Pharmaceutical Powder Dosage Forms

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Questions and Answers

What is the main characteristic that differentiates dusting powders from other topical powders?

They must always be sterile.

They are used only for antifungal treatments.

They have a suitable fineness and flow well from containers. (correct)

They require a high capacity of active ingredients.

Which property is NOT essential for powder excipients used in formulations?

Narrow particle size distribution.

High bulk density.

High chemical reactivity. (correct)

Good flowability.

What type of powder requires the patient to mix it with water before use?

Antifungal powders.

Sterilized powders.

Dusting powders.

Bulk powders. (correct)

What is a common diluent material used in dusting powders for enhancing flow properties?

Purified talc. Signup and view all the answers

Why must sterile powders for cutaneous application be prepared with care?

To prevent contamination and microbial growth. Signup and view all the answers

Which particle size range is associated with very fine particles?

120-400 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of drug micronization?

Enhances the bioavailability of the drug Signup and view all the answers

What is the particle size range needed for effective inhalation into the respiratory tract?

1-5 µm Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of powders is designed primarily for nasal administration?

Nasal powders Signup and view all the answers

What formulation form is primarily composed of solid, loose, dry particles for oral administration?

Oral powders Signup and view all the answers

Which particle size is typically associated with fine dispersions intended to remain undissolved?

0.5-10 µm Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential characteristic of inhalation powders?

They deliver drugs directly to the lungs Signup and view all the answers

Which route of administration includes powders that are administered topically to the skin?

Topical powders Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic that differentiates pharmaceutical powders from general use powders?

Pharmaceutical powders are mixtures of drugs and chemicals intended for use. Signup and view all the answers

Which term specifically describes the size of granules in relation to sieves?

Granules usually range from 4 to 12 # sieve. Signup and view all the answers

When characterizing powders, which of the following is NOT a criterion used?

Color intensity Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using powdered substances in the preparation of other dosage forms?

They act as excipients in tablets and capsules. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is essential for ensuring homogeneous blending of powders?

Particle size uniformity Signup and view all the answers

What does a larger number in sieve size indicate?

Finer particle size Signup and view all the answers

Which component of powder characterization assesses compatibility?

Compatibility with other formulation components Signup and view all the answers

The term used for the number of openings per linear inch of a sieve is referred to as:

Mesh size Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Powder Dosage Forms

A pharmaceutical powder is a dry mixture of finely divided drugs and/or chemicals intended for internal or external use.
Powders are one of the oldest dosage forms and are used both internally and externally.

Granules

Granules are a dosage form made of dry powder particles that may contain one or more API with or without other ingredients.
Granules are used for medicinal purposes and for the preparation of other dosage forms such as tablets.
The usual size ranges of granules are in the range of 4–12 # sieve.

Uses of Powders

Medicated powders for therapeutic effect are limited in use.
Powders are extensively used in the preparation of other dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, liquids, and ointments.

Characterization of Powders

Before use in the preparation of pharmaceutical products, solid materials are characterized for their chemical and physical features.
This includes; morphology, purity, solubility, flowability, stability, particle size, uniformity, and compatibility with any other formulation components.

Particle Size

Particles of uniform size are blended more easily.
Generally, the size of a powder particle is related to its ability to pass through a specific sieve.
Sieves can be referred to by their aperture size or mesh size.

Particle Size and its Influence

Particle size can impact dissolution rate, suspendability, uniform distribution, penetrability and grittiness of a powder for a specific application.

Classification of Powders and Granules according to Route of Administration

Oral powders
Inhalation powders
Nasal powders
Topical powders
Dusting powders

Oral Powders

Oral powders are formulations composed of solid, loose, dry particles of varying particle size.
They contain one or more active substances with or without excipients and may also contain coloring matter and flavoring.
Oral powders are generally administered in or with water or another suitable liquid, or they may be swallowed directly.

Inhalation Powders

Inhalation powders are considered the most effective way to deliver drug substances to the lungs for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
An inhalation device is used to deliver the drug as a cloud of fine particles at the time of administration.
The drug may be preloaded in the inhalation device or filled into hard gelatin capsules or foil blisters which are loaded into an inhalation device prior to use.

Nasal Powders

Nasal powders are intended for inhalation into the nasal cavity, utilizing a suitable device.
Some potent drugs are presented in this way because they are rapidly absorbed when administered as a fine powder via the nose.
The drug is mixed with an inert excipient, such as lactose, that releases the drug at the time of administration.

Topical Powders

Topical powders are used for cutaneous application.
They are solid, loose, dry particles of varying fineness that contain one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients, with or without excipients, and if necessary, appropriate coloring matter.
Sterile powders for cutaneous application must be formulated using materials and methods that ensure sterility and avoid the introduction of contaminants and the growth of microorganisms.

Dusting Powders

Dusting powders are powders for cutaneous application that have a suitable fineness.
Dusting powders are normally dispensed in glass or metal containers with a perforated lid.
The powder must flow well from such a container to ensure that it can be dusted over the affected area.
The active ingredients must therefore be diluted with materials having reasonably good flow properties such as purified talc or maize starch.

Bulk Powders

Antacids are an example of bulk powders in which the patient takes the dose himself by mixing with water.

Powder Excipients

The excipients must possess the following properties:
- Narrow particle size distribution.
- Good flowability.
- Good pressure-hardness profile (if it is used for tablet formulation).
- High capacity.
- High bulk density.

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Description

Explore the various aspects of pharmaceutical powder dosage forms, including their characteristics, uses, and classification. This quiz covers fundamental concepts such as powders and granules, along with their significance in medicinal applications. Test your knowledge on how these dosage forms are utilized in healthcare.