Heterogeneous Dispersion: EMULSIONS Flashcards
define an emulsion
a dispersion in which the dispersed phase is composed of small droplets of a liquid dispersed throughout a vehicle in which it is immiscible
according to the USP definition of emulsions:
emulsions are ______ systems in which….
emulsions are TWO-PHASE systems in which one liquid is dispersed throughout another liquid in the form of small droplets
what are the “2 phases” of an emulsion
internal phase (discontinuous) and external phase (continuous)
the internal phase is ____ while the external phase is _____
internal phase = dispersed liquid droplet (discontinuous)
external phase = dispersion medium (continuous)
in an O/W dispersion, _____ is the dispersed phase and ____ is the continuous phase
dispersed phase = oil
continuous = water
what is the dispersed particle size of an emulsion? can emulsions be injected?
0.1-100 micrometers in diameter
larger than an RBC, but we can still inject because they are LIQUID DROPLETS not SOLID PARTICLES (like suspensions)
emulsions must be injected slowly
true or false
emulsions are thermodynamically stable
FALSE
they are thermodynamically unstable
this is due to the fact that the droplets are small –> large surface area —> large surface tension
the surfactant TEMPORARILY reduces surface tension
true or false
emulsions exhibit coalescence
true (when small particles merge)
what are the emulsifying agents that can be used in an emulsion?
3 types:
-surfactants
-hydrophilic colloids
-finely divided solid particles
(finely divided solid particles is normally not used bc emulsions are LIQUID dispersed in liquid)
true or false
emulsions are two phase systems
true
N-cetyl N-ethyl morpholinum ethosulfate is also known as…..
Atlas G-263
cationic surfactant
forms o/w emulsion
a high HLB value usually means a o/w or w/o emulsion?
o/w
what is something to consider when choosing surfactants as emulsifying agents?
some may carry out an anionic/cationic charge which may not be compatible with the formulation.
therefore, a non ionic surfactant agent might be preferred
name 2 non-ionic surface active agents used as emulsifying agents
Atlas Span 80 (Sorbitan mono-oleate)
Atlas Tween 80 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan mono-oleate)
name 2 hydrophilic colloids and their properties
acacia and gelatin (NATURAL)
forms o/w emulsion
Atlas Span 80 and Atlas Tween 80:
o/w or w/o? what are their chemical names?
Atlas Span 80 = w/o
Atlas Tween 80 = o/w
Atlas Span 80 = sorbitan mono-oleate
atlas tween 80 = polyoxyethylene sorbitan mono-oleate
name 3 examples of “finely divided solid particles” used as emulsifying agents, as well as if they are o/w or w/o
bentonite
veegum
carbon black
bentonite = o/w and w/o
veegum = o/w
carbon black = w/o
carbon black is an adsorbent and not really used in ceutics
bentonite and veegum work by coating the surface of the particles and preventing aggregation
salts of d-glucuronic acid
acacia
hydrated aluminum silicate
bentonite
polypeptides and amino acids
gelatin
magnesium aluminum silicate
veegum
which has a high HLB value – Atlas Span 80 or Atlas Tween 80?
Atlas Tween 80.
good for o/w emulsions
what are 3 routes in which emulsions can be administered
oral
topical
parenteral
name 4 applications of emulsions in terms of oral administration
-can enhance bioavailability of water-insoluble drugs
-improve drug stability
-improvement of palatability
-laxative emulsion
as mentioned, emulsions can enhance the bioavailability of water insoluble drugs
give an example of this
Vitamin A is difficult to dissolve in water, but it will dissolve easier in an o/w emulsion
as mentioned, emulsions can improve drug stability.
give an example of this
erythromycin
give an example of a laxative emulsion
mineral oil
as mentioned, emulsions can improve the palatability of a drug
give a specific example of this
valproic acid is very bitter. When dissolved in oil, the taste won’t be noticeable
true or false
only O/W emulsions are widely used topically, not W/O
FALSE
they’re both widely used depending on the effect desired
W/O emulsions are OCCLUSIVE (create physical barrier) and EMOLLIENT (soothe. soften)
O/W emulsions are removed more easily by water
give 3 examples of how emulsions are given parenterally
IV nutrient emulsions (solution preferred but some pts can’t have dextrose)
antineoplastic agents (anticancer – methotrexate emulsion.) prolong action and minimize dosing frequency
influenza vaccine emulsion
what is the size of a RBC
~7 micrometers
give 3 examples of IV nutrient emulsions
cotton seed oil
dextrose
lecithin
name 4 advantages of emulsions
-therapeutic properties and spreading ability increases
-unpleasant taste or odor of an oil is masked
-absorption/penetration of drugs controlled (depending on o/w or w/o)
-aqueous and oil soluble drugs can be administered SIMULTANEOUSLY
true or false
emulsions can increase drug stability
TRUE
many drugs are more stable in emulsion rather than aqueous.
hydrolysis is more easily avoided
how can emulsions prolong drug action?
IM and SUBQ injections.
the drug can partition between the oil and water phases
how can the activity of a drug be maintained or enhanced in an emulsion?
through the partitioning of the drug from the oil phase to the water phase