Pharmaceutics Flashcards
When are preservatives not needed in elixirs?
When their alcohol % is over 12%
Define ‘Pseudopolymorphs’
When solvents are incorporated into the crystal structure
What is a bravasis lattice?
This is when molecules can be arranged differently inside of the same unit cell
What is cracking, in context of pharmaceutical emulsions?
The internal phase merge together, causing seperation of the two layers
Due to the destruction of the film at the interface between the droplet and external phase
Once this occurs, it cannot be recovered
What is the DLVO theory?
This is the theory that the overall energy of the interaction between particles is determined by the repulsive forces (zeta potential) and attractive forces (van der waals)
Which is the most common pathway of drug delivery via the epithelium?
And which drugs can use this?
Transcellular transport
Small lipophillic drugs
Why are lubriants used in the manufacturing of drugs?
And what is the most common?
To prevent adherance of the formulation to the punches and dies
Magnesium Sterate
What is the ideal phase:volume ratio for emulsions?
50:50
Why is granulation done?
To produce uniform and normalised particles with better flow and to increase its compressability
What are the 3 stages of compressing a powder bed?
Stage 1 - Rearrangment of a powder bed upon low stress, in order to minimise the free space between the particles
Stage 2 - Deformation of the powders due to the applied stress. This occurs when there is no more space for particles to fill. Best type is plastic deformation
Stage 3 - Bonding of the compressed powders via intermolecular forces, solid bridges and mechanical interlocking
What is a collodial suspension?
When the drug molecules are so small that they are unaffected by gravity, and do sedimentation cannot occur.
This leads to it being evenly distributed (uniform dose)
Define ‘Preformulation’
The characterising of the physical and chemical properties of the active pharmaceutical ingredients
What is the difference between paracellular and transcellular absorption?
Paracellular - Where molecules move between the cells –> eg, tight junctions and desmosomes Transcellular - Molecules pass through the actual cells that make up the membranes –> eg. transporters
What are the advantages of multi-particulates over tablets?
Their smaller size means that they can pass through the pyloric sphincter easier….so they’re less dependent of gastric emptying
Less likely to suffer from dose dumping
Give an example of how we could increase, or decrease the solubility of a solute
Increase - Use of a salt
Decrease - Esterification of the parent drug
This facilitates absorption of the drug in the GI, and also protects it from degradation
Define ‘Crystal Form’
The ordering of atoms and molecules to form a crystal structure
What is the main differences between hard shelled and soft shelled capsules?
Hard - Used for semi-solid fills and powders/beads and pellets
Soft - The drug is either dissolved, or suspended in a liquid phase
What is an amphiphile?
A molecule that contains both a hydrophillic and lipophillic part
What plays the largest role in effecting the velocity of sedimentation?
Viscoity of the solution
What are the 3 ways that the drug can be released from multi-particulates
Diffusion
Osmosis - Water enters causing the tablet to swell, pushing the drug out
Erosion
Which classes of drugs need to be modified for oral administration… and why?
Class 2 and 4
This is because these have low solubility