The galenic form of a drug (or pharmaceutical form) is the form given to a medication to allow the active substance to reach the targeted organ as quickly and effectively as possible.
The dosage form is chosen according to the site of action, the duration of action (immediate or delayed), and the patient profile (child or adult).
The different pharmaceutical forms
There is a wide variety of pharmaceutical dosage forms. The most common are oral, injectable, dermal, inhaled and rectal forms.
Oral forms
Oral medicines are administered by mouth. They represent around 80% of pharmaceutical forms and are available as tablets, capsules and syrups.
Tablets are manufactured by compressing powders. To mask taste or improve preservation, they are often coated with a film. Some tablets can be split using a score line.
Capsules consist of two gelatin shells containing a powder. They should be swallowed with water to prevent esophageal obstruction. In patients with swallowing difficulties, capsules may be opened and their contents dispersed in water.
Liquid formulations are recommended for children, especially those under six years of age, for whom tablets or capsules may present a choking risk.
Dermal forms
Dermal formulations allow the drug to be applied directly to the skin, where it can act locally or be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. These forms include ointments, creams and gels.
Injectable forms
Injectable medicines are administered to ensure rapid and intense action of the active substance. This form is essential for drugs that cannot be absorbed by the digestive tract, such as insulin, heparin, vaccines and biotherapies.
Inhaled forms
Inhaled treatments are administered via aerosols and deliver the active substance directly to the respiratory tract. They are commonly used in the treatment of asthma and chronic bronchitis.
Rectal forms
Rectal medicines are usually presented as suppositories. They are particularly suitable for patients who have difficulty swallowing and are also used for the local treatment of rectal or anal infections.
As a specialist in sterile single-dose technologies, Unither Pharmaceuticals has been developing and manufacturing pharmaceutical products for over 30 years. Our goal is to provide each customer with the most appropriate dosage form to simplify patients’ lives. Contact us for more information.
