Pellets are considered a form of what kind of dosage form?

Pellets are classified as a multiparticulate dosage form. This categorization is based on the fact that pellets consist of small, spherical granules or particles that combine to form a larger dose. A multiparticulate dosage form is advantageous because it enhances the distribution of the active ingredient throughout the gastrointestinal tract, contributing to more consistent absorption and reduced peak plasma fluctuations.

This multiparticulate nature allows for improved bioavailability and reduced side effects when compared to single unit dosage forms, such as tablets or capsules, which may release the drug too quickly or in uneven amounts. The design of pellets often facilitates controlled release properties and enables formulation strategies like enteric coating, which can protect the drug from being released too early in the digestive process.

Other types of dosage forms, like liquid or solid dosage forms, don't encapsulate the unique characteristics and benefits that multiparticulate forms offer, especially regarding absorption dynamics and targeted release profiles in the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, recognizing pellets as a multiparticulate dosage form aligns with their structural and functional properties in pharmaceutical applications.