Which term refers to the physical form in which a drug is dispensed?

The term that refers to the physical form in which a drug is dispensed is "dosage form." Dosage form encompasses various preparations through which medications are delivered to the patient. These can include tablets, capsules, liquids, injections, and topical applications, each designed to ensure that the drug is taken correctly and reaches the area of the body where it is needed effectively.

Understanding dosage forms is critical in pharmacy practice as it directly influences how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted by the body. The choice of dosage form can affect the onset of action and overall effectiveness of the medication, which is why it is an essential concept in pharmaceutical sciences.

Other terms provided in the question, while related to the field of pharmaceuticals, do not specifically focus on the physical form of drugs. Drug structure refers to the molecular framework of the drug, formulation pertains to the combination of various components to create the dosage form, and drug composition discusses the ingredients of the drug. These concepts are crucial but distinct from the definition of dosage form itself.