GARGLES

Are solutions used to treat the

pharynx and the nasopharynx by
forcing air through the lungs thru the
gargle which is held in the throat

May be prepared from powders or

from liquid solutions or liquid
concentrates
Used for irrigative cleansing of the
vagina

Must be diluted with water prior to use

ENEMAS

Examples: Phenol Gargle, Betadine

Gargle, Bactidol

Are RECTAL INJECTIONS employed to:

MOUTHWASHES

Are aqueous solutions most often used

for their deodorizing, refreshing and
antiseptic effect.
Often used cosmetically than
therapeutically
Examples: Listerine, Astring-O-sol,
Mouthwash, NF

OTHER WASHES

EYE WASH - Collyrium

NASAL WASH - Collunarium

DOUCHES

Are aqueous solutions directed against

a part or into a cavity of the body

Functions as cleansing or antiseptic

agent

Usually administered into a body part

using a bulb syringe

KINDS
1. Eye douche
2. Nasal douche
3. Pharyngeal douche
4. Vaginal Douche
VAGINAL DOUCHES

1. Evacuate the bowel

2. Influence the general system by
absorption
3. Affect locally the seat of disease
4. Visualize the GIT for diagnosis
TYPES OF ENEMA
I. EVACUATION ENEMA

Used to cleanse the bowel

Fleet enema

II. RETENTION ENEMA

a. Nutritive enema
b. Medicated enema
c. Diagnostic enema
Barium Sulfate Enema

Applied to the skin with a fine camels

hair brush or glass applicator

Stored in a tight-closed container at a

temperature not exceeding 30C
remote from fire

LINIMENTS

Formerly called EMBROCATIONS

Are alcoholic or oleaginous solution or
emulsion of various medicinal
substances intended for external
application to the skin, generally with
rubbing
Must bear a label indicating
FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY
Not to be applied to broken

skin
TYPES OF LINIMENTS
1. Alcoholic Liniments
Used for its rubefacient property
2. Oily Liniments
I Useful when massage is required

Examples and Uses of Collodions

I. COLLODION, USP

Useful in holding the edges of an

incised wound together

Has a disadvantage of being nonflexible

II. FLEXIBLE COLLODION, USP

III. SALICYLIC ACID COLLODION, USP

3. Dental Liniments not official

EXAMPLES:
1. White Liniment

Are viscous solutions or mixtures of

medicinal substances in NOT LESS
THAN 50% by weight of GLYCERIN

Used as a medicinal agent or as an aid

in dissolving other drugs in water or
alcohol

4. Omega Pain Killer

COLLODIONS

Ethereal solutions

Are liquid preparations composed of

pyroxillin (soluble gun cotton,
collodion cotton) dissolved in a
solvent mixture usually composed of
alcohol and ether with or without
added medicinal substances

Intended for external use only

A 10% salicylic acid in Flexible

Collodion
Used as a keratolytic agent

GLYCERITES

2. Camphor Liniment
3. Efficascent Oil

Prepared by adding 2% camphor and

3% castor oil

Examples:
1. Starch glycerite - topical protectant
2. Tannic Acid glycerite - astringent
3. Phenol glycerite
OLEOVITAMINS

Vitamins A and D in fish liver oil

COD LIVER OIL (Oleovitamin A and D)

TOOTHACHE DROPS

Preparations used for the temporary

relief of toothache

Example: Iodine Tincture and

Thimerosal Tincture

Applied using a small pledget of cotton

saturated with the product into the
tooth cavity

VARIATIONS IN TINCTURES

As to strength of their active ingredient:

Contains clove oil and mixtures of

phenol with camphor or creosote

EXTRACTIVES

TINCTURES

FLUIDEXTRACTS

EXTRACTS

METHODS OF EXTRACTION

Tinctures potent drugs 10 % in

strength (Belladonna Tincture)

Tinctures prepared from non potent

drugs 20 % in strength

o (Tolu Balsam Tincture)

Tinctures prepared from undried fresh
fruit peel 50 % in strength
(Sweet Orange Peel Tincture)

VARIATIONS IN TINCTURES

MACERATION

As to their intended use in pharmacy and

medicine:

PERCOLATION

A. MEDICATED

INFUSION

DIGESTION

DECOCTION

TINCTURES

Are alcoholic or hydroalcoholic

solutions of chemicals or soluble
constituents of vegetable drugs

VARIATIONS OF OFFICIAL TINCTURES

As to the method of preparation:
I. By Extraction method

Maceration method

o Example: Compound Benzoin

Tincture
Percolation method

Examples: Belladona Tincture and

Vanilla Tincture
II. By Simple Solution method employed for
tinctures of chemical substances

I.

ORAL TINCTURES

Disadvantages:

Unpleasant tasting

High alcohol content

1. Paregoric Tincture (Camphorated

Opium Tincture) Antiperistalsis
2. Belladona Tincture - Anticholinergic
II. TOPICAL TINCTURES

Can cause stinging sensation when

applied to abraded or broken skin

Examples:
1. Compound Benzoin Tincture topical
protectant
2. Iodine Tincture - germicide
3. Thimerosal Tincture - antiseptic
B. NON MEDICATED used as flavoring
agents

Examples: Vanilla Tincture, Sweet Orange

Peel Tincture, Tolu Balsam Tincture

Used today as sweetening or flavoring

agents

EXTRACTS

VARIATIONS IN TINCTURES
As to alcohol content:

Contains approximately 15 80 %
alcohol

Examples:
1. Opium Tincture 17 to 21 % alcohol
2. Compound Benzoin Tincture 74 to
80% alcohol

THREE FORMS OF EXTRACTS

SEMI-LIQUID EXTRACTS

PILULAR OR SOLID EXTRACTS

3. Iodine Tincture 44 to 50% alcohol

4. Thimerosal Tincture about 50%
alcohol

Aging can cause the precipitation of

the inactive constituents in tinctures

Glycerin may be added to

increase the solubility of the active

constituents and reduce precipitation
during storage

Stored in a light-resistant containers

FLUIDEXTRACTS

Are liquid extracts of vegetable drugs

that contain alcohol as a solvent,
preservative, or both

Prepared by Percolation

Sometimes referred to as 100%

tinctures

Are considered too potent for self

administration, and too bitter

Concentrated preparations of
vegetable or animal drugs obtained
by removal of the active
constituents of the respective drugs
with suitable menstrua, evaporation
of all or nearly all of the solvent,
and adjustment of the residual masses
or powders to the prescribed
standards

- syrupy consistency

plastic consistency

preferred in compounding ointments

or pastes

POWDERED EXTRACTS
dry

preferred in compounding powders,

tablets, and capsules

Sucrose is commonly employed

Imparts a characteristic body to the

preparation

Glycogenetic

Sorbitol or glycerin may be added to

prevent crystallization

SYRUP, NF (SIMPLE SYRUP)

A concentrated or nearly saturated

aqueous solution of sugar (85% w/v,
65% w/w)

Specific gravity = 1.313

Have low solvent capacity for watersoluble drugs

Self-preserving, however diluted

syrups are prone to microbial
contamination thus require additional
preservative (i.e. parabens)

Saturated solutions tend to undergo

crystallization (Syrup, USP minimal
tendency to undergo crystallization)

SYRUPS

Are concentrated, aqueous

preparations of a sugar or sugar
substitutes with or without added
flavoring agent and medicinal
substances

CLASSIFICATION
I.

MEDICINAL CLASSIFICATION
A. Medicated Syrups
B. Non-Medicated Syrups or Flavored
vehicle

Examples: (Table 13.6 p.352)

1. Cherry and Orange Syrups good
vehicle for drugs requiring acid
medium
2. Cocoa Syrup effectively masks
bitter tasting drugs
3. Ora-Sweet and Ora-Sweet SF
alcohol free vehicle for
extemporaneous compounding of
syrup
4. Raspberry Syrup used to disguise
salty or sour taste of drugs
5. Syrup, NF or Syrup, USP
II. PHARMACEUTICAL CLASSIFICATION
A. SUGAR-BASED SYRUP

B. NON SUGAR-BASED SYRUPS (NON

NUTRITIVE SYRUPS)

Formulated with artificial sweeteners

and viscosity builders

Non glycogenetic

COMPONENTS OF SYRUPS (In addition to

purified water and medicinal substances)
1. Sugars, or sugar substitutes
2. Antimicrobial preservatives
3. Flavorants
4. Colorants
5. Special solvents, stabilizers,
solubilizing agents and thickeners
METHODS OF PREPARING SYRUPS

I.

SOLUTION WITH THE AID OF HEAT

Excessive tends to cause inversion
of sucrose

II.

SOLUTION BY AGITATION WITHOUT

THE AID OF HEAT

III.

ADDITION OF SUCROSE TO A
MEDICATED LIQUID OR TO A
FLAVORED LIQUID
Used in the preparation of Senna
Syrup, NF

IV.

Stable

Easy to prepare (by simple solution

method)

Less effective in masking the taste of

drugs because elixirs are less sweet
and less viscous

Not recommended for children due to

their alcohol content

PERCOLATION
May be used to prepare Simple Syrup
Used to prepare Ipecac syrup

ELIXIRS

Are clear, sweetened, hydroalcoholic

solutions intended for oral use, and
are usually flavored to their
palatability

CLASSES OF ELIXIRS
I.

Alcohol Content
vary from 5 40 %

NON-MEDICATED ELIXIRS

Employed as vehicles

Examples:

1. HIGH ALCOHOLIC ELIXIR (HAE) 75 to

78% alcohol
2. LOW ALCOHOLIC ELIXIR (LAE) 8 to
10 % alcohol

Aromatic Elixir, NF
Isoalcoholic Elixir
Compound Benzaldehyde Elixir
II.

MEDICATED ELIXIRS

Examples:

COMPONENTS:

Alcohol and water primary solvents

Adjunct solvents glycerin and

propylene glycol

Sweeteners

Flavorants and colorants

Medicinal substances

Advantages

Maintain both water-soluble and

alcohol-soluble components in solution

and Disadvantages

Diphenhydramine Elixir
Phenobarbital Elixir
Digoxin Elixir

Preparation of Elixirs

By simple solution method

By admixture of two or more liquids

STORAGE:
Stored in a tight, light-resistant
containers and protected from excessive
heat

Spirits or Essences

Are alcoholic or hydroalcoholic

solutions of volatile substances
High alcohol content, usually over
60%, maintains water-insoluble
volatile oils in solution
Addition of water results to the
separation of the oil

Uses of Spirits

MEDICINAL SPIRITS

AROMATIC SPIRIT OF AMMONIA a

reflex stimulant

FLAVORING SPIRITS

Ex.: Compound Orange Spirit,

Compound Cardamom Spirit
How administered?

Taken orally
Brandy and Whisky

Mixed with a portion of water to

reduce pungency of the spirit

Applied externally

Used by inhalation
Aromatic spirit of ammonia

Methods of Preparation

Distillation

- Brandy (48 54 % alcohol) and

Whisky (47 53% alcohol)

Solution with Maceration Peppermint

Spirit

Solution by Chemical Reaction Ethyl

Nitrite Spirit

Simple Solution Ammonia Spirit

(Spirit of Sal Volatile)

GLYCERIN, USP

ISOPROPYL RUBBING ALCOHOL

PROPYLENE GLYCOL, USP

PURIFIED WATER, USP

ALCOHOL, USP

SOLUTIONS

Ethyl alcohol, Ethanol, C2H5OH

94.9 to 96% C2H5OH by volume when

determined at 15.56C

Primary solvent for organic

compounds

Pharmaceutically, a solvent and

preservative

Recommended alcohol limit for OTC

oral products:

Are liquid preparations that contain

one or more substances dissolved in
water or co-solvent mixtures
SOLUBILITY
FACTORS AFFECTING SOLUBILITY
1. Temperature
2. Chemical and physical properties of
the solute and the solvent

Descriptive Terms of
Approximate Solubility

ALCOHOL, USP

DILUTED ALCOHOL, NF

RUBBING ALCOHOL

6-12 years old 5 %

Over 12 years old 10 %

Prepared by mixing equal volumes of

Alcohol, USP, and Purified water, USP

Useful as hydroalcoholic solvent in

various pharmaceutical processes and
preparations

RUBBING ALCOHOL

Alcohol rubbing compound

Contains 70% of ethyl alcohol by

volume

Employed as a rubefacient externally

and a soothing rub for bedridden
patients

A germicide for instruments and a skin

cleanser prior to injection

Also used as a vehicle for topical

preparations

Some solvents for liquid preparations

4. pH of the solution

6. Physical agitation applied to the

solution as it dissolves

Under 6 years of age 0.5 %

DILUTED ALCOHOL, NF

3. Pressure

5. State of subdivision of the solute

GLYCERIN, USP

Glycerol, CH2OH-CHOH-CH2OH

Clear syrupy liquid with a sweet taste

Miscible both in water and in alcohol

Has a preservative qualities and often

used as a stabilizer and an auxiliary
solvent in conjunction with water or
alcohol

ISOPROPYL RUBBING ALCOHOL

* No.3 and 4 are discussed in Chapter

17
As to composition

Aromatic waters

Syrups

Elixirs

Spirits

Tinctures and fluidextracts

70 % by volume isopropyl alcohol

Douches, Enemas and gargles

Externally as a rubefacient and

soothing rub and as a vehicle for
topical products

Liniments, collodions, and others

ORAL SOLUTIONS
COMPONENTS

PROPYLENE GLYCOL, USP

Medicinal agents

Flavorants, Colorants and Sweetening

agents

Stabilizers (glycerin or sorbitol) used

to inhibit crystallization and to modify
solubility

Techniques to hasten dissolution

Preservatives

Applying heat

Vehicles

Reducing the particle size of the solute

Using a solubilizing agent

1. Homogenous

Subjecting the ingredients to vigorous

agitation

2. Easier to swallow than the solid

dosage forms

CH3CH(OH)CH2OH

Miscible with water and alcohol

Useful as a solvent and is frequently

substituted glycerin

PREPARATION OF SOLUTIONS

TYPES OF SOLUTIONS
As to its use:
1. Oral solutions

ADVANTAGES

3. Onset of action and bioavailability of

drugs that have slow dissolution rate
are improved
DISADVANTAGES

2. Topical solutions

1. Bulky

3. Ophthalmic solutions

2. Degrade more rapidly

4. Nasal and Otic solutions

3. More likely to interact with other

constituents

ORAL SOLUTIONS See table 13.5

Burows solution

DRY POWDER FOR SOLUTION

An astringent wash or wet dressing

Dry powder for reconstitution

prior to use

Used in various types of dermatologic

lotions, creams, and pastes

Examples: Cloxacillin Na,

Oxacillin Na and Penicillin V K for oral
solution (antibiotics)

ORAL REHYDRATION SOLUTION

Available in liquid or
powder/packet for reconstitution

ALUMINUM SUBACETATE TOPICAL

SOLUTION

Modified Burows solution

An astringent wash and wet dressing

COAL TAR TOPICAL SOLUTION

Examples: Pedialyte and

Rehydrate solution, Glucolyte, Oresol

Liquor Carbonis Detergens; Liquor

Picis Carbonis; LCD

ORAL COLONIC LAVAGE SOLUTION

Local antieczematic used in external

treatment of chronic skin conditions

OTHERS Magnesium citrate solution

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE TOPICAL

SOLUTION

Peroxide

Contains 2.5 to 3.5% (w/v) H2O2

Local anti-infective for use topically on

the skin and mucous membrane

TOPICAL SOLUTIONS

Employ an aqueous vehicle

Should be labeled FOR EXTERNAL

USE ONLY

CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE SOLUTION

Examples:
1. Aluminum Acetate Solution
2. Calcium Hydroxide Topical Solution

POVIDONE-IODINE TOPICAL SOLUTION

10% solution employed as surgical

scrub and nonirritating antiseptic
solution

Betadine Solution

3. Hydrogen Peroxide Topical Solution

4. Chlorhexidine Gluconate Solution
5. Povidone Iodine Solution
6. Strong Iodine Solution
ALUMINUM ACETATE TOPICAL SOLUTION

4% (Hibiclins), used as a surgical

scrub, hand wash, and skin wound and
general skin cleanser

THIMEROSAL TOPICAL SOLUTION

0.1% thimerosal, used as

bacteriostatic and mild fungistatic
agent

Example: Magnesium Citrate

Solution

Merthiolate Solution

OTIC SOLUTIONS

Ear or aural solutions (table 17.6,

p.565)
USES:

For the removal of excessive cerumen

Examples: Cerumenex Ear drop,
Debrox Drops

NASAL SOLUTIONS
Administered as nose drops or sprays
EXAMPLES: (table 17.5, p.559)
1. Afrin Nasal Drops and Nasal Spray,
Nasalide and Privine Nasal Solution Decongestant
2. Beconase AQ Nasal Spray and
Nasalcrom Nasal Spray for the
prevention and treatment of perrenial
allergic rhinitis

WATER

ALCOHOL (Ethyl alcohol and Ethanol)

- alcohol limit for children: 0.5%
- under 6 years of age; 5% - 6 to 12
years old; 10% - 12 years old and
above

GLYCERIN

PROPYLENE GLYCOL

POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 400

PHARMACEUTICAL SOLVENT WATERS

PURIFIED WATER, USP

WATER FOR INJECTION, USP

STERILE WATER FOR INJECTION, USP

BACTERIOSTATIC WATER FOR

INJECTION, USP

STERILE WATER FOR INHALATION, USP

STERILE WATER FOR IRRIGATION, USP

* WFI, SWFI and BWFI are discussed in
Chapter 15

3. Salinase and Ocean Mist to restore

moisture and relieve dry, crusted and
inflamed nasal membrane
4. Syntocinon Nasal Spray employed
for initial milk let-down preparatory to
breast feeding

PURIFIED WATER, USP

Obtained by: distillation, reverse

osmosis or by ion exchange treatment

pH 5 to 7

Contains NMT 10 ppm of total solids

Used in preparations and in finished

and manufactured products, except for
the preparation of parenterals and
ophthalmic products

5. Diapid Nasal Spray - antidiuretic

METHODS OF PREPARING SOLUTIONS

SIMPLE SOLUTION METHOD

Example: Strong Iodine Solution

SOLUTION BY CHEMICAL REACTION

SOLUTION BY EXTRACTION

SOLVENTS FOR ORAL LIQUID DOSAGE

FORMS

For the treatment of ear infections,

inflammation, or pain
Examples: Auralgan Otic
Solution, Americaine Otic,
Chloromycetin Otic, Corticosporin Otic,
Otobiotic solution, VoSol Otic Solution

WATER FOR INJECTION, USP

Conforms with the standards of

Purified Water, USP but is also
pyrogen-free
Intended to be used in the
manufacture of injectable products
which are to be sterilized after their
preparation
Intended to be used for 24-hours after
its collection

Same requirements as SWFI except in

container design, particulate matter
and labeling

Labeling:
For Irrigation Only
Not for Injection

AROMATIC WATERS

Are clear, saturated aqueous solutions

of volatile oils or other aromatic or
volatile substances

STERILE WATER FOR INJECTION, USP

WFI that has been sterilized

Packaged in single-dose containers of

type I or type II glass that do not
exceed the capacity of 1 liter

A pleasantly flavored vehicle for water

soluble drugs or an aqueous phase in
an emulsion or suspension

Addition of electrolytes may result to

salting-out of the volatile ingredient

Stored in a tight, light-resistant

containers

Intended to be used as a solvent,

vehicle or diluent for already-sterilized
and packaged injectable medications

BACTERIOSTATIC WATER FOR

INJECTION, USP

SWFI that contains one or more

suitable bacteriostatic agents

Packaged in pre-filled syringes or in

vials containing NMT 30 mL

Employed as a sterile vehicle in the

preparation of small volumes of
injectable preparations (in multipledose vials)

To be labeled NOT FOR USE IN

NEWBORNS

STERILE WATER FOR IRRIGATION, USP

Methods of Preparation

DISTILLATION
COHOBATION the process of
redistillation two or more times until
the distillate becomes clear

SOLUTION METHOD the volatile, or

aromatic substance is admixed with
water, with or without the use of a
dispersant (e.g. talc)
A. Simple Solution
B. Alternate Solution