A general review of the methods available for the physical characterization of pharmaceutical solids is presented. The techniques are classified as being on the molecular level (properties capable of being detected in an ensemble of individual molecules), the particulate level (properties which can be detected through the analysis of an ensemble of particles), and the bulk level (properties which can be measured only using a relatively large amount of material). The molecular-level properties discussed are infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, the particulate-level properties discussed are particle morphology, particle size distribution, powder X-ray diffraction, and thermal methods of analysis, and the bulk-level properties discussed are surface area, porosity and pore size distribution, and powder flow characteristics. Full physical characterization of three modifications of lactose (hydrous, anhydrous, and Fast-Flo) is presented to illustrate the type of information which can be obtained using each of the techniques discussed.

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