Powders are intimate mixtures of dry, finely divided drugs that range in size from 0.1 to 10 microns. Uniform particle size distribution ensures uniform dissolution, sedimentation, and minimizes stratification. Granules are made by blending powders and moistening to form a pasty mass that is dried. Capsules are solid oral dosage forms consisting of a shell and filling, while tablets are solid dosage forms containing medicinal substances with or without diluents. Other solid oral dosage forms include lozenges, troches, and pills.

1. Solid Dosage Forms

3. Powders
 Intimate mixtures of dry, finely divided drugs and/or chemicals
that may be intended for internal or external use.
 Generally range from 0.1 to 10 micron in size.
 The size of the particles are often expressed as a number
which corresponds to the mesh screen size of a sieve. The screen
size indicates the number of openings in the mesh screen per
inch. For example, a # 40 sieve has 40 openings per inch in the
screen mesh. Particles that can sift through that mesh are said to
be "40 mesh" size.

4. Description Term Mesh Opening Size
(microns)
Mesh Size Number
Very Coarse > 1000 2 - 10
Coarse 355 -1000 20 - 40
Moderately Coarse 180 - 355 40 - 80
Fine 125 - 180 80 - 120
Very Fine 90 - 125 120 - 200

5.  A good powder formulation has an
uniform particle size distribution.
 If the particle size distribution is not uniform, the powder can segregate
according to the different particle sizes which may result in inaccurate dosing
or inconsistent performance.
 A uniform particle size distribution insures
an uniform dissolution rate if the powder is to dissolve,
an uniform sedimentation rate if the powder is used in a suspension,
minimizes stratification when powders are stored or transported.

6. Powders for Internal use
Bulk Powders- are nonpotent and can be dosed
with acceptable accuracy and safety using
measuring devices such as the teaspoon, cup, or
insufflator.
Divided Powders - are single doses of powdered
medicinals individually wrapped in cellophane,
metallic foil, or paper.

7. - Particles size 4 to 10 mesh.
- Granules generally are made
by first blending the powders
together and then moistening
the mixture to form a pasty
mass. The mass is passed
through a sieve and then dried
in air or in an oven. They are
prepared as a convenience for
packaging, as a more stable
product due to less surface
exposure, and as a popular
dosage form.
Granules

8. Capsules
 A solid oral dosage form consisting of a shell
and a filling. The shell is composed of a
single sealed enclosure, or two halves that
fit together and which are sometimes sealed
with a band. Capsule shells may be made
from gelatin, starch, or cellulose, or other
suitable materials, may be soft or hard, and
are filled with solid or liquid ingredients that
can be poured or squeezed.

9. • Hard Gelatin Capsules- consists of a base or body and a shorter
cap, which fits firmly over the base of the capsule. For human use,
eight sizes of capsules are available(000, 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5). The
capacity of each size varies according to the combination of drugs
and their apparent densities.
• Soft Gelatin Capsules- a solid dosage form in which the drug is
enclosed within a soluble, gelatin shell which is plasticized by the
addition of a polyol, such as sorbitol or glycerin, and is therefore of a
somewhat thicker consistency than that of a hard shell capsule;
typically, the active ingredients are dissolved or suspended in a
liquid vehicle.

10. Hard gelatin capsules Soft gelatin capsules

11. Tablets
• A solid dosage form containing medicinal substances with or
without suitable diluents.

12. Types Of Tablets
• Chewable Tablets- a solid
dosage form containing medicinal
substances with or without
suitable diluents that is intended
to be chewed, producing a
pleasant tasting residue in the oral
cavity that is easily swallowed and
does not leave a bitter or
unpleasant after-taste. Coated Tablet- A solid dosage form
that contains medicinal substances with
or without suitable diluents and is
covered with a designated coating.

13. • Delayed-release Tablet- a solid
dosage form which releases a drug
(or drugs) at a time other than
promptly after administration.
Enteric-coated particles are delayed
release dosage forms.
• Extended-release Tablet- a solid
dosage form containing a drug which
allows at least a reduction in dosing
frequency as compared to that drug
presented in conventional dosage
form.

14. • Film-coated Tablet- a solid
dosage form that contains
medicinal substances with or
without suitable diluents and is
coated with a thin layer of a
water-insoluble or water-
soluble polymer.
• Sugar-coated Tablet- a solid
dosage form that contains
medicinal substances with or
without suitable diluents and is
coated with a colored or an
uncolored water-soluble sugar.

15. Other Solid Dosage Forms for Oral
Administration
• Lozenges- a solid preparation containing
one or more medicaments, usually in a
flavored, sweetened base which is
intended to dissolve or disintegrate slowly
in the mouth.
*Troche- compressed lozenges
*Lollipop- a lozenge on a stick
*Chewable Lozenges- "gummy-type"
lozenges

16. • Pills- small, round solid dosage form
containing a medicinal agent intended for oral
administration.