Which dosage form is designed for administration by inhalation?

Which dosage form is designed for administration by inhalation?

• A. Nebules
• B. Inhalants
• C. Tablets
• D. Capsules

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is how a drug is delivered by route. Inhalation requires a dosage form that can be turned into an aerosol or powder and breathed into the lungs. Inhalants refer to any dosage form designed for this route—aerosols, inhalation sprays, dry powder inhalers, and similar forms that deliver medication directly to the respiratory tract. Nebules are a specific inhalation form (nebulized solutions) used with a nebulizer, but they’re a narrower example of inhalation therapy. Tablets and capsules are intended for oral use, swallowed and absorbed through the GI tract. Therefore, the best answer is inhalants, since it denotes the general category of dosage forms designed for administration by inhalation.

The concept being tested is how a drug is delivered by route. Inhalation requires a dosage form that can be turned into an aerosol or powder and breathed into the lungs. Inhalants refer to any dosage form designed for this route—aerosols, inhalation sprays, dry powder inhalers, and similar forms that deliver medication directly to the respiratory tract. Nebules are a specific inhalation form (nebulized solutions) used with a nebulizer, but they’re a narrower example of inhalation therapy. Tablets and capsules are intended for oral use, swallowed and absorbed through the GI tract. Therefore, the best answer is inhalants, since it denotes the general category of dosage forms designed for administration by inhalation.