Wirkstoffform

Wirkstoffform refers to the specific physical form in which an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) is presented in a finished drug product. This form is crucial for ensuring the drug's stability, bioavailability, and ease of administration. Different Wirkstoffformen are developed to meet various therapeutic needs and patient preferences.

Common Wirkstoffformen include solid dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, powders, and granules. Tablets can be further categorized into immediate-release, sustained-release, or enteric-coated forms, each designed to control the rate at which the API is released into the body. Capsules typically contain the API in powder or granular form enclosed within a gelatin or cellulose shell. Powders and granules are often used for reconstitution into liquid formulations or directly administered.

Liquid dosage forms encompass solutions, suspensions, emulsions, and syrups. Solutions are homogeneous mixtures where the API is completely dissolved, while suspensions contain undissolved API particles dispersed in a liquid medium. Emulsions are mixtures of immiscible liquids, and syrups are viscous, concentrated aqueous solutions of sugars often used to mask unpleasant tastes.

Other Wirkstoffformen include semi-solid preparations like ointments, creams, and gels, which are applied topically to the skin. Ointments are greasy and occlusive, creams are less greasy emulsions, and gels are semi-solid systems with a liquid phase trapped in a three-dimensional network. Parenteral formulations, administered by injection, include solutions and suspensions intended for intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous delivery. The choice of Wirkstoffform significantly impacts the drug's pharmacokinetic profile and therapeutic efficacy.