Effect of dosage form on drug efficacy. The efficacy of a drug or the therapeutic effect of a drug is the response experienced by the body after using the drug. Things that affect the efficacy of the drug: - The dosage of the drug used. The dose of drug (active substance) used must be able to cause a therapeutic effect for the user. This dose is called the therapeutic dose.From the results of research that has been carried out, it is known that each drug hastherapeutic doseeach. In the world of the pharmaceutical industry, this therapeutic dose is made in certain doses known asusual dose. This usual dose is generally intended for adults. For infants, children and the elderly, dosage adjustments must be made. Examples of usual doses: Paracetamol 500 mg/tablet, Chloramphenicol 250 mg/tablet, Ampicillin 500 mg/tablet. - Drug absorption. In order for a drug to produce therapeutic effects/efficacy, the drug must dissolve, then be absorbed/penetrate biological membranes and carried by the blood to all tissues and organs of the body.For oral drugs, absorption is influenced by the solubility of the drug in stomach. In general, the faster it dissolves in the stomach, the faster the absorption, so the faster the therapeutic effect.For external use drugs such as ointments, eye drops, nose drops, suppositories, absorption is influenced by the solubility of the drug in the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, ears, rectum and vagina. - How to administer medication. The method of administering the drug will affect the rate of absorption of the active substance.Methods of administering drugs are grouped into: *Orally, that is, taking medication by mouth. Medication is most often used orally because it is natural, not difficult and safe to use.However, the effect of drug therapy is slower than parenteral use *Topical, namely the use of drugs through the surface of the skin and produces local effects and some can be absorbed internallytissue under the skin. * Rectally, namely using the drug through the anus/rectum. Some drugs are often given rectally to obtain local effects. But it can also have systemic effects, such as analgesic drugs. The drug is absorbed through the rectum, not through metabolism in the liver.The therapeutic effect produced is faster than oral administration. *Parenterally, that is, the use of drugs through injectionwith a syringe (intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous). The resulting therapeutic effectthe soonestcompared to other dosage forms, especially intravenous ones because they enter the blood directly. - Dosage form. To determine the effect of drug dosage forms on drug efficacy, clinical trial research has been carried out in the form of measuring drug levels in the blood after drug administration. This research is used to compare drug absorption from various dosage forms, especially drug preparations for oral use.Measuring drug levels is carried out several times, starting from when the drug is taken until 12 hours later. The measurement results are presented in graphical form. Graphic description: The time required to reach the Minimum Effective Concentration of the three dosage forms is different. The order from fastest: liquid preparations, pulveres/puyer preparations, and tablet preparations.It can be concluded : Of the three dosage forms, liquid preparations produce therapeutic effects/efficacy the fastest. The next preparation is pulveres, then tablet preparations.This is due to : - Liquid preparations are already in solution form so they are more easily absorbed than pulveres preparations and tablet preparations. - pulveres takes a while to dissolve in gastric juice before finally being absorbed. - Tablet preparations require time to disintegrate before finally dissolving and being absorbed. In choosing the right dosage form to obtain optimum efficacy, there are other things that must be considered by doctors and drug formulators, namely the advantages and disadvantages of each dosage form. Advantages and disadvantages of solid dosage forms. Excess: - The size of the dose can be determined by the doctor according to the patient's condition. - Very suitable for medicinal substances that are unstable in liquid form, for example antibiotics (for example: Ampicillin, Amoxicillin, Chloramphenicol, etc.). Antibiotic class drugs are always produced in solid form, namely tablets, caplets, capsules and dry powder/syrup. - More stable than liquid dosage forms. Lack: - During storage, sometimes the powder becomes damp/sticky. - Not covering up the unpleasant taste of some medicinal ingredients, for example bitter, astringent (although it can be reduced by adding sweeteners). Advantages and disadvantages of semi-solid dosage forms. Excess: - The main choice for topical treatment (on the skin). - Contact between medicinal ingredients and skin is longer than powder or liquid preparations. - Can absorb fluids that occur in wounds/dermatological disorders. - Can function as a wound cover/protector. Lack: - Can only be used for external treatment. - Fatty bases generally cause discomfort. Advantages and disadvantages of liquid forms. Excess: - Absorption/absorption of drugs is faster than solid dosage forms. - Dosage uniformity is more guaranteed than in solid dosage forms because in solution form the drug ingredients are molecularly dispersed. - If it is to be diluted or mixed with other medicinal ingredients, ensure uniformitymedication remains intact. - Preferred by sufferers who cannot swallow tablets or capsules. - Can be given attractive flavorings or colorings so that it can increase compliance with taking medication in sufferers, especially children. Lack: - Not suitable for medicinal substances that are unstable/easily damaged in water. - Not practical to carry everywhere. - It is easier for fungi or other microbes to grow than the solid form.