Dosage Postlab Notes on Peppermint Water,PDF

PEPPERMINT WATER Peppermint Water USP, also known as Aqua Menthae Piperitae, is an aromatic water made by dissolving peppermint oil in water, typically using a stabilizer or an emulsifying agent. This preparation is described in the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and has a standardized formulatio...

PEPPERMINT WATER Peppermint Water USP, also known as Aqua Menthae Piperitae, is an aromatic water made by dissolving peppermint oil in water, typically using a stabilizer or an emulsifying agent. This preparation is described in the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and has a standardized formulation to ensure consistency, safety, and efficacy. Pharmaceutical uses of Peppermint Water include: 1. Carminative and Digestive Aid: Peppermint water is often used to relieve symptoms of indigestion, flatulence, and colic due to its carminative properties, which help to expel gas from the digestive tract. 2. Flavoring Agent: It is commonly added to oral medicines, particularly those with unpleasant tastes, to improve palatability. Peppermint's refreshing flavor helps mask bitterness, making it easier for patients, especially children, to consume certain medications. 3. Mild Antispasmodic: Due to peppermint oil's menthol component, it can help relax the smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract, which is useful in relieving minor spasms or cramps. 4. Mild Analgesic and Cooling Effect: While not as strong as peppermint oil, peppermint water can provide a mild analgesic effect and cooling sensation, beneficial in topical applications for mild irritation. Peppermint Water USP is thus a versatile pharmaceutical preparation, used in both therapeutic and flavoring applications in various dosage forms, especially oral and topical preparations. USE OF TALC IN MAKING PEPPERMINT WATER Talc is used in the preparation of peppermint water as a dispersing agent for the peppermint oil. Peppermint oil is hydrophobic, so it does not dissolve easily in water. Talc helps by adsorbing the oil, creating a fine dispersion that can then be filtered to obtain a clear, homogenous peppermint water. Here’s a quick breakdown of the process: 1. Adsorption of Peppermint Oil: Talc powder is mixed with peppermint oil. The talc acts as a carrier, dispersing the oil evenly so it can be suspended in water. 2. Filtration: The mixture is then filtered. The talc, which has adsorbed the oil, remains on the filter, allowing the oil's aromatic constituents to infuse into the water as it passes through, resulting in a clear peppermint water. This method ensures that the peppermint water has the desired aroma and mild therapeutic properties without visible oil droplets or cloudiness, which is essential for a stable and aesthetically pleasing pharmaceutical preparation. WHAT METHOD IS THE PREPRATION CALLED? The method used in preparing peppermint water with talc is known as the "Solution by Intermittent Extraction" or "Alternate Solution Method." In this method, talc serves as a "carrier" or "adsorbing agent" for the peppermint oil, allowing the oil's volatile components to be dispersed in water. Through filtration, the oil’s aromatic principles dissolve in the water, while the talc, holding any remaining oil, is left behind. This approach is commonly used to create stable aromatic waters where the active ingredient is an essential oil, ensuring a clear, homogenous solution without visible oil droplets. Aside from the Solution by Intermittent Extraction using talc, there are a few other methods to prepare peppermint water: 1. Direct Solution Method: This method involves dissolving peppermint oil directly into water using alcohol or another co-solvent, which helps to solubilize the oil. However, this can sometimes lead to cloudiness and may not be ideal for preparations that require a clear solution. 2. Distillation: This traditional method is used in larger-scale preparations and involves distilling a mixture of water and peppermint leaves or peppermint oil. The distillate is collected and typically diluted to produce peppermint water. Distillation yields a very pure and stable product but is more complex and time-consuming compared to other methods. 3. Emulsion Method: In this method, an emulsifying agent, such as acacia or polysorbate, is used to disperse the peppermint oil in water. This creates a stable emulsion but may result in a slightly cloudy appearance, which may not be suitable if a clear solution is required. PAPAYA LEAVES DECOCTION Decoctions are commonly used in herbal medicine to extract water-soluble compounds from tough plant materials like roots, barks, and leaves, making them suitable for preparations like papaya leaf tea or medicinal decoctions. The liquid obtained after the extraction process in a decoction is called the decoction itself or sometimes referred to as the extract. In herbal medicine, it may also be called an infusion or herbal tea, although infusions usually involve gentler extraction (e.g., steeping rather than boiling). For example, in the case of papaya leaf decoction, the liquid collected after straining is the papaya leaf decoction or papaya leaf extract. This liquid contains the water-soluble compounds extracted from the leaves and is used for its potential therapeutic benefits. Papaya leaf decoction is most commonly associated with dengue fever management. Studies suggest it may help in increasing platelet count, though more clinical evidence is needed to confirm this. Additionally, it has potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and even anticancer effects, though these benefits are still under research. The primary phytochemicals in papaya leaves thought to support platelet levels are carpaine, flavonoids, and glycosides: 1. Carpaine: An alkaloid unique to papaya, carpaine is believed to enhance platelet production by stimulating bone marrow function, though the exact mechanism is still under study. 2. Flavonoids: Papaya leaves contain various flavonoids (such as quercetin and kaempferol) that possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially aiding in cellular protection and immune support. These flavonoids may help maintain platelet integrity and improve blood parameters, which is beneficial in conditions like dengue fever where platelet depletion is common. 3. Glycosides: Certain glycosides in papaya leaves are also linked to bone marrow stimulation, potentially promoting platelet production and stabilization. Ginger Infusion Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a commonly used herbal remedy with a rich history in traditional medicine. It is known for its carminative, antiemetic, and anti-inflammatory properties, among others. A ginger infusion is a preparation made by steeping fresh or dried ginger rhizomes in hot water, extracting the bioactive compounds for medicinal purposes. An infusion is a process used to extract bioactive compounds from plant materials (such as herbs, leaves, flowers, or seeds) into a solvent, usually water, by soaking the plant material for a period of time. This method is commonly used in both herbal medicine and food preparation to make beverages or medicinal preparations. The primary goal of an infusion is to extract soluble constituents like essential oils, alkaloids, flavonoids, and other compounds from the plant into the liquid. Pharmaceutical Use and Therapeutic Properties: Ginger has been utilized for various medicinal purposes, particularly due to its bioactive compounds such as gingerol, shogaol, and zingiberene. Here are the primary pharmaceutical uses of ginger infusion: 1. Antiemetic (Anti-nausea) Effect: ○ Ginger infusion is widely used for preventing and treating nausea and vomiting, particularly in cases of motion sickness, pregnancy (morning sickness), and chemotherapy-induced nausea. ○ The compounds in ginger act on the gastrointestinal tract, reducing nausea and promoting gastric motility. 2. Carminative (Gas-Relieving): ○ It helps relieve bloating, indigestion, and gas by stimulating the production of bile and enhancing gastrointestinal motility. ○ The infusion is effective for treating mild digestive discomfort and improving overall digestion. 3. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects: ○ Ginger contains phenolic compounds that have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These can help reduce inflammation in the body, making ginger infusion useful for conditions such as arthritis and muscle pain. ○ The antioxidant effects may also support general health by neutralizing free radicals in the body. 4. Pain Relief: ○ Ginger infusion can be used as an adjunct in the management of mild pain, particularly related to inflammation (e.g., in osteoarthritis or muscular aches). 5. Support for Immune Function: ○ Ginger has mild antimicrobial properties, which may support the immune system. It is sometimes used to alleviate symptoms of the common cold or flu by promoting sweating and helping to clear mucus. 6. Digestive Health:  ○ It is often used to relieve indigestion and promote gut health. Ginger infusion stimulates the production of digestive juices, aiding in the breakdown of food and nutrients. Precautions and Side Effects: Dosage: Ginger infusion should be consumed in moderation. Excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, heartburn, or diarrhea. Contraindications: Ginger should be used cautiously in individuals with a history of gastric ulcers or gallstones. Drug Interactions: Ginger may interact with certain medications, such as anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), and may enhance their effects, increasing the risk of bleeding. STRONG IODINE SOLUTION Lugol's solution is an aqueous solution of iodine (I₂) and potassium iodide (KI) that has been historically used for its antiseptic properties. Here's the general process to prepare Lugol's solution: Ingredients: Iodine crystals (I₂) Potassium iodide (KI) Distilled water In pharmaceutical terms, a solution is a homogeneous liquid preparation containing one or more active ingredients (solutes) dissolved in a solvent (usually water or other appropriate solvent) in such a way that the solute particles are uniformly distributed throughout the solvent. Solutions are commonly used in the pharmaceutical field for oral, topical, or parenteral administration of medications. Potassium iodide (KI) is dissolved first in water to help form iodide ions (I⁻), which facilitate the dissolution of iodine (I₂) crystals. Iodine is poorly soluble in water, but when KI is dissolved in water, it dissociates into potassium (K⁺) and iodide (I⁻) ions. These iodide ions act as ligands that bind with iodine molecules, forming an iodine-iodide complex (I₂·KI) that is much more soluble in water than elemental iodine. The function of KI in the solution is to act as a solubilizing agent for iodine. It helps increase the solubility of iodine in water, preventing the iodine from precipitating out and ensuring it remains in solution. Synonyms of this Preparation Lugol's solution is also known by several other names, including: Iodine tincture Iodine solution Iodine potassium iodide solution Solubility of Iodine in Water Iodine has low solubility in water, with only about 0.03 g of iodine dissolving in 100 mL of water at room temperature. This is why iodine is typically combined with potassium iodide to form a more soluble complex in water, as explained earlier. Uses of Lugol's Solution Lugol's solution has several uses in both medical and industrial contexts: Antiseptic: Historically used as an antiseptic for cleaning wounds and treating infections. Diagnostic tool: Used in medical procedures, such as in the iodine test for starch or in detecting cervical dysplasia in a procedure called Schiller’s test. Thyroid treatment: Used in certain thyroid conditions, particularly for preparing patients for thyroidectomy or in treating iodine deficiency. Disinfectant: In some cases, used as a disinfectant due to its antiseptic properties. Staining agent: It is used in laboratories for staining tissues, particularly in microscopy. COCOA SYRUP A syrup is a concentrated solution of sugar (usually sucrose) in water or other aqueous liquids, sometimes with added flavoring agents, colors, or medicinal substances. It is used primarily as a vehicle for oral administration of drugs and for its sweetening and palatability properties. While cocoa syrup is primarily a flavoring agent and delivery vehicle, some of the components of cocoa, such as flavonoids (including epicatechins), may offer mild antioxidant benefits. The presence of theobromine, an alkaloid related to caffeine, can provide a mild stimulant effect. However, the health benefits of cocoa syrup are often secondary to its primary role as a sweetening agent. Synonyms of cocoa syrup include chocolate syrup and cocoa extract syrup. Cocoa syrup is a type of medicated syrup that contains cocoa, sugar, and water, sometimes with added medicinal ingredients. It is primarily used for its flavoring properties in various foods, beverages, and pharmaceutical formulations, especially to mask the taste of bitter medications. Cocoa syrup can also be used in treating conditions like cough and as a supplement in some pediatric formulations. Cocoa syrup's uses include: Flavoring agent in beverages like chocolate milk and desserts. A vehicle for drug delivery, especially in pediatric patients. Acting as a mild laxative due to its natural properties in some formulations. Kinds of Syrup There are several kinds of syrups, but they can be categorized into the following types: Simple Syrup: It is a mixture of sugar and water. This type of syrup is primarily used to sweeten or dilute other solutions and medications. Medicated Syrup: Contains an active ingredient (drug) dissolved in a sweetened solution. These syrups are designed for medicinal purposes and help to mask the taste of bitter medications. Flavored Syrup: This syrup contains added flavoring agents to enhance the taste. It can be used to mask unpleasant tastes of medicinal ingredients, making them more palatable. Viscous Syrup: A syrup with a thicker consistency than simple syrup, used when a slower rate of administration is required. Methods of Preparing Syrup There are several methods for preparing syrup: Solution by Heat: Involves dissolving sugar in water by heating, which is often employed when a more concentrated syrup is required.  Solution by Agitation: Involves stirring sugar into a cold or room-temperature liquid until the sugar is fully dissolved. Percolation: Involves dissolving sugar into a liquid in a column or percolator, with the syrup slowly passing through the sugar bed. The "solution by heat" method is typically employed when preparing syrups with higher concentrations of sugar or when dissolving ingredients that are difficult to dissolve at room temperature. It helps speed up the dissolution process. The right concentration of syrup typically ranges from 60% to 85% sugar. This is important for ensuring the syrup's viscosity and stability, as well as its ability to preserve the active ingredients. A higher concentration of sugar helps prevent microbial growth, ensuring the syrup's shelf life. Acacia is a genus of trees and shrubs belonging to the family Fabaceae. Its dried gum, known as gum arabic, is commonly used in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. The gum is derived from the branches of Acacia trees, particularly Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal. Pharmaceutical Uses of Acacia: Emulsifying agent: Acacia mucilage is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations to stabilize emulsions. Suspending agent: It helps in maintaining the uniform dispersion of solids in liquids. Binding agent: In tablet formulations, acacia mucilage serves as a binder to hold the powder ingredients together. Excipients in oral formulations: Used in syrups, lozenges, and pastilles, acacia mucilage acts as a thickener and stabilizer. Mucilage is a gelatinous, polysaccharide-rich substance secreted by various plants. It is typically produced in response to injury or stress and functions as a protective layer or lubricant. In pharmaceutical formulations, mucilage is used for its thickening, gelling, and emulsifying properties. The primary use of mucilage in pharmaceutical applications is as a thickening agent and binder in the preparation of various dosage forms, such as suspensions, emulsions, and lozenges. It is also utilized as a demulcent, which soothes irritated tissues (such as in the throat or gastrointestinal tract). Two characteristics of mucilage? 1. Hydrophilic nature: Mucilage has a high affinity for water, forming a viscous solution or gel when mixed with water. 2. Viscosity: Mucilage increases the viscosity of liquids, which is why it is often used as a thickening or suspending agent in formulations. Synonyms for acacia mucilage include: Acacia gum Gum arabic Senegal gum Arabian gum 5. Give some examples of official mucilage. Some examples of official mucilage in the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) or other pharmacopeial references include: Mucilage of acacia  Mucilage of tragacanth Mucilage of psyllium Mucilage of elm Mucilage of quince Aromatic Elixir 1. Dissolving oils in ethanol: ○ Purpose: Aromatic oils are soluble in ethanol, ensuring their uniform dispersion in the elixir. 2. Adding syrup in portions: ○ Purpose: Gradual addition and agitation prevent the precipitation of oils, ensuring proper emulsification and homogeneity. 3. Mixing with talc and filtering: ○ Purpose: Talc adsorbs insoluble impurities, and filtering ensures a clear, appealing final product. 1. Define Elixirs: Elixirs are clear, sweetened hydroalcoholic solutions used as vehicles for active pharmaceutical ingredients. They contain aromatic or flavoring agents, which enhance palatability and patient compliance. 2. Types of Elixirs: ○ Medicated Elixirs: Contain therapeutic agents for treating diseases (e.g., cough suppressants). ○ Non-Medicated Elixirs: Used as vehicles for drug delivery, providing flavor and stability. 3. Differences Between Elixirs and Syrups: Feature Elixirs Syrups Consistency Less viscous More viscous Sugar Content Lower sugar content High sugar content (60-85%) Stability More stable due to alcohol Less stable, susceptible to microbial growth Taste Masking Moderately effective Highly effective Use of Aromatic Elixirs: ○ Aromatic elixirs are used to mask unpleasant tastes of medicinal substances, enhance palatability, and improve patient compliance. They can also act as vehicles for oral liquid medications. Camphor Spirit, NF, is a clear, colorless, or slightly yellowish liquid with a characteristic odor of camphor. It is volatile and flammable due to its high ethanol content and should be stored in tightly closed amber bottles away from heat or light. Spirits are alcoholic or hydroalcoholic solutions of volatile substances, often used for medicinal or flavoring purposes. The standard concentration of spirits typically ranges from 60% to 90% alcohol by volume, depending on the specific preparation. ○ Spirits: Alcoholic solutions with volatile substances as active ingredients. ○ Aromatic Waters: Aqueous solutions of volatile substances, containing minimal or no alcohol. ○ Key difference: Spirits have higher alcohol content and are primarily used for their active effects, while aromatic waters are more diluted and used for flavoring or mild therapeutic purposes. Uses of Camphor Spirit ○ Topical application for pain relief in conditions like muscle aches and joint discomfort. ○ Used as a counterirritant to relieve itching or minor skin irritations. ○ Sometimes included in preparations for respiratory relief (though inhalation is less common today). 2. Give the solubility and incompatibility of Camphor USP: ○ Solubility: Soluble in alcohol, chloroform, and ether. Slightly soluble in water. ○ Incompatibility: Reacts with strong acids and alkalis. Incompatible with oxidizing agents, which may degrade camphor. Liniments Liniments are liquid or semi-liquid preparations intended for external application, usually by rubbing on the skin. They often contain medicated oils or alcoholic solutions of substances with analgesic, counterirritant, or soothing properties. Oil-based liniments: These use oils as their base and are used for dry, scaly skin or for massage. Alcohol-based liniments: These use alcohol as their base, providing a cooling and quick-drying effect. How are liniments applied? Liniments are applied externally to the skin and rubbed in gently. They should not be applied to broken or irritated skin unless specifically formulated for such use. Why should camphor liniment never be prepared in an open dish? Camphor is volatile and readily evaporates at room temperature or when heated. Preparing it in an open dish would lead to significant loss of the active ingredient, reducing the efficacy of the liniment. What are the uses of Camphor Liniment? Relieves muscular aches and pains through its counterirritant action. Provides a cooling and soothing effect. Improves circulation when applied with massage. Acts as a mild local anesthetic. Elixirs are clear, sweetened, hydroalcoholic solutions intended for oral administration. They typically contain active ingredients dissolved in a mixture of water and alcohol, often with added flavoring agents to improve palatability. Elixirs may be used to deliver various types of medicinal substances, including both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble drugs. A Simple Aromatic Elixir typically contains 10-13% alcohol by volume. The exact alcohol content can vary depending on the formulation, but this range is designed to balance the solubility of the aromatic compounds (such as flavoring agents) while ensuring appropriate stability and palatability. Types of Elixirs and Their Definitions Elixirs can be classified into different types based on their intended use and formulation: Simple Elixirs: These contain a single active ingredient, often an aromatic substance, dissolved in a mixture of alcohol and water. An example is the Simple Aromatic Elixir, which is used as a flavoring vehicle for medicinal solutions. Medicinal Elixirs: These are prepared with one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients dissolved in an alcohol-water mixture. These elixirs are used for their therapeutic effects and often contain medicinal substances, such as antihistamines or pain relievers. Herbal Elixirs: These elixirs contain herbal extracts or tinctures dissolved in a suitable alcohol-water solvent. They may be used for their therapeutic properties or for their taste and aroma. Aromatic Elixirs: Specifically designed to impart pleasant flavor or mask the taste of unpleasant medicinal substances. Aromatic elixirs often contain aromatic oils or aromatic compounds like cinnamon or anise. Use of Aromatic Elixir Aromatic elixirs are primarily used to flavor medicinal preparations and help mask the taste of unpleasant substances. They are often used in formulations where the taste of the active ingredient needs to be hidden or improved, especially in products intended for children or those who are sensitive to certain flavors. They may also be used as vehicles for delivering active ingredients in a palatable form or as a flavoring agent in non-medicinal solutions like beverages.  GLYCERITE 1. Triturate starch and benzoic acid with distilled water: ○ Triturating creates a smooth mixture, ensuring uniform dispersion of the starch. ○ Water hydrates the starch, initiating gelatinization upon heating. ○ Benzoic acid acts as a preservative, enhancing product stability. 2. Add glycerin and mix well: ○ Glycerin acts as a solvent, plasticizer, and humectant, creating a viscous base and ensuring smooth texture. 3. Heat to 140°–144°C with constant stirring: ○ Heating activates the gelatinization process, transforming starch granules into a translucent, jelly-like mass. ○ Constant stirring prevents scorching and ensures uniform consistency. Glycerites are liquid pharmaceutical preparations containing glycerin as a primary ingredient. They are viscous, stable, and serve as a medium for incorporating active ingredients. Pharmaceutical uses of glycerites. Used as emollients to soothe and protect the skin. Act as vehicles for delivering active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Serve as bases for suppositories and lozenges. Applied in formulations requiring humectant properties to retain moisture. Functions Glycerin: Solvent, humectant, and stabilizer. Starch: Thickening agent and structural base. Benzoic acid: Preservative to inhibit microbial growth. Water: Medium for dissolving and gelatinizing starch. Uses of starch glycerite Pharmaceutical: Used in topical formulations for its smooth, thick consistency. Cosmetic: Acts as a base for creams, gels, and ointments. Therapeutic: Serves as a protective emollient for irritated skin. The preparation is hygroscopic. Hygroscopic refers to the ability of a substance to absorb moisture from the air. This property makes the preparation prone to becoming diluted or sticky if not stored properly, emphasizing the importance of airtight storage conditions. Emulsions Emulsions can be prepared using the following methods: Dry Gum (Continental) Method: The gum is mixed with oil first, followed by the addition of water all at once. Trituration is done rapidly to form a primary emulsion. Wet Gum (English) Method: The gum is first mixed with water to form a mucilage, and the oil is added in portions with constant trituration to form the primary emulsion. Forbes Bottle Method: Suitable for volatile or low-viscosity oils, this involves shaking the oil and water in a bottle along with gum to form the emulsion. Auxiliary Method: Uses mechanical devices like homogenizers to improve the stability of the emulsion. The order of mixing is critical: 1. Mixing oil with gum or water forms a primary emulsion. 2. Gradual addition of the other liquid ensures stability. 3. Adjust the final volume with water. The Wet Gum (English) Method is used in this exercise. This involves mixing gum (acacia) with distilled water first to form a mucilage. The oil is then added in portions with continuous trituration until emulsification is complete. What is the use of cod liver oil emulsion? Type of emulsion: This preparation is likely an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion, where cod liver oil droplets are dispersed in an aqueous phase. Uses: Cod liver oil emulsion serves as a dietary supplement due to its high content of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and D. It is used to: ○ Support bone health (vitamin D). ○ Enhance vision and immune function (vitamin A). ○ Improve cardiovascular health (omega-3 fatty acids). For the Dry Gum Method: The general proportion for oil, water, and acacia is 4:2:1. 1. Creaming: ○ Occurs when dispersed droplets aggregate and rise to the top or settle at the bottom due to density differences. ○ It is reversible through gentle shaking. 2. Breaking: ○ Happens when the emulsion separates into distinct layers (oil and water phases).  ○ It is irreversible and usually due to incorrect proportions or destabilizing factors like temperature changes or contamination. ○ Dissolve the computed amount of magnesium sulfate in 40 mL of distilled water and heat the solution to boiling. Rationale: Heating enhances solubility and facilitates the subsequent reaction with sodium hydroxide. 2. Prepare Sodium Hydroxide Solution: ○ Dissolve sodium hydroxide in 20 mL of distilled water. Rationale: Sodium hydroxide is a strong base required to react with magnesium sulfate to form magnesium hydroxide. 3. Mix Solutions: ○ Slowly add the sodium hydroxide solution to the boiling magnesium sulfate solution while stirring. Rationale: Slow addition prevents sudden precipitation or clumping, ensuring a uniform reaction. 4. Boil for 30 Minutes: ○ Continue boiling the mixture for 30 minutes to ensure the complete formation of magnesium hydroxide suspension. Rationale: Prolonged boiling ensures the reaction proceeds to completion and removes impurities. 5. Packaging: ○ Transfer the prepared magnesia magma to an amber-colored bottle and label it properly.  Rationale: Amber bottles protect the preparation from light, which can degrade sensitive compounds. Questions and Answers: 1. What is a Magma? A magma is a colloidal dispersion of insoluble particles in a liquid medium, forming a suspension. It exhibits a thick, creamy consistency and contains sufficient viscosity to prevent rapid sedimentation of the dispersed particles. 2. What is Thixotropy? Thixotropy is the property of certain gels or fluids that become less viscous when shaken, stirred, or otherwise disturbed, and then return to their original viscosity once the disturbance ceases. Example: Magnesia magma flows more readily when shaken but retains its thick consistency when at rest. 3. Write the Chemical Reaction Involved in the Preparation: MgSO4​+2NaOH→Mg(OH)2​+Na2​SO4​ ○ Magnesium sulfate reacts with sodium hydroxide to form magnesium hydroxide (the active ingredient) and sodium sulfate (a soluble by-product). 4. Why Is There No Need to Add Suspending Agents in Magma? Magmas exhibit inherent viscosity and thixotropic properties, which keep the suspended particles uniformly dispersed. The colloidal nature of the particles ensures stability without the need for additional suspending agents. 5. Uses of Magnesia Magma and Doses: ○ Antacid: Neutralizes excess stomach acid to relieve indigestion and heartburn. Dose: 5-15 mL, taken 1-3 hours after meals or at bedtime. ○ Laxative: Relieves constipation by osmotically drawing water into the intestine. Dose: 15-30 mL, taken with water.