Nizwa University

College of Pharmacy and Nursing

Practical Notes Pharmaceutics I

PHCY 100 Under supervision of

Dr. Anil Philip

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Learning Outcome

The students shall be able to: Prepare solutions namely:

i. simple solutionsii. aromatic watersiii. mouthwashesiv. garglesv. elixirs

Perform calculations in pharmacy concerning: i. expression of concentration ii. quantities from a master formula iii. quantity of ingredients too small to weigh or measure accurately iv.changing concentrations to small quantities

• Make extemporaneous labels

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Pharmaceutical Formulation and Dispensing

DRUG DOSAGE The administration of drugs is one of the most important duties performed in caring for sick and injured patients.

The appropriate drug given in the correct dosage will very often hasten a patient's recovery. On the other hand, an inappropriate drug or dosage may worsen a patient's condition or even result in his death

Extemporaneous preparations: The making of the medicine for particular individuals from an appropriate formula from its raw materials. They are preparations made in small quantities for a short period of time.

Prescription interpretation

What is prescription?

Prescription is an order for medication issued physician, or dentist, or other licensed

practitioner.

Prescriptions designate to specific medication and dosage to be prepared by pharmacist and

administered to the patients.

What is the role of pharmacist regarding prescription?

The pharmacist should translate the order written by the physician into accurate medication that allows the patient to understand and follow.

The pharmacist must be familiar with the following parts of prescription and the prescription abbreviations.

Parts of prescription:

1-Patient information: - include the name and address of the patient

2- Date: - The date the prescription was written, that may differ from the data of filling.

3-Superscription: - The Rx symbol: which is contraction of the Latin word; = recipe = you take

This recipe: - means that pharmacist is receiving this prescription from the physician to be prepared by the pharmacist

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4- Inscription : " Formula" Is the part that include the prescribed mediation; - the name -- quantities ( you should note that " g means a solid "

"ml means a liquid " -- prescribed ingredients

5-Subscription: - is the part include the dispensing direction (commonly used in abbreviation) + Dose

Eg: Dis ----- Dispense Div ----- divide M ---- Mix Ft --- make

Dose is the quantity needed for a particular patient

6-Signature " Sig" of Signa : - is the dose regimen or "the directions to the patients"

Dose regimen means a) one tablets , one teaspoonful, one ampouleb) frequency as 3 times every days, every 6 hours, every month c) Duration : for 3 days, for one month, for one year

7-Special instructions : - This part used to indicate the number of authorized refills

Example

Name : Ahmed mohammed Date : 8/10/2009Address : 123 main street, Town, CountryRx

Atropine sulfate 10 mg Diphenoxylate HCl 160 mg M div caps # 20

Sig : I bid prn diarrheaRefills 1

M div caps # 20 = mix and divide the medication in the inscription into 20 capsules

I bid prn diarrhea = the direction call for the patient to take one capsule two times a day as needed for diarrhea

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Table 1.1.Common Latin names and abbreviations

TERM OR PHRASE ABBREVIATION MEANINGAd to, up toad libitum ad lib freely, at pleasure

ana āā of eachante a beforeante cibum a.c. before mealsbene ben well, goodbis twicebis in die b.i.d. twice a day

capiat Cap let the client take

capsula caps. capsule

cum c with

dentur tales doses D.T.D., d.t.d. give of such doses

dispensa Disp dispense

et and

ex modo praescripto e.m.p after the manner prescribed

(as directed)

fac, fiat, fiant ft. make, let it be made

granum gr. grain

gutta, guttae gt., gtt. Drop, drops

hora hor., h. hour

hora somni hor. som., h.s. at the hour of sleep

injectioninj injection

inter between

lotio lot. lotion

non repetatur non rep., non repetat do not repeat

octarius O. pint

oculus dexter O.D. right eye

oculus sinister o.s., O.S left eye

oculi unitas O.U. both eyes

omni hora Omn. hor. every hour

per through, by means of

per os P.O. by mouth

placebo I will satisfy

post cibum post cib., p.c. after meals

pro re nata p.r.n. as needed, as circumstances

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require

pulvis pulv. powder

quantum satis q.s. a sufficient quantity

quantum satis ad q.s. ad a sufficient quantity to make

quaque q. every

quaque die q.d every day

quaque hora q.h. every hour

quater in die q.i.d. four times a day

recipe Rx take thou

semi, semis ss a half

signa sig. write, label

sine s without

solve, solvere, solutus solv. dissolve

statim stat immediately

tabella tab. tablet

ter t. three

ter in die t.i.d., tid three times daily

unguentum ung. an ointment

ut dictum Ut dict. as directed

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Table 1.2. Time of administration.

ABBREVIATION MEANING

a.c. before meals

q.h. every hour

b.i.d., bid twice a day

q.i.d., qid four times a day

h.s. at bedtime

q.3h., q3h every 3 hours

non rep do not repeat

q.6h., q6h every 6 hours

p.c. after meals

stat. Immediately

p.r.n. as needed

t.i.d., tid three times a day

Table 1.3. Routes of administration and dosage forms.

ABBREVIATION MEANING

I.M., IM intramuscularly

s.c., s.q. subcutaneously

I.V., IV intravenously

P.O. by mouth

O.D. right eye

caps. capsule

o.s., O.S. left eye

liq. liquid, solution

O.U. both eyes

tab. tablet

p.r.n. as needed

t.i.d., tid three times a day

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Table 1.4. Metric system abbreviations.

WEIGHT abbreviations VOLUME abbreviations

milligram mg. milliliter ml.

gram g., Gm. cubic centimeter cc.

kilogram kg., Kg. liter l., L.

Table 1.5. Apothecary system abbreviations.

WEIGHT abbreviations VOLUME abbreviations

grain gr. fluid drachm

drachm fluid ounce fl. oz.,

ounce oz., pint O., pt.

quart qt.

gallon C., gal.

NOTE:

The fluid dram and the fluid ounce are often abbreviated without the “f” being

used.

It can be assumed that when the dram symbol is used with a liquid, the

fluid dram is intended.

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Labeling

Labels are very important aspect of pharmaceutical products. They are supposed to

guide everyone concerned. The labels are going to be issuing guidelines to pharmacists,

doctors, nurses, and patients. There are very serious issues that may arise out of inadequate

information or improper information. Drug information is vital as drug itself, which leads to

safe and effective handling and usage of medications.

Label refers to :

- the type of dispensed product

- Dose

- Route of administration

- Special instruction : e.g

"Shake the Bottle" especially for suspension and emulsion

"Keep in a cool place" for storage condition

Label color

White for internal use

Equipment

The student should be able to select the correct equipment or tools for compounding the prescription such as:

1- Balance :- for weighing

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2- Measuring cylinder : for measuring the liquid ( you should notice that the level of liquid is read to the bottom of the meniscus and the measure is vertical)

Mix and grinding : Mortar and pestle

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Graduated measuring cylinders

Graduated measuring cup

A- Porcelain mortar

B- Glass mortar

�ِ5- Heating source:

Water-bath

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Liquid dosage may be in form of:

1- Solutions

2- Suspensions

3- Emulsions

1- Solutions are homogenous liquid preparations that contain two or more water soluble

components.

The water soluble components (drug) are termed solutes that dissolve in a solvent (vehicle).

Solute is the component that dispersed as small molecules or ions in the solvent.

Vehicle is defined as the liquid or solvent in which the medically active ingredients are

dissolved or suspended. It is usually present in greater amount than solute.

Vehicle used may be:

Inert e.g water

Flavored e.g. peppermint water

Persevered and sweetened e.g. chloroform water

Have a medicinal property e.g. Senna infusion.

The only exception for the solution is the syrup that contains 66.7 w/w solute and 33.3 w/w

solvent.

General Methods for Preparation of Solutions.

1- Dissolve the solids in about 3/4 of the vehicle (solvent)

2- Examine the solution by holding it against the light, if it not clear, filter through a filter

paper placed in a funnel, then rinse with aqueous vehicle.

3- Add any liquid ingredients after measuring each and rinse the vessel used with a little of the

aqueous vehicle.

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4- In the case of liquid contains volatile substance adjust the mixture to volume minus the

volume of volatile liquid, transfer to the bottle , then add the measured volume of the volatile

liquid and cork immediately.

5- Adjust the final volume of the preparation using graduated measuring cup with the

remaining amount of the vehicle.

6- Transfer the mixture to the bottle, and then polish to remove finger-mark and then attach

the written label.

The reason for using 3/4 of the vehicle in preparing liquid preparations is:

1- The volume occupied by the other ingredients will rarely exceed the remaining 1/4;

but if it will exceed, the quantity of the vehicle must be reduced.

2- Dissolving solid substances should be done by using as much solvent as convenient.

A) Solution by chemical reaction : - results from the reaction between two or more solutes

with each other in a suitable solvent.

B) Solution by extraction : solution of active ingredient from natural sources (vegetable or

animal origin) , that extracted with water or water-organic solvent mixture , or organic

solvent

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Experimental Work

Solutions prepared by simple method

1- Rehydran solution

Given amounts Calculated amounts

Potassium Citrate 0.05 g

Sodium Chloride 0.05 g

Sodium Bicarbonate 0.045 g

Dextrose 0.01 g

Chloroform water to 1.00 ml

Calculations

Corr. Factor= Desired * Quantity

Have

Use: Dehydration caused by diarrhea is one of the biggest single killers of children in the modern world and diarrhea itself is one of the major causes of nutritional loss and poor growth (due to loss of electrolytes, water and nutrition from the body) Rehydran solution is used to replace the liquid being lost.

Label

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2- Iron ammonium Citrate Mixture

Given amounts Calculated amountsIron ammonium Citrate 5 g

Tincture of Nux Vomica 3 ml

Syrup 10 ml

Purified water to 90 ml

Use

For treatment of anemia

Label

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3- The Cough Syrup

Given amounts Calculated amounts

Ammonium Chloride 5 g

Liquid extract of Liquorice 5 ml

Syrup 2. 5 ml

Purified water to 50 ml

Use: For treatment of reproductive cough

Label

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Intermediate preparations

There are many pharmaceutical solutions which are designed for use during the manufacturer of other preparations and which are rarely administered by themselves, for example, aromatic waters, infusions, extracts, spirits, and syrups.

1- Aromatic Waters

Aromatic water is also known as medicated waters. They are clear, saturated aqueous solution or volatile oils or other aromatic or volatile substances. The preparations should be free from other foreign odors. Their odor or tastes are usually similar to those of the drug or volatile substances from which they are prepared. They are used principally as flavored or perfumed vehicle.

.

1- Peppermint water

Oil of menthe 0.2 ml

Talc 1.5 g

Water to 100 ml

Use: Carminative and flavored vehicle

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Label

2- Camphor water

Camphor is soluble only 1 in 700 of water, and the strength of camphor water is 1 in 1000 that is near to saturation.

Camphor is very soluble in alcohol. The water is prepared by dissolving the camphor in alcohol

adding this solution in small portions to the water, each addition being followed by vigorous shaking.

The addition of the alcoholic solution to water yield a finely-divided precipitate of camphor, which in

this condition, pass into solution more quickly than camphor simply powdered in a mortar. The alcohol

may then be considered as a distributing agent.

Camphor 1 g

Alcohol 15 ml

Purified Water to 100 ml

Uses

Can be used for Carminative internally and antiseptic and anesthetic in eye lotions.

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Label

Syrups

Syrups are concentrated solutions of sugar such as sucrose in water or other aqueous liquid.

When purified water is used alone in preparing the solution of sucrose, the preparation is known as simple syrup.

When the aqueous preparation contains some added medicinal substance, the syrup is called medicated syrup.

When the aqueous preparation contains various aromatic or pleasantly flavored substances, the syrup is called flavored syrup and used mainly as a vehicle or a flavor in prescriptions.

The concentration of sucrose in the syrup must be 66.7% w/w (E.P) or 85 % W/V (USP) to approach but not reach saturation.

This is because:

Less than this concentration will make the solution susceptible to mold growth.

In case of saturated solutions, crystallization of part of sucrose may occur under storage changing temperature.

Methods of preparing syrups:

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Sucrose 85 g

Water to 100 ml

Use: As a vehicle

Label

Effervescent solutions

This is a solution containing a recently prepared salt by combining an acid (citric or tartaric) and

alkali (carbonate or bicarbonate) sodium or potassium.

Effervescent preparations are more agreeable to taste when slightly acidic and thus it is better to

arrange for a slight excess of acid (weight of citric acid is slightly excess than bicarbonate)

Types of effervescent solutions (3 Types)

1- The alkaline solution is dispensed in one bottle while acid solution is dispensed in another one; a

dose of each bottle is mixed just before administration.

1- The alkaline salt is dispensed in a paper packets and the patient adds the content of each

packet to each dose of acid solution.

2- The mixture is dispensed charged with CO2; the alkaline salt added at last, the bottle corked

and the cork fixed by means of string.

1- Potion Rivier

Solution No. I Given amount Calculated amount

Sodium bicarbonate 0.35 g

Syrup 2 ml

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Water to 15 ml

Fiat : Alkaline solution

Solution No. II Given amount Calculated amount

Citric acid 0.40 g

Syrup of lemon 2 ml

Water to 15 ml

Fiat :Acid solution

Use: Antiemetic, used for treatment of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy or antacid for heart burn

Label

Strong Iodine Solution (USP)

Lugol's solution

Given amount Calculated amountIodine 5 g

Potassium iodide 10 g

Purified water to 100 ml

Fiat : Lugol's solution

I2 + KI → Form what is called polyiodides

(e.g. KI.I2, KI.2 I2, KI.3I2. Ki.4I2)

The higher polyiodides are more soluble than lower polyiodides and are formed in concentrated solution; hence, the rapid solution of iodine is affected by using KI in concentrated solution.

Uses

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5% Lugol's solution taken as Antigoitrogenic (Iodine deficiency in hypothyroidism)

10 % Lugol's solution used as antiseptic and disinfectant for external use

Label

Elixirs

Elixirs are clear, pleasantly flavored sweetened hydro-alcoholic liquids intended for oral use.

The main ingredients of elixirs are:- Ethanol - Water - Glycerin, sorbitol, propylene glycol- Flavoring agents - Preservatives - Syrup

The alcoholic content in elixirs will vary greatly, from elixirs containing only a small quantity to those that contain a considerable portion as a necessary aid to solubility.

N.B. - Elixirs that are free from medicated substances are called non medicated elixirs and used as flavored vehicle.- When they contain drug substances, they are called medicated elixirs

1- Phenobarbital Elixir

Given amount Calculated amountPhenobarbital 0.4 g

Orange oil 0.1 g

Alcohol 25.6 ml

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Glycerin 35 ml

Sucrose 12 g

Purified water to 100 ml

Fiat : Elixir

Send: 50 ml

Sig. F I o.n

Use: Hypnotic

Label

Draught

It is a liquid pharmaceutical preparation intended for oral administration. Draught is an older term used to describe a liquid preparation formulated as a single dose, in a volume which is larger than generally utilized in traditional mixture formulations.

Each draught was usually supplied in a 50 ml unit dose container

1- Magnesium Citrate Oral solution.

Given amount Calculated amountMagnesium carbonate 1 5 g

Anhydrous Citric acid 27.5 g

Syrup 60 ml

Talc 5 g

Lemon oil 0.1 ml

Potassium bicarbonate 2.5 g

Purified water to 350 ml

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Uses

As a pleasant saline laxative. This medicine is commonly used to empty and prepare the colon (bowel)

for rectal or colon exams (diagnostic tests) or surgery. This drug may be used to treat occasional

constipation, but it should not be used regularly for this purpose.

Label

Gargles and mouth washes

Gargles are aqueous solution used for treating the throat and pharynx and nasopharynx by forcing air from the lungs through the gargle solution which is held in the throat.

Use:

Astringent for the throat and gum

Label

Tincture of Myrrh 3 ml

Water to 60 ml

Fiat : Gargle

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Mouthwash

A mouthwash is an aqueous solution which is most often used for its deodorant, refreshing, or

antiseptic effect in the mouth.

It may contain: - Alcohol, - Glycerin, - Synthetic sweeteners,

- Surface active agent - Flavoring and coloring agents

Given amount Calculated amount

Potassium bicarbonate 2 g

Sodium borate 2 g

Thymol 0.05 g

Methyl salicylate 0.05 ml

Amaranth solution 14 ml

Alcohol 20 ml

Purified water to 100 ml

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Use: improve oral hygiene, and, in particular, to dental rinse formulations which upon application to the

teeth, loosen plaque present on dental surfaces and render it more amenable to removal during brushing

with a conventional dentifrice.

Label

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