caplet
Shaped like capsule and coated for ease of swallowing
capsule
medication encased in gelatin shell
tablet
powdered medication compressed into hard disk or cylinder; in addition to primary medication, contains binders (adhesive to allow powder to stick together), disintegrators (to promote tablet dissolution), lubricants (for ease of manufacturing), and filler
enteric-coated tablet
coated tablet that does not dissolve in stomach; coatings dissolve in intestine, where medication is absorbed
elixir
clear fluid containing water and/or alcohol; often sweetened
extract
syrup or dried form of pharmacologically active medication, usually made by evaporating solution
aqueous solution
substance dissolved in water and syrups
aqueous suspension
finely divided drug particles dispersed in liquid medium; when suspension is left standing, particles settle to bottom of container
syrup
medication dissolved in a concentrated sugar solution
troche (lozenge)
flat, round tablets that dissolve in mouth to release medication; not meant for ingestion
aerosol
aqueous medication sprayed and absorbed in mouth and upper airway; not meant for ingestion
sustained release
tablet or capsule that contains small particles of a medication coated with material that requires a varying amount of time to dissolve
ointment (salve or cream)
semisolid, externally applied preparation, usually containing one or more medications
liniment
usually contains alcohol, oil, or soapy emollient applie to skin
lotion
liquid suspension that usually protects, cools, or cleanses skin
paste
thick ointment; absorbed through skin more slowly than ointment; often used for skin protection
transdermal disk or patch
medicated disk or patch absorbed through skin slowly over long period of time ( 24 hours or 1 week)
solution
sterile preparation that contains water with one or more dissolved compounds
powder
sterile particles of medication that are dissolved in a sterile liquid (water; normal saline) before administration
intraocular disk
small, flexible oval (similar to contact lens) consisting of two soft, outer layers and a middle layer containing medication; slowly releases medication when moistened by ocular fluid
suppository
solid dosage form mixed with gelatin and shaped in form of pellet for insertion into body cavity (rectum or vagina); melts when it reaches body temperature, releasing medication for absorption