Oral Solutions & Suspensions: The Art Of Pharmacy

By Devan Patel, Senior Director, Project Management, Pii

In the dominant oral dosage delivery market, experts agree that liquid formulations are a viable and lucrative alternative to pills, tablets, and capsules that are difficult to take for some patient populations. Liquid formulations, such as solutions, suspensions, and emulsions offer dosing flexibility, a reduced risk of choking, and can be applied to geriatric, neonatal, and pediatric patients. Additionally, oral liquids assist with bioavailability because the drug is already in solution. Despite the advantages, there are challenges associated with liquid dosage, such as stability and palatability, parameters that need to be considered in the design. Formulating the right oral liquid dosage form in early-stage development depends on the art of pharmacy.

This article explores the different types of liquid formulation oral solutions and their challenges and advantages.