Solutions Liquid Preparations Simplest form of Medication May be applied externally/internally Contain a liquid or a solvent or a mixture of mutually miscible

ible solvents Contain 1 or more chemicals molecularly dispersed in the liquid. Types Oral solutions External solutions (topical) Eye drops (ophthalmic) Ear drops (otic) Spirits Tinctures Elixirs Aromatic waters Douches, enemas, gargles, washes Parenteral Preparations (injections)

Liquid/solvent in pharmaceutical solutions may be active or inactive, serving only as a carrier in latter case. By definition active ingredients are uniformly distributed throughout the bulk of a solution. This provides an assurance of uniform dosage on

administration. It also means that we can achieve good accuracy when diluting/mixing solutions. The molecules can move around easily in solution as compared to molecules in solids and therefore meet and interact with other molecules, whether of the same or of a different kind, compromising stability. Stability When molecules in solution meet other molecules of same kind, they may tend to stick together and if enough molecules stick together in this way they may give rise to a particle which is out of a solution, i.e. precipitate. When molecules in a solution meet other molecules of a different kind , they may react to form a new material. Liquid in solution usually contains dissolved air and oxygen and molecules of active ingredients and may react with oxygen to become oxidized. Liquid may also contain dissolved carbon dioxide, which reacts with water to become carbonic acid, lowering pH of liquid. This in turn may produce precipitation of acidic drugs. The presence of moisture facilitates the growth of micro-organisms in the product. The presence of sugars does so too. The Need for protection by including preservative chemicals is important. Pharmaceutical solutions usually contain solvent, active

ingredients, sweeteners, flavourings, colourants, stabilisers and preservatives. Pharmaceutical manufacturers produce oral liquid medicines that are called liquids, solutions, syrups and mixtures. Liquid medicines are made for patients who find it difficult to swallows tablets or capsules. They are prescribed mainly for children and the elderly and designed to ensure that the drug is dispersed evenly throughout. The taste of the drug is masked by sweeteners and flavourings and a usual dose is given in 5mL which is a sensible amount to swallow. The consistency is also considered by manufacturers as thick liquids are easier to manage and are less likely to be aspirated. Advantages of solutions o o o o o o Flexible dosing Active ingredients immediately available for absorption No need to shake container Suitable for infants (with oral syringe) Eases administration when there is difficulty in swallowing Topically allows coverage of large areas.

Disadvantages of solutions o Difficult to hide unpleasant taste o Difficult to transport because of bulk o Stability is often reduced

o Prone to breakage o Some drugs are only poorly soluble o Dose measurement is required. Liquid preparations do not need to dissolve or disintegrate before the active ingredient becomes available for absorption. This means frequently more drug is absorbed from liquids than tablets or capsules. Digoxin undergoes 70%-80% absorption compared to tablets which is estimated at 60%-70%. Water used in plants for manufacture Pharmaceutical water preparation plant Stainless steel Tanks with mixers Electrical Jacketed Tanking Bottle washing and drying machines Colloidal mills Filter Presses Automatic Filling and Sealing Machines Automatic Labeling Machines Cartooning Machines What do people use to measure liquid medicine?
o o o o o

75% use household teaspoons 50% use medicine cups 37% use a dosing spoon 28% use a dosing syringe 21% use a measuring spoon

Studies show The volume of a teaspoon may vary from 2 to 10 mL. The correct volume for a teaspoon should be 5 mL. When using a medicine cup, 15% of people gave the wrong dose. Poison control centers show 3 major dosing errors of medicine cups: confusing tablespoons for teaspoons assuming the whole cup was the unit of measure (e.g. 1 spoonful) assuming the whole cup was the recommended dose A study of over 1100 medication errors in pediatrics showed that ALL of them involved overdosing errors. The best tools are the medication dosing syringe or dosing spoon. Encourage patients to use a dosing syringe or medication spoon. Mark the correct dose with a line. Make sure they understand all directions and dosages. Check to see if patients know the proper dose. As a child grows, parents may forget to adjust the dose for the weight and age of their child. Visually impaired or elderly patients may need extra help. Shown pics of: Automatic filling machines labeling and shrink wrapping machines