MPharm Year 1: Formulation recap

Syrups

High sugar content eg Epilim (sodium valproate)

Elixirs

Clear flavoured liquid, high sugar content with alcohol

Linctus's

Viscous liquids (cough)

High sugar content and polyhydric alcohol or alcohols

Solutions for other pharmaceutical uses: Mouthwashes and gargles

Not to be swallowed eg chlorhexidine (Corsodyl)

Solutions for other pharmaceutical uses: Nasal solution

Drops or spray, usually isotonic and buffered to normal nasal pH (5.5 to 6.5) eg decongestants, peptide molecules

Solutions for other pharmaceutical uses: Ear drops

Solvents: Propylene glycol, oils, glycerol (viscosity) and water

Solutions for other pharmaceutical uses: Enemas

Water based or oily, rectal administration. Can be purgative (laxative) but can deliver medicine for treatment

Packaging

Plain, amber medicine bottle with child resistant closure

Solutions: Expression of concentration: mass (mg)/ml Pros

Easier to swallow

Readily absorbed from GI tract

Medicine is dispersed homogeneously

Solutions: Expression of concentration: mass (mg/ml) Cons

Bulky

Less microbially and chemically stable

Drugs with unpleasant taste not suitable

Accuracy of dose depends on patient