Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms Laboratory Manual

PREPARATION # : DIVIDED POWDERS

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I. Objectives:

1. Determine the different comminution and mixing techniques.

2. Know the advantages and disadvantages of powders.
3. Establish the USP standards for the particle size of powders.
II. Materials:

Levothyroxine Na Pill Tile

(Eltroxin 50 g tablet #1) Stainless Steel Spatula
Glassine paper
White bond paper
Scissors
Paste/Glue
Mortar and Pestle
III. Discussion:

Powders are mixtures of finely divided solids or chemicals in a dry form. The
powders may be used internally or externally. Depending on their intended use,
powders are packaged and dispensed as bulk powders and divided powders.
On a small scale, the most common comminution techniques are trituration,
pulverization by intervention, and levigation. On a large scale, various mills and
pulverizers are used.
Micromeritics is the study of small particles.
Divided powders are dispensed in individual doses, usually in folded papers. They
may also be dispensed in metal foil, small heat-sealed or resealable plastic bags,
or other containers. The method of preparation is block and divide.

IV. Formula:

Ingredient: Original Amount

Levothyroxine Na (Eltroxin) tablet 50.00 g per tablet

V. Procedure:

1. Triturate the tablet using mortar and pestle.

2. Place the powdered tablet on the pill tile.
3. Divide into 5 (five) equal parts using the stainless steel spatula.
4. Place each divided powder in a cut glassine paper. Please check the
proper procedure on how to fold the glassine paper to form a paper powder.

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 Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms Laboratory Manual

5. Collect all paper tablets and transfer them into a small envelope made of
a white bond envelope.
6. Label properly.

VI. Clean-Up Procedure:

1. Dispose of the cut papers, e.g., white bond paper and glassine papers,
into the garbage bin.
2. Clean the pill tile by washing with soap and water. Wipe dry and return it
to the laboratory assistant/technician.
3. Clean your working area before leaving the laboratory.

VII. References:

Allen, L.V., Popovich, N.G. & Ansel, H.C. (2018). Powders & Granules In Ansel’s
Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery System (11th edition) (pp. 184-
202). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

Allen, L.V. Powders In Remington: The Science & Practice of Pharmacy (23rd
edition)(pp. 777-800). Philadelphia: Pharmaceutical Press.