Module Description
This module provides students with an overview of pharmaceutical dosage forms. It focuses in detail on formulation of drugs and excipients; drug properties, function and selection; manufacturing methodology; specific quality tests and standards for individual product classes; pharmacopoeias and other information sources.
Module Aims
The module aims to provide students with an overview of the range of pharmaceutical dosage forms available. To introduce students to the technological and scientific principles underlying the design and manufacture of pharmaceutical preparations. To give students a comprehensive knowledge of, and practical training in, the formulation, manufacture and testing of medicinal products according to both pharmacopoeial and non-pharmacopoeial methods. To provide students with a knowledge of applicable quality standards and testing methods. To heighten students' awareness of stability/compatibility issues and their management in the formulation, manufacture and packaging of medicinal products.
Bioavailability and pharmacokinetics.
Details of the formulation of the following dosage forms', the rationale behind their selection and composition, and information on their manufacture and testing, with emphasis on quality, safety and efficacy:
- Solutions (including specific solution types such as linctuses), suspensions, emulsions.
- Solids : powders, granules, tablets (including lozenges, buccal tablets and sub-lingual tablets), hard and soft capsules, medicated chewing gums as well as modified release solid.
- Semi-solids: Gels, ointments, creams, pastes.
- Transdermal semisolids and patches.
- Ear drops, ear sprays
- Nasal drops, intranasal solutions/suspensions, nasal sprays, nasal washes
- Eye drops, eye lotions, semi-solid eye preparations.
- Injections and injection routes, infusions, concentrates for injection/infusion, powders for injection/infusion, implants.
- Suppositories, enemas, pessaries (moulded), vaginal tablets.
Expression of concentration for infusion solutions - moles, equivalents, osmoles, calculation of concentrated electrolyte solutions (high alert medication).
Information sources: familiarise students with key reference sources and demonstrate their use, including British Pharmacoepia, Martindale, www.medicines.ie, www.hpra.ie, www.extemp.ie
The course consists of lectures outlining the theory which underpins the design, manufacture, testing and use of pharmaceutical dosage forms, in tandem with laboratory classes in which students: - examine and compare the properties of pharmaceutical excipients and formulations; - design, prepare, package and label a range of medicinal products; - identify counselling points to be made when dispensing such products; - perform quality control tests on finished preparations. Laboratory exercises require students to draw upon and apply the theory imparted in lectures, thus reinforcing students' knowledge, increasing their familiarity with appropriate reference texts and engendering awareness of the practical aspects associated with the implementation of theoretical principles.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 70 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 30 |