Transformation of drug into dosage forms is done for the following reasons:
1. To protect the drug substance from oxidation, hydrolysis and reduction. Eg. Coated tablets and sealed ampoules.
2. To protect drugs from destructive effect of gastric juice (HCl) of the stomach after oral administration eg. Enteric coated tablets.
3. To provide a safe and convenient delivery of accurate dosage.
4. To conceal the bitter, salty and obnoxious taste or odour of drugs. Eg. Capsules, coated tablets and flavoured syrups.
5. To provide for the optimum drug action through inhalation therapy. Eg. Inhalation aerosols and inhalants.
6. To provide for the insertion of drug into one of the body cavities e.g. rectal and vaginal suppositories.
7. To provide the maximum drug action from topical administration sites. E.g. creams, ointments, ophthalmic preparation.
8. To provide sustained release action through controlled release mechanism. E.g. sustained release tablets, capsules.
9. To provide liquid dosage form of the drugs in a suitable vehicle. Eg. Solutions.
10. To provide liquid preparation of the drugs which are unstable or insoluble in different vehicles. E.g. suspensions.
11. Many dosage forms can be easily identified from their distinct colour, shape or identifying markings.