Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a purpose of formulating drugs into dosage forms?
Which of the following is NOT a purpose of formulating drugs into dosage forms?
- Increasing drug potency (correct)
- Providing accurate dosage
- Protecting drug substances from humidity
- Concealing unpleasant tastes
Excipients are active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Excipients are active pharmaceutical ingredients.
False (B)
What are the two main classifications of dosage forms based on their physical form?
What are the two main classifications of dosage forms based on their physical form?
Solid, Liquid, Semisolid, Gas
An example of a __________ dosage form is a tablet.
An example of a __________ dosage form is a tablet.
Match the type of dosage form with its appropriate example:
Match the type of dosage form with its appropriate example:
Which of the following dosage forms is NOT classified as a solid dosage form?
Which of the following dosage forms is NOT classified as a solid dosage form?
Biphasic liquid dosage forms include solutions and syrups.
Biphasic liquid dosage forms include solutions and syrups.
Name one advantage of using enteric-coated tablets.
Name one advantage of using enteric-coated tablets.
What is the formula for the rate of filtration according to Darcy's equation?
What is the formula for the rate of filtration according to Darcy's equation?
The viscosity of a medium has no impact on the rate of filtration.
The viscosity of a medium has no impact on the rate of filtration.
Name one type of media used in filtration systems.
Name one type of media used in filtration systems.
Elixirs are sweetened hydroalcoholic solutions intended for __________ use.
Elixirs are sweetened hydroalcoholic solutions intended for __________ use.
Which of the following statements about elixirs is true?
Which of the following statements about elixirs is true?
Medicated elixirs are primarily used for therapeutic effects.
Medicated elixirs are primarily used for therapeutic effects.
What is the main purpose of oral rehydration salts (ORS)?
What is the main purpose of oral rehydration salts (ORS)?
The thickness of the __________ layer affects the rate of filtration.
The thickness of the __________ layer affects the rate of filtration.
ORS solutions should be mixed with fruit juices for enhanced effectiveness.
ORS solutions should be mixed with fruit juices for enhanced effectiveness.
Match the following types of filters with their descriptions:
Match the following types of filters with their descriptions:
What is the primary osmotic agent used in the oral colonic lavage solution?
What is the primary osmotic agent used in the oral colonic lavage solution?
A typical ORS contains 45 mEq of Na⁺, 20 mEq of K⁺, 35 mEq of Cl⁻, and ______ mEq of citrate.
A typical ORS contains 45 mEq of Na⁺, 20 mEq of K⁺, 35 mEq of Cl⁻, and ______ mEq of citrate.
Match the following components of ORS with their quantities:
Match the following components of ORS with their quantities:
Which of the following is a major advantage of the new method for bowel preparation?
Which of the following is a major advantage of the new method for bowel preparation?
ORs solutions have increased the incidence of complications related to electrolyte solutions.
ORs solutions have increased the incidence of complications related to electrolyte solutions.
What volume and characteristics does the reconstituted oral colonic lavage solution have?
What volume and characteristics does the reconstituted oral colonic lavage solution have?
Which of the following weak bases is NOT mentioned in the content?
Which of the following weak bases is NOT mentioned in the content?
All salts of alkali metals are generally soluble in water.
All salts of alkali metals are generally soluble in water.
What type of substances form water-soluble salts in basic solutions?
What type of substances form water-soluble salts in basic solutions?
If the pH of a solution containing weak bases is increased, the free base may __________.
If the pH of a solution containing weak bases is increased, the free base may __________.
What is a characteristic of common salts of alkali metals?
What is a characteristic of common salts of alkali metals?
Match the following compounds with their solubility characteristics:
Match the following compounds with their solubility characteristics:
Hydroxides of alkali metal cations are generally insoluble in water.
Hydroxides of alkali metal cations are generally insoluble in water.
What is the formula for expressing solubility in a saturated solution?
What is the formula for expressing solubility in a saturated solution?
What is the primary purpose of using talc in the preparation of elixirs?
What is the primary purpose of using talc in the preparation of elixirs?
Nonmedicated elixirs can only be used as a diluent and have no other purpose.
Nonmedicated elixirs can only be used as a diluent and have no other purpose.
Name one common unwanted effect of antihistamines.
Name one common unwanted effect of antihistamines.
The three most commonly used nonmedicated elixirs include Aromatic elixir, Compound benzaldehyde elixir, and __________ elixir.
The three most commonly used nonmedicated elixirs include Aromatic elixir, Compound benzaldehyde elixir, and __________ elixir.
Match the following elixirs with their primary uses:
Match the following elixirs with their primary uses:
Which of the following is a consideration when selecting a nonmedicated elixir as a diluent?
Which of the following is a consideration when selecting a nonmedicated elixir as a diluent?
Barbiturate overdose can lead to respiratory depression and death.
Barbiturate overdose can lead to respiratory depression and death.
What should patients be warned against when taking antihistamines?
What should patients be warned against when taking antihistamines?
What type of dosage form is used for providing optimal drug action from topical administration sites?
What type of dosage form is used for providing optimal drug action from topical administration sites?
The solubility of a substance indicates the minimum concentration of that substance in a solution.
The solubility of a substance indicates the minimum concentration of that substance in a solution.
What term is used to describe a solution that has dissolved all of the solute at a given temperature?
What term is used to describe a solution that has dissolved all of the solute at a given temperature?
When excess solid solute is added to a saturated solution and the temperature is increased, the solution becomes __________.
When excess solid solute is added to a saturated solution and the temperature is increased, the solution becomes __________.
Match the dosage form with its corresponding drug administration method:
Match the dosage form with its corresponding drug administration method:
Which of the following forces is responsible for the cohesion of molecules?
Which of the following forces is responsible for the cohesion of molecules?
Hydrogen bonding is an example of a weak attraction that contributes to solubility.
Hydrogen bonding is an example of a weak attraction that contributes to solubility.
Name one example of a saturated solution mentioned.
Name one example of a saturated solution mentioned.
Which method of preparation for Purified Water is known for removing almost all viruses and bacteria?
Which method of preparation for Purified Water is known for removing almost all viruses and bacteria?
Purified Water, USP, is safe for use in preparing solutions for injections.
Purified Water, USP, is safe for use in preparing solutions for injections.
What is the maximum allowable concentration of total solids in Water for Injection, USP?
What is the maximum allowable concentration of total solids in Water for Injection, USP?
The ion exchange method uses cation and anion exchangers made of __________ materials.
The ion exchange method uses cation and anion exchangers made of __________ materials.
Match the following types of water with their characteristics:
Match the following types of water with their characteristics:
Which of the following statements about distilled water is correct?
Which of the following statements about distilled water is correct?
Water for Injection, USP, must be sterilized before use.
Water for Injection, USP, must be sterilized before use.
Purified Water, USP, has __________ % as much dissolved solids compared to tap water.
Purified Water, USP, has __________ % as much dissolved solids compared to tap water.
Which of the following solvents is primarily used as an auxiliary solvent in pharmaceutical preparations due to its viscosity and sweet taste?
Which of the following solvents is primarily used as an auxiliary solvent in pharmaceutical preparations due to its viscosity and sweet taste?
Molecules with straight-chain compounds are generally more soluble than those with branched chains.
Molecules with straight-chain compounds are generally more soluble than those with branched chains.
What is the primary solvent preferred for solutions taken orally, ophthalmically, or parenterally?
What is the primary solvent preferred for solutions taken orally, ophthalmically, or parenterally?
The molecular formula for Ethanol is __________.
The molecular formula for Ethanol is __________.
Match the following solvents with their primary characteristics:
Match the following solvents with their primary characteristics:
Which of the following statements is true regarding organic molecules and solubility?
Which of the following statements is true regarding organic molecules and solubility?
All phosphates are water-soluble regardless of their chemical composition.
All phosphates are water-soluble regardless of their chemical composition.
Give one example of a fixed oil used as a solvent in pharmaceutical preparations.
Give one example of a fixed oil used as a solvent in pharmaceutical preparations.
What is the primary purpose of Sterile Water for Injection, USP?
What is the primary purpose of Sterile Water for Injection, USP?
Bacteriostatic Water for Injection is packaged in containers larger than 30 mL.
Bacteriostatic Water for Injection is packaged in containers larger than 30 mL.
What type of strength is commonly used to express the concentrations of pharmaceutical preparations?
What type of strength is commonly used to express the concentrations of pharmaceutical preparations?
Pharmacists prefer NOT to use ________ to facilitate the dissolution of solutes.
Pharmacists prefer NOT to use ________ to facilitate the dissolution of solutes.
Match the following types of water with their characteristics:
Match the following types of water with their characteristics:
Which method is NOT typically used by pharmacists to increase the rate of solution?
Which method is NOT typically used by pharmacists to increase the rate of solution?
Calcium salts dissolve without releasing heat.
Calcium salts dissolve without releasing heat.
Pharmaceutical solutions are typically ________ with solute.
Pharmaceutical solutions are typically ________ with solute.
What factors influence the settling velocity of suspended materials?
What factors influence the settling velocity of suspended materials?
Filtration is a method that can be used to remove large quantities of suspended material efficiently.
Filtration is a method that can be used to remove large quantities of suspended material efficiently.
What is the settling method based on?
What is the settling method based on?
The settling velocity, represented as V, is calculated using the formula V = $\frac{d^2(p-p)g}{18η}$ where g is the __________ constant.
The settling velocity, represented as V, is calculated using the formula V = $\frac{d^2(p-p)g}{18η}$ where g is the __________ constant.
Match each method of clarification with its appropriate feature:
Match each method of clarification with its appropriate feature:
Which statement is true regarding the choice of clarification methods?
Which statement is true regarding the choice of clarification methods?
Percolation is a complex method that involves multiple filtration stages.
Percolation is a complex method that involves multiple filtration stages.
What determines whether the settling of suspended materials occurs upward or downward?
What determines whether the settling of suspended materials occurs upward or downward?
What is the purpose of excipients in drug formulations?
What is the purpose of excipients in drug formulations?
Liquid dosage forms can be classified into monophasic and biphasic categories.
Liquid dosage forms can be classified into monophasic and biphasic categories.
Name a type of semisolid dosage form.
Name a type of semisolid dosage form.
Dosage forms are crucial for providing __________ dosage delivery.
Dosage forms are crucial for providing __________ dosage delivery.
Which of the following is an example of a solid dosage form?
Which of the following is an example of a solid dosage form?
Match the dosage form type with its corresponding example:
Match the dosage form type with its corresponding example:
Excipients are always active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Excipients are always active pharmaceutical ingredients.
What is one main reason drugs are formulated into dosage forms?
What is one main reason drugs are formulated into dosage forms?
Which organic molecule typically exhibits increased solubility?
Which organic molecule typically exhibits increased solubility?
Water is the least preferred solvent for formulations intended for oral consumption.
Water is the least preferred solvent for formulations intended for oral consumption.
Name one characteristic that water must ideally possess as a solvent.
Name one characteristic that water must ideally possess as a solvent.
Glycerin is often used as a stabilizer and auxiliary solvent in conjunction with ______.
Glycerin is often used as a stabilizer and auxiliary solvent in conjunction with ______.
Match the following solvents with their primary applications:
Match the following solvents with their primary applications:
What happens to the solubility of molecules as their molecular weight increases?
What happens to the solubility of molecules as their molecular weight increases?
All hypochlorites are generally water-soluble.
All hypochlorites are generally water-soluble.
What is the primary component of diluted alcohol?
What is the primary component of diluted alcohol?
What is the primary purpose of Sterile Water for Injection?
What is the primary purpose of Sterile Water for Injection?
Bacteriostatic Water for Injection can contain antimicrobial agents.
Bacteriostatic Water for Injection can contain antimicrobial agents.
What is the common technique used to reduce the particle size of a solute?
What is the common technique used to reduce the particle size of a solute?
Most pharmaceutical solutions are __________ with solute.
Most pharmaceutical solutions are __________ with solute.
Match the following types of water with their characteristics:
Match the following types of water with their characteristics:
What is one characteristic of heat application when preparing solutions?
What is one characteristic of heat application when preparing solutions?
Pharmacists prefer to use high temperatures to enhance the solubility of medications.
Pharmacists prefer to use high temperatures to enhance the solubility of medications.
The symbol % used without qualification indicates percent weight in __________ for solutions of solids in liquids.
The symbol % used without qualification indicates percent weight in __________ for solutions of solids in liquids.
What is a common characteristic of elixirs with more than 10% alcohol content?
What is a common characteristic of elixirs with more than 10% alcohol content?
Elixirs generally contain no flavorings to improve taste.
Elixirs generally contain no flavorings to improve taste.
Name one solvent frequently used in elixirs besides alcohol and water.
Name one solvent frequently used in elixirs besides alcohol and water.
Elixirs are usually prepared by simple solution with __________ and/or by admixture of two or more liquid ingredients.
Elixirs are usually prepared by simple solution with __________ and/or by admixture of two or more liquid ingredients.
Which sweetener is commonly used in elixirs with high alcohol content?
Which sweetener is commonly used in elixirs with high alcohol content?
Match the following elixir components with their purposes:
Match the following elixir components with their purposes:
Elixirs are less flexible in dosage administration compared to solid dosage forms.
Elixirs are less flexible in dosage administration compared to solid dosage forms.
What is the main disadvantage of using elixirs for children and adults who avoid alcohol?
What is the main disadvantage of using elixirs for children and adults who avoid alcohol?
What is the purpose of reconstituting a dry powder mixture before dispensing?
What is the purpose of reconstituting a dry powder mixture before dispensing?
Oral rehydration solutions are used to treat dehydration resulting from diarrhea.
Oral rehydration solutions are used to treat dehydration resulting from diarrhea.
What factors are considered for the effective use of a drug?
What factors are considered for the effective use of a drug?
After reconstitution, the oral solution should be stored in the __________ for a recommended period.
After reconstitution, the oral solution should be stored in the __________ for a recommended period.
Match the following components to their roles in oral solutions:
Match the following components to their roles in oral solutions:
What is advised for patients regarding leftover oral medication after completing their course?
What is advised for patients regarding leftover oral medication after completing their course?
Oral rehydration solutions should include high levels of sodium to be effective.
Oral rehydration solutions should include high levels of sodium to be effective.
Diarrhea can result in the loss of __________ and bicarbonate ions, leading to dehydration.
Diarrhea can result in the loss of __________ and bicarbonate ions, leading to dehydration.
Study Notes
Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms
- Drug substances are typically administered as part of a formulation with excipients (non-medicinal agents).
- Excipients play various roles like solubilizing, suspending, thickening, and preserving the drug substance in the dosage form.
- Dosage forms are classified based on the route of administration and their physical form.
- Common dosage forms include:
- Liquid:
- Monophasic: solutions, syrups
- Biphasic: suspensions, emulsions
- Solid: tablets, capsules
- Semisolid: gels, pastes, creams, ointments
- Gas: inhalers, aerosols
- Liquid:
Drug Formulation and Excipients
- Drug: Active pharmaceutical ingredient (API)
- Excipients: Inactive ingredients used for technological, biopharmaceutical, and stability reasons. Common examples include:
- Diluents/Fillers: Add bulk to dosage forms
- Binders: Hold ingredients together
- Lubricants: Prevent sticking during manufacturing
- Disintegrants: Help the dosage form break down in the body
- Coatings: Protect the drug and control its release
- Preservatives and Stabilizers: Extend shelf life and maintain quality
- Colorants and Flavorings: Improve appearance and taste
Reasons for Dosage Forms
- Dosage forms provide a mechanism for safe and convenient delivery of accurate drug doses.
- They protect the drug substance from degradation by atmospheric oxygen or humidity, or from gastric acid in oral administration.
- They help mask unpleasant tastes or odors.
- They facilitate administration of insoluble or unstable drugs in liquid form.
Solubility and General Rules
- Solubility is affected by the chemical nature of the drug and the solvent.
- Inorganic Molecules:
- Salts with monovalent cations and anions are usually water soluble (e.g., NaCl).
- Salts with one monovalent and one multivalent ion are usually water soluble (e.g., BaCl2).
- Salts with multivalent cations and anions may have poor water solubility (e.g., CaSO4).
- Alkali metal salts (Na, K, Li, Cs, Rb) are generally water soluble.
- Ammonium and quaternary ammonium salts are water soluble.
- Nitrates, nitrites, acetates are generally water soluble.
- Sulfates, sulfites, and thiosulfates are generally water soluble (exceptions: calcium and barium salts).
- Chlorides, bromides, and iodides are water soluble (exceptions: salts of silver and mercurous ions).
- Acid salts corresponding to an insoluble salt are more water soluble.
- Hydroxides and oxides of compounds other than alkali metals and ammonium are generally water insoluble.
- Sulfides are water insoluble except for their alkali metal salts.
Filtration Rate
-
Darcy's Equation: dv/dt = K×A× ΔΡ/ η×1
- dv/dt: Rate of filtration
- K: Constant
- A: Surface area
- ΔΡ: Pressure difference
- η: Viscosity
- I: Thickness of cake layer
-
Factors affecting filtration rate:
- Increased surface area leads to faster filtration.
- Increased pressure accelerates the process.
- Different types of filters and equipment are used based on particle size and quantity.
Elixirs
- Elixirs are clear, sweetened hydroalcoholic solutions for oral use, often flavored for palatability.
- They are less sweet and viscous than syrups, but better at maintaining both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble components in solution.
- Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) are electrolyte solutions used for mild dehydration.
- A typical ORS contains: 45 mEq Na⁺, 20 mEq K⁺, 35 mEq CI⁻, 30 mEq citrate, and 25 g dextrose.
Oral Colonic Lavage Solution
- Used for bowel preparation before procedures like colonoscopy.
- Contains balanced electrolytes and polyethylene glycol (PEG-3350) for osmotic action.
- Large volume can be administered without significant electrolyte imbalance.
Nonmedicated Elixirs
- Used as vehicles for drugs or to dilute existing medicated elixirs.
- Selection criteria include compatibility with the drug's solubility, stability, and flavor of the elixir.
Medicated Elixirs
-
Employed for the therapeutic benefit of the medicinal agent.
-
Examples:*
-
Antihistamine elixirs: Provide symptomatic relief for allergic disorders, but may cause sedation and other adverse effects.
-
Barbiturate sedative and hypnotic elixirs: Depress the central nervous system, used for sedation and sleep, with potential for overdose.
Drug Administration Routes
- Oral Administration: Drugs are swallowed and absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract
- Topical Administration: Drugs are applied to the surface of the skin or mucous membranes
- Rectal or Vaginal Administration: Drugs are inserted into the rectum or vagina
- Parenteral Administration: Drugs are injected directly into the bloodstream or body tissues
- Inhalation Administration: Drugs are inhaled into the lungs
Solubility
- Solute Solubility: The maximum concentration of a substance that can dissolve in a solvent at a given temperature
- Saturated Solution: A solution where no more solute can dissolve at a given temperature
- Super-Saturated Solution: A solution that contains more dissolved solute than it normally can at a given temperature
- Factors Influencing Solubility:
- Polarity: Polar solvents dissolve polar solutes, nonpolar solvents dissolve nonpolar solutes
- Molecular Weight: Solubility decreases as molecular weight increases
- Structural Similarity: Similar structures between solute and solvent enhance solubility
Official Solvents
- Alcohol, USP (Ethyl Alcohol, Ethanol): Used as a primary solvent for organic compounds
- Diluted Alcohol, NF: A mixture of equal volumes of alcohol and purified water
- Alcohol, Rubbing: Contains about 70% ethyl alcohol, used externally as a rubefacient
- Glycerin, USP (Glycerol): A syrupy liquid used as a stabilizer and auxiliary solvent
- Propylene Glycol, USP: A viscous liquid frequently substituted for glycerin
- Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol: Used externally as a rubefacient and soothing agent
- Purified Water, USP: The most frequently used solvent in pharmaceutical preparations, but not for injections
- Water for Injection, USP: Purified water used for manufacturing injections
- Sterile Water for Injection, USP: Sterile water for injection, used as a solvent for already sterilized medications
- Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP: Sterile water containing antimicrobial agents, used for small volumes of injectables
Preparation of Solutions
- Strength of Solutions: Usually expressed as a percentage or ratio strength
- Factors Affecting Solution Preparation:
- Time: Some solutes require extended time to dissolve
- Temperature: Heat can accelerate dissolution, but must be used cautiously
- Particle Size: Reduced particle size increases surface area and promotes faster dissolution
- Solubilizing Agents: Substances that can enhance solubility
Clarification of Solutions
- Settling: Allowing suspended particles to settle based on density differences
- Filtration: Using a filter media to remove suspended particles
- Percolation: A simple filtration method using a piece of cotton or cloth
- Centrifugation: Using a centrifuge to accelerate settling
- Factors Affecting Clarification:
- Properties of suspended material: Size, shape, and density
- Quantity of material: Filtration is suitable for small amounts, other methods for larger volumes
- Characteristics of the liquid media: Viscosity, temperature sensitivity
- Speed of the method: Faster methods are preferable
Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms
- Dosage forms are the method of delivering a medication to a patient.
- Drug substances are administered as part of a formulation in combination with excipients.
- Excipients are non-medicinal agents that help to solubilize, suspend, thicken, dilute, emulsify, stabilize, preserve, give color or flavor, and fashion the drug into an efficacious and appealing dosage form.
- Each type of dosage form is unique in its physical and pharmaceutical characteristics.
Types of Dosage Forms
- Topical Dosage Forms: Applied to the skin or mucous membranes.
- Parenteral Dosage Forms: Injected into the body.
- Vaginal Dosage Forms: Inserted into the vagina.
- Nasal Dosage Forms: Administered through the nose.
- Oral Dosage Forms: Taken by mouth.
- Rectal Dosage Forms: Inserted into the rectum.
- Respiratory/Inhaled Dosage Forms: Inhaled into the lungs.
- Ophthalmic Dosage Forms: Applied to the eye.
- Otic Dosage Forms: Applied to the ear.
Liquid Dosage Forms
- Monophasic (one phase):
- Solution: A homogeneous mixture of a solute dissolved in a solvent.
- Syrup: A concentrated solution of sugar in water.
- Biphasic (two phases):
- Suspension: A heterogeneous mixture of solid particles dispersed in a liquid.
- Emulsion: A heterogeneous mixture of two immiscible liquids, one dispersed in the other.
Solid Dosage Forms
- One Unit:
- Tablets: Solid dosage forms compressed from powdered or granulated materials.
- Capsules: Solid dosage forms containing a drug in a shell.
Semisolid Dosage Forms
- Gel: A semisolid system consisting of a dispersion of small or large molecules in a liquid.
- Paste: A thick, viscous semisolid preparation containing a high proportion of solid material.
- Cream: A semisolid emulsion containing a percentage of water.
- Ointment: A semisolid preparation containing a percentage of oil.
Gaseous Dosage Forms
- Inhaler: A device used to deliver a medicine directly into the lungs.
- Aerosols: Pressurized liquid solutions or suspensions that disperse as a fine spray.
Why Drugs Are Formulated as Dosage Forms
- To provide a safe and convenient delivery of accurate dosage.
- To protect the drug substance from the destructive influences of atmospheric oxygen or humidity.
- To protect the drug substance from the destructive influence of gastric acid after oral administration.
- To conceal the bitter, salty, or offensive taste or odor of a drug substance.
- To provide liquid preparations of substances that are either insoluble or unstable in the desired vehicle.
- To provide clear liquid dosage forms of substances.
Terms
- Drug: The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).
- Excipients: Inactive pharmaceutical ingredients added for technological, biopharmaceutical, and/or stability reasons.
Organic Molecules
- Molecules having one polar functional group are usually soluble to a total chain length of five carbons.
- Molecules having branched chains are more soluble than the corresponding straight-chain compounds.
- Water solubility decreases with an increase in molecular weight.
- Increased structural similarity between solute and solvent is accompanied by increased solubility.
Official Solvents:
- Alcohol, USP: Used as a primary solvent for many organic compounds.
- Diluted Alcohol, NF: A mixture of equal volumes of alcohol and water.
- Alcohol, Rubbing: Used externally as a rubefacient.
- Glycerin, USP: A clear syrupy viscous liquid with a sweet taste; used as a preservative, stabilizer, and auxiliary solvent.
- Propylene Glycol, USP: A viscous liquid frequently substituted for glycerin.
- Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol: Used externally as a rubefacient and soothing.
- Sterile Water for Injection, USP: Used as a solvent, vehicle, or diluent for already sterilized injectable medications.
- Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP: Sterile water containing antimicrobial agents, used for small volumes of injectable preparations.
Preparation of Solutions
- Most pharmaceutical solutions are unsaturated with solute.
- Drug strengths are usually expressed as percent strength or ratio strength.
- Solutions can be prepared by simple dissolution, applying heat, reducing particle size, using a solubilizing agent, or vigorous agitation.
- Effective dosage forms ensure the drug is effective after administration (absorption, distribution, etc.).
Dry Mixtures for Solution
- Some medicines are not stable in aqueous solution and are supplied as dry powder or granules for reconstitution with purified water immediately before dispensing.
- Reconstituted solutions are typically stable for 7-14 days when refrigerated.
- Patients should be instructed to discard any remaining medication after completing the prescribed regimen.
Oral Solutions
- Pharmacists may dispense commercially prepared oral solutions, dilute solutions, reconstitute dry mixtures, or compound oral solutions from bulk components.
- The pharmacist should be aware of the dispensed product to advise the patient on proper use, dosage, administration, and storage.
Oral Rehydration Solutions
- Rapid fluid loss in diarrhea can lead to dehydration and death, particularly in infants.
- Oral rehydration solutions are used to replace lost fecal water and electrolytes.
- These solutions typically contain glucose, sodium, potassium, and chloride ions.
Elixirs
- Elixirs are clear, sweetened, flavored hydroalcoholic liquids used for oral administration.
- They contain a high proportion of alcohol, which acts as a solvent for many medicinal compounds.
- Elixirs are usually prepared by simple solution with agitation or by admixture of two or more liquid ingredients.
- Elixirs should be stored in tight, light-resistant containers and protected from excessive heat.
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Description
This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of pharmaceutical dosage forms, including their classification based on physical forms and routes of administration. Additionally, it delves into the role of excipients in drug formulation, highlighting their functions and types. Test your knowledge on these essential topics in pharmacology.
