersed uniformly in the sugar solution. Syrups typically have a longer shelf life compared to suspensions due to the high sugar content, which acts as a preservative. Examples of medications commonly available in syrup form include cough syrups, antihistamines, and liquid antibiotics. Suspension: A suspension is a heterogeneous mixture of finely divided solid particles dispersed in a liquid medium, usually water. Suspensions may require shaking before use to ensure uniform distribution of the suspended particles throughout the liquid. Suspensions often contain a suspending agent or thickening agent to prevent settling of the solid particles. Suspensions may have a shorter shelf life compared to syrups due to the potential for particle aggregation or settling over time. Examples of medications commonly available in suspension form include oral antibiotics, antacids, and antifungal agents. Both syrups and suspensions offer advantages in terms of ease of administration, especially for patients who have difficulty swallowing solid dosage forms. They are available in a variety of flavors and strengths to suit different patient preferences and therapeutic needs. However, it’s essential to carefully follow dosing instructions and shake suspensions well before each use to ensure proper dosing and uniform dispersion of the medication.

Parenteral injections are administered directly into the body tissues, bypassing the digestive system. They are typically given into the muscles (intramuscular), veins (intravenous), or beneath the skin (subcutaneous). These injections allow for rapid absorption and distribution of medications throughout the body. They are commonly used when oral administration is not feasible or when a rapid onset of action is required. Parenteral injections are administered by healthcare professionals and require sterile technique to prevent infections. Common types of parenteral injections include:

– Injected into the muscle tissue, allowing for slow and sustained release of medication.
– Commonly used for medications that require gradual absorption or for large volumes of medication.
– Examples include vaccines, certain antibiotics, and some hormones.