23 Pichay, Christian Paulo D.

1I–PH Group
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Preparation #26: Starch Glycerite

1. What are the uses of starch glycerite?

Starch glycerite is used as a topical vehicle and a protectant.

2. What is the importance of heating the mixture using a sand bath?

The use of a sand bath in heating mixtures is important as it helps conduct the heat evenly and
gradually to a reaction vessel. In this method, heat is indirect thus, less stirring is required and the
risk of glass apparatus cracking or breaking is reduced. Additionally, the duration of the reaction
and the possibility of side reactions due to changes in temperature is also reduced.

3. Name other glycerite preparations in the official compendia.

 Tannic Acid Glycerite: for local application in bleeding

 Tragacanth Glycerite: used as a pill excipient
 Phenol Glycerite: used as a disinfectant and antiseptic
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Preparation #27: Mineral Oil Emulsion

1. Enumerate the type of activity and assign HLB value of surfactants.

Surfactants typically contain both hydrophilic and lipophilic groups and each has an assigned HLB
value or number indicating the polarity of the substance. Below is a list of the type of activity of
surfactants and their assigned HLB values:

ACTIVITY ASSIGNED HLB

Antifoaming 1-3
Emulsifiers (w/o) 3-6
Wetting agents 7-9
Emulsifiers (o/w) 8-18
Solubilizers 15-20
Detergents 13-16

2. Differentiate the following methods of emulsion preparation:

A. Continental or Dry Gum Method

This method, also known as the 4:2:1 method, involves triturating 4 parts by volume of oil, 2 parts
of water, and 1 part of gum to form the primary emulsion. The mixture should be triturated until a
thick white cream with a ‘cracking’ sound is produced. Then, the remaining amount of water is
eventually added to form the final emulsion.

B. English of Wet Gum Method

This method uses the same proportions of oil, water, and gum as in the continental method but
with a different order and technique of mixing. Gum and water are triturated first to form a
mucilage. Then, oil is added slowly and triturated to make the primary emulsion. Once formed,
the remaining amount of water is added to make the final emulsion. This method is more difficult
to perform but produces a more stable emulsion than the former.

C. Bottle of Forbes Method

This method is suitable for preparing emulsions of volatile oils or oleaginous substances of low
viscosity. It is a variation of the continental method that involves shaking one part of the gum and
four parts of oil together. Then, water is added, and the mixture is shaken thoroughly again to
form the primary emulsion. Once complete, more water is added to eventually achieve the final
volume.

D. Auxiliary Method

This method involves the use of hand homogenizers in increasing the quality of emulsions
prepared by either continental or English method. The pumping action of the apparatus forces the
emulsion through a very small orifice which reduces its dispersed droplet size to around 5 microns
 or less. This method is less efficient for very thick emulsions and should not be used for emulsions
with high proportions of solid matter.

E. In Situ Soap Method

This method is employed in making calcium soap and soft soap. It may be prepared in a bottle or
mortar depending on whether the ingredients are soluble or not. For calcium soaps, oleic acid and
limewater are mixed at equal volumes to form a w/o emulsion.

F. Microemulsions

This method produces droplets ranging from 100 A to 1000 A in diameter. Microemulsions, both
o/w and w/o, are thermodynamically stable and formed spontaneously by agitating the oil and
water phases with carefully selected surfactants. The properties of the oil and surfactants often
dictate the type of emulsion produced.

3. What are the special labeling requirements for emulsion? Attach sample label of suspension
pharmaceutical products available in the market.

Special labeling requirements for emulsion:

 Shake well before use

 Specified amount of active ingredients (in %)
 Specified route of administration (topical, iv, etc.)

Sample label of suspension product:

References:

Allen, L.V., Ansel, H.C. (2014). Ansel’s pharmaceutical dosage forms and drug delivery systems
(10th ed). Philadelphia, USA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Drugs.com. (n.d.). Cefaclor. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/pro/cefaclor.html
23 Pichay, Christian Paulo D. 1I–PH Group
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Preparation #28: Chalk Mixture

1. Enumerate examples of mixture preparation available in the market. Give their specific uses.

 Cough Mixture: for the treatment of cough, stuffy nose, and sinus pain
 Kaolin and Pectin Mixture: for the treatment of diarrhea
 Magnesium Trisilicate Mixture: for the relief of indigestion, heartburn, and dyspepsia
 Potassium Citrate Mixture: for the relief of cystitis and other mild urinary tract infections

2. Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of mixture dosage forms.

ADVANTAGES
Easy to administer
Suitable for insoluble/immiscible drugs
Used for drugs causing stomach pain
More bioavailable than solid dosage form
DISADVANTAGES
May have incompatibilities with some ingredients
Bulky to carry
Less stable and more expensive
Less soluble than solid dosage forms

3. Give information needed in labeling requirements for mixtures. Attach sample label of mixture
pharmaceutical products available in the market.

Labeling requirements for mixtures:

 Shake well before use

 Specified amount of active ingredients

Sample label of mixture product:

References:
 Watsonss. (n.d.). Magtasil antacid mixture 200 ml. Retrieved from https://www.watsons.com.sg/
magtasil-antacid-mixture-200ml/p/BP_10664

23 Pichay, Christian Paulo D. 1I–PH Group

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Preparation #29: Aluminum Hydroxide Gel

1. Describe the following classification of gels. Provide examples of each classification.

Class Description Example/s

Usually a two-phase system;
there is a separation of Aluminum hydroxide gel,
Inorganic
insoluble matter and the bentonite magma
aqueous vehicle
Usually a single-phase system;
composed of organic
Organic Carbopol, tragacanth
macromolecules uniformly
distributed throughout a liquid
Include ingredients that are
dispersible as colloidals or Pectin paste, tragacanth jelly,
Hydrogels soluble in water; may be methylcellulose, sodium CMC,
classified as organic, natural & veegum, silica
synthetic gums, and inorganic
Solid material composed of
liquid organic phase entrapped
in 3D cross-linked network; Petrolatum, mineral oil/
Organogels include the hydrocarbons, polyethylene gel, lard, cocoa
animal and vegetable fats, soap butter
base greases, and the
hydrophilic organogels

2. Briefly discuss the methods of preparation of gels.

Gels may be prepared in two ways. First is by freshly precipitating the disperse phase upon
reacting an inorganic agent to a gelatinous precipitate. For example, (NH 4)2SO4. Al2(SO4)3. 24 H2O +
4 Na2CO3 → (NH4)2CO3+ Al2(CO3)3+ 4 Na2SO4 + 24 H2O. And by directly hydrating the inorganic
material in water as in Al2(CO)3 + 3 H2O → 2 Al(OH)3 ↓ + 3 CO2 ↑.

3. Define and give examples of gelling agents. What are the factors to be considered in gel formulation?

Gelling agents provide structure, viscosity, and improved stability for aqueous solutions. It is
dissolved in a liquid as a colloid mixture to form an internal structure responsible for the gel
appearance of a solid matter. Common gelling agents include pectin, starch, tragacanth, acacia,
and xanthan gum.
 Several factors are considered in gel formulation including the concentration and molecular
weight of gelling agent, solubility and affinity of gelling agent to the solvent, nature of the solvent,
pH of the solution, ionic strength of the solution, temperature, and humidity.

References:

Nabi, S.A.A., Sheraz, M.A., Ahmed, S., Mustaan, N. & Ahmad, I. (2016). Pharmaceutical gels: a
review. RADS-JPPS. 4 (1): 40 – 48. Retrieved from
http://www.jpps.juw.edu.pk/index.php/jpps/article/download/96/66
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Preparation #30: Calamine Lotion

1. Briefly describe the characteristics of a good lotion.

A good lotion should pour freely from its container and apply evenly over the affected area. It
should be able to dry quickly and provide a protective film that will not rub off easily. A good
lotion must also have an acceptable odor and color, maintain good physical and chemical stability,
and be free from contamination during storage.

2. Give examples of medicated lotions and their uses.

 Benzyl Benzoate Lotion: for the treatment of scabies

 Phenolated Calamine Lotion: used as an astringent and protective for skin diseases
 White Lotion: used topically as an astringent and protective

3. What is the new important information you should know about Lindane Lotion? What prompted FDA
to make changes in labeling for Lindane Lotion?

Lindane Lotion may be poisonous when misused. It goes through the skin and may affect one’s
brain and nerves that may result to seizures or convulsions, “fits” or epilepsy, and in worse cases,
even death. Numerous reports of adverse events on its misuse and overuse prompted the FDA to
limit the product package size and include a medication guide and additional warnings on its label.

Reference:

The National Pediculosis Association. (2003). FDA issues health advisory regarding labeling
changes for lindane products. Retrieved from https://www.headlice.org/news/2003/fda-
lindane.htm
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Preparation #31: Hydrocortisone Suspension

1. Enumerate several reasons for preparing suspensions.

 It has a faster rate of dissolution and oral absorption than solid dosage forms.
 It is preferred for patients who have difficulty swallowing solid dosage forms.
 It is suitable for drugs with very low solubility.
 It increases the chemical stability of certain drugs.
 It masks the unpleasant taste of some drugs.
 It is used to achieve controlled/sustained drug release.

2. Define and differentiate the following terms from one another: dispersed phase and dispersing phase,
give examples.

The dispersed phase is a discontinuous phase composed of particles that are distributed into
another phase. The dispersing phase is the continuous medium or vehicle in which the disperse
phase is distributed throughout. The disperse phase is also known as the internal phase while the
dispersing phase is termed as the external phase. An example of a dispersed phase is the dust
particles in the air and an example of a dispersing phase is water in milk.

3. Give examples of official and commercial oral suspensions and their uses.

 Acetaminophen Oral Suspension: for the treatment of mild to moderate pain and fever
 Acyclovir Oral Suspension: for the treatment of infections caused by herpes viruses (e.g.
genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, chickenpox)
 Albendazole Oral Suspension: for the treatment of certain infections caused by worms such
as pork tapeworm and dog tapeworm