TYPES OF DRUG PREPARATION

Aerosol spray or foam

A liquid, powder or foam deposited in a thin layer on the

skin by air pressure.

Aqueous solution

One or more drugs dissolved in water.

Aqueous suspension

One or more drugs finely divided in a liquid such as water.

Caplet

A solid form, shaped lie a capsule, coated and easily

swallowed.

Capsule

A gelatinous container to hold a drug in powder, liquid or

oil form.

Cream

A nongreasy, semisolid preparation used on the skin.

Elixir

A sweetened and aromatic solution of alcohol used as a

vehicle for medicinal agents.

Extract

A concentrated form of a drug made from vegetables or

animals.

Gel or jelly

A clear or translucent semisolid that liquefies when applied

to the skin.

Liniment

A medication mixed with alcohol, oil, or soapy emollient

and applied to the skin.

Lotion

A medication in a liquid suspension applied to the skin.

Lozenge (troche)

A flat, round or oval preparation that dissolves and

releases a drug when held in the mouth.

Ointment (salve,
Unction)

A semisolid preparation of one or more drugs used for

application to the skin and mucous membrane.

Paste

A preparation like an ointment, but thicker and stiff, that

penetrates the skin less than an ointment.

Pill

One or more drugs mixed with a cohesive material, in oval,

round, or flattened shapes.

Powder

A finely ground drug or drugs; some are used internally,

others externally.

Suppository

One or several drugs mixed with a firm base such as

gelatin and shaped for insertion into the body (rectum,
vagina); the base dissolves gradually at body temperature,
releasing the drug.

Syrup

An aqueous solution of sugar often used to disguise

unpleasant tasting drugs.

Tablet

A powdered drug compressed into a hard small disc; some

are readily broken along a scored line; others are entericcoated to prevent them from dissolving in the stomach.

Tincture

An alcoholic or water-and-alcohol solution prepared from

drugs derived from plants.

Transdermal patch

A semipermeable membrane shaped in the form or a disc

or patch that contains a drug to be absorbed through the
skin over a long period of time.