Sunday, July 12, 2020

Different types of HPLC chromatography

The HPLC chromatography has different types that are based on the principle of separation, modes of chromatography, type of analysis, the scale of operation, and elution mode.

Chromatography is an analytical technique in chemistry used to isolate and analyze complex mixtures of analytes. Chromatography works by distributing a mixture of compounds between two phases i.e. the mobile phase and the stationary phase. Liquid chromatography uses a liquid or solvent as a mobile phase, whereas the stationary phase is packed into a column or a planar surface. 

The isolation of all chromatography methods, including HPLC, TLC, column chromatography, and paper chromatography works under the same basic principle. The compounds are separated because of their different affinity for the stationary phase used in the chromatography system.


The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is a highly advanced version of column chromatography. Rather by allowing a solvent to drop under gravity via a column, it is forced at high pressure using an HPLC pump, which makes it a very rapid and highly precise method.

The stationary phases (solid) that are packed in a column (most generally silica) and the mobile phase (liquid) pass through it. It also allows the use of very small size of the particles for the packing material of the HPLC column, which gives a very high surface area for the interaction between the stationary phase and the components traveling over it. 

Therefore, we obtain a better separation of the components of the sample mixture. The analytes of the sample mixture are separated based on their polarity; it's dependent on the chromatography technique that will be used for the analysis.

Different types of HPLC:

HPLC has several forms which are based on modes of chromatography, the principle of separation, elution method, type of analysis, and scale of operation, let's check it.
  • Based on modes of chromatography:
  • Based on the principle of separation:
The adsorption chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, ion-pair chromatography, gel permeation or size exclusion chromatography, and chiral chromatography, etc.
  • Based on elution method followed:
Isocratic elution and gradient elution
  • Based on the type of analysis:
Quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis
  • Based on the scale of operation:
Preparative type HPLC and analytical type HPLC

Depend on the stationary phase in the method there are four types of HPLC i.e. reversed-phase HPLC, normal phase HPLC, size-exclusion HPLC, and ion-exchange HPLC are used to separate the molecules.

Reversed-phase HPLC:

RP-HPLC is a chromatographic technique in which the mobile phase is polar, aqueous, and the stationary phase is non-polar (hydrophobic). The particles in the reversed-phase column are usually coated with carbon chains, for example, C8/C18. Among all types of HPLC methods, we use around 70% of this process due to its wide applicability and reproducibility.

Normal phase HPLC:

NP-HPLC is the classical form of chromatography; in contrast to the reversed-phase chromatography, it uses the non-polar mobile phase and polar stationary phase (hydrophilic). If this separation mechanism depends on adsorption, it is also known as adsorption chromatography based on the selected stationary phase. 

More specifically, this technique is the mobile process is 100 percent organic solvents. That means no water is used for the separation of compounds.

Size-exclusion HPLC:

Size exclusion or gel-filtration chromatography requires porous stationary particles, trapping smaller size particles within, and allowing bigger size molecules to move more rapidly. The size exclusion chromatography column is filled with precisely controlled pore-size material. The retention time of analyte increases as the size of the analyte decreases.

Ion-exchange HPLC:

Ion-exchange chromatography is a type of HPLC that used to isolate ions and polar compounds based on their affinity for an ion exchanger. To purify proteins and other charged a molecule IEC is the most popular method this is one of the major advantages of ion chromatography. IE-HPLC uses attraction by an electric charge on the surface of stationary phase particles. 

The retention time of the eluted molecules relies on their inherent charge and the salt ion concentration in solution. Anion-exchange and cation-exchange are two types of ion chromatography. Anion exchange particles are positively charged cation exchange particles that are negatively charged and interact with positive ions.

Instrumentation of HPLC:

The instrumentation of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) consists of a solvent reservoir, degasser, pump, sample loop (injector), column, column oven, and detector. The separation of the components happens in the HPLC column, hence is considered as a key component for separation in HPLC.

Solvent reservoir:

It is used to store the mobile phase or solvents. HPLC usually consists of polar and non-polar liquid mobile phases such as water, methanol, acetonitrile, and buffer or a suitable combination whose specific concentration is changed depending on the properties of the sample.

Pump:

By providing high pressure the pump of HPLC gives a constant, pulseless flow and reproducible flow of the mobile phase. A standard HPLC pump needs to be pumped against pressures of up to 6,000 PSI, hence generally reciprocating piston pumps are used in the HPLC. Reciprocating pump is used as isocratic and gradient mode, and a syringe pump, a pneumatic pump is used as an isocratic mode. The different types of pumps are available as single, binary or quaternary as needed.

Degasser:

The vacuum degasser is an in-line component that removes dissolved gases from solvents or the mobile phase. Inside the vacuum degasser, the solvent moves through tubing that is situated in a vacuum chamber. The partial vacuum inside the chamber is maintained by a continuously running vacuum pump. The solvent moves within the coil. The dissolved gases are drawn by vacuum through the tubing wall.

Injector:

A sample injector is a device used to inject the sample solution into the system. Typically the injection volume of the sample uses between 5 -100 microliters. The injectors should have high reproducible and work on the high back pressure of HPLC (up to 4000 psi). Rheodyne injectors, septum injectors, and stop flow injectors are examples of HPLC injectors, of which Rheodyne is commonly used.

Column:

The selection of HPLC column dimensions to perform the analysis will depend on chromatographic applications, properties, and the number of molecules in the sample. Generally, modern columns are made of stainless steel tubes; they packed by spherical silica gels that are coated with a hydrophobic stationary phase with a molecule size of 3 to 10 µm. Columns are around 50 to 300 mm long and the around 2 to 5 mm has a diameter.

Column oven:

Nowadays the column oven in LC is an essential component that is used to control the temperature of the column. For separations of molecules with the marginal resolution of the critical peak pair, a proper column temperature control is necessary. It is also useful when the viscous buffer solution is used in the mobile phase. 

As the viscosity decreases, consequently, the backpressure of the system decreases. In general, when the column temperature increases, the process of chromatographic separation becomes more rapid and more efficient.

Detector:

A detector is a tool used to detect solutes eluted from the HPLC column. The detector converts the effluent into an electrical signal and the computerized system record it. The UV/VIS and PDA detector are most commonly used in HPLC; different types of HPLC detectors are the mass detector (LC-MS), fluorescence detector, and Infrared detector, etc.

Data acquisition and control system:

Each parameter of the system is controlled through a computerized system. HPLC parameters such as mobile phase composition, flow rate, wavelength, run time, temperature, sample sequence, and injection volume, etc. It is used to constantly monitor the system and check the back pressure and it allows integrating the obtained data.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):

What is the HPLC principle?
The basic principle of HPLC is based on the distribution of the compounds among the stationary phase (column packing) and a mobile phase (solvent). Compounds are separated according to their chemical structure, and affinity towards the column.

Where is HPLC used?
HPLC is more commonly used in the analytical field and pharmaceutical applications. It plays a significant role in the pharmaceutical analysis as it is used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of test samples. Some other major applications of HPLC include forensics applications, environmental applications, clinical applications, food, and beverage applications.

Why UV detector is used in HPLC?
UV detector is used in HPLC to detect and identify molecules in the sample mixture. The ultraviolet detector is based on UV absorbance and works in the range of 200 nm to 400 nm. It is the most commonly used detector for liquid chromatography, as it is nondestructive and measures the amount of light absorbed by the molecule.

Why c18 column is used in HPLC?
There are different types of columns are used in HPLC separation, but the most frequently used column is C18 (Octyldecylsilane). It consists of 18 carbons bound to the silica that is more carbon and a longer carbon chain than other columns such as C8 or C4. Due to the more carbons chain, C18 has a big surface area that provides more interaction time among the bonded phase and the solutes. Consequently, the analytes are more slowly eluted from the column and more separation occurs.

Saturday, July 11, 2020

What is a C18 HPLC column?

High-performance liquid chromatography is a type of chromatography that refers to use in analytical chemistry for identifying, separating, and identifying each molecule in a sample mixture. The types of HPLC such as reversed-phase, normal phase, size-exclusion, and ion exchange HPLC are used to isolate the compounds, of these, RP-HPLC is the most commonly used. The selection of columns for HPLC analysis is mainly based on the solubility of compounds in solvents. HPLC samples are normally organic molecules that differ in properties and structures such as polarity, size, pH, and functionality. Some molecules have ionic functionality; they often need modification in ionic strength or pH of the mobile phase to the symmetrical shape of the peak.
What is a C18 HPLC column?

There are different types of columns used in HPLC, but the C18 is the most widely used stationary phase in reversed-phase HPLC. C18 (Octyldecylsilane) is hydrophobic in nature that has a carbon chain bonded to the particles of silica within the column. It has 18 carbons that bonded to silica, which is more and a longer carbon chain than the C8 (8 carbons) and C4 (4 carbons). Since it has a more carbon chain, it has a larger surface area that gives a further time of interaction between analytes and bonded phases. As a result, the solutes are gradually separated from the column with more separation. In such a phase non-polar compounds will interact while they travel through the stationary phase. Therefore, if the sample mixture containing two compounds and if one compound is more hydrophobic, then the less hydrophobic compound would elute more rapidly than more hydrophobic compounds.
Both C18 and C8 are RP-HPLC columns and refer to the alkyl chain of the bonded phase. C18 columns can available in several sizes such as length, diameter, hydrophobicity, particle size, and the ability to separate  acidicand basic components. Generally, the columns are available in the 30 mm to 250 mm in length, 3µ to 5µ in pore size, and 01 to 05 mm in diameter. The C18 HPLC column is mainly used in pharmaceutical analysis, environmental science, chemical analysis as well as some industrial applications, for qualitative and quantitative analysis of samples. C18, C8, C30, C4, C1, alkyl reversed-phase column, and phenyl columns are the different types of columns used in RP-HPLC. C18 is the most widely used.

Silica gel: 
Silica gel is the most commonly used packing material or as a stationary phase in different types of chromatography such as HPLC, TLC, column chromatography, and HPTLC. It is slightly acidic and polar, it has two types such as spherical and irregular shape. The silica gel used in liquid chromatography has a pore on its surface, which gives a larger surface area than pores without. The 5μm is the most widely used HPLC column.

Commonly asked questions on HPLC columns are as follows.

Why c18 column is used in HPLC?
The C18 is the most commonly used column in reverse phase HPLC since it can isolate a large range of components as compared to other types of columns.

How many types of HPLC columns are there?
A variety of HPLC columns are available for liquid chromatography, depending on the composition and separation mechanism i.e. reversed-phase, normal phase, ion exchange, and size exclusion chromatography.

What is the difference between c8 and c18 HPLC columns?
The difference between C8 and C18 is that the column packing in C8 has 8 carbons bonded to silica while C18 has 18 carbon atoms bonded to silica.

Is c18 column polar or nonpolar?
The column is packed with very small particles of silica gel. The surface of silica used in the column is polar as it is covered with silanols.


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Friday, July 10, 2020

Advantages and disadvantages of controlled release drug delivery system

When the system successfully to maintain constant levels of drugs in the target tissue or blood, it is called a controlled-release system. The controlled release dosage form is that which delivers the medicaments at a predetermined rate for a prescribed period. The controlled release drug delivery system uses drug encapsulating devices that allow the release of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) at controlled rates over long periods; it can be from days to months. This type of dosage form offers several advantages over traditional methods of drug delivery, check out some of the advantages and disadvantages of controlled release dosage forms.
Advantages of controlled release dosage forms:
  • The major advantage of a controlled release drug delivery system is that it allows the release of drugs at controlled rates over long periods; it can be from days to months.
  • The total dose of a drug is lower than other drug delivery systems.
  • It reduces fluctuations in drug levels in the blood.
  • The controlled release dosage form provides a more uniform drug effect.
  • It does not harm the gastrointestinal tract, because the dose of the drug is low.
  • The controlled release dosage form is more convenient for both caregiver and patient.
  • It drugs give prolonged action and reduces the frequent dosage.
  • This reduces local side effects, by decreasing the total amount of the drug.
  • In it, there is no problem with the unpleasant taste and odor of medicines.
Disadvantages of controlled release dosage forms:
  • The major disadvantage of a controlled release drug delivery system is that the system needs to be physically implanted and removed from the sites.
  • High molecular weight compounds are difficult to deliver.
  • Some factors can affect the release rate of the drug.
  • If the system fails, the possible toxicity cost per unit increases.
  • Doctors need to convince or educate the patient about this before the use of a controlled release dosage form.
  • Not all drugs are appropriate for the formulation in the controlled release dosage form.
  • There is no flexibility in dose adjustment, as it has a fixed dosage form.
  • Dose dumping can be possible in case of a poor formulation strategy or device.
  • The patient may discomfort with the delivery device and the higher cost of systems than conventional pharmaceutical formulations.
  • It delays the onset of drug action.
Commonly asked questions on dosage forms are as follows.
 
What is the disadvantage of using modified release dosage forms?
The major disadvantage of modified release dosage forms is that it provides long action of the drug therefore, its side effects may last longer than shorter-acting, immediate release dosage forms. Modified release dosage forms are generally available in the form of tablets, capsules, and caplets.
 
How many types of modified release dosage forms?
Modified release dosage forms have two types, extended-release dosage form and delayed-release dosage form, prolonged-release, sustained-release, and controlled release are the different terminologies also used in the modified release.
 
What is the disadvantage of buccal or sublingual administration?
It is not suitable for those drugs that need to be absorbed gradually into the system.
 
What is the advantage of effervescent tablets?
The major advantage of effervescent tablets is that it provides the instant effect of the drug and easy to take for patients, particularly for children and elderly.
 
What is the advantage of the enteric coating?
The enteric-coated dosage form is used to release the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in the small intestine and avoid the release of medication in the stomach.

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Thursday, July 9, 2020

Advantages and disadvantages of sustained release dosage form

Oral drug delivery has been known as the most commonly used route for the systemic delivery of drugs through various pharmaceutical products. The sustained release dosage forms are intended to release medicaments at a predetermined rate so that a constant concentration of medicaments can be maintained for a specific period. A sustained release dosage form is designed to achieve prolonged therapeutic effects of the drug in the bloodstream. It releases the medicine at a prescribed rate, according to the needs of the body throughout the treatment period.
Advantages of sustained release dosage forms:
  • The major advantage of the sustained release dosage form is that it provides long-term therapeutic effects by continuously releasing the drug.
  • It provides prolonged action of the medicaments and reduces the frequent dosing.
  • Control of drug therapy can be achieved by using a sustained release dosage form.
  • The extent and rate of drug absorption can be modified by using a sustained release dosage form.
  • Patient compliance is another major benefit of a sustained release dosage form.
  • It does not need special storage conditions and is easy to handle or transport.
  • The unpleasant odor and taste of active pharmaceutical ingredients may be masked by coating or by making granules.
  • These types of dosage forms are also stable in physical, chemical, and microbiological properties.
  • This system has the benefit of a single dose for the entire duration of treatment and delivers the API directly to the specific site.
  • It reduces the local side effects, by reducing the total amount of the drug.
  • Different drugs and excipients or ingredients can be mixed to make it convenient for the patient to reduce the administration of multiple doses.
Disadvantages of sustained release dosage forms:
  • The major disadvantage of the sustained release dosage form is that, in traditional solid dosage forms, the dose can be adjusted by dividing the tablet into two parts. This is not possible in a sustained release dosage form as the release property may be lost if the dosage form is broken or crushed.
  • Side effects can remain much longer as it releases the medication for longer.
  • Children and the elderly are hesitating to swallow and cannot be given to an unconscious patient.
  • This has less flexibility in dose adjustment.
  • The rate of release may change by various factors
  • This is expensive compared to other solid dosage forms because its formulation and manufacturing process is expensive.
  • The time required for the absorption of the released drug may vary from one dose to another.
Commonly asked questions on dosage forms are as follows.
 
What are the types of modified release dosage forms?
Extended-release dosage form and delayed-release dosage form are two types of modified release dosage forms. Controlled release, sustained-release, and prolonged-release are the different terminologies also used in the modified release. Generally, tablets, capsules, and, carpets are used for this formulation.
 
What is the major disadvantage of effervescent tablets?
The major disadvantage of effervescent tablets is that they use a complex, expensive manufacturing process and excipients.
 
What is the advantage of using modified release dosage forms?
The modified release dosage forms are designed to ensure that the concentration of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) is maintained at suitable time intervals, deliver the medication to that part of the body, and simplifying the dosing schedule.
 
What is the disadvantage of the enteric coating?
The major disadvantage of enteric coating is that enteric-coated tablet taking a long coating time and high bulk resulting in a costly product.
 
What is the advantage of sublingual or buccal administration?
Sublingual or buccal administration of the drug provides rapid onset of action which is required for the treatment of acute disorders.

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Advantages and disadvantages of extended release dosage forms

The extended-release dosage form is designed to deliver medicaments to the body where it should be absorbed, simplifying the scheduled dosing and ensuring that the drug concentration is maintained at a suitable time interval. Extended-release dosages are a commonly used technique for delivering drugs into the bloodstream and are achieved by incorporating coated granules or beads into capsules or tablets. Sustained-release, controlled-release, and long-acting drug products are some examples of extended-release dosage forms. There are some advantages to providing drugs administered by this process, but it also has some disadvantages, let’s check it.
Advantages of extended-release dosage forms:
  • The major advantage of the extended-release dosage form is that it provides long action of the drug and reduces the frequency of dosing.
  • The extended-release dosage forms often reduce the requirement of night-time doses that are helpful to both caregiver and patient.
  • There is no need to take tablets and capsules repeatedly, which is very beneficial for children and old people.
  • It can be used to maintain drug levels by controlling the rate of drug release.
  • Extended-release dosage forms may improve patient compliance.
  • The rate and extent of absorption of medicaments can be modified.
  • There is no problem with the unpleasant taste and odor of the drugs as it is already coated with granules.
  • It reduces side effects, reduces the amount of time required for health treatment, and improves medical benefits.
  • They are easy to carry, transport, and don't require special storage conditions.
  • Formulation of extended-release can be possible in solid dosage forms but is very difficult to formulate in liquid and semi-solid dosage forms.
  • It delivers the medicaments at the prescribed rate as per the needs of the body throughout the treatment of the patient.
Disadvantages of extended-release dosage forms:
  • The major disadvantage of the extended-release dosage form is its high cost as it has a higher manufacturing cost than other dosage forms.
  • Another major disadvantage of extended-release dosage forms is that side effects can remain much longer than an immediate release, short-acting product.
  • Failure of the technique may result in the risk of the sudden and total release of the drug.
  • It is not useful whenever partial doses are needed because they need to be taken intact, not divide into parts.
  • Splitting or divided into parts can cause its release property to be lost.
  • The combination of multiple drugs and excipients or ingredients complicates it to formulate.
  • Extended-release formulations may cause a slower onset of action.
  • Not all drugs are compatible with the formulation of extended-release dosage forms.
  • The release rate can change by various factors such as food and fasting.
  • The release rate can vary from one dose to another dose.

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Advantages and disadvantages of semisolid dosage forms

Semisolid dosage forms are neither solid nor liquid, however, they are a combination or mixture of both, and they used for both local and systemic effects. Pharmaceutical semisolid dosage forms such as creams, ointments, gels, suppositories, and paste are used for topical application. Semisolid dosage forms are intended used as drug carriers that are transported topically through the skin, buckle tissue, rectal tissue, outer ear lining nasal mucosa, urethral membrane, vagina, and cornea. The semisolid may adhere adequately before washing on the surface of the application; this helps to extend the supply of drugs on the application site.
Advantages of semi-solid dosage forms:
  • The major advantage of a semi-solid dosage form is that it can be applied directly to the affected area, it gives prolong the action, and does not need to be administered orally.
  • It is convenient for unconscious patients or patients, such as children and old people, for whom oral administration is difficult.
  • Semisolid dosage forms are more stable in atmospheric conditions than liquid dosage forms and solid dosage forms.
  • It is suitable for those APIs that are low-density, amorphous hygroscopic.
  • Different drugs and excipients or ingredients can be added together to form a single dose.
  • It gives better adhesion and lasts long after application, hence the medicament give longer action.
  • It is washable after each use.
  • It is used externally, thereby reducing the risk of side effects.
  • It does not harm the gastrointestinal tract, as it does not need to be taken orally.
  • The semi-solid dosage form is more convenient for patients than other forms of drug administration.
  • It is suitable for medicines with a bitter taste, as it does not need to be taken orally.
Disadvantages of semi-solid dosage forms:
  • The major disadvantage of the semi-solid dosage form is that it has no dose accuracy and it needs to be applied directly.
  • In general, Pharmaceutical creams, ointments, gels, suppositories, and paste are greasy and they difficult to clean.
  • The semi-solid dosage form is less stable than the solid dosage form.
  • The base used in the dose may be oxidized.
  • The need to apply with the fingers every time can cause contamination.
  • Some patients may become irritation or allergic.
  • Semisolid dosage forms are usually a costly dosage because its manufacturing process is complex.
  • Semisolid dosage forms are Physio-chemically less stable compared with the solid dosage form.
  • Clothing staining is often associated with the use of creams, ointments, gels, and paste.

Monday, July 6, 2020

Advantages and disadvantages of solid dosage form

Dosage forms come in many types, depending on the method or route of administration. Solid dosage forms, semi-solid dosage forms, liquid dosage forms, and gaseous dosage forms are used for the diagnosis or treatment of the disease by various routes. Solid dosage forms are the most significant dosage forms in pharmaceuticals; it has one or more unit dose of medicament. The solid dosage form is the most commonly used and prescribed by doctors as compared to other dosage forms. It can be administered orally in the form of tablets, capsules, powders, etc. Of these, the tablet is one of the most commonly used oral solid dosage forms.
Solid dosage forms (Tablet or capsule)

Advantages of solid dosage form:
  • The major advantage of solid dosage forms is a high precision, lowest variability, stable and accurate dosing.
  • The formulation of solid dosage forms is simpler than liquid and semi-solid dosage forms.
  • Solid dosage forms have a strong onset of action.
  • Several medicines and excipients or ingredients can combine, making it easier for the patient to avoid having to administer multiple doses.
  • The liquid form of the drug can be converted into a solid form using a capsule.
  • Doses are available according to the patient's requirements.
  • These are easy for packaging, transport and it does not require special conditions for storage.
  • It is easy to swallow and can be attractive to children.
  • It is very simple to swallow with water.
  • It is useful whenever partial doses are required. It is easy to divide it into parts.
  • As it is easy and rapidly digested it does not harm the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Unpleasant taste and odor of drugs can be masked using the capsules and sugar coating for tablets.
  • It can be manufactured in custom sizes, shapes, and colors as per requirement.
  • It can protect the API from atmospheric conditions such as moisture, temperature, and light, etc.
  • Solid dosage forms are stable in chemical, physical, and microbiological properties.
Disadvantages of solid dosage form:
  • The main disadvantage of the solid dosage form is that it is not easy to swallow, particularly for children, and the elderly, and it cannot be given to the unconscious patient.
  • An API that has slow dissolution rates, low solubility in water, low density, amorphous and high absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, they are difficult to prepare.
  • Several medicines cause gastric irritation when administered in the form of a tablet.
  • Hygroscopic drugs are not suitable for these types of dosage forms.
  • Sometimes patients experience discomfort due to unpleasant taste and smell and avoid swallowing it.
  • Coating, encapsulation of tablets, and complex process of capsules may increase production costs in the pharmaceutical industry.
  • Some examples of solid dosage forms are as follows.
  • Chewable tablets, buccal tablets, film-coated, enteric-coated tablets, sublingual tablets, and effervescent tablets, hard-shelled capsules, soft gelatin capsules, enteric-coated capsule, HPMC capsule, pills pastilles, lozenges, troches, powders, suppositories, and pellets, etc.


Sunday, July 5, 2020

Advantages and disadvantages of liquid dosage form

Liquid dosage forms are effective pharmaceutical products containing a mixture of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API/Drug) and non drug components (excipients). It is a dose of a drug used as a medicine for consumption or administration. Many liquid dosage forms are used in the pharmacy, but the most commonly used are syrup, suspension, and elixirs. The general category of liquid oral doses includes a broad range of dosage forms, broadly classified as monophasic and biphasic. Whereas dosage forms in both types comprise at least one drug, monophasic forms are homogeneous and completely dissolve in liquid, whereas biphasic forms in a vehicle do not dissolve.
Advantages of liquid dosage form:
  • The major advantage of the liquid dosage method is that it is better for patients who have difficulty swallowing solid medicines because it is easier to swallow than solid dosage forms.
  • Liquid dosage forms have faster absorption than solid dosage forms.
  • It is suitable for use patients with infants, geriatric, and mental health problems.
  • Doses may vary from per tablespoon to milliliter, which is difficult in solid dosage forms.
  • Liquid dosage forms are absorbed faster than solid dosage forms because APIs are already dissolved.
  • This may provide greater flexibility in achieving the appropriate dose of the drug.
  • It can be designed for any route of administration.
  • It is the best choice for children and old people.
  • This can be attractive by container and color.
  • Flavors (sweetening agents/sugar) can be added to mask the bitter or unpleasant taste and odor.
Disadvantages of liquid dosage form:
  • The major disadvantage of the liquid dosage form is that, is less stable than other doses and has a shorter shelf life which is due to the nature of being in a liquid.
  • The liquid dosage form is more susceptible to bacterial microorganisms than tablets and capsules.
  • Some drugs are poorly soluble hence difficult to formulate.
  • It is bulky so it is difficult to handle, transport and store.
  • It requires special storage conditions because it is less stable.
  • Its manufacturing process is complex, so the production cost is high.
  • It is easily affected by temperature, light, and microorganisms.
  • Each time of dose needs to be measured, so the accuracy of the dose may vary each time.
  • A loss can occur as the container breaks and falls.
  • Difficult to mask the unpleasant taste or odor compared to tablets and capsules.

Saturday, July 4, 2020

Advantages and disadvantages of tablet dosage form

Oral dosage forms are generally the most suitable option among different choices. Since medicine via the oral route is one of the best choices for taking. It is a convenient and simple way for any patient (adult, children’s) to take medicine. For several advantages, medicines taken orally are much preferred than other routes.
Tablets and capsules are the most commonly prescribed oral dosage forms by doctors. The tablet is an oral solid dosage form containing a mixture of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) with or without excipients; it is prepared by either compressed or molded. Of all medicines, the tablet is the most commonly prescribed by doctors because of its many advantages.
Advantages of tablets dosage form:
  • The major advantage of the tablet is that all medicines are available in the form of a tablet, only except where the preparation or administration is difficult.
  • Whenever a partial dose of a drug is required, it can be cut or crush into parts is easy, which is not possible in capsules.
  • No dose measurement is required.
  • The tablets are convenient to use and elegant.
  • They can be attractive by making them different in colors.
  • Compared to other dosage forms, the tablets are inexpensive and are economical for manufacturing, packing, handling, transportation, and storage.
  • Tablets are generally an inexpensive dose, as its manufacturing process is not complex.
  • Tablets can be formulated to reduce the use of multiple tablets; by mixing multiple drugs of different doses into a tablet.
  • The tablet gives a precise dose of medicament to the patient.
  • It can be coated with sweetening agents to mask the taste and odor of bitter drugs and ingredients.
  • A wide range of tablet types can available such as variations in color, size, shape, and dosage.
  • The tablet can be formulated as a fast release of drugs or as a controlled release of drugs.
  • The tablet is more stable as compared with other dosage forms since it provides prolonged stability to the medicament.
  The disadvantage of tablet dosage form:
  • Atmospheric conditions, such as light, wind, etc. can damage the quality of the tablet; it required to be sealed to protect it.
  • The tablet cannot manufacture with a mixture of different drugs due to the incompatibility of the drugs, which is possible in a capsule by making granules.
  • Several drugs resist compression in a dense compact due to the low-density character or amorphous nature, therefore preparing this kind of tablet is complicated.
  • Those API has poor properties of wetting and slow dissolution, they can be complex or not possible to formulate and manufacturer in the form of a tablet.
  • To mask the taste and smell of bitter drugs and ingredients, it needs to be coated with sweetening agents, this increases production costs.
  • The tablets are unsuitable for children and old people because they can't easily take it.
  • It is also not suitable for patients with vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Many medicinal products cause gastric pain when administered in the form of a tablet.