Formulation of liquid products

Question 1

What are the main types of forms of liquid products (7)

Answer 1

1. Syrup - aqueous sucrose filled solution
2. Elixir - traditionally sucrose and alcohol
3. Linctus - treatment of cough, sipped. Sugar (not exclusively sucrose)
4. Mixture - aqueous solution and suspensions
5. Suspension-particulate and need to be re-dispersed (e.g. aerosols)
6. Emulsion - two phases, continuous and dispersed
7. Tincture-ingredients of the above all alcoholic

Question 2

What liquid products can be taken but not swallowed (6)

Answer 2

1. Emulsion
2. Mouthwash and Gargle
3. Nasal solution
4. Ear (gutte) and Eye drop (aurist)
5. Enema (injected into rectum to clear out waste matter)
6. Douche (typically applied into the vagina for cleansing purposes)

Question 3

What are emulsions (3)

Answer 3

1. A system of two immiscible liquid phases, one of which is dispersed throughout the other in the form of fine droplets.
2. A third component. The emulsifying agent is necessary to stabilise the emulsion.
3. An emulsion can be oil in water or water in oil and there are simple rules relating to the formation of primary emulsions

Question 4

What are ear, nose and eye drops (3)

Answer 4

1. Originally distinguished as aurist (ear drops), narist (nose drops) and guttae (eye drops/drops in general).
2. Oculentum means eye ointment. Some modern formulations appear to merge the pharmaceutical forms e.g. fucithalmic
3. Only an eye drop needs to be sterile, since neither of the other orifices are sterile.

Question 5

What are the other types of liquid formulations (6)

Answer 5

1. Application-solution or emulsion (parasiticides)
2. Liniment-alcoholic or oily solution or emulsion
3. Lotion-aqueous solution, suspension or emulsion
4. Paint (or tincture)- concentrated aqueous or alcoholic solution
5. Collodion-organic solvent containing keratolytic agents
6. Shampoo-aqueous with a surfactant

Question 6

What are the types of medicinal waters (6)

Answer 6

1. Water
2. Distilled Water
3. Water for preparations
4. Aromatic Waters
5. Water for Injections- Sterile Water
6. Tap water = safe to use, Water from tank = unsafe