Which dosage forms are used for medicines taken by mouth?

Medicines taken by mouth, known as oral dosage forms, are categorized into solid and liquid preparations designed for effective delivery and patient acceptance.

Solid Dosage Forms

• Tablets: The most common dosage form, created by compressing powdered drugs with excipients. These include enteric coated tablets, which bypass the stomach to dissolve in the small intestine, and sublingual tablets designed to dissolve under the tongue.12
• Capsules: Typically made of hard or soft gelatin, these are used to house powders, granules, pellets, or liquids, often to mask unpleasant tastes.3
• Modified-release forms: These include extended-release tablets and capsules, which may use coated beads, granules, or specialized matrices to ensure the drug is released over an extended period.2

Liquid Dosage Forms

• Solutions and Suspensions: Liquids where the drug is dissolved or dispersed in a vehicle like water or alcohol.4
• Syrups and Elixirs: Sweetened, flavored liquids; elixirs specifically contain a hydro-alcoholic base.4
• Emulsions: Mixtures of two immiscible liquids, such as oil and water, stabilized by emulsifying agents.4