Questions and Answers
Tinctures are prepared from vegetable materials or from chemical ______.
substances
Tinctures contain alcohol in amounts ranging from approximately ______% to 80%.
15
Ethanol is an excellent solvent for both acidic and ______ constituents.
basic
Herbal tinctures can also be made using ______ as a solvent.
Signup and view all the answers
Preparations made with glycerin are called ______, providing an alternative for those avoiding alcohol.
Signup and view all the answers
Iodine tincture is a popular local anti-infective agent applied to the skin in general household first aid and is ______ brown in color.
Signup and view all the answers
The tincture of iodine is prepared by dissolving iodine crystals and sodium iodide in an amount of ______ equal to half the volume of tincture to be prepared.
Signup and view all the answers
Compound benzoin tincture is prepared by maceration in alcohol of benzoin and lesser amounts of ______, storax, and tolu balsam.
Signup and view all the answers
Tinctures must be stored in tightly stoppered containers to prevent loss of ______.
Signup and view all the answers
For respiratory conditions, a teaspoonful of compound benzoin tincture is usually added to boiling water and ______ vapors are inhaled by the patient.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Overview of Tinctures
- Tinctures are solutions derived from vegetable materials or chemical substances, utilizing alcohol or hydroalcoholic solvents.
- They vary in preparation methods, strength, alcohol content (15% to 80%), and medicinal or pharmaceutical use.
Composition and Characteristics
- Alcohol acts as a preservative and prevents microbial growth while keeping alcohol-soluble extracts in solution.
- Multiple solvents may be combined to maintain product integrity; inappropriate liquid mixes can lead to solute precipitation.
- Example: Compound benzoin tincture will precipitate when mixed with water due to alcohol-soluble principles.
Solvents Used in Tinctures
- Ethanol: Dissolves less soluble substances in water and acts as a preservative. It can denature some organic compounds, affecting efficacy.
-
Alternative Solvents:
- Vinegar: Better for extracting alkaloids due to its acidity; suitable for internal use.
- Glycerol: Used in glycerites for those avoiding alcohol; provides an internal-use alternative.
- Ether & Propylene Glycol: Typically used for external preparations in personal care products like creams and ointments.
Examples of Tinctures
-
Tincture Iodine:
- Prepared by dissolving 2% iodine crystals and 2.4% sodium iodide in alcohol, then diluting with water.
- Utilizes the reaction to form sodium tri-iodide, providing an effective anti-infective treatment.
- Noted for its reddish-brown color which can stain the skin; typically used in first aid.
-
Compound Benzoin Tincture:
- Created by macerating benzoin with aloe, storax, and tolu balsam in alcohol.
- Used to treat conditions like bedsores, ulcers, and cracked skin; acts as an inhalant in respiratory conditions.
- Administered by adding one teaspoonful to boiling water for steam inhalation.
Storage and Handling
- Tinctures must be stored in tightly stoppered containers to prevent alcohol loss and avoid high temperatures.
- Light exposure can cause photochemical changes; therefore, tinctures should be kept in light-resistant containers away from sunlight.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz covers the essential aspects of tinctures, including their preparation, composition, and the solvents used in their production. Learn about the role of alcohol and alternative solvents in creating effective tinctures and their medicinal uses.
