The following are examples of mixture preparations with their specific use/s available in the market: (a)

Potassium citrate mixture is administered for the relief of other mild urinary tract infections and cystitis,
(b) Kaolin and Pectin mixture – for treatment of diarrhea, (c) Cough mixture – for treatment of stuffy
nose, cough, and sinus pain, and lastly, (d) Magnesium Trisilicate mixture – for the relief of heartburn,
indigestion, and dyspepsia.

The advantages of mixture dosage forms are the following: they are suitable for insoluble/immiscible
drugs, more bioavailable than solid dosage forms, and easy to administer. However, these dosage forms
may have incompatibilities with some ingredients, less soluble than solid dosage forms, too bulky to
carry, less stable, and more expensive.

The information needed in labeling the requirements for mixture: (a) it must be written on a white label
with shake well before use as an indicator and (b) the specified amount of active ingredients. Attached
in this manual is a sample label of suspension pharmaceutical products available in the market.
Inorganic - Usually a two-phase system; there is a separation of insoluble matter and the aqueous
vehicle. Aluminum hydroxide gel, bentonite magma

Organic - Usually a single-phase system; composed of organic macromolecules uniformly distributed

throughout a liquid. Carbopol, tragacanth

Hydrogels - Include ingredients that are dispersible as colloidal or soluble in water; may be classified as
organic, natural & synthetic gums, and inorganic. Pectin paste, tragacanth jelly, methylcellulose, sodium
CMC, veegum, silica

Orgnogels - Solid material composed of liquid organic phase entrapped in 3D cross-linked network;
include the hydrocarbons, animal and vegetable fats, soap base greases, and the hydrophilic organogels.
Petrolatum, mineral oil/ polyethylene gel, lard, cocoa butter

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, (NH4)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 ↑.

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.

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 and must also have an
acceptable odor and color, be free from contamination during storage, and lastly, maintain good
physical and chemical stability.

The following are examples of medicated lotions with their specific use/s available in the market: (a)
Phenolated Calamine lotion is administered as an astringent and protective for skin diseases, (b) Benzyl
Benzoate lotion - for the treatment of scabies, and lastly, (c) White lotion - used topically as an
astringent and protective.

According to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2003),

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.