the most prevalent commercial solid dosage forms are:
- a- Hard capsules
- b- Soft gelatin capsules
- c- Tablets.
- e- Bulk powders
- f- Divided powders.
The most prevalent commercial solid dosage forms are: c. Tablets
While all the options you listed can be found commercially, tablets are by far the most common solid dosage form used in the pharmaceutical industry. Here's why:
- Versatility:
Tablets can be manufactured in various shapes, sizes, and with different release mechanisms (immediate, sustained, etc.). This makes them suitable for a wide range of medications and patient needs.
- Cost-effectiveness:
Compared to other options like capsules, tablets are generally cheaper to produce and package, making them more accessible for patients and healthcare systems.
- Stability:
Tablets are generally more stable than other options like powders, which can be susceptible to moisture and degradation.
- Ease of administration:
Tablets are typically easy to swallow and can be taken with or without water, making them convenient for patients.
Therefore, while other options like hard capsules, soft gelatin capsules, and even divided powders have their uses, tablets are the clear frontrunner in terms of prevalence within the commercial solid dosage form market.
Options Analysis:
Here's a quick breakdown of the prevalence of each option:
a. Hard capsules:
Less common than tablets but still widely used for certain medications.
b. Soft gelatin capsules:
Less common than hard capsules, often used for medications that require specific release mechanisms or are sensitive to light.
e. Bulk powders:
Rarely used commercially due to dosing challenges and stability concerns.
f. Divided powders:
Occasionally used for specific medications, but generally less common than tablets or capsules.
