Liquid dosage forms

In this blog we are taking about the what is liquid dosage form, how many type of liquid dosage form are found and we discuss about the advantages and disadvantages of liquid dosage form. so read the blog till the end for full information.

what is liquid dosage form?

 As the name suggests, liquid dosage forms are liquid in nature, and are meant for internal, external or topical use or simply meant to insert into body cavities.

Solutions, syrups, suspensions, elixirs, concentrates are oral liquid dosage forms. They are most advantageous in number of patients and have wide advantage in improving the efficiency, acceptability and palatability of the formulation.

a. Monophasic liquid dosage forms : These are the dosage forms containing single phase, i.e. They are homogeneous in nature.

b. Biphasic liquid dosage forms : These are the dosage forms containing two phases, i.e. heterogenous in nature.

Two phases are present in biphasic liquid dosage form, i.e. biphasic liquid dosage forms containing dispersions of solid particles into liquids called as suspensions, or dispersions of finely divided liquid droplets into liquids called as emulsions.

Advantages : 

• Most convenient dosage forms for infants, children, geriatric patients.

• The taste of drug can be easily concealed/ marked in liquid dosage forms. Possible to formulated drugs with bitter odour and taste in liquid dosage forms by addition of sweetening and flavouring agents.

• Adjustment of dose as per the requirement, need, and nature of patient is possible.

• Liquid dosage forms assure dose uniformly.

• Liquid dosage forms have good absorption as compared to solids.

• Powders when given in dry forms may produce GI irritation. Eg : Bromides and iodides.

• Drugs with hygroscopic and deliquescent nature, which cannot be formulated into solid dosage forms, can be easily formulated into liquid dosage forms.

Disadvantages : 

• They are difficult to handle, carry, store and transport.

• Due to pleasant taste and small, or use of flavouring agents, in liquid dosage forms it may lead to deliberate consumption in children producing chances of overdose.

Accuracy of Dose is major issue in case of liquid dosage forms. Tablets are formulated as single dose unit, containing accurate amount of dose, but this cannot be achieved in case of liquid dosage forms.

• Since water is used as a vehicle in liquid dosage forms, there are chances of microbial growth, and degradation of drug due to hydrolysis, which are one of major disadvantages of liquid dosage forms. Hence suitable preservation need to be added to prevent microbial contamination of drug.

• Liquid dosage forms containing alcohol as vehicle in various cough syrups, may cause drowsiness and account to severe toxicity when administered in children.

• Liquid dosage forms are formulated by addition of various excipients, like preservatives, antimicrobials, suspending agents, emulsifying agents, sweetening and flavouring agents, such excipients may produce incompatibility in the formulation.