Ointment Preparation Techniques

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of adding a sweetening agent to high percentage alcohol formulations?

To improve shelf life

To reduce cost

To increase solubility

To enhance flavor (correct)

What is a characteristic of simple mixtures?

Contains only soluble ingredients (correct)

Must be dispensed without any solid components

Contains only insoluble ingredients

Requires no additional vehicle

Why are diffusible solids significant in mixture formulations?

They dissolve completely in water

They can remain evenly distributed for a time (correct)

They eliminate the need for shaking before use

They are more cost-effective than soluble solids

What is a common example of a diffusible solid used in mixtures?

Bismuth carbonate Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct method for examining a simple mixture during dispensing?

Examine against light for foreign particles Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following ingredients is included in the formulation of Piperazine citrate elixir?

Chloroform spirit Signup and view all the answers

What type of container is recommended for storing simple mixtures?

Narrow-mouthed, screw-capped, colorless bottle Signup and view all the answers

Which process is involved in the preparation of a mixture containing diffusible solids?

Mixing powdered solids thoroughly in a mortar Signup and view all the answers

What type of droplets should a spray device produce if the drug is meant to act on the upper respiratory tract?

Coarse droplets Signup and view all the answers

Why are aqueous sprays preferred over oil-based formulations for nasal delivery?

Oil-based formulations can cause lipoid pneumonia Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken when administering otic solutions for a middle ear infection?

Press the tragus in a pumping motion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of viscous glycerin as a solvent for otic solutions?

It allows the drug to stay in the ear longer Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using anti-inflammatory agents in ear preparations?

To reduce swelling Signup and view all the answers

What should a patient do after receiving aqueous ear drops?

Remain lying on the side for a few minutes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common use for ophthalmic preparations?

Laxatives Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial consideration in the compounding of ophthalmic preparations?

Maintaining high standards and care Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a dilute suspension?

Cortisone acetate suspension Signup and view all the answers

Which type of oral suspension is specifically designed to alleviate pain?

Analgesic oral suspension Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines a colloidal suspension?

Particle size less than 1 micron Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding the bioavailability of suspensions is correct?

Suspensions provide higher bioavailability than coated tablets. Signup and view all the answers

What is the major disadvantage associated with suspensions?

Physical stability issues due to sedimentation Signup and view all the answers

Which type of suspension is described as having a solid concentration of 50% w/v?

Concentrated suspension Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of using a suspension for drug delivery?

They mask the drug's unpleasant taste. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum amount of eye ointment that should be contained in a tube?

5g Signup and view all the answers

Which type of suspension has a high rate of bioavailability compared to others?

Suspension Signup and view all the answers

What temperature should eye ointments be stored at to ensure their effectiveness?

25°C Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the breakable seal on the screw cap of eye ointments?

To ensure sterility until the product is opened Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the preparation of eye ointments?

All apparatus must be clean and sterile before use. Signup and view all the answers

What method can be used to sterilize certain commercial eye ointments?

Sterilizing in their final containers with ionising radiation Signup and view all the answers

What components do ophthalmic inserts consist of?

Matrix including MS in the membrane Signup and view all the answers

Which labeling information is essential for eye ointments?

The date after which it is not intended to be used Signup and view all the answers

What is the main consideration in the design of single-dose containers for eye ointments?

To prevent microbial contamination Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason for formulating suspensions of poorly soluble drugs?

To ensure uniform dosing and stability Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT desirable in a pharmaceutical suspension?

Rapid sedimentation of particles Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a suspension used for topical application?

Calamine lotion Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the theoretical considerations in suspension technology?

Aggregation control Signup and view all the answers

Which property is crucial for drug suspensions in parenteral applications?

Sterilizability Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Brownian movement in suspensions?

To prevent sedimentation Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided regarding particle size in suspensions?

Very large particles Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a function of suspensions in X-ray contrast agents?

To improve visibility during examinations Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Alcohol and Sweetening Agents

High alcohol content in formulations necessitates a sweetening agent for palatability, typically sucrose due to its slight solubility in alcohol.
Saccharine is an alternative, but it has an undesirable aftertaste and higher costs due to legal processing with the excise department.

Important Formulation: Piperazine Citrate Elixir

Composition includes:
- Piperazine citrate: 18g
- Chloroform spirit: 0.5ml
- Glycerin: 10ml
- Orange oil: 0.025ml
- Syrup: 50ml
- Purified water to 100ml

Mixtures

Liquids prepared for oral administration containing drugs dissolved, suspended, or dispersed in a suitable vehicle.
Mixtures can be classified as:
- Simple mixtures
- Mixtures with diffusible solids
- Mixtures with indiffusible solids
- Mixtures with precipitate-forming liquids

Simple Mixture

Contains only soluble ingredients; prepared by:
- Dissolving solids in ¾ volume of the vehicle.
- Filtering the solution to remove foreign particles.
- Adding liquid ingredients and mixing thoroughly.
- Adjusting the vehicle to achieve final volume before bottling and labeling.

Mixture Containing Diffusible Solids

Composed of solids that can mix with water upon shaking, allowing uniform dose distribution but may settle if left undisturbed.
Examples include:
- Bismuth carbonate
- Light kaolin
- Magnesium oxide

Aqueous Sprays

Preferred for respiratory treatments; should be isotonic and share a similar pH with nasal secretions.
Often include antibiotics and antihistamines for treating allergies and nasal congestion.

Otic Solutions

Administered for ear conditions using local anesthetics, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory agents.
Glycerin used for its viscous properties, maintaining drug retention, and aiding in cerumen removal.

Eye Ointments

Prepared under strict aseptic conditions to ensure safety and efficacy.
Must undergo sterilization processes and packed in sterilized containers to prevent microbial contamination.
Tubes should contain a maximum of 5g, equipped with nozzles for precise application.

Ophthalmic Inserts

Solid or semi-solid preparations inserted into the conjunctival sac, releasing medication gradually.
Designed to ensure stability and controlled release of active ingredients.

Suspensions Overview

Liquid formulations containing solid particles, generally classified by physical characteristics and intended use.
Types include:
- Oral suspension (e.g. Paracetamol)
- Externally applied suspension (e.g. Calamine lotion)
- Parenteral suspension (e.g. Procaine penicillin G)

Advantages and Disadvantages of Suspensions

Advantages:
- Improved chemical stability and bioavailability.
- Controlled release for drugs; masks poor taste.
Disadvantages:
- Challenges with physical stability and uniform dosage.
- Requires careful handling and transport due to bulkiness.

Features Desired in Pharmaceutical Suspensions

Slow sedimentation and easy re-suspension capabilities.
Non-gritty texture with appealing odor, color, and taste.
Must maintain physical, chemical, and microbiological stability.
Sterilizable for parenteral and ophthalmic uses.

Theoretical Considerations for Suspensions

Critical factors include particle size control, wetting, sedimentation, and the prevention of aggregation.

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Description

This quiz covers essential techniques for preparing ointments, including the filtration of ointment bases, the incorporation of active ingredients, and homogenization processes. Additionally, it emphasizes packaging and labeling practices, particularly for sterile eye ointments prepared under aseptic conditions.