Hygroscopic in PharmacyWhen formulating new and existing drugs in pharmacy, hygroscopic is one of the important physical parameters that are studied in order to improve the effectiveness, stability and handling of the medication. Hygroscopicity has always been an important aspect in pharmacy, as the majority of medicines, in the form of tablets or solutions, are normally hygroscopic. Until now, there is no universally accepted definition of hygroscopic because it depends on both thermodynamic and kinetic forces. Hygroscopic can refer to the amount of moisture absorbed or adsorbed by a substance from the atmosphere as well as the rate of moisture absorption of a substance that is in a known relative humidity (Hilfiker, 2006, p. 236 ). A solid that can readily absorb moisture when exposed to the atmosphere of known relative humidity is said to be hygroscopic, while the ability to absorb or adsorb moisture is known as hygroscopic . Hygroscopicity is generally known to occur either through absorption, adsorption or deliquescence where the adsorbent or absorbent material changes physically or chemically in many of its physicochemical characteristics. Due to their detrimental effects on the final products, highly hygroscopic drugs typically cause weight fluctuations that result in pilling or cracking of the film (Wermuth, 2008, p. 758). This has led to the development of formulations under controlled, humid conditions and expensive packaging are required. This has further pushed many companies to develop rules and regulations regarding hygroscopicity. Pharmaceutical ingredients used in the manufacture of medicines are generally aqueous salts prepared using salts of strongly acidic or basic hydroxy acids and counterions, which possess a h... ... middle of article. ..... injection analysis among others. Works cited Ahuja S. and Scypinski S. (2001). Handbook of Modern Pharmaceutical Analysis. London: Academic Press Qiu, Y., Chen, Y., Iu, L., Zhang, GG (2009). Development of solid oral dosage forms: pharmaceutical theory and practice. London: Academic Press. Hilfiker, R. (2006). Polymorphism: In the pharmaceutical industry. Winheim: Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & co. KGaA. Gad, CS (2008). Pharmaceutical manufacturing manual: regulations and quality. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Wermuth, C.G. (2008). The practice of medicinal chemistry. London, WC: Academic Press. Gaud, RS (2008). Pharmaceutical. Abhyudaya Pragati: Nirali Prakashan. Griffin, J.P. (2009). The Handbook of Pharmaceutical Medicine. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Inc. Podczeck, F. (2004). Pharmaceutical capsules. London: Pharmaceutical Press.