What is flaking and weathering in pharmacy ?

In pharmacy, the terms "flaking" and "weathering" are not commonly used. However, they may be used in the context of pharmaceutical manufacturing or in the study of drug stability.

Flaking refers to the process by which small particles or flakes of a material break off from a larger mass. In the context of pharmaceutical manufacturing, flaking can occur during the compression of tablets or the encapsulation of capsules. If the formulation or manufacturing process is not optimized, the resulting tablets or capsules may exhibit flaking, which can lead to inconsistent dosing or reduced efficacy.

Weathering refers to the degradation of a material due to exposure to environmental factors such as heat, light, and moisture. In the context of pharmaceuticals, weathering can occur during storage or transportation and can lead to a reduction in drug potency or the formation of degradation products that may be harmful. Pharmaceutical manufacturers must carefully control the storage conditions of their products to prevent weathering and ensure product stability over time.