ALLIGATION method used to solve problems that involve mixing two products of different strengths to form a product having

a desired intermediate strength. Uses of Alligation a. The amount of diluent that must be added to a given amount of higher strength preparation to make a desired lower strength. b. The amounts of active ingredient which must be added to a given amount of lower strength preparation to make a higher strength. c. The amount of higher and lower strength preparations that must be combined to make a desired amount of an intermediate strength. Arithmetical method of solving problems that involve the mixing of solutions or mixtures of solids possessing different percentage strengths Two Methods 1. Alligation Medial 2. Alligation Alternate

Alligation Medial Method by which the weighted average percentage strength of a mixture of two or more substances of known quantity and concentration may be quickly calculated Example 1. When 3,000 mL of 40%(v/v) alcohol, 1,000 mL of 60%(v/v) alcohol and 1,000 mL of 70%(v/v) alcohol are mixed, the result will be 5,000 mL of 50% alcohol.

Alligation Alternate Method by which the number of parts of two or more components of a given strength may be calculated when they are to be mixed to prepare a mixture of desired strength PROCEDURE FOR FINDING PROPORTIONS Example Mixing 20 parts of 95%(v/v) alcohol and 25 parts of 50%(v/v) alcohol will result to 70%(v/v) alcohol

1. A pharmacist has a 70% alcoholic elixir and a 20% alcoholic elixir. He needs a 30% alcoholic elixir to use as a vehicle for medications. In what proportion must the 70% elixir and the 20% elixir be combined to make a 30% elixir?

2. This means that if one part of 70% elixir is mixed with four parts of 20% elixir, it will yield five parts of 30% elixir.

3. In what proportion must plain coal tar be combined with a 2% coal tar ointment to make a 4% coal tar ointment?

4. Coal tar, because it is pure coal tar and not diluted, will be the higher (100 percent) strength. If one part of coal tar is combined with 48 parts of 2% coal tar ointment, it will yield 49 parts of 4% coal tar ointment.

5. How many milliliters of water must be added to 300 ml of 70% alcoholic solution to make a 40% alcoholic solution?

6. How many grams of coal tar must be added to one pound of 2% coal tar ointment to make a 4% coal tar ointment?

7. How many milliliters of water should be added to 500 ml of a 1:200 potassium chloride solution to make it a 1:4000 solution?

Algebraic method Known Final Volume Same as Initial Volume VF (CL CF) x = -------------------CL CH VF = desired final total volume or amount of product CL = lowest concentration CF = final desired concentration CH = highest concentration (stock solution) x = volume of the stock solution to be added

Sample Problem 1. The pharmacist received a prescription for hydrocortisone 2% cream, 30 g. In stock is a 30-g tube of hydrocortisone 1% cream and a 30-g tube of hydrocortisone 2.5% cream. How much of the 2.5% cream should be added?

2. The pharmacist received a prescription for hydrocortisone 2% cream, 30 g. In stock is a 30-g tube of hydrocortisone 1% cream and a 30-g tube of hydrocortisone 2.5% cream. How much of the 2.5% cream should be added if the final volume is 50 g?

3. The pharmacist received a prescription for hydrocortisone 2% cream. In stock is a 30-g tube of hydrocortisone 1% cream and a 30-g tube of hydrocortisone 2.5% cream. How much of the 2.5% cream should be added?