Concept:
The United States Pharmacopeia defines several dissolution apparatuses designed to evaluate drug release profiles from various dosage forms.
Apparatus Reference Matrix:
• USP Apparatus 1: Basket method (Rotational)
• USP Apparatus 2: Paddle method (Rotational)
• USP Apparatus 3: Reciprocating Cylinder. It features outer flat-bottomed glass vessels and inner glass cylinders equipped with screens at both ends. The inner cylinders move up and down (reciprocating motion) through the dissolution medium, making it useful for controlled-release formulations.
• USP Apparatus 4: Flow-Through Cell
• USP Apparatus 5: Paddle over Disk (used for transdermal systems)
• USP Apparatus 6: Cylinder (used for transdermal systems)
• USP Apparatus 7: Reciprocating Holder
Based on this standardized nomenclature, Apparatus III is the option that utilizes a reciprocating cylinder design.