Hygroscopicity in PharmaceuticalDuring the formulation of new and existing drugs in pharmaceutical field, hygroscopicity is one of the important physical parameters studied to improve the efficacy, stability and handling of the drug. Hygroscopicity has always been an important aspect in the pharmaceutical field since most drugs, whether in tablets or solutions, are normally hygroscopic. Until now there is no universally recognized definition of hygroscopicity because it is driven by both thermodynamic and kinetic forces. Hygroscopicity refers 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 at a known relative humidity (Hilfiker, 2006, p. 236). A solid that can easily absorb moisture when exposed to the atmosphere with a known relative humidity is called hygroscopic while the ability to absorb or adsorb moisture is known as hygroscopic. Hygroscopicity is usually known to occur through sorption, adsorption or deliquescence where the adsorbent or absorbent material changes physically or chemically in many of its physicochemical characteristics. Due to the negative effects it has on the final products, highly hygroscopic drugs usually cause weight fluctuations leading to breakage of the tablets or film coating (Wermuth, 2008, p. 758). This has led to the development of formulations under controlled conditions, humid conditions and expensive packaging are required. This has further pushed many companies to develop rules and regulations regarding hygroscopicity. Pharmaceutical ingredients used in drug manufacturing are usually aqueous salts prepared using salts and counterions of strongly acidic or basic hydroxy acids, which possess a... ... half of the article ...... injection analysis among others . Works Cited Ahuja S., & Scypinski S. (2001). Manual of modern pharmaceutical analysis. London: Academic PressQiu, Y., Chen, Y., Iu, L., Zhang, G.G. (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, C.S. (2008). Pharmaceutical production manual: regulations and quality. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Wermuth, C. G. (2008). The practice of medicinal chemistry. London, WC: Academic Press. Gaud, R. S. (2008). Pharmaceuticals. Abhyudaya Pragati: Nirali Prakashan.Griffin, J.P. (2009). The textbook of pharmaceutical medicine. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Inc. Podczeck, F. (2004). Pharmaceutical capsules. London: Pharmaceutical Press.