Things to know about the processing and formulation of pharmaceuticals
Combination of different types of chemical substances, along with the active drug to produce the final product of medicine is said to be as formulation in pharma. The drugs can be given to the patient in various forms like solid, semisolid or liquid. The type of formation that has to be given to the patient depends on the age, sex, and also the health condition. This helps to optimize the performance of drug delivery and the stability of the product.
This drug development will undergo a number of trials before spreading to world level. During this testing process, different types of properties are checked to know whether the drug contains any toxic substance or not. At last the final formulated technological preparation of pharmaceutical solutions with non-toxic approval will be accepted to final dosage form.
Formulation can either be given in three forms:
- Solid
- Semi-solid
- Liquid
Solid form:
Tablets– the appearance of the tablet will be in disc form. This will be done with the combination of granulated powders. The outer layer of the tablet is coated with a fine layer of inert substance like starch which disintegrates in the patient’s digestive tract. To make the tablet look palatable lubricating materials and some other binding agents are added to it.
Capsules– the capsules may be soft or hard. The soft capsules will have the drug in semi-solid or liquid form which will be non-soluble in water and be soluble in glycol. Hard capsules will contain drug in solid form which will easily get dissolve in water.
Enteric-coated tablet- this type of tablet will not disintegrate in the acidic medium which is present in the stomach but will disintegrate in the alkaline medium which is present in the intestine. This type of tablet can be consumed only by swallowing.
Semi-solid and liquid:
This type of liquid form will be absorbed by the body easily.
Oral– oral preparation of drug can be swallowed easily in pharmaceutical solutions. This will be easy for the children as well as old age patients to consume. To make the liquid palatable sugar and some of the flavourings are added to it. Before consuming it should be shaken well and then used.
Buccal administration– this is useful for the drug which is active in a very low concentration in the flow of blood. This type of drugs is allowed to be administered as tablets which should be kept under the tongue or between the cheek and that will slowly get to dissolve. By this way, the drug will directly enter into the bloodstream by passing through the digestive tract and the activation of it will be faster.
Final thoughts:
The pharmaceutical solutions can formulate a drug in solid, liquid or semi-solid form. This article will help you to evaluate the chemical and mechanical properties of the drug and their interaction with other chemical ingredients. By this you can get a clear note on the processing of pharmaceutical formulation and their role in the life of human being.
