Pharmaceutical formulation is the process of combining different chemical substances, including the active drug, to produce a final medicinal product. The formulation process involves developing a preparation of the drug that is both stable and acceptable to patients. For orally administered drugs, this usually involves incorporating the drug into a tablet or a capsule. Formulation studies then consider factors such as particle size, polymorphism, pH, and solubility, as all of these can influence bioavailability and hence the activity of a drug. The drug must be combined with inactive ingredients by a method that ensures that the quantity of drug present is consistent in each dosage unit, such as each tablet or capsule. The dosage should have a uniform appearance, with an acceptable taste, tablet hardness, and capsule disintegration. Formulated drugs are stored in container closure systems for extended periods of time, including blisters, bottles, vials, ampules, syringes, and cartridges. The containers can be made from a variety of materials, including glass, plastic, and metal, and the drug may be stored as a solid, liquid, or gas.

In summary, pharmaceutical formulation is a multistep process that involves combining different chemical substances, including the active drug, to produce a final medicinal product. The process considers factors such as particle size, polymorphism, pH, and solubility, and the drug must be combined with inactive ingredients to ensure consistency in each dosage unit. The formulation process also involves choosing the best form for a drug, whether it’s an oral suspension, tablet, or injection, and selecting inactive substances to add to the active ingredient.