Table 3.

Implications of dosage form modification

Instance of modification	Implication
• Controlled release and sustained release formulations	• Erratic/delayed absorption • Toxic/sub-therapeutic doses • Increased risk of side effects
• Enteric-coated formulations	• Altered absorption • Increased side effects such as gastric irritation • Instability and inactivity of medication
• Sugar-coated formulations	• Altered taste
• Film-coated formulations	• Decreased adherence
• Light-sensitive formulations	• Physicochemical instability
• Humidity-sensitive formulations
• Hormonal or cytotoxic medications	• Occupational exposure of health care professionals • Inhalation of drug particles • Dermal contact • Risk of allergies, infertility, congenital malformations, abortion
• Process of dosage form modification	• Powder loss/spillage • Inaccurate dosing • Cross-contamination • Physicochemical incompatibility of mixed medications