Introduction to History, Dosage Forms & Prescription
Unit 1 introduces you to the professional world of Pharmacy. It starts with the rich History of Pharmacy in India, tracing its growth from ancient times to the modern pharmaceutical industry. The core focus is on ‘Dosage Forms’—understanding why we convert drugs into Tablets, Syrups, or Injections. You will also master the ‘Prescription’—the legal document connecting doctor, pharmacist, and patient—and learn ‘Posology’ to calculate safe doses for children and infants.
Syllabus & Topics
- 1History of Pharmacy in India: Education, Industry and Organization
- 2Pharmacy as a Career: Scope and opportunities
- 3Pharmacopoeias: Introduction to IP, BP, USP and Extra Pharmacopoeia
- 4Dosage Forms: Definition, Detailed Classification (Solid, Liquid, Semisolid, Gaseous)
- 5Prescription: Definition, Parts, Handling, and Errors in Prescription
- 6Posology: Factors affecting dose, Dose calculations (Age, Body Weight, Surface Area)
Learning Objectives
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is a Pharmacopoeia?
A pharmacopoeia is an official book published by a government or authorized body (such as IP, BP, USP) that lays down legal standards for the identity, purity, strength, and quality of drugs and medicines manufactured in that country.
Q2. What are the parts of a Prescription?
A prescription consists of the following parts: Date, Patient details, Superscription (Rx), Inscription (main body/ingredients), Subscription (directions to the pharmacist), Signatura (directions to the patient), and prescriber’s details and signature.
Q3. What is Posology?
Posology is the branch of medical science that deals with drug dosage. It involves calculating the correct dose for a patient based on factors such as age, weight, sex, and physiological condition.
Q4. Differentiate between Syrup and Elixir.
Syrups are concentrated aqueous sugar solutions, usually containing about 66.7% w/w sucrose. Elixirs are clear, sweetened hydro-alcoholic liquids containing alcohol and are intended for oral use.
Q5. What is Young’s Formula?
Young’s Formula is used to calculate the child dose of a drug: Child Dose = (Age in years / (Age + 12)) × Adult Dose It is applicable for children up to 12 years of age.