Controlled release refers to the release of drug into a patient’s body at a predetermined rate, at specific times, or with specific release profiles. Its advantages are reduction of dosing frequency, reduction in the fluctuation in circulating drug levels, increase in patient compliance, uniform effect, and reduction in GI irritation and other dose-related side effects.…
Implants are sterile small tablets meant for insertion under the skin by making a small incision beneath the skin, which is stitched later. Implants are about 3.2 mm in diameter and 8 mm in length and prepared by compression. They are implanted subcutaneously for the purpose of providing slow and continuous release of medication over…
Aerosols are defined as pressurized package disperse phase systems in which solid particles or liquid droplets constitute the disperse phase and gas (propellant) the continuous phase. Compressed gases, such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen, and liquefied gases such as halogen derivative of some saturated hydrocarbons (methane, ethane, propane, etc.) can be used as propellants. The material…
These are aqueous solutions of drops that are instilled into the nose with a dropper. Oily vehicle is not preferable because it will inhibit the movement of cilia in the nasal mucosa. Nasal drops should be isotonic, should have neutral pH and viscosity similar to nasal secretions. This can be achieved by using 0.9% sodium…
These are solutions of drops that are instilled into the ear with a dropper. The solution is generally prepared in water, glycerin, propylene glycol, or diluted alcohol. Ear drops are generally used for cleaning the ear, softening the wax, and treating mild infection.
Eye drops are sterile, isotonic, and pyrogen-free preparations meant for instillation into the cul-de-sac of the eye for irrigatory, lubricative, diagnostic, or therapeutic activity. The container should be labeled “For external use only,” and it should be used within the stipulated time after opening the seal of the container as directed on the label.
Sprays are the liquid preparations of medicaments in aqueous, alcoholic, or glycerin-containing vehicle and are meant for application to the nose or throat by means of an atomizer or nebulizer. Coarse droplets of the medicaments will be administered to the upper respiratory tract, whereas very fine droplets penetrate into the respiratory tract. Aqueous sprays that…
Lotions are liquid dosage forms for external use. They are generally meant for application to the skin and are applied directly without friction, with the help of some absorbent material such as cotton wool, or are charged on to cotton wool or gauze and kept on the needed part of the body. Lotions may be…
Gargles are aqueous solutions containing antiseptics, antibiotics, and anesthetics. They are used for treating infections of pharynx and nasopharynx by forcing the air from lungs through the gargle that is held in the throat. Gargles must be diluted with water prior to use. They are generally dispensed in concentrated form and are pleasantly flavored and…
Mouthwash or mouth rinse is a product that is used to enhance oral hygiene. Mouth washes are aqueous solutions often in concentrated form, containing one or more active ingredients and excipients. They can be used for two purposes—therapeutic and cosmetic. Therapeutic uses include reducing plaque, gingivitis, dental caries, and stomatitis. Cosmetic uses include reducing bad…