1.1 Creams

Question 1

Definition of cream

Answer 1

Semi-solid dosage forms containing one or more drug substances dissolved or dispersed in a suitable base

Question 2

There are two types of cream what is it ?

Answer 2

Oil in water (o/w) and

water in oil (w/o)

Question 3

What is water in oil (w/o) creams

Answer 3

Small droplets of water dispersed in continuous oily phase

Question 4

What is oil in water (o/w) creams

Answer 4

Small of droplets of oil dispersed in continuous aqueous phase

Question 5

Two modes of action of cream and meaning

Answer 5

Local and topical (contact with skinwith site action in a period of time)

Localized systemic action (release drug from base and penetrate)

Question 6

3 Formulation of creams

Answer 6

-active pharmaceutical ingredients (API)
-vehicle
-excipients

Question 7

Uses of creams

Answer 7

-the barrier to protect skin
-cleansing
-moisturising effect

Question 8

Ideal Formulations of cream

Answer 8

Non-toxic
Non-harmful
Easy to apply
Incapable of microorganism growth
Free from side effects

Question 9

Requirements of formulation of cream

Answer 9

-accurate dose
-convenient to apply on skin
-retain quality throughout shelf life

Question 10

Factors to be considered in Formulations

Answer 10

-physiochemical properties
-choice of vehicle
-categories of excipients
-stability

Question 11

What about physiochemical properties ?

Answer 11

-oil susceptible to oxidisation (incorporate antioxidants)
-aqueous solutions support microbial growth (incorporate water-soluble preservatives)

Question 12

Examples of incorporate antioxidants

Answer 12

• BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
  -BHA (Butylated Hydroxynase)

Question 13

Examples of incorporate water-soluble preservatives

Answer 13

-Methyl
-Propyl paraben

Question 14

What are excipients ?

Answer 14

Other components other than active ingredient intentionally added to formulation

Question 15

3 functions of excipients

Answer 15

-aid processing during manufacturing
-assist product identification
improve effectiveness and safety of product during storage or use

Question 16

5 choices of excipients

Answer 16

-physiological inertness
-physical and chemical stability
-no interference with drug bioavailability
-absence of pathogenic microbial organisms
commercially available at low cost

Question 17

2 categories of excipients

Answer 17

1. Provide essential parts of dosage form
   .emulsifiers
   .suspending agents
   .binders
2. Prevent degradation of the formulation
   .anti-oxidants
   .anti-bacterials
   .preservatives

Question 18

What are the physical and chemical properties of excipients ?

Answer 18

-solubility
-hygroscopicity
-hydration capacity
-Bulk density
-microbes

Question 19

Definition of Hygroscopicity

Answer 19

The capacity of the product to react to the moisture content of the air by absorbing or releasing water vapor

Question 20

Explain the method of preparation of creams

Answer 20

1. Separate the formula components to two…lipid and aqueous
2. Both phases are heated to a temperature above the melting point of the highest component
3. The phases are mixed and the mixture is stirred until reaching ambient temperature
4. Mixing generally is continued during the cooling process to promote uniformity
5. Aqueous phase is added to the lipid phase but comparable results have been obtained with the reverse procedure

Question 21

Examples of cream packing materials

Answer 21

-metals
-plastics
-rubber
-glass

Question 22

What are containers for creams ?

Answer 22

-wide-mouthed squat jars
-collapsible metal
-flexible plastic tubes
-aluminium tubes

Question 23

What are the ideal closures of cream packaging ?

Answer 23

-non-reactive
-seal the container
-withstand sterilisation process
-prevent contamination by microorganisms

Question 24

Packaging and labelling requirements ?

Answer 24

-accuracy
-quality assurance for packaging and labelling
-consistency
–correct language