PHARMACEUTICLE TECHNOLOGY-1

FINAL ASSINGMENT SPRING-2020

June 7, 2020
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
[Company address]
1. What is meant by the physical stability of a pharmaceutical suspension? Discuss
the factors affecting the physical stability of a suspension. (8)
Ans: Suspension is a pharmaceutical preparation in which solid particle (drug) is uniformly
distribute into a liquid disperse system. It is a heterogeneous system. The solid particle does not
dissolve in liquid phase, so it is very necessary to maintain the drug stability. There are two
stability to maintain which are chemical stability and physical stability. Physical stability for
suspension means uniform distribution of drug particle in disperse medium. Uniform distribution
of drug particle is dependent on particle size, wetting of the particle, sedimentation etc. Example:
the standard size of the particle is 1-50 micro meters. If the particle size is more than this it may
cause sedimentation and if the size is less that this it may form a compact cake setting at bottom
of the containers. Both of the suspension will lose its physical stability. So the uniform
distribution of particle size can maintain the physical stability of suspension. [1]

F a c t o r s e ff e c ti n g p h y s ic a l
There are some factor which should be considered as they can be responsible for hampering the
stability of a pharmaceutical suspension. Those are ;

wetting agent

s t a b ilit y Particle size

sedimentation

Deflocculation and
flocculation

A- Wetting of the particles:

Solid
particles Hydrophilic can be
dispersed easily

Suspending
media

Difficult to disperse and

float on the surface due to
hydrophobic surface or
entrapped air
  When a solid particle is added in liquid system it can’t disperse easily due to the air is
absorbed in the surface. High density particles float on the surface of the liquid unitil
the air is replaced by it.it effect the physical stability .Wetting agent like
alcohol ,glycerol absorb the air of the surface and make the suspension stable.
 If the solid particle is not dispersed in the liquid after absorption of air those particle is
called hydrophobic particle. Because of this hydrophobic particle the suspension may
become unstable. This hydrophobic particle does not disperse in the suspension rater it
creates a distinctive layer above the surface. With agitation it does not go back too the
desire form. Surfactant are need to stabilize this form .
 The main function of wetting agents: (1)- to reduce the contact angle between surface
of solid particles and wetting liquid via displacing the air in the voids (2)- surfactant
 Examples of wetting agents are tragcanth mucilage, glycerin, glycols, bentonite and
polysorbates.
 Contact angle can be used to measure wettability, if the angle approximately equals or
more than 90 0, particles are floating well out of fluid.

B-Particle size:

 Particle size of any suspension is critical and must be reduced within the range.
 If the particle size is too big it will not disperse in the suspension rather it will settle in
the bottom of the jar or due to Brownian movement the particle will aggregate and form a
hard cake which can be irreversible.
 If the particle size is too small, particles will easily form hard cake at the bottom of the
container.
 Particles size greater than 5μm may cause irritation when it will be injected to the eye.
Particles size greater than 25 μm may block a needle.

C-Sedimentation:

 Sedimentation of particles in a suspension is depends on several factors:

1.particle size,
2.density of the particles,
3.density of the vehicle, and
4.viscosity of the vehicle.

The velocity of sedimentation of particles in a suspension can be determined by using the

Stoke's law:

d2 (p1-p2) g
v =
18 
 Where:

v = velocity of sedimentation

d = diameter of the particle

g = acceleration of gravity

1 = density of the particle

 = density of the vehicle

 = viscosity of the vehicle

 According to the Stoke's equation, by decreasing the particle size, the velocity of
sedimentation of particles and the difference between the densities of the particles and the
vehicle can be reduce.
 The viscosity of the vehicle also affects the velocity of sedimentation. Velocity of
sedimentation decreases as the viscosity of the vehicle increases. The viscosity and
density of any vehicle are inversely proportional.

Deflocculation and flocculation:

 The following table illustrates the relative properties of flocculated and Non-
flocculated suspension:

Topic Flocculated Non-flocculated

1.Paricle form 1. Form a network like 1. Particle are separate

structure entities
2. Rate of sedimentation 2. high 2. low
3.Sedimentation 3. Rapidly formed 3. slowly formed
4.Hard cake formation 4. doesn’t form a hard 4. Form a hard cake
cake 5. Sediment is difficult
5.Re-dispertion 5. Sediment is easy to to re-disperse
re-disperse 6. pleasing
. 6.apparance 6. not pleasing 7. Doesn’t stick to the
7.floccules 7. stick to the bottle bottle


 It should be noted that the deflocculated suspensions should be avoided
because of the formation of irreversible solid hard cake. Although
flocculated suspensions sediment faster and form a clear supernatant, these
are easy to re-disperse

 The following figure shows the effect of period of standing on flocculated

and deflocculated suspension:

Figure : Sedimentation behavior of flocculated and deflocculated suspension

These are the factors that affects the physical stability of a suspension.

2. Describe the preparation procedure of Antacid suspension. (6)

Ans: Suspension is a heterogeneous liquid preparation containing dispersion of finely divided
insoluble solid particles in a solvent. The suspended solids may slowly separate on standing but
are easily re-dispersible. It is a biphasic system. Example- Antacid Suspension.

Antacids are basic substances which on ingestion react with gastric acid and lower the acidity of
gastric content, chiefly used in the treatment of hyperchlorhydria peptic ulcer, heartburn,
indigestion or gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is recently widely used to reduce hyperacidity
of stomach. Antacids are available over the counter and are taken orally to quickly relieve the
abovementioned complications temporarily. The hydroxide is the base most commonly
employed in antacids, but carbonate, bicarbonate and trisilicate ions are also used. The
therapeutic efficacy and adverse effects depend on the metallic ion with which the base is
combined and this is usually aluminum, magnesium or sodium. Antacid is available in various
dosages form. Example tablet, syrup, suspension etc.

Preparation method of antacid suspension is given below :

There are lots of preparation method for antacid suspension. For large scale production many
machineries are used. the small scale (50ml) lab rotary production of antacid is described below:

Materials:

1. Aluminum hydroxide powder.

2. Magnesium hydroxide powder.
3. Sodium Carboxy Methyl Cellulose.
4. Sodium saccharine.
5. Glycerin.
6. Sodium citrate.
7. Sodium Methyl Paraben.
8. Sodium Propyl Paraben.
9. Raspberry red color.
10. Raspberry flavor.
11. Purified water.

Apparatus:

1. Mortar and pestle.

2. Beaker.
3. Glass rod.
4. Measuring cylinder.
5. Electronic balance.
Formulation and Justification:

Formula below is given for a preparation of 50ml Antacid Suspension

Ingredients Quantity/ 50ml

Aluminium hydroxide 2gm

Magnesium hydroxide 1gm

Sodium Carboxy Methyl Cellulose 0.4gm

Glycerin 5ml

Sodium saccharine 0.1gm

Sodium citrate 0.05gm

Sodium Methyl Paraben 0.1gm

Sodium Propyl Paraben 0.01gm

Color q.s.

Flavor q.s.

Purified Water q.s. to 50ml

Preparation Procedure:

Aluminium hydroxide and

Sodium Carboxy Methyl
Magnesium hydroxide were
Cellulose along with glycerin
5ml of purified water was taken in a beaker 5ml of water
gradually added and triturated
taken in a clean mortar. added and mixed well. Then it
vigorously until mucilage was
was poured into the mortar
formed.
with continuous trituration.

The mixture as transferred to a

Other ingredients were added
measuring cylinder and
except flavor and mixed
sufficient purified water was
properly. Flavor was added at
added to make the final
the last stage of trituration.
volume 50ml.

These are the small quantity preparation procedure of Antacid suspension.

6. Explain the mechanism of action of an emulsifying agent by using the most

prevalent theories. (8)
Ans: There are many theories regarding how the emulsifying agent promote and stabilize an
emulsion. Among them, there are 3 major theories which are widely praised because of their
clear and reasonable explanation.
 T h e s e th e o r ie s a r e
the surface tension theory

the oriented-wedge theory

the plastic or interfacial

film theory

The mechanism action of an emulsifying agent according to the theories are described below:

The surface tension theory:

When a glass of water is added in a glass of oil, it does not dissolve with each other. Both of
these immiscible liquid create two layers. One phase is water and another phase is oil.

There is a layer where these two immiscible liquid has met, this layer is called an interface. The
surfactant works int this interface .the surfactant has two ends. One is hydrophobic, it works with
oils and another is hydrophilic it works with water.
Because of the two distinct nature of the two liquid, it repels with each other. When the
surfactant is added it works in the interface layer by minimizing the interfacial tension of the two
liquids.it reduces the repletion between the two immiscible. Also, it reduces the attraction
between own molecule by breaking the molecule in small. By this, the molecule loses its
tendency to attract the same molecule. Thus, it can dissolve with another liquid system.

The oriented-wedge theory:

 The theory is based on the presumption that certain emulsifying agents orient themselves
about and within a liquid in a manner reflective of their solubility in that particular liquid. If
the oil is added to a water bucket it will form a droplet, will not dissolve in the liquid. When
the surfactant is added its hydrophobic part will surround the oil. Because the oil is
surrounded by the surfactant it can not attract the other oil molecule. Gradually, the
surfactant will dissolve the globule in the water. This method can be vice versa for o/w
emulsion.

3.The plastic or interfacial film theory of emulsification: This is also known as absorption
theory. the surfactant is finely divided into the particle, the works at interfacial layer. When the
surfactant added in the liquid they surround the oil molecule in the water-oil emulsion. This
surfactant is absorbed by the oil globules and it makes the globule smaller.so this small molecule
dissolves in the water phase and makes the emulsion stable.
7. Classify emulsifying agents and write about the properties of each class. (8)
Ans: The substance which are added to a emulsion in order to prevent the coalescence of the
globules in the liquid immiscible phase are called emulsifying agent.
They are also known as emulsifiers. They act by reducing the interfacial tension between the two
immiscible liquid phases and help to form a stable emulsion. For formulating a stable emulsion,
choosing the right emulsifying agent is important. Sometimes a single emulsifying agent can not
provide all the desirable properties for stabilizing the emulsion. For those cases, mixture of
emulsifying agent is used.
There are major types of emulsifying agent:

Emulsifying agent

Finely divided Auxiliary and

Natural synthetic
surfactants solid as mixed
emulsifying agent emulsifying agent
emulsifying agent emulsifying agent

Categories of emulsifying agents:

1. Natural emulsifying agents: These emulsifying agents are collected from natural source.they
are non-toxic and mostly used for the oral and parental dosage form. Example: tragacanth,
acacia, agar, pectin and starch. These are collected from a natural vegetable source. Gelatin, Egg
yolk and Wool fat (anhydrous lanolin) are emulsifiers which are collected from animal sources.

Properties;

 Found from the natural source. Example: Vegetable and animal source

 Non-toxic

 Carbohydrates act a good medium for the growth of microorganism, therefore emulsions
prepared using these emulsifying agents have to be suitably preserved to prevent
microbial contamination.
  Agar, tragacanth which is thicking agent is used in the emulsion to reduce the creaming
effect

 Type A gelatin (Cationic) is generally used for preparing o/w emulsion while type B
gelatin is used for o/w emulsions of pH 8 and above.

 Can be used for the oral and parental dosage form.

 The natural emulsifier can be decomposed by micro-organism.so the preservatives are

used along with it

2.Synthetic emulsifier: Synthetic emulsifying agent is the most used emulsifying agent. This
emulsifier is used for large scale industrial preparation. Synthetic emulsifying agents are;
sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose and methylcellulose. They are used
for formulating o/w type of emulsions.

Properties of synthetics emulsifier:

 Synthetic emulsifying agents are superior to natural as they do not decompose by the
micro-organism
 Can be preserve for a long time (2-3 years)
 Few Synthetics emulsifying agent can be used for internal use but most of them can be
used for topical use.
 There are 3 types of synthetic emulsifying agents. Non-ionic, anionic and cationic
emulsifying agent.
 Non-ionic synthetic agent: undissociated molecule act as an emulsifying agent. They do

not change the pH of the emulsion because of the presence of electrolytes. Example
Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween80) and Polyoxyethylene sorbitan
monolaurate
 Anionic synthetic agent: anion of the molecule act as an emulsifying agent. Example
sulfonates.

3. Surface active agent / Surfactants: Surfactant are an emulsifying agent which reduce the
surface tension by absorbing in oil phase . it has two ends one is hydrophilic which act on water
surface and another is hydrophobic which act on oil surface of a oil-water emulsion
Properties:
 Surfactants can be divided into 3 types. Non-ionic, anionic and cationic.
 In anionic agent lipophilic portion id negatively charge and in cationic portion lipophilic
portion is positively charged .both positive and negative charge interact with each-other
and neutralized each other.
 It can be bactericidal.
 pH is 3-10
 Example: organic soaps such as triethanolamine oleate.

4. Finely divided solid as an emulsifying agent:

Finely divided solid (examples Bentonite, Mg(OH)2, Al(OH), MgO, Silica gel) are added to the
oil phase of o/w emulsion when the water volume increase because of the addition of insoluble
material. After the addition of finely divided solid oil volume also increased and emulsion
becomes stabilized.
Properties:
 It increases the volume of oil in o/w emulsion
 It decreases the velocity of the water which was increased by the addition of solid
 The emulsion may undergo inversion because of it.it may change from o/w emulsion to
w/o emulsion or vice-versa
5. Auxiliary and mixed emulsifying agent:
Auxiliary emulsifying agents are incapable themselves of forming a stable emulsion. But based
on their thickening action, they can assist the primary emulsifier to enhance the stability of the
product. Example: Agar , Silica gel etc.
Mixed emulsifying agents are a mixture of two or more than two emulsifying agents.
Properties;
• The mixed emulsifying agent provides the proper hydrophilic-lipophilic nature
• It establishes a stable film at the interface
• It is used to get the desired consistency to the product
• It can contribute certain other properties in solution such as emolliency , spreading and
de-flocculation
• Auxiliary emulsifying agent assists primary emulsifier in an emulsion.
• The auxiliary emulsifying agent has thicking properties.

These are the classification of emulsifying agent.

8. What are the signs of a deteriorated emulsion? Discuss briefly the reasons for
deterioration of emulsion. How to correct those? (8)

Ans: Emulsion is a pharmaceutical liquid preparation where two-phase are immiscible and one
phase is dispersed as globule in the other liquid phase which is stabilized by an emulsifying
agent. Like other liquid preparation, the emulsion is not very stable and many precautions are
taken to make it stabilized. The emulsion is considered unstable when;
o The disperse phase form aggregates of globule
o The aggregation of globule rise to the top or bottom of the emulsion
o If the two-phase separate and form a distinct layer.
There are certain factors which are responsible for the deterioration of emulsion. Those are
discussed below ;

Physical Instability of Emulsions :

The instability of pharmaceutical emulsions can be caused by:
 Flocculation and creaming
 Coalescence and breaking
  Deterioration by micro-organisms and
 Phase inversion

Flocculation :
• Flocculation is a weak reversible process between emulsion droplets which are separated by the
dispersion phase . However, a gentle agitation can re-dispreads the aggerates . It is considered as
a precursor to the irreversible coalescence.
• It differs from coalescence mainly in that interfacial film and individual droplets remain intact.
•The reversibility of flocculation depends upon the strength of the interaction between particles
as its depends on the charges on the surface of the emulsified globules.

Creaming and sedimentation :

•The upward or downward movement of dispersed droplets are termed creaming or

sedimentation respectively. Because of the gravity the disperse phase form a separate layers and
causes the occurrence of creaming or sedimentation. These phenomena depend on the densities
of disperse and continuous phase.

•Generally a cream in the emulsion by gentle agitation re-disperse . Most

oils are less dense than water so it comes to the surface to form an upper layer as cream in o/w
emulsion. In w/o emulsions, from the sedimentation the cream is formed in the lower layer.

Remedy for Flocculation and Creaming:

1. The equal density of both immiscible the phases will reduce the rate creaming
2. As per Stroke’s law, the rate of creaming is directly proportional to the square of radius or
diameter of the droplet size. Small droplet will decrease the occurrence of creaming . So
emulsifying agent can be use to reduce the droplet size to decrease the rate of creaming or
sedimentation.
3. emulsifying agents are used to dissolve the creaming
Coalescence :

It is the strategy during which droplets join with each other and form large globule. this globule
cannot be recovered by simple agitation. When two droplets get contact i.e. as a floccule, thin
liquid films composed of the continual phase and adsorbed emulsifier are formed between them.
Coalescence takes place in two distinct steps. It begins with the drainage of these films because
the droplets approach one another and ends with film rupture. Hence, the key factor which
prevents coalescence is that the mechanical strength of an electrical barrier. that's why natural
gums and proteins are so useful as auxiliary emulsifiers when used at a low level, but can even
be used as primary emulsifiers at high concentration. Unlike creaming it's an process. .

Remedy for coalescence:

1. emulsifying agent can be added to recover the emulsion
2. Passing through a suitable machinery can recover the emulsion
Deterioration by micro-organisms :
Microorganism like bacteria, mold, fungi can be responsible for the instability of a liquid
pharmaceutical preparation. Emulsion also loses its stability because of the micro bacterial
attack.
The microorganism may cause,

the
decomposition
of emulsifying
agents

produce
rancidity in
contaminate
the oil and
the aqueous
destroy oil
phase
soluble
vitamins

Remedy for microbial deterioration:

1. The preservative is used to prevent the micro-organism from attacking the emulsion
2. Benzoic acid, Salicylic acid Alcohol can work as a preservative in the liquid preparation
3. Combinations of 0.02 to 0.05% of propyl ester and para hydroxy benzoates-0.1 to 0.2% of
methyl ester are used to prevent the microbial growth

Phase inversion
In phase inversion o/w type emulsion changes into w/o type and vice versa. It is a physical
instability. It may be brought about -
By the addition of an electrolyte
by changing the phase volume ratio
by temperature changes.
Phase inversion can be minimized by:
1- use of proper emulsifier
2- keeping the concentration of dispersed phase between 30 to 60 %
3-storing the emulsion in a cool place.

These are the classification of emulsifying agents and the properties of each class has been
discussed above.

9. Use flow chart to describe the preparation methods of emulsion. (6)

Ans: An emulsion is a liquid preparation containing two immiscible liquids, one of which is
dispersed as globules (dispersed phase) in the other liquid (continuous phase) that is stabilized by
an emulsifying agent. Example: Lotions, Creams, Ointments, Vitamin drops etc.[2]

There is 3 preparation method for small scale preparation.[2]

1) The continental or dry gum method
2) The English or wet gum method
3) The bottle or Forbes bottle method

Type-1. The continental or dry gum method:[2]

Dry gum method is a mortar based method.it is also known as 4:2:1 method as 4 unit of oil,2 unit
of water and 1 unit of gum is needed. Acacia is greatly used as a gum ingredient.[2]

the acacia other

or other liquid
Stubstance
o/w formulativ
which may
emulsifier e stubtance
In this the interfare
is which are
method, 40 after the mixture of with the
triturated misible are
ml of gum and tritatured stability
with the added .
oil,20 ml oil is rapidly for are added
oil in a solid
of water mixed the 3 minutes at last.after
perfectly substance
and 10 g of 20 ml untill the all the
dry like
gum are water is primary nesessary
porcelain preservativ
added to are added solution is are
morter es,stabilize
the intial all at once creamy added ,the
which rs etc
emulsion white volume of
have dissolved
emulsion
rough in water
made
inner are added
surface as solution
2.Wet gum method:[2]
This method needs the same initial ingredient 4 units of oil, 2 units of water and 1 units of gum.
In this method proportion of liquid substance are greater compare to dry gum method. [2]

the mixture another

In this is triturated proportion then other
a mucilage
method, 40 untill the oil of oil added formulative
of the gum
ml of oil,20 is and the materials
is prepared
ml of water emulsifed.w mixture is are added
by triturung
and 10 g of hen the mixed until and the
in a
gum are mixture is the emulsion is
granular
added to the too emulsion brought to
acacia with
intial thick ,water became volume
40 ml water
emulsion is added in with water
uniform.
to it.
3.Bottle method:[2]

This method is not suitable for viscous oil. This method is useful for the preparation of emulsion
of extremely sensitive oils like volatile oil which have low viscosity.[2]

After all of the

the water water is added,
equals to the the emulsion is
Powder acacia is oil is added diluted to the
the mixture is
placed in a dry proper volume
bottle ,2ml of oil
shaken in a and the with water or
capped container mixture is
added aqueous solution
shaken after of other
each addition formulative
agents

11. What is the general principle of ointment preparation? Describe various methods of
ointment preparation. (8)
Ans: Ointments are semi-solid preparations intended for external use, this is easily spread and

their plastic viscosity may be controlled by modification of the formulation. Ointments are
typically used as Emollients (that make the skin more pliable), Protective barriers (which prevent
harmful substances from coming in contact with the skin), Vehicles (in which to incorporate
medication).[3]

The general principle of ointment preparation:

As ointment is intended to use in the injured or irritated area it must not contain granular or gritty
particles which might cause further irritation. Ointment must be granule free, gritty free and
smooth to apply.

The general method of ointment preparation. There are 2 types of the general method of ointment
preparation.

general
mathod

incorporation fusion
method method

Incorporation method :[4]

In the incorporation method, it involves the blending of the ingredient into the vehicle. for small
volumes, a glass slab and a pair of spatulas are used and for larger volumes, mortar and pestle is
used.

The method is given below,

 Insoluble substances should be
powdered finely in a mortar
and mixed with an equal
A spatula with a long, broad
amount of base until a smooth
blade should be used.
grit-free mixture is obtained.
The rest of the base is added in
increments.

Levigation of powders into

small portion of base is
facilitated by using a melted
base or by the using a small
amount of a compatible
levigating agents such as
mineral oil or glycerin.
When liquid is added into an
ointment, care must be taken to
consider the capacity of the
ointment in accepting the
liquid.

When it is necessary to add an

aqueous preparation to a
hydrophobic base, the solution
should be added into minimal
amount of the hydrophilic base
first. The mixture should be
then added into the
hydrophobic base.
Water soluble salts may be
incorporated by dissolving
them in the smallest possible
amount of water and then
incorporating the aqueous
solution directly into the base.

Solvents should be used as

levigating aids only if the
solid is going to become a
fine powder following the
evaporation of the solvent.

Fusion method:[4]
This method is used when the base contains solids that have higher melting points such as waxes,
cetyl alcohol and glyceryl monostearate. This method is also useful for solid medicaments that
are readily soluble in melted bases.
The method is given below:

The two phases

The oil phase are them
should be melted combined. If a
separately, w/o
The ingredients in Volatile materials
starting with system is desired,
the water phase (e,g alcohol,
materials having the hot aqueous
are combined menthol, iodine,
the highest phase is
and heated camphor,
melting incorporated into
separately to parfumes etc) are
point. All other the hot oil phase added after the
temperature equal
oil-soluble with agitation. melted mixture
to
ingredients are If a o/w system is cools to desired
then above that of the
desired, the hot oil temperature.
melted oil phase.
added in a phase is
decreasing order incorporated into
of melting point. the hot aqueous
phase.

From the discussions above, we can learn that ointment can be prepared in these methods.

12. Describe the important properties of any ten (10) gelling agents. (8)

Ans: a gel is a semisolid liquid preparation. Gels are semisolid systems consisting of dispersions
of small or large molecules in an aqueous liquid vehicle rendered jelly-like by the addition of a
gelling agent It can use mediation purpose and non-mediate purpose.in pharmaceutical industry
the use of gel as a vehicle is increasing day by day. Gelling agents are the gel-forming mediators,
which thicken and stabilize the formulation.

important properties of ten (10) gelling agents are given below;

Tragacanth:

 Tragacanth is one kind of dried, gummy substance found in plants.

 It has a variety of use in the pharmaceutical field as a thicking agent
 It suspends the active ingredient by increasing the viscosity of the continuous phase
 It is stable from pH 4-8
 A preservative is needed as Tragacanth can deteriorate by microbial contamination
  It has a good heat resistance so the sterilization of gel can be done

Acacia:

 Acacia is used as a water-soluble thicking agent.

 A preservative is needed as acacia can deteriorate by microbial contamination
 Non-toxic/
 It works as a viscosity increasing agent.
 It works as a Binding agent.

Gelatin:

 Gelatin use as a hardening agent

 After adding gelatin in hot water is dissolve and after cooling it for sometimes it became
a soft gel
 It can be used for both mediated and non-mediated gel preparation
 Gelatin can be moistened and turn into getting by adding 5ml of alcohol then adding
some water and cooling it afterwards.

Sodium alginate:

 Sodium alginate is stable in the aqueous phase at pH 4-10

 To prepare a gel preparation only 10% is required
 It is used in external gel preparations
 Preservatives must be added when sodium alginate is used in any preparation

Polyvinyl alcohol:
 For the get preparation, 2.5% of polyvinyl alcohol is used.
 It is a water-soluble synthetic agent
 It becomes dry when it applies to the skin
 Polyvinyl alcohol first dissolve in cold water the hot water is added to it

Methylcellulose:

 It is most use gelling agent

 A long chain of cellulose is used to prepare the gel
 Only 5% of methylcellulose is needed to prepare the gel
 It hydrates in hot water. The powder is added in a hot water and starred gently until it
dissolves in water. Then after cooling the solution it forms a gel
 Preservative need to be added
 This gel is used to smooth the irritated area.

Plastibase:
  It is a mixture of polyethene (5%) and mineral oil (95%)
 It is liquid at 900C
 Below the 900C it became a gel-like substance

Agar:

 It is obtained from red algae

 Agar is the mixture of agarose and agaropectin
 After adding agar in hot water is dissolve and after cooling it for sometimes it became a
soft gel
 Preservative should be added as it is a good base for microbial growth

Carboxymethylcellulose:

 Medium viscous (5%) Carboxymethylcellulose is needed to prepare a gel

 Glycerin may be added to prevent drying

 pH 7 to 9

 medium stabile.

 Carboxymethylcellulose precipitate below pH 2

Bentonite:

 It is a colloidal hydrated aluminium silicate

 It forms a thixotropic gel

 For gel preparation, the concentration of bentonite needed is above 4%

So, we can see from the discussions above that these are the important properties of any ten
gelling agents.
References
1. Luckham, P. F. (1989). The physical stability of suspension concentrates with particular
reference to pharmaceutical and pesticide formulations. Pesticide Science, 25(1), 25-34

2.

Ansel, A. &. (n.d.). Pharmaceutical dosage form and their administration.

Leon Lachman. (2009). The Theory and Practice of Industrial.

Shergel, L. (2012). Comprehensive Pharmacy review.