Section 4: Disperse Systems Flashcards
In a disperse system, what is the dispersed substance known as?
Dispersed phase
In a disperse system, what is the vehicle known as?
Continuous or dispersing phase
What is a solid in a liquid called?
A suspension
What is a liquid in a liquid called?
An emulsion
What is a solid/liquid in air called?
An aerosol
What does suspension mean by USP terms?
Dosage forms that are solid-liquid dispersions
What are 4 other names for suspensions?
1) Milk
2) Magma
3) Lotion
4) Syrup
What is an example of a suspension that is called a “milk”?
Milk of magnesia
What is an example of a suspension that is called a “magma”?
Bentonite magma
What is an example of a suspension that is called a “lotion”?
Hydrocortisone lotion
What is an example of a suspension that is called a “syrup”?
Doxycycline syrup
What are the USP guidelines for nomenclature of dosage forms?
Be named by route of administration (ex: oral, topical) and their physical system (ex: tablet, solution)
What is an example of an old name that was changed to meet the requirements of USP nomenclature?
White lotion is now called zinc sulfide topical suspension USP
What can define a dispersed system?
Particle size
What are 2 characteristics of coarse dispersions?
1) Solute not dissolved completely and is visible
2) Size over 10 micrometers
What are coarse dispersions generally used for?
Suspensions and emulsions
What are 2 characteristics of fine dispersions?
1) Solute not completely dissolved
2) Size between 0.5 and 10 micrometers
What are fine dispersions generally used for?
Magmas and gels
What are 2 characteristics of colloidal dispersions?
1) Solute not completely dissolved, but not visible
2) Size between 1 nanometer and 0.5 micrometers
What is a property of colloidal dispersions?
Will scatter light
What are 2 characteristics of molecular solutions?
1) Solute completely dissolved in solvent
2) Size below 1 nanometer
Do true molecular solutions scatter light?
No
Disperse systems are thermodynamically ______
Unstable
True or false: disperse systems are 1-phase systems
False, they are 2-phase systems
What does a larger particle size cause with respect to dispersion?
Larger particle = greater tendency to separate from the dispersing phase
____ tend to settle while _____ rise to the top
Solids; liquids
What is needed for dosing accuracy with disperse systems?
The dispersed phrase should be restored to uniform distribution throughout the dispersing phase with moderate agitation of the container
What are suspensions?
Two-phase systems of a finely divided solid uniformly dispersed in a liquid phase
What is the normal particle size for suspensions?
10-50 micrometers
For suspensions, what is the continuous phase usually?
Aqueous
For suspensions, how much solubility does the solute have in the continuous phase?
Minimal
What is often done to suspensions for oral use?
Sweetened or flavoured
What are suspensions for topical use called?
Lotions
What are 4 advantages to suspensions as a dosage form?
1) Easy to swallow
2) Flexibility in giving doses of different sizes
3) Able to mask disagreeable tastes
4) Drug may have increased stability
What are 3 disadvantages to suspensions as a dosage form?
1) Physically unstable and will separate over time
2) Dosing inaccuracy if homogeneity not restored before use
3) May have an unpleasant feeling in the mouth, especially if large particle size
What are 3 desirable attributes of a suspension?
1) Should settle slowly and be readily re-dispersed with gentle shaking
2) Particle size should remain fairly constant over the product’s shelf-life
3) Should pour evenly and readily
What is a disperse system?
A liquid preparation containing undissolved or immiscible drug distribution throughout the vehicle
What are the 6 factors involved in Stokes law?
1) Rate of settling
2) Diameter of particles
3) Density of particle
4) Density of medium
5) Gravitational constant
6) Viscosity of the medium
What does Stokes :aw explain?
Rate of settling in a suspension
What 3 things does Stokes Law indicate?
1) Sedimentation is a function of particle size
2) Sedimentation is an inverse function of viscosity
3) Rate of sedimentation can be slowed by reducing the particle size and/or increasing the viscosity of the medium
With respect to Stokes Law, what does a small particle size mean?
Tendency for caking or agglomeration increases
What does agglomeration prevent?
Easy redispersion of settled particles
What is a way to prevent agglomeration?
Forming floccules
What are floccules?
A loose aggregation of particles
What holds floccules together?
Weak particle-particle bonds (van der Waals interactions)
What is a difference between flocculated and non-flocculated suspensions?
Flocculated suspensions form a higher sediment volume
What does the loose structure of flocculated suspensions allow for?
Easy redispersion
How can floccules be formed?
By adding a small quantity of surfactant (or sometimes electrolytes), which at specific concentrations may neutralize surface changes
What changes once floccules are formed?
Particle size becomes larger
What should be added because floccules have a larger particle size?
A viscosity-increasing agent
What does thixotropic mean?
- When a substance can switch between solid and liquid
- Usually appears as solid when no pressure is applied, and behaves like a liquid when sufficient pressure is applied
What must be considered when turning a solid dose form into a liquid oral dose form?
Stability, bioavailability, preservative, flavour, and colour
What is the typical procedure when turning a solid dose form into a liquid oral dose form?
- Powder/empty the appropriate number of tablets/capsules
- Use a mortar and pestle and an appropriate levigating agent to prepare a smooth paste
- Add structured suspending vehicle in portions
- Make to volume, mix by inversion, and dispense into suitable bottle
What is an appropriate levigating agent when turning a solid dose form into a liquid oral dose form?
Glycerin
What is an appropriate vehicle when turning a solid dose form into a liquid oral dose form?
- A commercially-prepared one like Ora-Sweet
- May also use syrup or a methylcellulose-type vehicle
What must be done when doing compounding for infants?
Minimize exposure to preservatives, alcohol, and propylene glycol
What is the go-to expiration for aqueous products as directed by the USP?
No more than 14 days in the fridge
When can an expiration date exceed 14 days?
With the use of preservatives
What is an emulsion?
A dispersion of small droplets of liquid in another immiscible liquid