AROMATIC WATERS

Also known as medicated waters

A saturated aqueous solution of volatile oil or other aromatic or volatile substances
Components
o Volatile/aromatic substances active
o Water vehicle/solvent
o Talc clarifying/distributing agent
Characteristics
o Their odors and tastes are the same as those of the drugs or volatile substances from
which they are prepared
o They should be free from empyreumatic [smoke-like] and other foreign odors
Uses
o Flavored vehicle
o Perfumed vehicle
Methods of Preparation
o By Distillation
The slowest, most expensive, most ancient but the most satisfactory method
Cohobation is a redistillation process
Example: Strong Rose Water
o By Solution
By Direct Solution
2:1000
A method which saves time and dose not need a special equipment
Example: Camphor water
By Alternate Method
Solution by intervention
15:1000
Most frequently employed, easiest and fastest method of preparing
aromatic waters
Example: Cinnamon water
o Other Methods
Use of soluble concentrates
Incorporation of solubilizing agents
Use of alcoholic solutions of volatile oils
Incompatibilities
o Salting out
Preservation
o Aromatic waters deteriorate with time as seen by the production of turbid solutions
o They should be stored in airtight, light-resistant container and should be protected from
light and excessive heat
Preparation No. 14 Cinnamon Water
o Synonym/s: Cassia water, Saigon cinnamon water
o Latin name/s: Aqua cinnamoni
o Use/s: Vehicle, antiseptic and carminative
o Formulation:
Cinnamon oil active
90% Ethanol solvent, preservative
Purified talc clarifying/distributing agent
Purified water - solvent

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Method of Preparation: Alternate method

Preparation No. 15 Camphor Water

o Synonym/s: Gum laurel water, Laurel camphor water
o Latin name/s: Aqua camphorae
o Use/s: Vehicle for eye preparations
o Formulation:
Camphor active
Purified water solvent
o Method of Preparation: Direct solution

AQUEOUS ACIDS

Are solutions of acids and water

Classification of Inorganic Acids
o Hydracids
Do not contain oxygen
Examples: HI, HBr, HCl, HF
o Oxyacids
Contain oxygen
Examples: HNO3, H2SO4, H3PO4
Concentration of Acids
o Expressed as percentage strength by weight
o Examples:
Hydrochloric acid 35 to 38%
Nitric acid - 67 to 71%
Sulfuric acid 94 to 98%
Diluted Acids
o Are aqueous solutions of acids of suitable strength for internal administration and for the
manufacture of other preparations
o Formula Used in Preparing Diluted Acids
Strength of diluted acid (10%) x 1000 mL
Strength of concentrated acid x SG
Preparation No. 16 Diluted Acetic Acid
o Synonym/s: Vinegar
o Latin name/s: Acidum aceticum dilutum
o Use/s:
36-37% as pharmaceutical solvent
1% as surgical dressing, spermatocidal and vaginal douche
5% for burn therapy
0.25% for irrigation
o Formulation:
Acetic acid active
Purified water - solvent
o Method of Preparation: Simple solution

SOLUTIONS

Are liquid preparations that contain one or more chemical substances soluble in water
Components
o Solute

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o Solvent
Types
o Saturated solution
o Unsaturated solution
o Supersaturated solution
Methods of Preparation
o Simple solution
Are prepared by dissolving the solute in most of the solvent, mixing until dissolved,
then adding sufficient volume to bring the solution up to proper volume
Example: Calcium hydroxide solution
o Solution by chemical reaction
Are prepared by reacting two or more solutes with each other in a suitable
solvent
Example: Aluminum subacetate solution
o Solution by extraction
Are prepared by extracting the drug with water or with water-containing other
substances
Example: Liver solution of NFXI

Preparation No. 17 Calcium Hydroxide Solution

o Synonym/s: Lime water, Hydrated lime
o Latin name/s: Aqua calcariae, Liquor calcis, Liquor calci hydroxide
o Use/s: Vehicle for calamine lotion and astringent
o Formulation:
Calcium hydroxide active
Purified water - solvent
o Method of Preparation: Simple solution
*Calcium hydroxide solution should be compounded under room temperature because
solubility decreases as the temperature is increased. The undissolved portion of the mixture
is not suitable for preparing additional quantities of the solution because lime water when
exposed to air is quickly converted into insoluble carbonate. The reason for keeping lime
water over undissolved calcium hydroxide is just to ensure a saturated solution.
Ca (OH)2 + CO2 CaCO3 + H2O

Preparation No. 18 Strong Iodine Solution

o Synonym/s: Lugols solution, Compound iodine solution, Aqueous solution of iodine
o Latin name/s: Liquor iodi fortis, Solutio iodi aquosa
o Use/s: Germicide, fungicide and indicated for thyritoxicosis
o Formulation:
Iodine active
Potassium iodide solubilizing agent
Purified water solvent
o Method of Preparation: Simple solution
*Easily stains surface and clothes

Preparation No. 19 70% Alcohol

o Synonym/s: 70% Ethanol, Rubbing alcohol
o Latin name/s: Spiritus vini rectificatus
o Use/s: Rubefacient externally, soothing rub for bedridden patients, germicide for
instruments, skin cleanser prior to injection and antiseptic
o Formulation:

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 95% Ethanol active

Purified water - solvent
o Method of Preparation: Simple solution
*Alcohol is also known as spirit of wine and methylcarbinol
The different concentrations of alcohol are:
Concentrated alcohol
94.9 to 96%
Dehydrated alcohol99.5 %
Diluted alcohol
49 %
Rubbing alcohol
70 %
Alcohol concentrations are computed by alligation alternate method.

Preparation No. 25 Magnesium Citrate Solution

o Synonym/s: Citrate of magnesia, Magnesia citrate
o Latin name/s: Liquor magnesii citratis
o Use/s: Saline cathartic
o Formulation:
Magnesium carbonate active
Citric acid acidifying agent
Potassium bicarbonate alkalinizing agent
Syrup sweetening agent
Talc clarifying agent
Lemon oil flavorant
Purified water - solvent
o Method of Preparation: Solution by chemical reaction
*Magnesium citrate solution is a colorless to slightly yellow, clear, effervescent liquid having
a sweet, aciduous taste and a lemon flavor.
*It is required to contain an amount of magnesium citrate that is equivalent to 1.55-1.9g of
MgO in each 100mL solution and it provides an excellent medium for the growth of molds,
to remain stable it should be heated to boiling prior to carbonation.

MOUTHWASHES

Are aqueous, pleasantly-flavored solutions employed for their deodorant, refreshing or

antiseptic effect.
Types
o Therapeutic Rinses
Are mouthwashes formulated to reduce plaque, gingivitis, dental caries and
stomatitis
o Cosmetic Mouthwashes
Are mouthwashes formulated to reduce bad breath
Components
A. Alcohols
Are used at a concentration of 10-20%
Functions
Enhances the flavor
Provides a certain sharpness to the taste
Aids in making the unpleasant taste of active ingredients
Solubilizing agent for flavorants
Preservative
*Humectants such as glycerin and sorbitol are used in mouthwashes. Usually at a
concentration of 5-20% and they are mainly to a) Increase the viscosity of the product,

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b) Provide a certain body or mouth-feel to the product, c) Enhance the sweetness of

the product and d) Preservative.
B. Surfactants
Used at a concentration of 0.1 to 0.5%
Functions
Solubilizing agent for flavors
Provides a foaming action
Examples
Polyoxyethyulene / Polyoxypropylene polymers
Sodium lauryl sulfate
Cetylpyridium chloride
C. Flavors
Used to overcome disagreeable taste
Examples
Peppermint
Spearmint
Cinnamon
Wintergreen oils
Menthol
D. Colorants
Used to enhance or to make the product pleasing to the sight

Preparation No. 21 Alkaline Mouthwash

o Synonym/s: Alkaline antiseptic solution, alkaline aromatic solution
o Latin name/s: Liquor aromaticus alkalinus, Liquor antisepticus alkalinus
o Use/s: Antibacterial mouthwash
o Formulation:
Potassium bicarbonate active
Sodium borate active
Thymol flavor
Eucalyptol - flavor
Methyl salicylate - flavor
Alcohol preservative and solvent
Glycerin humectant
Purified water vehicle
o Method of Preparation: Incorporation with agitation

GARGLES

Are aqueous solutions used for treating the pharynx and nasopharynx by forcing air from the
lung through the gargle which is held in throat, subsequently, the gargle is expectorated.
DOs in the administration
o Gargles are diluted with 10 volumes of warm water prior to use.
o It should be labeled properly so that is cannot be mistaken for preparations intended
for internal administration.
Preparation No. 22 Phenol Gargle
o Synonym/s: Carbolic acid gargle
o Latin name/s: Gargarism phenole
o Use/s: Gargle
o Formulation:

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Phenol glycerin active

FDC Red #3 colorant
Purified water solvent
Method of Preparation: Simple solution

ENEMAS

Also known as clysters

Are oily or aqueous solutions that are administered rectally
Are rectal injections used to evacuate the bowel, influence the general system by absorption
or to affect locally the seat of the disease
Types
o Evacuation Enema
o Retention Enema
Nutritive enema
Medicated enema
Diagnostic enema
DOs in their Administration
o Usually given in large volumes by injecting through the rectum slowly
o Should be warmed to body temperature prior to administration
o The patient should lie on one side during administration and remains in that position for
30 minutes
Preparation No. 20 Barium Sulfate Enema
o Synonym/s: Barium salt enema, Artificial barites enema
o Latin name/s: Barii sulfas, Sulfato de bario
o Use/s: X-ray contrast media
o Formulation:
Barium sulfate active
Acacia mucilage suspending agent
Starch enema vehicle
o Method of Preparation: Incorporation
*Barium sulfate is used in roentgenography for the purpose of making the intestinal tract
opaque to the x-ray so that it may be photographed. It is warmed to body temperature prior
administration and injected into the rectum from a height of 3 to 6 feet. Examination is made
with a fluoroscope while the injection is passing into the rectum.

MUCILAGES

Are thick, viscid, adhesive liquids produced by dispersing gum in water or by extracting the
mucilaginous principle from vegetable substances with water
Characteristics
o Prone to decomposition (decrease in viscosity upon storage), they should never be
made in larger quantities that cannot be used immediately unless a preservative is
added
o Uniformly smooth mucilages are sometimes difficult to prepare due to uneven wetting
of gums, it is best to use fine gum particles and disperse them in a little 95% alcohol or in
cold water
Use
o To aid in suspending insoluble substances in liquid
o Example
Sulfur in lotions

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Resin in mixtures
Oils in emulsions
Mucilage Substitutes
o Polyvinyl alcohol
o Methylcellulose
o Carboxymethylcellulose
Preparation No. 26 Acacia Mucilage
o Synonym/s: Mucilage of gum arabic
o Latin name/s: Mucilago acacia, Mucilago de goma de acacia
o Use/s: Demulcent, Suspending agent, Excipient in pills and troches, Emulsifying agent
o Formulation:
Acacia active
Benzoic acid preservative
Purified water vehicle
o Method of Preparation: Trituration

SYRUPS

Are concentrated solutions of sugar in water

Types
o Medicated syrups
o Flavored syrups
Concentration
o Dilute solutions of sucrose provides an excellent nutrient for molds, yeasts and other
microorganisms
o Concentrations of 65% by weight or more will retar the growth of microorganisms
Methods of Preparation
o Solution by Heat
Employed when the valuable constituent is neither volatile nor injured by heat
and when syrups are prepared rapidly
Heat should be regulated because it will lead to caramelization or the formation
of invert sugar
o Agitation Without Heat
Used in cases where heat would cause the loss of valuable volatile consituents
o Addition of Medicating Liquid to Syrups
Employed in cases where fluidextracts, tinctures or other liquids are added to
syrup to medicate it
o Percolation
It permits purified water or aqueous solution to pass slowly through a bed of
crystalline sucrose to dissolve it
o Reconstitution
Employed to improve stability and minimize microbial contamination
They are prepared as dry syrup formulations and it is just diluted with water prior
to dispensing
Preservation and Storage
o Syrups should be prepared in small quantities that can be used within a few months
o Ways of Preserving Syrups
Preparation and storage at low temperatures not above 25C
Concentration without supersaturation
Addition of preservatives

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Preparation No. 23 Simple Syrup

o Synonym/s: Syrup
o Latin name/s: Simple syrup
o Use/s: Flavored vehicle, sweetening agent
o Formulation:
Sucrose active
Purified water - solvent
o Method of Preparation: Solution by heat

Preparation No. 24 Citric Acid Syrup

o Synonym/s: Syrup of lemon, Syrup of citrus
o Latin name/s: Syrupus acidi citrici
o Use/s: Flavored vehicle
o Formulation:
Lemon tincture flavorant
Citric acid active
Purified water solvent
Syrup sweet vehicle
o Method of Preparation: Agitation without heat

ELIXIRS

Hydroalcoholic or alcoholic solutions

Are clear, pleasantly-flavored, sweetened hydroalcoholic liquids intended for oral use
More fluid than syrups because of the less viscous ingredients and minimal use of viscosity
builders
Primary Solvents
o Alcohol
o Water
Other Solvents for Elixirs [important in aiding solubility of some drugs/constituents]
o Glycerin
o Sorbitol or syrups
o Propylene glycol
Methods of Preparation
o Simple solution
o Admixture of several ingredients
Types of Elixirs
o Flavored Elixirs
Used for flavors and vehicles in prescriptions
Example: Aromatic elixir
o Medicated Elixirs
Used for the therapeutic effect of the active constituent
Example: Amobarbital elixir
Preparation No. 27 Aromatic Elixir
o Synonym/s: Simple elixir
o Latin name/s: Elixir aromaticum
o Use/s: Flavored vehicle
o Formulation:
Orange oil flavorant

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 Lemon oil flavorant

Coriander oil flavorant
Anise oil flavorant
Syrup sweetening agent
Alcohol solvent for oil, preservative and vehicle
Purified water - vehicle
o Method of Preparation: Solution by agitation
*A pleasantly-flavored vehicle used in the preparation of many elixirs. The chief objection to its
extensive use is the high alcoholic content [about 22%] which at times counteracts the effects
of other medicines.

LINIMENTS

Oleaginous solutions
Also known as embrocations [applied with rubbing to the affected area]
Are solutions or mixtures of various substances in oil, alcoholic solution of soap or emulsion
intended for external applications
Are usually applied to the skin with friction and rubbing, with the oil and soap base providing
for ease of application and massage
Types
o Alcoholic liniments
Are intended for their rubefacient, counterirritant, mildly astringent and
penetrating effects
o Oily liniments
Are milder in their action but are more useful when massage is desired
o Dental liniments
Are solutions of active constituents which are rubbed into the gums; but are no
longer official
Caution
o Liniments should not be applied in bruises and broken skin
Preparation No. 28 White Liniment
o Synonym/s: White embrocation
o Latin name/s: Linimentum album
o Use/s: Rubefacient
o Formulation:
Turpentine oil active
Oleic acid solvent
Dilute ammonia solution alkalinizing agent
Ammonium chloride systemic acidifier
Purified water - solvent
o Method of Preparation: Simple solution with trituration

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