Below are the 10 common forms of medicine that any pharmacy course in Malaysia university students should have heard about before. 

Liquid

The active elements and chemicals of the medicine are integrated and mixed with liquid to make it easier to take and absorbed into the body. This solvent mixed with active chemicals of medicine could also be called a mixture, solution, or syrup. Common liquids are available with no added sugar or colouring. Moreover, based on the desired outcomes, the solvent might or might not have any effects as a chemical to collaborate with the available chemical within the original medicine. 

Tablet

The active chemicals and elements are mixed with other substances and pressed into solid pills with shapes like round or oval – these shapes come with round angles to facilitate a smooth consumption process without damaging the users. The substances to hold and locate the active elements into a solid pill are called fillers that are soluble or dispersible safely in the water. 

Capsules

Capsule medicines are those active elements contained in a plastic capsule consisting of two half-rounded cylinder shapes that could fit each other. People could just swallow whole the capsule as these capsules are dissolvable in the stomach. People could also remove the plastic outer cover and mix the medicine powder with foods or drinks for easier absorption and to reduce the bitterness. Most mothers use this method to make their children take the medicine without knowing it. 

Topical medicine

These medicines come in forms like creams, lotions, and ointments that could be applied straight onto the skin. Therefore, they are produced and introduced to the public in tubs, bottles, and tubes based on the type of medicine. They are active elements of the medication mixed with other substances that allow it to be easily applied to the skin. 

Suppositories

These medicines are not for ordinary consuming methods but will be inserted into users’ anus and often come under a bullet shape for easier insertion. People must not swallow it. 

Drops

These often come in liquid form and work best when applied to the affected areas to facilitate better treatment by direct contact. They are commonly used for ears, eyes, and noses.

Inhalers

As the name implies, this kind of medicine is delivered by pressure directly into the lungs. Most adults could inhale directly from the container, but, children might have to inhale the medicine through a “spacer” device to effectively take the medicine. 

Injections

Despite a variety of injecting methods, they are counted as injections. Medicine in liquid forms will be inserted into the body just under the skin and be absorbed by the blood veins, or other organs within the body. There are also injections applied into people’s muscles and even the spinal cord and most of the injection medicines are delivered by doctors or nurses in hospitals or clinics. 

Implants or patches

These medicines are delivered through sticking patches that stick onto the skin and let the active elements of the medicine be absorbed through the skin. Such as nicotine patches that help people to quit smoking or contraceptive implants.