Suspensions Flashcards
What is the definition of suspensions?
Dispersion of finely divided solid particles in a liquid medium
Coarse suspensions’ particle size is
> 1 micron
Colloidal suspensions’ particle size is
less than or = to 1 micron
Liquid medium may be
aqueous or non-aqueous
most pharmacy prep is aq
Applications of suspensions (there are 3 applications)
- For oral use (adm insoluble drugs in liquid form; form pleasant to taste; absorptive/antacid properties in treatment of gastric disorders)
- For injection (Release drug in slow and sustained manner depot therapy)
- For external use (apply insoluble drugs on skin)
What are some desirable properties of suspensions? (there are 7)
- Chemically stable
- Low rate of sedimentation of particles
- Particles readily dispersed upon gentle shaking of the container
- size of particle fairly constant throughout storage
- Pour readily from the container
- Suspensions for injections flow readily through the syringe needle
- Suspensions for external use spread easily and are not so mobile that they run off the surface when applied
What are some factors affecting the Stokes’ equation (sedimentation rate of particles)?
Particle size –> larger –> greater sedimentation rate
Denser of dispersion medium –> lower sedimentation rate
Why are flocculated suspensions more preferable than deflocculated suspensions?
Nature of dispersed phase: aggregates Rate of sedimentation: rapid Porous sediment on prolonged standing; relatively large volume; easy to disperse Clear supernatant liquid Plastic flow with thixotrophy
Why are deflocculated suspensions not preferred?
Dispersed phase: individual particles
Slow sedimentation rate
Compact sediment (cake); relatively small vol, difficult to disperse
Cloudy supernatant
Dilatant flow; troublesome during production
What is the dispersed phase in a suspension?
the insoluble solid particles; aka suspensoid
What are lyophilic solids?
solvent-loving and don’t require use of wetting agent for dispersion in liquid vehicle
may also increase the viscosity of suspension
What are lyophobic solids?
Not solvent-loving and require wetting agent
Most drugs are lyophilic or lyophobic?
lyophobic
What is the liquid vehicle in a suspension
dispersion medium/continuous phase
can be aq/non-aq
What aq liquid is commonly used as a liquid vehicle?
water
What is the function of a wetting agent?
make solid particles more penetrable by the dispersion medium
MOA of wetting agents (2 modes of action)
1) Reduce solid-liquid interfacial tension
2) Imparts hydrophilicity to particle surface
How and where are the wetting agents added?
pre-mixed w solid particles in preparation of suspension
what are 3 examples of wetting agents for aq dispersion medium?
- surfactants (Span HLB 7-9) ; conc below cmc
- Hydrophilic polymers (acacia, tragacanth, xanthan gum, polyvinylpyrrolidone)
- Polyhydric alcohols (glycerin, propylene glycol, PEG) - miscible in water
which polyhydric alcohol should not be used for oral suspensions?
Diethylene glycol should not be used for oral suspension
Toxic and can cause death when consumed orally
Purpose of flocculating agents?
To induce flocculation