Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 3 complete abstracts (542 words), 9 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
Completed forms of the pharmaceutical preparation in which prescribed doses of medication are included. They are designed to resist action by gastric fluids, prevent vomiting and nausea, reduce or alleviate the undesirable taste and smells associated with oral administration, achieve a high concentration of drug at target site, or produce a delayed or long-acting drug effect.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Dosage Form; Form, Dosage; Forms, Dosage.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Pharmaceutical Preparations; Technology, Pharmaceutical
- Narrower topics
- Abuse-Deterrent Formulations; Capsules; Colloids; Delayed-Action Preparations; Drug Carriers; Liniments; Micelles; Ointments; Powders; Suppositories; Tablets; Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies
- See also
- Drug Administration Routes; Drug Delivery Systems
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 422,949 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Dosage Forms” (counts retrieved 2026-10-31). 109,147 of them (25.8%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is 2010-2019 with 128,511 records.
Reviews account for 35,331 records (8.4%) and meta-analyses for 1,114. Randomized controlled trials number 20,868 (4.9%) as a share of all records on the topic.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 110,551 |
| 2000-2009 | 74,740 |
| 2010-2019 | 128,511 |
| 2020 onward | 109,147 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 35,331 | 8.4% |
| Meta-analyses | 1,114 | 0.3% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 20,868 | 4.9% |
Method: PubMed query "Dosage Forms"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-31.
Reading the evidence in drugs and chemicals
Studies of a chemical or drug can answer very different questions: what it is and how it behaves in cells and animals, how the body handles it, and whether it changes outcomes in people. Laboratory and animal findings often do not carry over to patients, and observational studies of exposures are confounded by who uses a substance and why. Nothing on this page is a recommendation to use, avoid, start or stop any substance or medicine; talk to a qualified clinician or pharmacist about your own situation. Check the dose, the species, the comparison group and whether a patient-relevant outcome was measured.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cannabidiol- and Celecoxib-Loaded Liposomes as a Strategy to Modulate Redox and Inflammatory Signaling in High-Grade Glioma: A Preliminary In Vivo Study | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 1 | cc by PMID 42511566 · DOI · PMC13410183 |
| Biomimetic Gradient Hydrogels Regulate Osteochondral Regeneration Microenvironment Remodeling via Spatiotemporal Programming Engineering | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 1 | cc by PMID 42418438 · DOI · PMC13345314 |
| Dual Release of Antibiotics with Additive Effect from Cleavable Hydrogels Based on Amino/Thiol-Yne Click Chemistry | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 0 | cc by PMID 42734285 · DOI · PMC13580029 |
Cannabidiol- and Celecoxib-Loaded Liposomes as a Strategy to Modulate Redox and Inflammatory Signaling in High-Grade Glioma: A Preliminary In Vivo Study [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Inflammation contributes to the rapid progression of high-grade gliomas, indicating that anti-inflammatory strategies targeting NF-κB signaling may offer therapeutic benefit.
- Closing excerpt
- However, additional studies, including tissue distribution, release kinetics, and efficacy in orthotopic glioma models, are needed to fully verify their translational potential.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (226 words)
Inflammation contributes to the rapid progression of high-grade gliomas, indicating that anti-inflammatory strategies targeting NF-κB signaling may offer therapeutic benefit. Cannabidiol (CBD) and celecoxib (CELE) are hydrophobic pharmacological agents whose formulation in lipid carriers may support their combined biological evaluation. In this proof-of-concept study, we investigated liposomal formulations containing CBD, CELE, or both compounds in U-87 MG high-grade glioma cells and in a subcutaneous xenograft model. We assessed cytotoxicity, apoptosis, oxidative stress, Nrf2-dependent responses, NF-κB-centered inflammatory networks, tumor cell invasive properties, and Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity. The nanoformulations induced reactive oxygen species generation by 1.8-fold, which was accompanied by Nrf2 activation. Cationic formulations loaded with the compounds produced more pronounced pro-apoptotic effects (up to 39%) than POPC liposomes, although both types reduced the nuclear translocation of the NF-κB p65 subunit. The CBD + CELE-containing formulation showed a trend toward reduced tumor progression in mice. It is important to note that the in vitro and in vivo nanoformulations were physicochemically related, but not identical, and the in vivo experiment should be interpreted as a preliminary assessment after intratumoral administration. Overall, cationic liposomes co-loaded with CBD + CELE represent a promising platform for further optimization aimed at coordinated modulation of inflammatory, oxidative, and proliferative pathways in glioma. However, additional studies, including tissue distribution, release kinetics, and efficacy in orthotopic glioma models, are needed to fully verify their translational potential.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42511566 · DOI · PMC13410183
Biomimetic Gradient Hydrogels Regulate Osteochondral Regeneration Microenvironment Remodeling via Spatiotemporal Programming Engineering [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Osteochondral repair remains a critical challenge owing to conventional scaffolds' inadequate dynamic mechanical adaptability, poor interfacial integration, inefficient cell recruitment, and lack of spatiotemporal regulation of bioactive cues.
- Closing excerpt
- This nanofunctionalized gradient scaffold spatiotemporally couples key repair processes, providing a promising proof-of-concept strategy for cell-free functional osteochondral repair.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (174 words)
Osteochondral repair remains a critical challenge owing to conventional scaffolds' inadequate dynamic mechanical adaptability, poor interfacial integration, inefficient cell recruitment, and lack of spatiotemporal regulation of bioactive cues. Inspired by native tissue hierarchical gradients and endogenous healing mechanisms, we developed an electric field-driven continuous gradient hydrogel (GHZF4) via spatiotemporal programming. Integrating nanofiber-reinforced self-adaptive matrix, electric field-induced nanofiber alignment, and ZIF-8 nanocarrier-mediated bioactive release, GHZF4 constructs compositional/structural/mechanical gradients. Its bone-mimetic zone achieves burst release of PDGF-BB and sustained release of BMP-2 for vascularized osteogenesis, while the cartilage-mimetic zone sustains TGF-β3 release for chondrogenesis. In vitro, GHZF4 enhances macrophage M2 polarization, autologous stem cell recruitment, angiogenesis, and osteochondral differentiation. In rat/rabbit defect models, it enables seamless integration and functional repair, validated by micro-CT, nanoindentation and histology. Transcriptomic analysis reveals the potential upregulation of signaling pathways associated with immunomodulation, angiogenesis, and osteochondral differentiation, which shows strong consistency with our in vitro functional outcomes and in vivo regenerative phenotypes. This nanofunctionalized gradient scaffold spatiotemporally couples key repair processes, providing a promising proof-of-concept strategy for cell-free functional osteochondral repair.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42418438 · DOI · PMC13345314
Dual Release of Antibiotics with Additive Effect from Cleavable Hydrogels Based on Amino/Thiol-Yne Click Chemistry [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Dual-antibiotic loaded poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogels were developed as antimicrobial wound dressings combining covalent and physical antibiotic incorporation.
- Closing excerpt
- The results support the potential of these hydrogels as safe and effective dual-antibiotic wound dressings, allowing for the immediate elimination of invading bacteria after wounding (burst release), while maintaining long-term antibiotic release to minimize reinfection risk.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (142 words)
Dual-antibiotic loaded poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogels were developed as antimicrobial wound dressings combining covalent and physical antibiotic incorporation. Hydrogels were prepared through amino-yne click conjugation of gentamicin sulfate (Gs) and thiol-yne cross-linking, followed by ciprofloxacin (CPX) loading via swelling-diffusion. The materials exhibited tunable gelation time, swelling capacity, and drug release profiles depending on thiol content. A dual-release mechanism was achieved, consisting of an initial burst release of CPX followed by a sustained, pH-responsive release of conjugated Gs through acid cleavage of β-aminoacrylate linkages. The hydrogels showed effective wide spectrum antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while cytotoxicity studies confirmed cytocompatibility at bactericidal concentrations. The results support the potential of these hydrogels as safe and effective dual-antibiotic wound dressings, allowing for the immediate elimination of invading bacteria after wounding (burst release), while maintaining long-term antibiotic release to minimize reinfection risk.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42734285 · DOI · PMC13580029
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Fluid resuscitation with colloid or crystalloid solutions in critically ill patients: a systematic review of randomised trials [4]
- Research article Crystalloids vs. colloids in fluid resuscitation: a systematic review [5]
- Research article Fluid resuscitation in sepsis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis [6]
- Research article Colloids versus crystalloids for fluid resuscitation in critically ill patients [7]
- Research article Effectiveness of Long-Acting Injectable vs Oral Antipsychotics in Patients With Schizophrenia: A Meta-analysis of Prospective and Retrospective Cohort Studies [8]
- Research article Cardiovascular effects of electronic cigarettes: A systematic review and meta-analysis [9]
References
- Rybarczyk A, Majchrzak-Celińska A, Piwowarczyk L, Tomczak S, Wronka D, Karlik A, et al.. Cannabidiol- and Celecoxib-Loaded Liposomes as a Strategy to Modulate Redox and Inflammatory Signaling in High-Grade Glioma: A Preliminary In Vivo Study. . 2026. PMID 42511566 · DOI · PMC13410183
- Niu X, Xiao S, Huang D, Wang X, Cao Y, Sun X, et al.. Biomimetic Gradient Hydrogels Regulate Osteochondral Regeneration Microenvironment Remodeling via Spatiotemporal Programming Engineering. . 2026. PMID 42418438 · DOI · PMC13345314
- Bescós-Ramo S, Yus C, Arruebo M, Piñol M, Oriol L. Dual Release of Antibiotics with Additive Effect from Cleavable Hydrogels Based on Amino/Thiol-Yne Click Chemistry. . 2026. PMID 42734285 · DOI · PMC13580029
- Schierhout G, Roberts I. Fluid resuscitation with colloid or crystalloid solutions in critically ill patients: a systematic review of randomised trials. BMJ. 1998. PMID 9550953 · DOI · PMC28497
- Choi PT, Yip G, Quinonez LG, Cook DJ. Crystalloids vs. colloids in fluid resuscitation: a systematic review. Crit Care Med. 1999. PMID 9934917 · DOI
- Rochwerg B, Alhazzani W, Sindi A, Heels-Ansdell D, Thabane L, Fox-Robichaud A, et al.. Fluid resuscitation in sepsis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Ann Intern Med. 2014. PMID 25047428 · DOI
- Perel P, Roberts I, Ker K. Colloids versus crystalloids for fluid resuscitation in critically ill patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013. PMID 23450531 · DOI
- Kishimoto T, Hagi K, Nitta M, Leucht S, Olfson M, Kane JM, et al.. Effectiveness of Long-Acting Injectable vs Oral Antipsychotics in Patients With Schizophrenia: A Meta-analysis of Prospective and Retrospective Cohort Studies. Schizophr Bull. 2018. PMID 29868849 · DOI · PMC5890463
- Skotsimara G, Antonopoulos AS, Oikonomou E, Siasos G, Ioakeimidis N, Tsalamandris S, et al.. Cardiovascular effects of electronic cigarettes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2019. PMID 30823865 · DOI
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-10-31.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.