Pharmaceutical Formulations Quiz

Ethanol with a concentration of approximately 95% by volume, forming an azeotrope with water, which means it boils at a constant temperature (78.2°C).

A process where yeast converts sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide.

A chemical reaction where ethylene (a gas) reacts with water in the presence of sulfuric acid to produce ethanol.

Ethanol that has been modified to make it undrinkable by adding other substances.

Denatured alcohol that contains methanol and benzene, making it unsuitable for any use, even externally.

Denatured alcohol mixed with specific substances for specific purposes (e.g., tinctures, mouthwashes, plant extracts).

Using alcohol externally to clean wounds, preserve substances, reduce irritation, or dissolve other substances.

Alcohol's ability to numb the skin due to its cooling effect as it evaporates.

The process by which the human body breaks down ethanol (alcohol) into harmless substances. This involves a series of oxidation reactions, starting with ethanol and progressing through acetaldehyde to ethanoic acid.

A toxic by-product created during alcohol metabolism. It's responsible for symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and facial flushing.

A drug used to treat alcohol dependence. It blocks the breakdown of acetaldehyde, making drinkers experience the unpleasant effects of this toxic compound, acting as a deterrent.

A type of pharmaceutical preparation where ethanol is the primary solvent. Examples include tinctures and fluid extracts.

Ethanol with a purity level of at least 99% w/w. It's primarily used as a chemical reagent and solvent, not for drinking.

A colorless liquid with a characteristic odor, often used as a disinfectant for skin and surgical instruments. It's a suitable substitute for ethanol in many cases, but never for ingestion.

A process used commercially to produce isopropyl alcohol. It involves the reaction of propylene with water in the presence of sulfuric acid.

A colorless, volatile liquid with a slightly bitter taste. It is commonly used as an antiseptic and solvent in many pharmaceutical and household products.

Hexylresorcinol, also known as 4-Hexylresorcinol is a compound that numbs the tongue when applied. It is an effective antiseptic with both bactericidal and fungicidal properties.

Oxidizing agents that kill microorganisms usually work by liberating oxygen in the tissues. Examples include hydrogen peroxide, metal peroxides, and sodium perborate.

Carbamide peroxide is a stable complex of hydrogen peroxide and urea used for both antiseptic and disinfectant purposes.

It's effectively used for treating oral ulcers and dental care because it releases oxygen bubbles that remove debris.

Hydrous benzoyl peroxide is commonly found in acne treatments. It is a white powdery substance that oxidizes and breaks down acne-causing bacteria.

Oxidizing agents can be particularly effective against anaerobic bacteria, which cannot survive with oxygen. They also cleanse wounds by dislodging debris with their oxygen bubbles.

The use of oxidizing agents is limited because they may have poor penetration into infected tissues and their action can be short-lived.

KMnO4 is a powerful oxidizing agent that can denature proteins in microorganisms by directly reacting with them.

The ability of a substance to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, especially bacteria.

Organomercurials, a type of mercury-containing compound used as antiseptics, can penetrate microorganisms and tissues due to their increased lipid solubility.

Organomercurials form covalent bonds with sulfhydryl (-SH) groups in enzymes and proteins, disrupting their function. This leads to bacteriostatic effects, meaning they inhibit bacterial growth but don't kill them.

Treatment with thiol-containing compounds like cysteine or dimercaprol (BAL) can reverse the effects of organomercurials by breaking their bonds with sulfhydryl groups.

Proteins in serum can inactivate organomercurial antiseptics, reducing their efficacy.

Organomercurials are not very effective against bacterial spores, dormant forms of bacteria with a protective outer layer.

Organomercurial antiseptics have disadvantages, including potential toxicity, limited effectiveness, and the availability of safer alternatives.

A non-irritating and non-staining antiseptic used for skin and ocular infections but largely replaced by more effective agents.

A compound with powerful germicidal properties. It is effective against a wide range of bacteria and fungi, and is commonly used as a disinfectant.

Complexes formed by mixing iodine with nonionic or cationic surfactants. They retain iodine's germicidal power but decrease its volatility and irritation.

A specific iodophor where iodine is complexed with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), a nonionic surfactant. It is water-soluble and releases iodine slowly, providing sustained antimicrobial activity.

A powerful oxidizing agent that inactivates proteins by iodination of aromatic residues (phenylalanyl and tyrosyl) and oxidation of sulfhydryl groups.

A substance used in the treatment of acne. It works by reducing excess oil production, killing bacteria, and promoting skin cell turnover.

A property of benzoyl peroxide that encourages the shedding of dead skin cells, promoting a clearer complexion. However, it can cause dryness and flaking.

Benzoyl peroxide's potential to increase the growth of new skin cells, sometimes causing irritation or temporary worsening of acne, especially at higher concentrations.

The pure form of benzoyl peroxide is highly explosive. It's diluted with water to create a safer, stable product for topical application.

Chlorobutanol is an effective bacteriostatic agent commonly used in pharmaceutical products for injection, ophthalmic use, and intranasal administration.

Benzyl alcohol is a preservative frequently included in vials of injectable medications. It's often present in concentrations between 1% and 4%, dissolved in water or saline solution.

Benzoic acid is an antiseptic agent employed in lotions, ointments, and mouthwashes. It is particularly effective at low pH, often used as a preservative in pharmaceuticals and food items.

Sodium benzoate is used as a preservative in acidic liquid formulations. In these preparations, benzoic acid is released, enhancing its effectiveness as a preservative.

Sodium propionate is a potent anti-fungal preservative. It's most effective in acidic conditions, effectively preventing the growth of mold and fungi.

Sorbic acid is a widely used antifungal preservative. It is commonly employed in syrups, elixirs, ointments, and lotions, particularly those containing components that encourage mold growth, such as sugars.

Similar to sorbic acid, potassium sorbate is used as a preservative when greater water solubility is needed. Both compounds act on the same principle but differ in their solubility characteristics.

Phenylmercuric nitrate is a highly effective preservative and antiseptic agent. It works by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms.