SUSPENSION:

“A suspension is a heterogeneous mixture that contains solid particles sufficiently large

for sedimentation. The particles may be visible to the naked eye, usually must be larger than one
micrometer, and will eventually settle, although the mixture is only classified as a suspension
when and while the particles have not settled out.”

A suspension is a heterogeneous mixture in which the solute particles do not dissolve, but get
suspended throughout the bulk of the solvent, left floating around freely in the medium. The
internal phase (solid) is dispersed throughout the external phase (fluid) through mechanical
agitation, with the use of certain excipients or suspending agents.

An example of a suspension would be sand in water.

CLASSIFICATION OF SUSPENSION:

1. Based on General Classes:

 Oral suspension
 Externally applied suspension
 Parenteral suspension
2. Based on Proportion of Solid Particles:
  Dilute suspension (2 to10%w/v solid)
 Concentrated suspension (50%w/v solid)
3. Based on Electro Kinetic Nature of Solid:

 Particles
 Flocculated suspension
 Deflocculated suspension
4. Based on Size of Solid Particles:

 Colloidal suspension (< 1 micron)

 Coarse suspension (>1 micron)
 Nano suspension (10 ng)

QUALITIES OF A GOOD SUSPENSION:

1. Must remain sufficiently homogeneous for at least the period between shaking the
container and removing the required amount.
2. Particles of the solute do not dissolve in the solvent rather they remain suspended in
bulk throughout.
3. Any suspended particles should be small and uniformly distributed.
4. They should be resistant to microbial contamination.
5. Should be chemically stable.
6. Ideal, suspension should be thixotropic.
7. Dispersed phase should settle slowly and should be readily redispersed on shaking.
8. Should not cake on settling.
9. Viscosity should be such that preparation pours easily.
10. Should be acceptable to the patient on the basis of its taste, color, and cosmetic qualities
 11. The particle size of the suspension remains fairly constant throughout its long period of
undisturbed standing .

ADVANTAGES OF A GOOD SUSPENSION:

 Pharmaceutical Suspension can improve chemical stability of certain drug. E.g.Procaine

penicillin.
 Drug in suspension exhibits higher rate of bioavailability than other dosage forms.
bioavailability is in following order, Solution > Suspension > Capsule > Compressed
Tablet > Coated tablet
 Duration and onset of action can be controlled. E.g.Protamine Zinc-Insulin suspension.
 Suspension can mask the unpleasant bitter taste of drug. E.g. Chloramphenicol.
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