Pharmacy: Micromeritics and Powders

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Questions and Answers

What defines powders in pharmaceutical compounding?

Homogeneous mixtures of large particles

Mixtures of solid and liquid forms

Only crystalline forms of medication

Intimate mixtures of finely divided drug or drug and excipient (correct)

What is a key advantage of small particle size in powders?

Increased bulk volume

Reduced surface area

Less uniform blending

Faster dissolution and better suspendability (correct)

Which method is NOT commonly used for determining particle size?

Sieving

Microscopy

Light scattering

Chemical reaction (correct)

Why is homogeneity important in powder formulations?

It ensures accurate dosing and effectiveness of the dosage form Signup and view all the answers

What does micromeritics study specifically involve?

Properties of small particles Signup and view all the answers

How is the Angle of repose measured?

By using a funnel to allow the powder to flow and fall freely Signup and view all the answers

Which property is NOT associated with micromeritics?

pH level Signup and view all the answers

What is a common use for powders in pharmaceuticals?

Making tablets and capsules Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using divided powders in medication for young children or the elderly?

They deliver an accurate quantity of medication. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the soluble diluent in divided powders?

To dissolve the active drug before administration. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the process of creating granules?

Blending powders and moistening them into a pasty mass. Signup and view all the answers

Effervescent granules are typically made by combining which two types of granules?

Granules made with acids and granules made with sodium bicarbonate. Signup and view all the answers

For which type of medication is a bulk powder commonly used?

Antifungal medications as dusting powders. Signup and view all the answers

How are granules typically utilized in pharmaceutical preparations?

They are often used for creating effervescent tablets. Signup and view all the answers

Why might a patient like Paige Turner prefer a powdered medication for travel?

It can be easily mixed with liquids and is lightweight. Signup and view all the answers

What main advantage do granules have over fine powders in pharmaceutical applications?

They can be measured more easily in bulk preparations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of aluminum hydroxide in the compounded powder?

Antacid Signup and view all the answers

What is the procedure for mixing magnesium and aluminum hydroxides?

Tumble for 2 minutes Signup and view all the answers

Which ingredient in the formula serves as a flavoring agent?

Peppermint oil Signup and view all the answers

How much calcium carbonate is used in the final preparation?

75 g Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended dosage instruction for the prepared powder?

One level tsp in water three times a day after meals as needed Signup and view all the answers

What does Gene Poole's medication history indicate about his past treatments?

Has used antibiotics for infections Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of measuring the weight of the powder after mixing?

To ensure correct active ingredient concentration Signup and view all the answers

What common condition is Gene Poole experiencing?

Tinea pedis Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Mercaptopurine in the prescription?

It is an antineoplastic agent. Signup and view all the answers

How many total milligrams of lactose are needed as a filler based on the calculations provided?

2590 mg Signup and view all the answers

Using the Mosteller equation, what is the total body surface area (SA) in square meters calculated from the given height and weight?

0.5965 m² Signup and view all the answers

If each dose of Mercaptopurine is 22.5 mg, how many doses are required to reach a total of 337.5 mg?

15 doses Signup and view all the answers

If one tablet of Mercaptopurine weighs 283 mg, what is the total weight of the tablets needed for 15 doses?

1981 mg Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of benzocaine in the prescription?

Local anesthetic Signup and view all the answers

What is the total weight of the formulation after combining all ingredients?

30 g Signup and view all the answers

Which ingredient serves as an antipuritic in the formulation?

Camphor Signup and view all the answers

How is the salicylic acid intended to function in the preparation?

Keratolytic Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using talc in the formulation?

As a vehicle and adsorbent Signup and view all the answers

In the preparation process, how is the methyl salicylate incorporated?

Added drop-wise to the mixture during trituration Signup and view all the answers

What age group is Leah Tarde, who requires a specific medication preparation?

Toddler Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of ondansetron in Leah's treatment plan?

To treat nausea and vomiting Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction

Powders are intimate mixtures of finely divided drug or drug and excipient for either internal or external use
Powders are used to prepare other dose forms such as tablets, capsules, suspensions, etc.

Micromeritics

Science of properties of small particles
Particle size, distribution, and shape are important considerations
Explains properties like angle of repose, porosity, true and bulk volume, tapped and apparent density

Particle Size & Shape

Small particle size is associated with a larger surface area, faster dissolution, and better suspendability
Particles of similar shape and size tend to blend more uniformly for more homogeneous mixtures
Homogeneity is very important for many dose forms

Angle of Repose

Measurement of the angle formed when a powder is allowed to flow freely from a funnel onto a surface
Calculated using the tangent of the angle, which is equal to the height of the powder pile divided by the radius of the base
Important for understanding powder flowability and how it will behave during manufacturing

Divided Powders

Extemporaneous dose form used for medications for young children or the elderly
Single dose of powdered medication is wrapped in paper or foil-plastic laminates for accurate dosing
Used for potent drugs

Granulations

Coarse particles made by blending powders and then moistening to form a pasty mass
Mass is then passed through a sieve to form granules which are allowed to air dry
Used in the preparation of tablets and sometimes capsules
Can also be used in bulk preparations for non-potent drugs, measured by the spoonful and dissolved or dispersed in water or juice

Effervescent Granules

Mixture of granules made with citric and tartaric acids (1:2) with granules made with sodium bicarbonate
More common to see them pressed into effervescent tablets

Case Studies:

Example prescriptions include bulk powders, dusting powders, and powder papers
Case 1: Paige Turner is a 63-year-old woman who wants a more "packable" antacid powder for travel
Case 2: Gene Poole is a 16-year-old male with athlete's foot who needs a foot powder
Case 3: Leah Tarde is a 3-year-old girl with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who requires powdered medicine that can be mixed with soft foods

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Description

This quiz focuses on the properties of powders used in pharmaceuticals, including micromeritics, particle size, and shape. It also explores concepts like the angle of repose and the impact of these factors on drug formulation and effectiveness. Test your knowledge on the science of small particles and their applications in various dose forms.