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Flexibility of compounding-easy to prepare Good chemical stability Rapid dissolution due to small particle size Fast action and better bioavailability
Time consuming Inaccuracy in dose Unsuitable for many unpleasant tasting, volatile, oxidizing, hygroscopic and deliquescent drugs.
Classification
Based on Usage -powders for external use. -powders for internal use. Based on quantity -bulk powders -divided powders
Granules
Agglomerates of powders Used as such as dosage form or used to prepare tablets e.g. effervescent granules- to mask unpleasant taste of drugs.
Comminution of Drugs
Mills and pulverizers e.g. FitzMill Levigation- a paste is formed by combining the powder and a small amount of liquid (levigating agent) in which the powder is insoluble. The paste is then triturated to reduce particle size. The levigated paste may be mixed with base well with help of a spatula and tile. Mineral oil and glycerin are generally used levigating agent. Pulverization by intervention- size reduction using a solvent and which is removed after size reduction. Suitable for resins and gummy substance. E.g. camphor.
a. Bulk Powders
They are dispensed in bulk containers. A perforated, or sifter, can is used for external dusting, and an aerosol container is used for spraying onto skin. A wide-mouthed glass jar permits easy removal of a spoonful of powder. E.g. of bulk powders are as follows (a) Antacid and laxative powders (b) Douche powders (c) Medicated and non medicated powders for external use (d) Dentifrices or dental cleansing powders are used for oral hygiene. (e) Powders for the ear, nose, throat, tooth sockets, or vagina are administered with an insufflator, or powder blower.
b. Divided Powders
These are dispensed in individual doses, usually in folded papers. They may also be dispensed in metal foil, small heat-sealed or resealable plastic bags, or other containers. After the ingredients are weighed, comminuted, and mixed, the powders must be accurately divided into the prescribed number of doses. Depending on the potency of the drug substance, the pharmacist decides whether to weigh each portion separately before packaging or to approximate portions by the block-and-divide method.
Hygroscopic and deliquescent substances that become moist because of an affinity for moisture in the air. Substance which absorb moisture are called hygroscopic If high qty of water is absorbed to make the material liquid then it is called as deliquescent. E.g. Potassium citrate, ammonium chloride, citric acid, tartaric acid, sodium iodide. It can be prepared as divided powders by adding inert diluents/ absorbents. Double wrapping is desirable for further protection. Prepared as granules to minimize the exposure to moisture.
Special Problems Associated with Powders: 5. Efflorescent powders Crystalline substance liberates water of crystallization due to change in humidity are called efflorescent substances. e.g. caffeine, cocaine, codeine phosphate, Sodium carbonate, sodium phosphate. Methods to overcome: Use anhydrous salt
Special Problems Associated with Powders: 6. Explosive substances When some oxidizing and reducing substances are mixed in mortar, there are chances of explosion. Very rare combinations. e.g. Potassium chlorate and tannic acid. Method to overcome: separately powder and dispense.
Hygroscopic, deliquescent, or volatile powders- packed in glass jars rather than pasteboard containers. Amber or green glass for light-sensitive components. Should be stored in tightly closed containers. Products for external use must indicate For External Use Only on the label
Granules
Has some advantage over powder Free flowing More stable Better dose measurements Used in the manufacture of tablets and capsules
Effervescent salts are granules or coarse to very coarse powders containing a medicinal agent. It is a dry mixture composed of sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, and tartaric acid. When added to water, the acids and base react to liberate carbon dioxide, resulting in effervescence. The resulting carbonated solution masks undesirable taste of any medicinal agent. Using granules or coarse particles of the mixed powders rather than small powder particles decreases the rate of solution and prevents violent and uncontrollable effervescence.