Pharmaceutical Suspensions and Thickening Agents

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What is the purpose of adding preservatives to suspensions?

To prevent microbial growth.

What is the mechanism of flocculation in suspensions?

Flocculation agents are added to floc the drug particles.

How do suspending agents affect the sedimentation behavior of suspensions?

Suspending agents slow down sedimentation.

What are the five categories of suspending agents?

Natural polysaccharides, clays, synthetic agents, and miscellaneous compounds. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between deflocculated and flocculated suspensions?

Deflocculated suspensions have particles that are dispersed individually, while flocculated suspensions have particles that are clustered together. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of thickeners in suspensions?

To increase the viscosity of the suspension. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a wetting agent in a suspension?

To remove air from the surface and allow easy penetration of the vehicle into the pores Signup and view all the answers

How do ionic surfactants bring about flocculation of suspended particles?

By causing neutralization of the charge on each particle, allowing van der Waals forces to attract particles towards each other Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of increasing the viscosity of the dispersion medium on the terminal settling velocity of suspended particles?

The terminal settling velocity decreases, resulting in a slower rate of sedimentation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between ionic and non-ionic surfactants in terms of flocculation?

Ionic surfactants neutralize the charge, while non-ionic surfactants are adsorbed onto multiple particles forming a loose flocculated structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the disadvantage of increasing the viscosity of a suspension in terms of patient dosing?

It decreases the pourability of the suspension, making it more inconvenient for patients to dose Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a deflocculated and flocculated suspension?

A deflocculated suspension has individual particles, while a flocculated suspension has particles that are loosely aggregated Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for using suspensions in pharmacy, especially for insoluble drugs?

Insoluble drugs, difficulty in swallowing solid dosage forms, unpleasant taste of drug, and need to control the rate of release of drug Signup and view all the answers

What is the criteria for a good suspension?

Re-suspend easily upon shaking, settle rapidly after shaking, after shaking, medicament stays in suspension long enough for a dose to be measured, pourable, and particles are small and uniform in size Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of suspensions in terms of bioavailability?

Drug in suspension exhibits higher rate of bioavailability Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between deflocculated and flocculated suspensions?

Deflocculated suspensions have separate particles, while flocculated suspensions have clusters of particles Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of suspending agents in suspensions?

Suspending agents help to stabilize the suspension and prevent sedimentation Signup and view all the answers

How do flocculation mechanisms affect the sedimentation behavior of suspensions?

Flocculation mechanisms can increase the sedimentation rate of suspensions by forming larger particle clusters Signup and view all the answers