Basic medical terminology with dosage forms and packaging types | MPO training 14
If you dream of working as a Medical Promotion Officer (MPO), start by
learning the basics the right way. This article introduces basic medical
terminology with dosage forms and packaging types in a simple, friendly tone
so that you can understand everything without stress.
Whether you’re new to pharma or just starting your MPO journey, this guide
will help you build strong knowledge from the ground up. It’s not just theory
– it’s the kind of learning you can actually use in real life.
Table of contents: Basic medical terminology with dosage forms and packaging types
Take a look at everything you will learn about from this article-
Basic medical terminology with dosage forms and packaging types
Basic medical terminology with dosage forms and packaging types is the
foundation every Medical Promotion Officer (MPO) should know. It includes
easy medical words, drug types like tablets and syrups, and how medicines
are packed and presented.
As an MPO, you need this to confidently talk to doctors and understand your
company’s products. This article helps you learn all that in a simple and
practical way – no science background needed.
What is medical terminology?
Medical Terminology means — the language of doctors.
When a doctor or nurse talks about a patient’s illness, body parts, or
treatment, they use some special words - these special words are called
medical terminology.
Let me give you some examples:
- We say “heart” in daily language, but doctors say “cardio”.
- If someone has a stomach problem, doctors call it “gastritis”.
- When medicine is given directly into the blood, doctors say “intravenous injection”.
So in short: Medical terminology is the language of medicine - it
helps doctors talk clearly and accurately about diseases, body parts, and
treatments with each other.
Terminology
| Medical Term | Meaning / Simple Explanation |
|---|---|
| Cardio | Related to the heart (e.g., Cardiology = study of the heart) |
| Neuro | Related to nerves or the brain |
| Gastro | Related to stomach or digestionRelated to stomach or digestion |
| Hepato | Related to the liver |
| Renal / Nephro | Related to the kidneys |
| Pulmo | Related to the lungs or respiratory system |
| Ortho | Related to bones and joints (e.g., fractures, arthritis) |
| Dermato | Related to the skin |
| -itis | Inflammation (e.g., Gastritis = inflammation of the stomach) |
| -logy | Study or field of medicine (e.g., Neurology = study of nerves) |
| -ectomy | Surgical removal (e.g., Appendectomy = removal of appendix) |
| IV (Intravenous) | Into the vein (e.g., IV injection) |
| BP | Blood Pressure |
| HR | Heart Rate |
| Rx | Prescription (doctor's recommended medicine or treatment) |
| Dx | Diagnosis (identifying the disease) |
| Tx | Treatment (managing or curing a disease) |
| Medical Term | Meaning / Explanation |
|---|---|
| ENT | Ear, Nose, and Throat (Otorhinolaryngology) |
| Opthalmo | Related to the eyes (e.g., Ophthalmology = study of the eyes) |
| Patho | Study of disease causes (Pathology) |
| Onco | Related to cancer (Oncology) |
| Hemato | Related to blood (Hematology) |
| Psych | Related to mental health (Psychiatry / Psychology) |
| Gyno | Related to women's health (Gynecology) |
| Paedia | Related to children’s health (Pediatrics) |
| Uro | Related to urinary system or male reproductive health (Urology) |
| Category of Doctor | Meaning in English |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist | Specialist in heart diseases. |
| Chest Specialist | Specialist in lung diseases. |
| Medicine Specialist | Specialist in medicines. |
| Gynecologist/ Gyne & Obstratician | Specialist in female reproductive organs diseases, Pregnancy & Child birth. |
| Hepatologist | Specialist in liver diseases. |
| Nephrologist | Specialist in kidney diseases. |
| Orthopedic & Orthopedic Surgeon | Specialist in bone diseases & surgery. |
| Hematologist | Specialist in blood & blood forming organ's diseases. |
| Neurologist & Neuro Surgeon | Specialist in nervous system diseases & surgeon. |
| Gastroenterologist | Specialist in digestive system diseases. |
| Pediatrician & Pediatric Surgeon | Specialist in child diseases specialist and surgeon. |
| Urologist | Specialist in urinary system diseases. |
| Otolaryngologist/ENT Specialist | Specialist in ears, nose and throat. |
| Dermatologist/Skin & VD | Specialist in skin and sexually transmitted diseases. |
| Oncologist | Specialist in cancer disease. |
| Endocrinologist | Specialist in endocrine system diseases. |
| Rheumatologist | Specialist in rheumatoid diseases like-Arthritis. |
| Neonatologist | Specialist in new born baby diseases. |
| Colorectal Surgeon | Specialist in lower digestive tract diseases & surgery. |
| Dentist | Specialist in teeth & mouth cavity diseases. |
| Psychiatrist | Specialist in mental diseases. |
| Ophthalmologist | Specialist in eye diseases. |
| General Surgeon | Specialist in surgery. |
| Radiologist | Specialist in radiology like- X-Ray, Ultrasonography |
| Anesthesiologist | Specialist in anesthesia. |
| Degree Name | Abbreviation |
|---|---|
| MBBS | Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery |
| BDS | Bachelor of Dental Surgery |
| CCD | Certificate Course on Diabetology |
| CMU | Certificate in Medical Ultrasound |
| DO | Diploma in Ophthalmology |
| DCH | Diploma in Child Health |
| DCP | Diploma in Clinical Pathology |
| DDV | Diploma in Dermatology & Venereology |
| DGO | Diploma in Gynecology and Obstetrics |
| DLO | Diploma in Laryngology & Otology |
| DTCD | Diploma in Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases |
| D. Card | Diploma in Cardiology |
| D. Ortho | Diploma in Orthopedics |
| FCGP | Fellow of the College of General Practitioners |
| FCPS | Fellow of the College of Physicians and Surgeons |
| FRCP | Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians |
| FRCS | Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons |
| FRSH | Fellow of the Royal Society of Health |
| PGT | Postgraduate Training |
| DMF | Diploma in Medical Faculty |
| FWV | Family Welfare Visitor |
| SACMO | Sub-Assistant Community Medical Officer |
| UHFPO | Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer |
| CA | Clinical Assistance |
| SMO | Senior Medical Officer |
| EMO | Emergency Medical Officer |
| MO | Medical Officer |
| RMO | Residential Medical Officer |
| GP | General Practitioner |
| LMP | Local Medical Practitioner |
| LMF | Licentiate of Medical Faculty |
| RMP | Rural Medical Practitioner |
| PC | Polli Chikitshok |
| DCC |
Doctor Cum Chemist
|
| Acronym | Abbreviations |
|---|---|
| INN | International Nonproprietary Names |
| USP | United State Pharmacopoeia |
| BP | British Pharmacopoeia |
| EP | European Pharmacopoeia |
| DMF |
Drug Master File
|
| USDMF | United State Drug Master File |
| EDMF | European Drug Master File |
| USFDA | United State Food and Drug Administration |
| ADEC | Australian Drug Evaluation Committee |
| WHO | World Health Organization |
| API | Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient |
| OTC | Over The Counter |
| ICU | Intensive Care Unit |
| CCU | Coronary Care Unit |
| HDU | High Dependency Unit |
| NICU | Neonatal Intensive Care Unit |
| SICU | Surgical Intensive Care Unit |
| OD | Once Daily |
| BD | Two Times Daily |
| TDS | Three Times Daily |
| PO | Per Oral |
| PD | Pediatric Drop |
| DS | Double Strength |
| TS | Triple Strength |
| PFS | Powder For Suspension |
| MR | Modified Release |
| XR | Extended Release |
Dosage Form
Solid dosage form
Tablet: Shown on the left side of the image, tablets are the most
common solid dosage form. They are usually flat or round in shape and are
designed for oral administration. Tablets are easy to carry, convenient to
use, and formulated with accurate doses for various medical conditions.
Capsule: Located in the center, capsules are gelatin-coated shells
filled with powdered or liquid medication. They are easy to swallow and
often used to mask unpleasant taste or odor. Capsules dissolve quickly in
the stomach, allowing the medicine to be absorbed efficiently.
Suppository: Shown on the right, suppositories are mistakenly placed
under solid dosage forms in the image, but in reality, they are semi-solid.
Suppositories are inserted into body cavities (such as the rectum or
vagina), where they melt at body temperature to release the active
ingredient. They are especially useful for children, elderly patients, or
anyone who cannot take medicine orally.
Liquid dosage form
Syrup: Located on the left side, syrup is a clear, sweetened liquid
dosage form used primarily for children or adults who have difficulty
swallowing tablets. It contains dissolved active ingredients and is
designed for easy oral administration.
Suspension: In the center of the image, the suspension is a liquid
dosage form where fine particles of a drug are dispersed in a liquid base.
It needs to be shaken before use and is ideal for poorly water-soluble
drugs.
Pediatric Drop: Shown on the right, pediatric drops are highly
concentrated liquid medications specifically formulated for infants and
young children. They are administered in small volumes using a dropper for
accurate dosing.
Emulsion: On the left side of the image, the emulsion appears as a
liquid dosage form where two immiscible liquids (like oil and water) are
mixed. It is usually used for oral administration and requires shaking
before use to ensure uniformity. Emulsions are often prescribed for
gastrointestinal conditions.
Injection: In the center, the injection form is shown, typically
packaged in ampoules or vials. This dosage form is designed for
administration through the skin (parenteral route), ensuring rapid and
precise delivery of medication directly into the bloodstream or tissue.
It’s commonly used in emergency care or when oral intake is not possible.
Infusion: On the right side, the infusion represents large-volume
sterile liquid preparations, such as saline or glucose solutions. These
are administered intravenously over an extended period to maintain
hydration, deliver nutrients, or provide continuous medication - frequently
used in hospital settings.
Semi-solid dosage form
Cream: Creams are semi-solid dosage forms used for external
application. They are usually water-based and non-greasy, making them
ideal for treating skin conditions where easy absorption and soothing
effects are required.
Ointment: Ointments are thicker, oil-based semi-solid formulations
that provide a protective layer over the skin. They are used for
conditions that need longer contact with the active ingredient, especially
on dry or scaly skin.
Gel: Gels are transparent or translucent semi-solid forms that
spread easily and absorb quickly. They are commonly used for localized
treatment where a cooling effect is desirable, such as in muscle pain or
inflammation.
Gas dosage form
Inhaler: Shown on the left side of the image, inhalers are a type
of gas dosage form used primarily for respiratory conditions such as
asthma or COPD. They deliver a specific amount of medication directly into
the lungs in aerosol form. Inhalers are portable, fast-acting, and allow
targeted drug delivery with minimal systemic effects.
Nasal Spray: On the right side of the image is the nasal spray,
another form of gas-based delivery system. Nasal sprays disperse
medication into the nasal cavity in mist or aerosol form. They are
commonly used for allergies, nasal congestion, or even some vaccines.
Nasal sprays offer rapid absorption through the nasal mucosa, making them
effective for both local and systemic effects.
Types of Tablet
- Compressed Tablet
- Multiple Compressed Tablet
- Sustained-Release Tablet
- Delayed-Release Tablet
- Controlled-Release tablet
- Timed-Release Tablet
- Film Coated Tablet
- Sugar Coated
- Chewable Tablet
- Buccal Tablet
- Sublingual Tablet
- Effervescent Tablet
Compressed Tablet: Most common form; contains active ingredients
and excipients compressed into a solid dose.
Multiple Compressed Tablet: Made in layers or stages to separate
ingredients for stability or release control.
Sustained-Release Tablet: Releases medication gradually over an
extended period to maintain consistent drug levels.
Delayed-Release Tablet: Designed to release the drug after a
specific delay, often to protect the stomach lining.
Controlled-Release Tablet: Precisely controls the rate and location
of drug release for prolonged therapeutic effect.
Timed-Release Tablet: Releases active ingredients at a
predetermined time after administration.
Film-Coated Tablet: Has a thin polymer coating that masks taste,
protects the drug, and aids swallowing.
Sugar-Coated Tablet: Covered with a sweet, water-soluble sugar
layer to improve taste and appearance.
Chewable Tablet: Meant to be chewed before swallowing, ideal for
children or those with difficulty swallowing.
Buccal Tablet: Placed between gum and cheek for absorption through
the buccal mucosa.
Sublingual Tablet: Dissolves under the tongue for rapid absorption
directly into the bloodstream.
Effervescent Tablet: Dissolves in water, releasing carbon dioxide
for rapid dispersion and absorption.
Tablet Sizes
Tablets are manufactured in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to
accommodate different dosages, ease of swallowing, and patient-specific
needs. While exact dimensions and weights vary by manufacturer, there are
common categories and general standards used across the pharmaceutical
industry.
| Shape/Size | Approx. Diameter/Length | Approx. Weight (mg) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round – Small | 5–7 mm | 80–200 mg | Low-dose drugs, pediatric formulations |
| Round – Medium | 8–10 mm | 200–400 mg | General adult prescriptions |
| Round – Large | 11–13 mm | 400–800+ mg | High-dose medications |
| Oval/Oblong – Small | 10–12 mm | 250–500 mg | Easier swallowing, common for antibiotics |
| Oval/Oblong – Medium | 13–15 mm | 500–800 mg | Nutraceuticals, pain relief, multi-ingredient meds |
| Oval/Oblong – Large | 16–20 mm | 800–1200+ mg | Extended-release tablets, large supplement doses |
Key Notes:
Patient Suitability: Larger tablets may be difficult to swallow
for children, elderly, or patients with dysphagia. Alternatives include
mini-tablets, liquids, or capsules.
Density Variability: The actual weight depends on the
formulation’s ingredients and excipients.
Custom Designs: Manufacturers often create specific shapes,
colors, or engravings for brand recognition and identification.
Regulatory Standards: Agencies like the FDA require markings on
prescription tablets for identification, influencing tablet size and
shape.
Types of Capsule
- Hard Gelatin Capsule
- Soft Gelatin Capsule
- Vegetable Shell Capsule
Hard Gelatin Capsule: Shown on the left side of the image, hard
gelatin capsules are two-piece shells made from gelatin, typically used
to encase powdered or pellet-form medications. They are widely preferred
for their ease of swallowing, accurate dosing, and ability to mask
unpleasant tastes. The capsules dissolve quickly in the stomach to
release the medication.
Soft Gelatin Capsule: Located in the center of the image, soft
gelatin capsules are single-piece shells often used to contain oils,
liquid drugs, or semi-solid materials. They offer a smooth texture and
are ideal for fat-soluble vitamins or medications requiring fast
absorption. These capsules dissolve rapidly and are designed for quick
onset of action.
Vegetable Shell Capsule: On the right side of the image is the
vegetable shell capsule, made from plant-based materials like
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). They are suitable for vegetarians
and individuals with dietary or religious restrictions. These capsules
offer similar functionality to gelatin capsules but are more stable in
varying temperatures and humidity.
Capsule Shell Sizes
Capsule shells come in a range of standardized sizes, used to
encapsulate powders, pellets, or liquids for oral administration.
These sizes are denoted numerically, where a lower number indicates a
larger capsule, and a higher number indicates a smaller capsule - with the
exception of size 000, which is the largest standard capsule size.
| Size No. | Volume (approx.) | Weight Capacity (Powder) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 000 | 1.37 ml | 800–1600 mg | High-dose supplements, veterinary use |
| 00E | 1.00–1.10 ml | ~950 mg | Slightly longer than 00, high-dose needs |
| 00 | 0.95 ml | 600–1100 mg | Common for supplements and nutraceuticals |
| 0E | ~0.78 ml | ~650 mg | Slightly longer than size 0 |
| 0 | 0.68 ml | 400–800 mg | Very common for medicines |
| 1 | 0.50 ml | 300–600 mg | Standard for many drug dosages |
| 2 | 0.37 ml | 200–400 mg | Lower dose medications |
| 3 | 0.30 ml | 150–300 mg | Geriatric or pediatric use |
| 4 | 0.21 ml | 120–240 mg | Small dose, easy to swallow |
| 5 | 0.13 ml | 60–130 mg | Smallest size, for very low doses |
Additional/Non-Standard Capsule Sizes
Size 7, 10, and 12 (Elongated or Veterinary sizes): Used for
animals or large-volume applications; less common in human medicine.
DB, DBXL (Double-length capsules): Custom capsule sizes used in
clinical trials or research settings; rare in commercial products.
Customized Capsule Sizes (e.g., "Size 0.5", "Size 000E"):
Manufacturers sometimes design in-between sizes for specific
formulations or release properties.
Key Notes:
- Capsule sizes may vary slightly based on the manufacturer.
- Weight capacity depends on the density of the fill material.
- Capsules can be made from gelatin (animal-based) or HPMC/vegetable shells (plant-based).
- Larger capsules (000–00) can be difficult to swallow for some patients, so smaller sizes are often preferred for pediatric or geriatric populations.
Pharmaceutical Packaging Types
Packaging in the pharmaceutical industry plays a vital role in
ensuring safety, effectiveness, and shelf-life of medications.
Here's a breakdown of the most common types of drug packaging
used in healthcare:
1. Vial
Used for: Injectable medications.
Description: Vials are small glass or plastic containers
sealed with a rubber stopper and aluminum cap. They’re commonly used
for multi-dose or single-dose injectable drugs. Vials maintain
sterility and protect sensitive medications from contamination.
Ideal for: Parenteral (injection-based) medications like
insulin or vaccines.
2. Ampoule
Used for: Single-dose injectables.
Description: Ampoules are sealed glass containers that need
to be broken open. They’re meant for single-use only and offer high
protection for light- and air-sensitive medications.
Ideal for: Emergency drugs or vaccines requiring absolute
sterility.
3. Alu-Alu Blister
Used for: Tablets and capsules.
Description: Alu-Alu blister packs have aluminum on both
sides and are excellent for protecting tablets from moisture,
oxygen, and light. They help extend product shelf-life without
refrigeration.
Ideal for: Oral solid dosage forms like antibiotics or
supplements.
Below are two important types of blister packaging commonly used
for tablets and capsules:
1. Alu-PVC Blister
Used for: Standard tablet and capsule packaging.
Description: This blister pack has aluminum foil on one side
and PVC (plastic) on the other. It provides basic protection against
moisture and contamination. The transparent plastic side also allows
visual inspection of the product.
Ideal for: Non-sensitive medications like multivitamins or
over-the-counter tablets.
2. Alu-PVDC Blister
Used for: High-protection tablet and capsule packaging.
Description: This advanced blister pack combines aluminum
foil with PVDC-coated plastic, offering enhanced barrier protection
against moisture, oxygen, and light. It significantly extends the
shelf life of the medicine.
Ideal for: Moisture-sensitive or specialty drugs such as
antibiotics or hormone tablets.
Both blister types are designed to keep medicines safe, effective,
and stable throughout their intended shelf life.
Why Packaging Matters:
- Ensures safe delivery of medication
- Maintains drug integrity
- Offers tamper resistance
- Enhances patient compliance
FAQ on basic medical terminology with dosage forms and packaging types
1. What do we mean by dosage form?
Dosage form is how a medicine is made and given to a patient -
like tablets, capsules, syrups, or injections. Each form is made
to suit the patient and the type of treatment.
2. What types of dosage forms are there?
There are solid forms (like tablets or capsules), liquid forms
(like syrups or drops), semisolid (like creams), and even gases
(like inhalers). Each type has a different way of working inside
the body.
3. What is pharmaceutical packaging?
Pharmaceutical packaging is how medicines are packed to keep
them safe, fresh, and ready to use. It includes bottles, strips,
ampoules, or blister packs, and also shows important information
on the label.
4. What are the most common types of packaging?
The most used types are blister packs, plastic or glass bottles,
sealed vials, and ampoules. Each one is picked based on the
medicine's form and how it should be stored or used.
5. Why are dosage forms important?
Dosage forms help make sure the patient gets the right amount of
medicine in the right way. It also makes the medicine easier to
take, safer to use, and more effective.
6. How does packaging protect medicine?
Good packaging keeps medicine safe from air, moisture, sunlight,
and germs. This helps the drug stay strong and work properly
until the expiry date.
7. What are excipients and why are they used?
Excipients are extra ingredients mixed with the main drug. They
help shape the medicine, make it taste better, or help it
dissolve faster in the body.
8. What is a unit dose in medicine?
A unit dose means one full dose of a medicine packed separately
— like one tablet in a blister. It helps reduce mistakes and
makes it easier to give the correct amount.
Conclusion
Every successful Medical Promotion Officer (MPO) starts with the
basics - and that means understanding basic medical terminology
with dosage forms and packaging types. When you know these
things clearly, it becomes easier to explain products, answer
doctor’s questions, and grow in your job. This article gives you
the right starting point. Keep learning, stay curious, and take
one step at a time. Your journey as an MPO begins here - with
confidence and clarity.
Sarwar Hossain Himel
I am Sarwar Hossain Himel — a sports-loving person. Education: I have obtained a BBA and MBA degree in Accounting. Profession: Currently, I am working as a Medical Promotion Officer (MPO). In addition, I have over 5 years of experience in teaching. Freelance Work: I work as a Google Blogger and Article Writer in freelancing. Passion: I love doing web design and digital marketing. Especially, web design is one of my passions.