INSUFFILATIONS: These are fine powders blown into the body cavities such as ear, nose and throat. They are used as insuffilators. They usually have the problem of difficulty in dispensing uniform dose, they have rapid action
SOLUBLE & MEDICAL POWDERS: These are for external use. They are used for the humification of drugs. They are usually sterilized powders, and dispensed in sealed paper packets. Certain powders such as medical powders can be applied to open woulds,burns etc. Antibiotic powders as suspensions are usually formulated as granules.
TABLETS Tables are solid pharmaceutical dosage forms each containing a unit-dosage of drug with suitable exipient (additives) and they are prepared by compression i.e. applying pressure on uniform volumes of particles. Tablets are usually circular in shape with either flat or convex surfaces. Tablets come in various shapes and sizes,vary in weight. Some are oblonge e.g. capsule. These various shapes are made for certain purposes e.g. oblonge shapes are smooth and easy to swallow. The tablet is the most widely used solid dosage form and forms about 70% of oral dosage forms.
ADVANTAGES OF TABLETS 1. Ease of administration
2. Accurate dosing i.e. the amount of the drug is fixed per tablet.
3. They are stable
4. They are convenient for the patient to carry about therefore there is patient complience compared to the powders.
5. It is easy to mask unpleasant taste in tablets
6. The release of the drugs can be controlled.
7. The invivo stability of the drug can be increased especially those that cause irritation in the GIT.
8. The rate of release of the drug can be controlled e.g. for fast action, it is usually formulated into effervescence.
DISADVANTAGES OF TABLETS 1. There is irregular drug absorption. This can be as a result of processing variables.
2. Production of tablets can be costly.
3. Some individuals particularly children and women find it difficult to swallow tablets.