What does drug formulation refer to?

Drug formulation refers to the process of designing and producing a drug. This encompasses various aspects, including the selection of drug components, the type of dosage form (such as tablet, capsule, liquid, or injectable), and the method of production. Formulation scientists must take into account the drug's chemical, physical, and pharmacological properties to create a product that is effective, stable, and acceptable to patients.

The formulation process is critical to ensuring that a drug is delivered in a way that maximizes its therapeutic effect while minimizing potential side effects. It also involves considerations such as the drug's solubility, stability, absorption, and release characteristics. Formulation is not merely about the constituents of the drug itself but also how those constituents will interact within the chosen delivery system and ultimately how they perform in the human body.

Other options do touch on important aspects of pharmacology but do not capture the full scope of what drug formulation entails. The method of drug administration focuses more on how the drug is given to patients rather than the design process. The chemical structure provides insight into the molecular makeup of the drug but does not encompass the formulation process. Lastly, the breakdown of a drug in the body relates to pharmacokinetics rather than the creation of the drug