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MODERN
Dosage Forms
Dr. Mamta Kolte
Final Year, PG Scholar
Dept. of Rasashastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana
 Definition
 Why They Matters
 Classification
 Modified Classical Dosage Form
 Challenges
 Recent Marketed Ex.
 Conclusion
Table Of
Content
DEFINITION
Dosage forms are the 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
CHALLENGES IN MODIFICATION
• Maintaining Ayurvedic Principles
• Cost of production
• Lack of awareness among practitioners
• Regulatory hurdles
Modified Classical Dosage
forms
COMMONLY MODIFIED DOSAGE FORMS
Classical Dosage Form Limitation Recent Modification Advantages
Swarasa Kalpana Less shelf life (24hrs) Ghana Vati, Syrup, Tetra
pack of juice, Dry powder
Increase palatability,
Compatibility, Shelf life,
and easy administration.
Kwatha Kalpana Short shelf life, large
dose, unpalatability
Granules, Arka, syrup,
Ghana Vati
Increase palatability,
stability
Churna Kalpana Hygroscopic nature,
unpalatability, Gastro-
irritant potential
Granules, Capsules,
Chewable Tablets
Faster dissolution-
disintegration,
palatability,
Vati Kalpana Already Pt. friendly, but
can be improved
Chewable tablets, Lozenges Palatability, Improved
compliance, Prolonged
local action
Sneha Kalpana Sticky, Rancidity & shelf-
life issues, Palatability &
Pt.Compliance
Ointments, Liniment,
Cream, Soft gel capsules
Prolonged action, easy
application, Local
Stimulation, Non-greasy
Recent Marketed Examples
Kerala Ayurveda-20gm
Rs 350-400
Just Herbs-9.6gm
Rs 195
Vedix-100ml
Rs 319
Himalaya-400ml
Rs 200
ADVANTAGES
• Better patient compliance
• Improved drug stability
• Precise dose administration
• Enhanced bioavailability
• Reduced adverse effects
• Convenient handling and packaging
• Increased shelf life
Conclusion
• Ayurvedic dosage form = 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.
Thank You !