Spirits and Preparation 14: Aromatic Ammonia Spirit

spirits

pharmaceutical category

contain high amount of volatile oils/aromatic compounds = high alcohol content (>60%)

alcoholic or hydroalcoholic solutions of volatile substances

camphor spirit

highest percentage of alcohol content (80-87%)

It is referred to as the Tincture of camphor and also as camphor. This preparation is a simple solution of 10% camphor in alcohol. It is rarely used internally, but its external use is very common. Usually, it is applied to “cold sores” and similar ailments.

avoid turbidity (milky)

1. Water, except as specified in the formula, should be avoided.

2. Graduates and other equipment used should be dry.

3. Filter paper should be moistened with alcohol.

methods (prep spirits)

Depending on the materials utilized, spirits may be prepared by:

1. Simple solution

2. Solution by maceration

3. Distillation

4. Chemical reaction

uses

1. Spirits may be used pharmaceutically as flavoring agents and medicinally for the therapeutic value of aromatic solute.

2. As flavoring agents, they are used to impart the flavor of their solute to other pharmaceutical preparations.

3. For medicinal purposes, spirits may be taken orally, applied externally, or used by inhalation, depending upon the particular preparation.

4. When taken orally, they are generally mixed with a portion of water to reduce the pungency of the spirit.

official spirits

1. Aromatic ammonia spirit

2. Camphor spirits

3. Compound orange spirit

4. Peppermint spirit

no classification (of spirits)

1. There is a small number of spirits

2. Some have a therapeutic effect; others are used as flavor.

3. Each spirit has its own method for preparation.

compound orange spirit (usp)

It is a blend of several oils and is readily prepared by simple solution. It is an important ingredient of aromatic elixir.

peppermint spirit (nf)

It is used as a carminative and flavor. Given orally in small doses, usually 1ml, this spirit is an effective carminative, and it is used extensively for that purpose. Its preparation is as follows:

1. The leaves are macerated in water to remove tannins and other water-soluble materials.

2. The aqueous extract is discarded, and the leaves are expressed and macerated in alcohol. The alcohol dissolves the chlorophyll giving the product a bright green color.

3. To this alcoholic solution, 10% of volatile oil is added.

The leaves used do not impart any medicinal action to the preparation. This action comes from the volatile oil added to the alcohol.

aromatic ammonia spirit

•Clear, yellow solution with strong ammonia scent

:spirit with lowest alcohol content (62-68%)

:colorless (when freshly prepared) to yellow

:change of color = will not affect main use

It acts:

1. as a carminative due to the volatile oils present.

2. as an antacid.

3. as a mild reflex circulatory stimulant due to the liberation of ammonia (NH3) from the ammonium carbonate, which the spirit contains, so it is used in cases of fainting.

spirits of sal volatile

sal volatile

smelling salts

synonyms of aromatic ammonia spirit

respiratory stimulant

USE: used by INHALATION to produce REFLEX STIMULATION:

- patients who fainted

- patients at risk of SYNCOPE (fainting-clinical term)

ingredients

•Rx

Ammonium Carbonate 34 g

Strong Ammonia Solution 36 mL

Lemon Oil 10 mL

Lavender Oil 1 mL

Almond Oil 1 mL

Alcohol 700 mL

Purified Water qs ad 1000 mL

ammonium carbonate and strong ammonia solution

achieves respiratory stimulant effect

ammonium carbonate

gives off STRONG SMELL OF AMMONIA

strong ammonia solution

attributes to STABILITY

lemon, lavender, almond oil

odorants

alcohol

:solvent for oils

:protects oils from rapid oxidation

procedure

•Dissolve ammonium carbonate in 4mL of water then add concentrated ammonia solution

•Let it stand for 12 hours

•Dissolve oils in alcohol

•Mix the 2 solutions and stand for 12 hours

•Add enough water to make the solution

Amount to be compounded – 15 mL per person; Use 15 mL narrow-mouthed amber bottle

30 mins and 1 hour

preparation

For external use only; Official preparation