LIQUID DOSAGE FORM

BASIC DISPENSING THEORY III BDT 252

LIQUID DOSAGE FORMS

Liquid dosage forms are pourable pharmaceutical formulations which contain a mixture of active drug
components and nondrug components (excipients) dissolved or suspended in a suitable solvent or
mixtures of solvents. They are pharmaceutical preparations designed to provide the maximum
therapeutic response in a target population with difficulty swallowing solid dosage forms and/or to
produce rapid therapeutic effects.
Liquid dosage forms can be supplied as ready-to-use liquids or powders for reconstitution. They are
administered by oral and parenteral (injectable, inhalation, ophthalmic, otic, nasal, and topical) routes.
Oral liquids are non-sterile, whereas liquids administered by the parenteral route are available as sterile
and non-sterile formulations.
Classification of Liquid Dosage Forms
Liquid dosage forms are broadly classified into two groups:
1. Monophasic liquid dosage forms
2. Biphasic liquid dosage forms
Biphasic liquid dosage forms
 The liquid which consist of two phases are known as a biphasic liquid dosage forms.
 They are sub categorized into two different forms namely as –
I) Emulsion
II) Suspension
 In emulsion both phases are available in liquid where as in suspension, finely divided solid
particles are suspended in liquid medium.
Emulsion
 Emulsion is a biphasic liquid preparation containing two immiscible liquid (Continuous Phase &
dispersed phase) made miscible.
 The liquid which is converted into minute globules is called as dispersed phase & the liquid in
which the globules are dispersed is called the continuous phase.
 an emulsion can be define as a biphasic system consisting of two immiscible liquid usually water
and oil, one of which is finely subdivided and uniformly dispersed as droplets throughout the
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other.
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 it has two phases

  oil phase
 water phase
 in other way
 external phase
 internal phase
 An emulsion is a dispersion in which the dispersed phase is composed of small globules of a
liquid distributed throughout a vehicle in which it is immiscible.

Two Immiscible Liquids

dispersed phase Dispersed Phase
(Internal phase)

continuous phase Continuous Phase

(External phase)

An emulsion is a thermodynamically unstable system consisting of at least two immiscible liquid

phases one of which is dispersed as globules in the other liquid phase stabilized by a third
substance called emulsifying agent.
The globule size in emulsion varies from 0.25 to 25 µm.
Examples for emulsions: milk, rubber latex, crude oil etc.
Emulsions are heterogeneous, thermo labile biphasic liquids, containing two immiscible liquids
which are made miscible by adding emulsifying agent.

A.: Two immiscible liquids not emulsified

B. An emulsion of phase B dispersed in Phase A
C. Unstable emulsion slowly separates.
D. The emulsifying agent (black film) places itself on the interface between phase A and phase B and
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stabilizes the emulsion.

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  In emulsion terminology, the phase which makes globules or droplet is known as dispersed phase or
the internal phase, and the dispersion medium is the external or continuous phase.
Types of emulsions
Simple type
 Water in oil (w/o)
 Oil in water (o/w)
Depending on globule size
 Micro emulsion
 Fine emulsion
Special type
 Multiple emulsion (w/o/w, o/w/o)
A. Water in oil (w/o)
 In these types of emulsion water is dispersed phase & oil is continuous phase; w/o types of
emulsion generally meant for External use. Examples are butter, lotions, creams etc.
 In rare case they are used internally.

Water is the
dispersed phase

Oil is the continuous

phase

B. Oil in water (o/w)

 In this type of emulsion oil is dispersed phase & water is continuous phase. O/w types of
emulsion meant for both internal use & External use. Examples for internal use are Vitamin A in
corn oil, liquid paraffin in water etc. Examples for External use are Benzyl benzoate emulsion.

Oil is the
dispersed phase

Water is the continuous

phase
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 General Types of Pharmaceutical Emulsions:
1) Lotions
2) Liniments
3) Creams
4) Ointments
5) Vitamin drops
Based on the use to which they may be put, emulsions are divided into two groups:
1. Emulsions for internal use (orally or by I.V. injection)
2. Emulsions for external use (skin or mucous membrane)
Oral emulsion:
Oral emulsions are stabilized oil-in-water dispersions, either or both phases of which may contain
dissolved solids. Pharmaceutical emulsions which are given orally are of o/w type.
Generally o/w emulsions are used for oral administration of drugs or substance because oil is more
readily absorbed in a fine state of subdivision through the gastro intestinal tract and secondly the
preparation becomes more palatable when water forms the continuous phase.
Advantages of Oral emulsion:
1. Improved Bio-availability.
2. Sustained Release Medication.
3. Mask the Unpleasant taste: oil is enveloped in a thin film of emulgent, which masks the bitter and
oily taste of the drug like liquid paraffin. The unpleasant taste or odor of an oil can be masked
partially or wholly, by emulsification
4. Orally, emulsions are also used to enhance the absorption of the oil soluble drugs like vitamins A, D,
E and K.
5. The stability of many drugs which are unstable in aqueous solutions is increased when incorporated
into an emulsion
6. The solubility of many drugs is increased when they are incorporated into emulsions
7. Prolonged drug action and increased bioavailability are often obtained when drugs are incorporated
into emulsions
Emulsifying Agents:
It is a substance which stabilizes an emulsion.
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Emulsifying agents are particular type of surfactants that:

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1. Reduce the interfacial tension between oil and water, thus aid in dispersion of one liquid in the other.
 2. Envelop the globules in a sheath to prevent coalescence and separation of dispersed liquid as a
distinct layer.
Pharmaceutically acceptable emulsifiers must also:
 Be stable.
 Be compatible with other ingredients.
 Be non –toxic.
 Possess little odor, taste, or color.
 Not interfere with the stability of efficacy of the active agent.
Emulsifying agents can be divided into three groups (Natural, synthetic and finely divided solids)
Emulsifying Agents:
1.Natural Emulsifying Agents: e.g. acacia (Arabic gum), tragacanth, starch and pectin. These materials
form hydrophilic colloids when added to water and generally produced O/W emulsions. Acacia is
most frequently use. Tragacanth and Agar - thickening agents in Acacia emulsified products. These
substances produce O/W emulsions. The disadvantage of gelatin is that the emulsions prepared from
it are too fluid.
a. a. Natural Emulgents from vegetable sources (Carbohydrate Materials): - These are anionic in
nature & produce o/w type emulsions. These exhibit considerable variation in emulsifying
properties. They act as primary emulsifying agents as well as secondary emulsifying agents
(emulsion stabilizers). Acacia, Tragacanth, Agar, Pectin, starch. Since carbohydrates acts a good
medium for the growth of microorganism, therefore emulsions prepared using these emulsifying
agents have to be suitable preserved in order to prevent microbial contamination.
b. Protein Substances: -Gelatin, Egg yolk, Caesin o/w emulsion.
2.Synthetic Emulsifying Agents are superior to natural gums and proteins in that they not susceptible to
decomposition by micro -organisms. Furthermore, the ratio of hydrophilic to lipophilic groups in the
molecule may be altered supply a wide range hydrophilic to lipophilic groups in the molecule may be
altered to supply a wide range of emulsifying agents.
Only a limited number of synthetic agents are safe for internal use among these are the sorbitan esters
(Spans), polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters (Tweens) and glyceryl monostearate.
a. High Molecular Weight Alcohols: -Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Mono stearate o/w
emulsion, cholesterol w/o emulsion.
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b. Wetting Agents: Anionic, Cationic, Nonionic

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 i. Anionic: This class includes monovalent, polyvalent, organic soaps, sulphates and sulphonates. These
agents are primarily used for external preparations and not for internal use as they have an
unpleasant bitter taste and irritant action on the intestinal mucosa. e.g., alkali soaps, amine soaps,
metallic soaps, alkyl sulphates and phosphates and alkyl sulphonates e.g. sodium lauryl sulfate,
sodium stearate and calcium oleate.
ii. Cationic: They are mainly used in external preparations such as lotions and creams. Quaternary
ammonium compounds such as cetrimide, benzalkonium chloride and benzethonium chloride are
examples of important cationic surfactants. These compounds besides having good antibacterial
activity are also used in combination with secondary emulsifying agents to produce o/w emulsions for
external application.
iii. Amphoteric surfactants, e.g. polysorbate (tweens) and sorbitan esters(spans)
iv. Nonionic surfactants: They are the class of surfactants widely used as emulsifying agents. They are
extensively used to produce both o/w and w/o emulsions for internal as well as external use. The
emulsions prepared using these surfactants remain stable over a wide range of pH changes and are
not affected by the addition of acids and electrolytes. They also show low irritancy as compared to
other surfactants. E.g. glyceryl esters such as glyceryl monostearate, propylene glycol monostearate,
macrogol esters such as polyoxyl stearates and polyoxyl-castor oil derivatives, sorbitan fatty acid
esters such as spans and their polyoxyethylene derivatives such as tweens (polysorbates).
3.Finely divided solids: This group consists of finely divided solids having balanced hydrophilic
lipophillic properties. They accumulate at the oil/water interface and form a coherent interfacial film
around the droplets of dispersed phase globules and prevent coalescence. If the solid particles are
preferentially wetted by oil, a w/o emulsion is formed while if wetting is done by water then o/w
emulsion is seen. E.g. Bentonite, Magnesium Hydroxide, Aluminum Hydroxide o/w emulsion,
aluminum magnesium stearate, attapulgite, colloidal anhydrous silica and hectorite. The emulsions
formed using finely divided solids are stable and less prone to microbial contamination.
Auxiliary Emulsifiers (Secondary)
Auxiliary (Secondary) emulsifying agents include those compounds that are normally incapable
themselves of forming stable emulsion. Their main value lies in their ability to function as thickening
agents and thereby help stabilize the emulsion.
PREPARATION OF EMULSIONS
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REQUIREMENT FOR GOOD EMULSION:

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1. All equipment used must be clean and dry.

 2. A primary emulsion should be prepared first, which is thick, stable emulsion.
3. A suitable emulsifying agent should be chosen.
4. All water soluble components should be dissolved in part of water forming an aqueous phase. Also
all oil soluble components should dissolve in oil phase.
5. If there is any waxy material or semisolid surfactant, the phases should be warmed and the
temperature of the aqueous phase SHOULD be 2-3 ºC above that of the oily phase to prevent
crystallization of the waxy material which will affect the stability of the emulsion.
 Additive –like strong electrolytes may affect the stability of emulsion so these should be added after
finishing the primary emulsion to prevent interaction with the emulsifying agent
CALCULATION OF PRIMARY EMULSIONS:
The amount of the emulsifying agent needed for preparation of primary emulsion depend on the type
and the amount of the oil present in the prescription.
For fixed oil (e.g castor, almond, arachis and cod liver oil):
4 parts (volumes) of oil
2 parts of water
1 part of gum
For volatile oil (turpentine, cinnamon and peppermint:
2 parts (volumes) of oil
2 parts of water
1 part of gum
For mineral oil (liquid paraffin):
3 parts (volumes) of oil
2 parts of water
1 part of gum
DRY GUM METHOD:
1. Measure the oil in a dry measuring cylinder.
2. Triturate the oil with acacia powder in a dry mortar.
3. Measure water for primary emulsion and immediately add all of the water and stir continuously and
vigorously (in the same direction) until the mixture thickens and the primary emulsion is formed.
This is characterized by crackling sound.
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4. Gradually dilute the primary emulsion with small volumes of the vehicle.
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5. Gradually add any other ingredients.

 6. Transfer to a measuring cylinder and make up to a final volume with the vehicle.
OR
1. Triturate the oil with acacia powder in a dry mortar.
2. Measure water for the primary emulsion and immediately add all of it to the mortar with vigorous
trituration in one direction until the mixture becomes thicker and the primary emulsion is formed. The
primary emulsion is characterized by crackling (or clicking) sound.
3. Calculate the remaining vehicle: Final volume – (liquid ingredients).
4. Divide the remaining vehicle into 3 parts: 1st part for dilution of the primary emulsion, 2nd part for
washing the mortar and pestle, and the 3rd part for completing the emulsion to its final volume.
WET GUM METHOD:
1. Water is added to the acacia gum and quickly triturated until the gum dissolve, to make mucilage.
2. Oil is added to this mucilage in small portions drop by drop, triturating the mixture thoroughly after
each addition (in the same direction) until a thick primary emulsion is obtained.
3. Gradually dilute the primary emulsion with small volumes of the vehicle.
4. Gradually add any other ingredient.
5. Transfer to a measuring cylinder and make up to final volume with the vehicle.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN WET AND DRY GUM METHOD:
1. Emulsifying agent is mixed with the oil in dry gum method while it is mixed with water in wet gum
method.
2. The addition of water will be all at ONCE in dry gum method, while the oil is added drop by drop in
wet method.
3. The crackling sound is heard higher in wet method than in dry method.
THE HLB OR HYDROPHILIC- LIPOPHILE BALANCE
 Each emulsifying agents has a hydrophilic portion (water-loving) and a lipophilic portion (oil-loving)
with one or other being more or less predominant and influencing
 This is the relationship (balance) between the hydrophilic portions of the non-ionic surfactants
(especially emulsifiers) to the lipophilic portion. It was invented in 1954 by William C. Griffin of the
Atlas powder company (bought by ICI in 1971). It is used as guidance to good emulsification
performance. HLB values are calculated for non-ionic surfactant only.
 although, the HLB approach is empirical, it does not allow comparison between different chemical
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types of surfactant because, it is only apply to non-ionic surfactants like SLS

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  Besides that, it provides a systematic method of selecting mixture of emulsifying agents to produce
physically stable emulsion
 The higher the surfactant HLB value, the more hydrophilic it is and the lower the surfactant HLB
value, the more lipophilic it is.
 If emulsifier has an HLB of 3-6 it will be ideal for w/o emulsion, 8-13 will be ideal for o/ w emulsion.
 It is used to categorize surfactants especially emulsifiers.

Formulating with HLB

 mixing unlike oils together
use surfactants with HLB’S of 1 to 3
 making w/o emulsions
use surfactants with HLB’S of 4 to 6
 wetting powders in oils
use surfactants with HLB’S of 7 to 9
 making self emulsifying oils
use surfactants with HLB’S of 7 to 10
 making o/w emulsion
use surfactants blends with HLB’S of 8 to 16
 making detergent solutions
use surfactants with HLB’S of 13 to 15
 for solubilizing oils (micro emulsifying) into water
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Use surfactants with HLB’S of 13 to 18.

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According to the HLB number, surfactants may be utilized for different purposes:
 ACACIA EMULSIONS:
These are the emulsions prepared by using acacia gum as emulsifying agent. Unless other specified
generally prepared emulsions for internal use are made with acacia gum; generally, prepared using a
pestle and mortar.
First thick primary emulsion is prepared later it is diluted to its required amount by using vehicle.
Methods used for preparation of these types of emulsions are Dry gum method and Wet gum method.
Examples:
RX1
Castor oil 20 ml
Acacia Q.S.
Water Q.S. 40 ml
Calculations:
Oil= 20 ml
Water= 2/4 *20= 10 ml
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Acacia= 1/4 *20 = 5 g

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RX3
 Castor oil fƷii
Bismuth carbonate gr x
Purified water Q.S. f℥ i
Ft. emulsion
Sig. f℥ss o.n
Calculations (primary emulsion)
2*4 = 8 ml of oil
¼ *8 = 2 g of acacia
½ *8 = 4 ml of water
Notes:
Castor oil is used internally as cathartic and externally as emollient.
Bismuth carbonate is used for mild irritant skin , duodenal ulcer.
Bismuth carbonate (insoluble diffusible solid ) is added or spread on the surface of the primary
emulsion with continuous trituration.
RX3
Almond oil fƷii
Ferric ammonium citrate gr x
Water Q.S. f℥i
Ft. emulsion
Calculations (primary emulsion)
2*4= 8ml of oil
¼ *8 =2 g acacia
1/2 *8 = 4 ml water
Method:
Put the acacia in dry mortar then add oil phase all at once with trituration, then add water at once with
trituration , until you have a crackling sound of primary emulsion, dissolve ferric ammonium citrate in
part of water to get a solution then add the remaining water or dilution (gradually also with trituration
then add ferric solution gradually also with trituration)
Notes:
Almond oil is used as nutritive.
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Ferric ammonium is used for iron deficiency anemia.

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This prescription is used as tonic.

 SOAP EMULSION
These types of emulsions are prepared by soap as emulsifying agent. Depending upon different types of
soap (Content of soap) used they are classified in to 3 types.
1. Alkali Soap emulsion: A preformed soap e.g. Soft soap is used as emulsifying agent. This method
involve placing the oil phase with an equal amount of alkali solution(NaOH, KOH, Mg(OH)2 ) in a
suitable bottle that is closed firmly and mixture is shaken vigorously, a reaction takes place between
the free fatty acids in oil and alkali solution that will form the emulsifying agent which is the
soap(nascent soap). Nascent soap method requires an oil rich in free fatty acids as olive oil or
linseed oil. The type of emulsion produced by nascent soap method depends on the type of alkali.
RX6
Liquid paraffin 10 ml
Oleic acid 5 ml
Sodium hydroxide Q.S. 30 ml
Ft. emulsion
Procedure:
We take 10 of liquid paraffin with 5 ml of oleic acid with 15 ml sodium hydroxide in a bottle, then we
shake for few seconds and an emulsion is formed .
Notes:
Sodium hydroxide with oleic acid leads to formation of sodium oleate (soap)which is the emulsifying
agent and will form o/w emulsion.
Liquid paraffin used internally as a laxative and externally as emollient to the skin.
2. Ammonium soap emulsion: In these type of emulsion ammonium soap is used as emulsifying agent.
Ammonium soap is produced by interaction of fatty acids with ammonia with agitation during
preparation of emulsion.
3. Lime Soap emulsion (Lime cream type emulsion): In these type of emulsion calcium soap is used as
emulsifying agent. A number of creams, lotions & applications are lime creams i.e. w/o emulsions of
fixed oils in which calcium soap is used as emulsifying agent.
RX7
○ Castor oil 10 ml
○ Oleic acid 5 ml
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○ Ca(OH)2 q.s 30 ml
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○ Ft. emulsion
 ○ Procedure:
○ Ca(OH)2+ oleic acid Ca oleate(E.A.) to prepare w/o emulsion By nascent soap method
STABILITY EMULSIONS:
An emulsion is said to be stable if it remains as such after its preparation i.e. dispersed globules are
uniformly distributed throughout the dispersion medium during its storage. The emulsion should be
chemically stable and there should not be any bacterial growth during its shelf life.
Coalescing is the process in which the similar particles in the emulsions come together to form larger
and bulkier particles leading to the separation of the dispersed phase and dispersion medium.
Emulsifiers help in preventing coalescing by forming a physical barrier between the dispersed phase and
dispersion medium. The following three changes usually occur during the storage of emulsion:
1. Creaming.
2. Cracking.
3. Phase inversion.
1. Creaming
Creaming can be defined as the upward movement of dispersed globules to form a thick layer at the
surface of emulsion. An emulsion is said to cream when the oil or fat rises to the surface, but remains in
the form of globules, which may be redistributed throughout the dispersion medium by shaking. An oil
of low viscosity tends to cream more readily than one of high viscosity. Increasing the viscosity of the
medium decreases the tendency to cream. Creaming is a reversible phenomenon which can be
corrected by mild shaking.
The following approaches can be used for decreasing Creaming
• Reduction of globule size: rate of creaming is directly proportional to the size of globules. Bigger
is the size of the globules, more will be the creaming. Therefore in order to minimize creaming, globule
size should be reduced by homogenization.
• Increasing the viscosity of the continuous phase: Rate of creaming is inversely proportional to
the viscosity of the continuous phase i.e. more the viscosity of the continuous phase, less will the
problem of creaming. Therefore to avoid creaming in emulsions, the viscosity of the continuous phase
should be increased by adding suitable viscosity enhancers like gum acacia, tragacanth etc.
2. Cracking
Cracking means the separation of two layers of dispersed phase and continuous phase due to
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coalescence of dispersed phase Cracking may be due to the following reasons:-

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a) By addition emulsifying agent of opposite type.

 b) By decomposition of emulsifying agent.
c) By addition of common solvent.
d) By microorganisms.
e) Changes in temperature.
3. 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
It may be due to following reasons:-
a) By addition of an electrolyte.
b) By changing the phase volume ratio.
c) By temperature change.
d) By changing the emulsifying agent.
Phase inversion can be minimized by using the proper emulsifying agent in adequate concentration,
keeping the concentration of dispersed phase between 30 to 60 percent and by storing the emulsion in
a cool place.
Monophasic liquid dosage forms for External use
Gargles
 Gargles are aqueous solutions used for treating throat infection (pharynx and nasopharynx part)
 Supplied in concentrated forms with directions of dilution with warm water before use
 They are used into intimate contact with the mucous membrane of throat for few seconds, before
they are thrown out of the mouth.
 They are used to relieve soreness in mild throat infection.
 They are also used for their antiseptics, antibiotics and/or anesthetics
 They are aqueous solutions used in the prevention or treatment of throat infections. Usually they
are prepared in a concentrated solution with directions for the patient to dilute with warm water
before use.
Definition of Gargles
 These are aqueous hydroalcoholic solutions used to treat or prevent throat infections and contain
phenol & thymol, potassium chlorate.
 Ex: potassium chlorate and phenol gargle.
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Method of Preparation of Phenol Gargle:

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Formula:
 1. Phenol Glycerin – 5 ml
2. Amaranth solution – 1 ml
3. Purified water - q.s. To 100 ml
Method of Preparation
Gargles are prepared by adding amaranth solution (1% w/v in chloroform water) to a comparatively less
quantity of water and then mix phenol glycerin (16% w/w phenol & 84% w/w glycerin) to it. Then stir the
solution to make up to the volume with purified water. Dilute with an equal quantity of water before
use.
Container: Strong damp-proof and water-proof with a leak-proof plastic cap.
Labeling: The label should clearly indicate:
1. Proper Prescription for diluting the Gargle.
2. Secondary label- "FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY"
3. Auxiliary label- "NOT TO BE SWALLOWED"
Direction:
 Dilute 1 ml to 20 ml or as per directions by the physician with water, gargle for 30 seconds, repeat 3
to 4 times a day.
 Dispensed in concentrated form with warm water.
 Make contact with the mucous membrane of the throat and let it sit there for few moments.
Warning: Read the instructions on the label carefully. Avoid contact with eyes, nose etc.
Storage:
 Store at room temperature
 Keep out of the reach of children.
 Store away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture.
Mouth wash
 These are aqueous solutions with pleasant or acceptable taste & odor
 These are used to make clean & deodorize the buccal cavity or used for oral hygiene and to treat
infections of the mouth.
 They mainly contain antibacterial agent, alcohol, glycerin, sweetening agent, flavoring agent &
coloring agent.
 These are similar to gargles but are used for oral hygiene and to treat infections of the mouth.
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Definition of Mouthwash:
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 Medicated liquid with pleasant taste and odor used to clean and deodorize the buccal cavity, contain
antibacterial agents, glycerol, and sweetening agent, flavoring agent, coloring agent and astringent. E.g.
1. Antiseptic such as Phenolic Mouthwash
2. Analgesic such as Lidocaine Hydrochloride
3. Bactericidal such as Fluoride Mouthwash
4. Anticavity such as Fluoride Rinse
Preparations of Mouthwash: Instructions are as follows;
Add a flavor, e.g. eucalyptol or menthol.
Sodium benzoate as preservative
Water as vehicle
Sodium saccharin and sucralose as sweeteners.
Colorants
Fluoride as an antiseptic agent
Detergent
Method:
Needed Items:
1. Sodium Bicarbonate – 10 g
2. Sodium Chloride – 15 g
3. Chloroform – 500 ml
4. Peppermint oil – 25 ml
5. Water – 1000 ml
Method of Preparation
Mix sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride in 10ml.
Add chloroform and peppermint oil.
Add water to fill the required volume.
Dispense the solution.
Container: Clear fluted plastic bottles with a narrow neck with a leak-proof plastic cap.
Storage: Stored at room temperature away from children and not to be exposed to sunlight.
Labeling: The label should clearly indicate:
Proper prescription for diluting the mouthwash use.
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Secondary label- “FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY”

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Auxiliary label - “NOT TO BE SWALLOWED IN LARGE AMOUNT”

 Directions:
Brush the teeth before use.
Measure the amount to use and add water to it.
Use it for 30 seconds.
Avoid eating, smoking, rinsing etc. for at least 30 minutes
 Collodion:
Collodion is a solution of nitrocellulose in ether or acetone, sometimes with the addition of alcohols.
Its generic name is pyroxylin solution.
-
It is highly flammable.
- As the solvent evaporates, it dries to a celluloid-like film.
- Compound Wart Remover consists of acetic acid and salicylic acid in an acetone collodion base used in
Treatment of warts by keratolysis.
 Collodion is a flammable, syrupy solution of pyroxylin (also called “nitrocellulose”, cellulose
nitrate”,” flash paper” and “gum cotton”) in ether and alcohol.
 Collodion is a solution of nitro cellulose in ether or acetone, sometimes with the addition of
alcohols.
 As the solvent evaporates, it dries to a celluloid-like film.
 It is highly flammable.
 Compound Wart Remover consists of acetic acid and salicylic acid in an acetone collodion base used
in treatment of warts by Keratolysis.
 Collodion is a flammable, syrupy solution of pyroxylinn ether and alcohol.
 There are two basic types; flexible and non-flexible. The flexible type is often used as a surgical
dressing or to hold dressings in place.
 When painted on the skin, collodion dries to form a flexible cellulose film. While it is initially
colorless, it discolors over time. Non-flexible collodion is often used in theatrical make-up.
 These are used as a topical protectant, applied to the skin to close small wounds, abrasions, and
cuts, to hold surgical dressings in place, and to keep medications in contact with the skin.
 A soft brush is used to apply the preparation to the skin. When the solvent evaporates it leaves a
film of pyroxylin on the surface.
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 Packaging and storage— Preserve in tight containers, at a temperature not exceeding 30, remote
from fire.
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  Packaging and storage— Preserve in tight containers, at a temperature not exceeding 30, remote
from fire.
 Labeling— The label bears a caution statement to the effect that Collodion is highly flammable.
Liniments:
 Liniments are liquid or semi- liquid preparations meant for external application to the skin.
 Liniments are fluid, semi-fluid or, occasionally, semi- solid preparations intended for application to
the skin.
 Liniments can be divided into:
 1. Alcoholic solutions
 2. Oily solutions
 3. Emulsions and suspensions
 Alcoholic solutions: alcohol and hydroalcoholic mixtures are used widely as vehicles for liniments,
not only because alcohol is a good solvent for many drugs but also because it can penetrate the skin
and it is in itself a mild rubefacient, counterirritant and astringent.
 Frequently soaps and oils are added to alcoholic liniments to make slippery and thus facilitate the
rubbing action involved in their application. The official liniments that fall into this class should be
clear solutions.
 E.g. camphor and soap liniments (soap liniment or camphorated of soap): prepared by making a
solution of camphor, rosemary oil and green soap in hydroalcoholic solvent.
 This liniment makes an excellent base for other liniments (i .e.it can be used as a solvent for many
substances).The percentage of alcohol present (62 -66 %) aiding in this respect .The small amount of
camphor present gives only a mild rubefacient action.
 • Chloroform liniments: are made by mixing chloroform with camphor and soap liniment, the
addition of chloroform makes these liniments strong, quick acting rubefacient and counterirritants.
 Oily solutions of medicinal agents in fixed or volatile oils are used as liniments .Fixed oils are good
solvents for some rubefacient drugs and also they give the necessary lubricant action for the rubbing
of a liniment.
 Their ability to penetrate the skin is not as great as that of alcoholic liniments, consequently their
action is milder.
 Cottonseed, seed, olive, almond and other oils such as methyl salicylate and turpentine oil are
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rubefacient and irritant in themselves. They may be used alone or as solvents for r other drugs. Like
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liniments of class one, they should be free from insoluble materials. E.g. Camphor liniments
 (camphorated oil) are 20 % solution of camphor in cotton seed oil. Cottonseed oil is preferred for
making this liniment because of its lower cost. Camphorated oil is very popular counterirritant for
minor sprains and also for chest colds.
 Emulsions and suspensions: liniments may contain insoluble materials or they may consist of
mixtures of immiscible liquids, when such condition exist it is best that an emulsion be formed to
prevent rapid separation of the ingredients and to improve the appearance of the product.
Emulsification of liniments usually is accomplished by the formulation a soap which acts as the EA. In
addition to the usual label (for external use only), liniments which are emulsions or suspensions
should bear the label (shake well) to ensure equal distribution of all constituents. e.g. Ammonia
liniments and calamine liniments
 Most are massaged into the skin (e.g. counter-irritant).
 They are usually applied to the skin with friction & rubbing of the skin.
 Are usually alcoholic and oily liquid preparations (monophasic) or emulsion (biphasic).
 Alcoholic liniments are used generally for their rubefacient and counterirritant effects. Such
liniments penetrate the skin more readily than do those with an oil base.
 The oily liniments are milder in their action and may function solely as protective coatings
 Liniments should not be applied to skin that are bruised or broken.
 Liquid or semi liquid preparations meant for application to the skin with friction or rubbing.
 Alcoholic or oily solutions or emulsions.
 Alcohol helps in penetration of medicament into the skin and also increases its counter irritant and
rubefacient action. In oily liniments arachis oil is commonly use which spreads more easily on the
skin.
 Use of soap may ease application.
 Generally liniments contain medicaments possessing analgesics, rubefacient, soothing and counter
irritant or stimulating properties.
 Rubefacient - A medicine for external application that produces redness of the skin e.g. by causing
dilation of the capillaries and an increase in blood circulation.
 Counterirritant -A medicine applied locally to produce superficial inflammation in order to reduce
deeper inflammation.
 A liniment should not be applied on broken skin as it may cause excess irritation.
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 Containers: color fluted bottle in order to distinguish it from preparations meant for internal use.
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  Labeling: For External Use only, shake well before use and with a warning of not to be applied on
broken skin or open wound.
 Storage: air-tight containers in a cool place.
 alcoholic or oleaginous solutions or emulsions of various medicinal substances intended to be
rubbed on the skin
 Once called Embrocation
 Fixed oils as vehicles
 Labels such as “For external use” or “Shake well”
 Applied to intact skin
 Container: Amber fluted bottle with CRC
 Auxiliary labels: For external use only. Shake the bottle. Avoid broken skin
Turpentine liniment I.P
• Soft soap 90g
• Camphor 50g
• Turpentine oil (freshly rectified) 650ml
• Purified water up to 1000ml
• Method –
Mix the soft soap with small quantity of purified water. Prepare a solution of the camphor in the freshly
rectified turpentine oil. Gradually add the camphor solution to the soap mixture with trituration till a
thick creamy emulsion is formed. Add sufficient purified water to produce the required volume. Mix
thoroughly. Transfer the preparation to a bottle, label and dispense.
Lotions:
 These are fluid preparations (aqueous) for external application without friction.
 They are either dabbed on the skin or applied on a suitable dressing and covered with a waterproof
dressing to reduce evaporation.
 Are usually aqueous, alcoholic or oily liquid preparations.
 They are intended for external application without friction or rubbing to the affected area
 Usually applied with the help of some absorbent material such as cotton wool or gauze.
 It is generally used to provide cooling, soothing and protective & antiseptic action.
 Liquid preparations meant for external application without friction.
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 Applied to skin with absorbent.

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 Local action as cooling, soothing or protective purpose.

  Antiseptic action: - e.g. calamine lotion.
 Alcohol is sometimes included in aqueous lotions for its cooling and soothing effect E.g. salicylic acid
lotion.
 Containers: Color fluted bottles in order to distinguish them from preparations meant for internal
use.
 Labeling: for external use only, shake well before use.
 Storage: - Store in well filled, well closed in an air tight container in cool and dry place.
 Container: Amber fluted bottle with CRC
 Auxiliary labels: For external use only. Shake the bottle. Avoid broken skin
Calamine lotion I P
• Calamine 150g
• Zinc oxide 50g
• Bentonite 30g
• Sodium citrate 5g
• Liquefied phenol 5ml
• Glycerin 50ml
• Rose water up to 1000ml
• Method- Dissolve the sodium citrate in rose water. Triturate the calamine, zinc oxide and bentonite in
a solution of sodium citrate. Add the liquefied phenol. Add the glycerin. Add purified water in sufficient
quantity to produce the required volume. Transfer the lotion to a bottle, cork, label and dispense.
Paints:
 -Paints are application to the skin or liquids for mucous membranes.
 Skin paints contain volatile solvent that evaporates quickly to leave a dry resinous film of
medicament.
 Throat paints are more viscous due to a high content of glycerol, designed to prolong contact of the
medicament with the affected site.
 Throat paints are viscous liquid preparations used for mouth and throat infections
 Glycerin is commonly used as a base because being viscous it adheres to mucous membrane for long
period and it possesses a sweet taste.
Definition of Throat Paint
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 Solutions that contain multiple active ingredients are used to treat mucosa throat or mouth. These are
vicious because the high content of glycerin, which is thick in nature sticks to the surface, affects the
site, and prolongs the action. E.g. Compound Iodine Paint (Mandl’s Paint) - Used for pharyngitis.
Crystal Violet Paint - Used for Thrush
Phenol Glycerin - Used for Ulcerative Stomatitis as it has analgesic effects.
Tannic Acid Glycerin - helps in the sore throat as it has astringent actions
Preparation of Throat Paint
Mandl’s Throat Paint:
Item needed are as follows:
Potassium Iodide - 25g
Iodine - 12.5g
Alcohol (90% v/v) - 40ml
Water - 25ml
Peppermint Oil - 4ml
Glycerol - up to 1000ml
Method of Preparation
Dissolved potassium iodide in water
Add iodine to concentrated potassium iodide solution to form KI3.
Dissolve peppermint oil in alcohol (90% v/v).
Add alcohol solution to iodine solution.
Fill it up with glycerin to the required volume.
Packaging:
Wide opening fluted, light-resistant, with leak-proof screw cap glass bottles should be used.
To prevent an attack on material by iodine, waxed card liners should be used on caps.
Bottles should be amber colored.
Use sodium citrate or sodium acetate as preservatives.
Directions:
 Avoid food and water both before and after applying.
 Should be applied by soft brush or cotton swabs.
Labeling:
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 Store in a cool place.

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 Shake to mix the solution inside the bottle.

 Avoid swallowing in large amounts.
 ASSIGNMENT
1. Distinguish between primary emulsifying agents and secondary emulsifying agents with the
examples.
2. what are labels, list and explain types of labels
3. what are adjuncts?
4. What are vehicles and types of vehicles with examples?*
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