By: Denlo Jay A.

Asuncion

Tonicity
The concentration of only the solutes
that cannot cross the membrane since
these solutes exert an osmotic pressure
on that membrane

Isotonic Solution
An isotonic solution is one that has
the same osmotic pressure as body
fluids.
A solution is isotonic with a living cell
if there is not net gain or loss of water
by the cell, or other change in the cell
when it is in contact with that solution

Hypotonic Solution
One with a lower osmotic pressure

than body fluids

Physiological solutions with an
osmotic pressure lower than that of
body fluids, or of 0.9% sodium
chloride solution

Hypertonic Solution
Has an osmotic pressure that is

greater than body fluids.

Physiological solutions having a
greater osmotic pressure

Opthalmic Meds
It is generally accepted that

ophthalmic preparations intended

for instillation into the cul-de-sac
of the eye should, if possible, be
approximately isotonic to avoid
irritation

Opthalmic Meds
Abnormal tonicity of contact lens

solutions can cause the lens to

adhere to the eye and/or cause
burning or dryness and
photophobia.

Parenteral Meds
Excessive infusion of hypotonic

fluids may cause swelling of red

blood cells, hemolysis, and water
invasion of the bodys cells in
general.

Parenteral Meds
When this is beyond the bodys

tolerance for water, water

intoxication results, with
convulsions and edema, such as
pulmonary edema.

Parenteral Meds
Excessive infusion of isotonic

fluids can cause an increase in

extracellular fluid volume,
which can result in circulatory
overload.

Parenteral Meds
Excessive infusion of hypertonic

fluids leads to a wide variety of

complications.

Parenteral Meds
Case: Sequence of events when the body is
presented with a large IV load of hypertonic
fluid, rich in dextrose, is as follows:
Hyperglycemia, glycosuria and
intracellular dehydration, osmotic
diuresis, loss of water and electrolytes,
dehydration, and coma.

Measuring Tonicity
Hemolytic Method
Determination of Colligative

Properties

Hemolytic Method
Apply red blood cells
Based on the fact that a hypotonic

solution liberates oxyhemoglobin

in direct proportion to the number
of cells hemolyzed

Determination of Colligative Properties

Based on a measurement of the
slight temperature differences
arising from differences in the
vapor pressure of thermally
insulated samples contained in
constant-humidity chambers

Determination of Colligative Properties

Tf = 0.52C
Freezing point lowering of human
blood & lacrimal fluid
Corresponds to the freezing point
of 0.9% NaCl Solution

Freezing Point Depression

Tf = Kf m

Freezing Point Depression

Tf = Kf c
iKf

The Vant Hoff Expression

L = iKf
Tf = L c
Liso = Tf / c

Liso Values

Please refer to table 8-3 on p. 176.

Calculating Tonicity: Liso Values

Sample Problem
What is the freezing point lowering of
a 1% solution of sodium propionate
(Uni-univalent electrolyte, MW = 96)?
The molar concentration of a 1%
solution of this compound is 0.104.

Answer
Tf = L c
Tf = 3.4 x 0.104
Tf = 0.35 C

Methods of Adjusting Tonicity

Class I Methods
Cryoscopic methods
Sodium Chloride Equivalent Method

Class II Methods
White-Vincent Method
Sprowls Method

Cryoscopic Methods
Example:
How much NaCl is required to
render 100 mL of a 1% solution of
apomorphine isotonic with blood
serum?

Sodium Chloride Equivalent

Method
Sodium chloride equivalent or Tonicic
equivalent
Amount of sodium chloride that is

equivalent to 1 g or other weight unit

of the drug

Formula for E value

E 17 Liso

MW

By: Denlo Jay A. Asuncion