Overview Of Pharmaceutical Mixture

Pharmaceutical mixtures are aqueous liquid preparations which contain suspended, insoluble, solid substances for oral use. The insoluble particles may be held in suspension by the use of suitable suspending or thickening agents since the insoluble substance does not make mixture very viscous.

Pharmaceutical mixtures

The insoluble substance in mixtures must be in a very finely divided state and it must be uniformly distributed throughout the preparation. This is accomplished by the use of colloid mills, special methods of precipitation and suspending agents.

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Reason For Insoluble Finely Divided Substance In Mixture

There are three main reasons for having the insoluble substance in as fine a state of subdivision as possible:

(1) The closer the colloidal state is approached by protective materials such as kaolin, magnesium trisilicate, and magnesium phosphate, the more active they become as adsorbents and protective when in contact with inflamed surfaces

(2) Finely divided particles are suspended more readily and settle out much more slowly than large particles, thus enabling the patient to obtain uniform doses of suspended substance. Homogenous mixtures are especially desirable when administering medication to form an evenly distributed, soothing, protective coating on the gastrointestinal tract

(3) The palatability of many preparations is enhanced by the use of colloidal suspending agents

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Mixtures are extemporaneously prepared. So mixtures are prepared and prescribed for immediate use such as in acute conditions (cough, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation etc.) They are to be used within a short period (not more than 3 days to prevent deterioration).

Mixtures are dispensed in plain glass bottles with uniform internal diameter. The bottle should be fitted with a suitable cork which ensures its easy removal and to prevent spilling of mixture. They should be accompanied with a “shake the bottle” label.