Modern Dosage Forms in Ayurvedic and Pharmaceutical Sciences: Innovations and Challenges: by Mamta Kolte
Explore definitions, classifications, modifications, and recent advancements in modern dosage forms, focusing on Ayurvedic principles and pharmaceutical technology for improved drug delivery and patient compliance.
DEFINITION
Dosage forms arethe means by which drug molecules are delivered to the sites of action
within the body to produce optimum desired effects and minimum adverse effects.
DOSAGE FORM = API + EXCIPIENTS
• Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients: for use in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
• Excipients are inactive substance that serves as the vehicle for drug or other active substances.
Examples: preservatives, colouring agents, flavouring agents etc.
4.
WHY THEY MATTER
•Traditional formulations often face major drawbacks like unpleasant taste, quick
degradation, and unstable shelf life. Modern dosage forms matter because they solve
these issues, making medicines safer to store, easier to swallow, and far more reliable
in delivering the exact right dose every time.
6.
SOLID DOSAGE FORM
•Most widely used dosage form due to easy mass production and high stability.
• Protect drugs from oxygen, light, moisture, humidity, and temperature.
• Easy to handle, transport, store, and administer.
• Manufactured by wet granulation, dry granulation, or direct compression.
• May contain excipients for improved formulation and performance.
• Coating and flavoring agents help mask unpleasant taste and odor and improve patient
compliance.
• Advancements: 3D printing technology, Nanosizing technology.
7.
SEMI-SOLID DOSAGE FORM
•Applied to the skin or mucous membranes for local or systemic effects.
• Desired properties: Smooth, non-greasy, non-irritant, non-staining, and easily spreadable.
• Compatible with skin secretions and cause minimal sensitization.
• Types:
1. Ointments: Hydrocarbon-based, greasy preparations with prolonged skin contact.
2. Creams: Semisolid emulsions with good cosmetic appeal and easy application.
3. Pastes: Ointments containing a high proportion of insoluble solids; provide a protective barrier.
4. Gels: Transparent or translucent semisolid systems used for topical drug delivery with a cooling effect.
• Advancement: Nanotechnology integration, Transdermal drug delivery systems, hydrogels,
Mucoadhesive Formulations.
8.
LIQUID DOSAGE FORM
•Preparations in which the drug is dissolved or dispersed in a suitable liquid vehicle.
• Available as oral (non-sterile) and parenteral (sterile) formulations.
• Classified into: Monophasic: Homogeneous single-phase solutions.
Biphasic: Two-phase systems (e.g., suspensions, emulsions).
True solutions: Solute completely dissolved in solvent.
• Common examples: Syrups, Elixirs, Linctus, Gargles, Mouthwash, Lotions, Liniments,
Nasal drops, and Ear drops.
• Advancement: Nano-emulsion, Liposomes, microencapsulation techniques.
9.
GASES DOSAGE FORM
•Deliver drugs through inhalation for rapid onset and targeted action, especially in the
respiratory tract.
• Provide localized drug delivery with reduced systemic side effects.
• Types:
1. Aerosols (MDIs): Pressurized inhalers delivering a fixed dose (e.g., asthma treatment).
2. Vaporized agents: Volatile anesthetics used for inhalational anesthesia.
3. Nebulized solutions: Convert liquid medicines into a fine mist for inhalation, suitable
for various respiratory disorders.
11.
CHALLENGES IN MODIFICATION
•Maintaining Ayurvedic Principles
• Cost of production
• Lack of awareness among practitioners
• Regulatory hurdles
ADVANTAGES
• Better patientcompliance
• Improved drug stability
• Precise dose administration
• Enhanced bioavailability
• Reduced adverse effects
• Convenient handling and packaging
• Increased shelf life
16.
Conclusion
• Ayurvedic dosageform = bridge between tradition & modern science
• Future depends on research, standardization & innovation
• Dosage forms ensure safe and effective drug delivery.
• Selection depends on drug properties, patient factors, and therapeutic goals.
• Different dosage forms are designed for specific clinical purposes.
• They improve patient convenience, compliance, and treatment outcomes.
• Advanced dosage forms enhance bioavailability and reduce adverse effects.
• Continuous innovations in pharmaceutical technology are improving drug delivery and patient
care.
#3 Dosage forms are the combination of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and excipients.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients are chemical compounds intended for use in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
Excipients are inactive substance that serves as the vehicle for drug or other active substances. Examples: preservatives, colouring agents, flavouring agents etc.