Pharmaceutical Compounding Techniques

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts and techniques from pharmaceutical laboratory practices, including weighing, measuring, liquid formulations, emulsions, ointments, and related laboratory protocols.

What is the least amount weighable (LAW) for the balance used in the lab?

5mg (0.05g)

What should you never place directly on a balance?

Material to be weighed.

Which device provides the most precise dose of a liquid medication?

Syringe.

What type of graduate is most accurate for viscous liquids?

Conical graduate.

For volumes greater than 20mL, which type of graduate should be used?

Cylindrical graduate.

Can beakers be used to measure volume?

No, unless calibrated.

What does sensitivity requirements assess in balances?

The smallest amount of material that can be massed with an acceptable level of error.

What happens when you need to measure an amount below the least amount weighable?

An aliquot may be required.

What are the uses of solid aliquots?

Used for solid dosage forms such as capsules/tablets.

What is the purpose of specific gravity in weighing?

Explains the difference in weight for the same volume of different liquids like water and glycerin.

What type of tablets are sublingual tablets designed to do?

Dissolve rapidly for quick absorption.

What is best practice when preparing capsules?

Prepare enough powder for an extra capsule or two, approximately 10% extra powder.

What two substances can be used to moisten powder to compound a tablet?

Water or alcohol.

What are the three methods of capsule preparation?

Punch method, hand filling, capsule filling machine.

What substance is combined with citric or tartaric acid in effervescent tablets?

Sodium bicarbonate.

How can capsules be administered rectally or vaginally?

By piercing the capsule with a pin or needle.

If a patient cannot have gelatin, what can be used for capsule shells?

Hypromellose.

What is the largest capsule size?

000.

Describe a tablet press.

Two plastic or metal plates used to compress damp powders into tablets.

What method ensures uniformity when blending powders?

Geometric dilution and a 'figure 8' motion.

What is the importance of a homogenous mixture in pharmacy?

Accurate concentration and dose of a preparation.

Why might tablet splitting be relevant in pharmacy today?

Insurance coverage may require it for proper therapeutic doses.

When preparing simple syrup, what should you avoid to prevent inversion of sucrose?

Heating the water too fast and evaporating too much water.

What types of flavors should be used to flavor chlorpheniramine solution?

Fruity flavors like chocolate, mint, walnut, licorice, and anise.

Why does simple syrup remain shelf stable longer than expected?

Due to high sugar content that inhibits bacterial growth.

What acts as preservatives in solutions?

Parabens.

What percentage alcohol content do elixirs typically have?

5 - 40%.

What can smaller particle sizes do in solutions?

Dissolve faster due to increased surface area.

What is the beyond use date (BUD) for water containing solutions without preservatives when refrigerated?

14 days.

Which sugar alternative contains the highest sweetness content relative to sucrose?

Malitol 90%.

What is the purpose of a buffer system in solutions?

To resist changes in pH.

What is a suspension?

A solid dispersed in a liquid.

What are the characteristics of a good suspension?

Correct viscosity to pour freely, particles do not settle rapidly, spreads easily topically.

What additives are used to aid solubilizing ingredients in liquid preparations?

Surfactants.

What type of preparation is a lotion?

A suspension intended for topical administration.

What electrolyte concentration range produces the most acceptable suspensions?

0.005 - 0.1%.

Are suspensions more or less chemically stable than solutions?

More chemically stable but less physically stable.

What should users do before using a suspension?

Shake well.

What stabilizing agent increases viscosity in suspensions?

Suspending agents.

What indicates an unstable suspension?

A caked solid phase that cannot be redispersed easily.

What ingredients can function as viscosity enhancers?

Gelatin, xanthan gum, sucrose, glycerin.

What role does aspartame serve in a suspension?

Sweetener to increase palatability.

What is the purpose of using a suspending agent?

To increase the viscosity of a suspension.

What is the thixotropic nature of bentonite magma?

Viscosity decreases as stress increases.

What is the indication for omeprazole?

Acid reflux/GERD.

When should omeprazole be taken?

30-60 minutes before the first meal of the day.

What are common side effects of omeprazole?

Headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, gas, constipation, dizziness/drowsiness.

What is calamine lotion used for?

Minor pain and itching associated with minor skin irritation.

What are the side effects of calamine lotion?

Skin dryness or irritation with overuse.

What defines an emulsion?

A liquid dispersed in another liquid.

What is unique about PLO gel?

It is liquid when refrigerated but solid at room temperature.

What test helps identify the type of emulsion through globular distribution?

Dye test.

What should be done after the primary emulsion is formed?

Solid substances can be dissolved and added.

What is the preferred method for emulsification according to lab tips?

Light rapid trituration over heavy slow trituration.

In emulsion preparation, how should water and oil phases be added?

Slowly under constant agitation.

What does high HLB indicate about a surfactant?

It is hydrophilic.

Why do emulsions require preservatives?

The aqueous phase facilitates microbial growth.

What are examples of preservatives used in emulsions?

Alcohol, methylparaben, benzalkonium chloride.

What is the oil:water:emulsifier ratio for mineral oil emulsion laxatives?

3:2:1.

What is critical when handling emulsifiers in formulations?

They should be 5% w/v of the final product.

What determines the stability of an emulsion?

Trituration to decrease droplet size.

What is a common problem during ointment preparations?

Drug degradation.

What is the melting point range for cocoa butter?

30-35 degrees Celsius.

What type of ointment base is hydrophilic and contains white petrolatum?

Hydrophilic ointment base.

What happens if you heat cocoa butter too much?

It loses effectiveness.

Which ointment base is anhydrous, hydrophilic, and occlusive?

Absorption base.

How are powders incorporated into ointment bases?

Using a glass or porcelain plate for non-absorbable surface.

What is the specific gravity of water?

1.

What does low specific gravity indicate about a liquid?

It will be less than 1.

What does an ointment mill do?

Breaks down particles and homogenizes ingredients.

What is the proportion of levels of instability for emulsions?

Creaming, coalescence, phase inversion.

What type of base is a mineral oil emulsion classified as?

Laxative.

What are typical dosage forms for suppositories?

Vaginal suppositories (pessaries) and urethral suppositories (bougies).

What are the advantages of administering suppositories?

Useful in patients unable to take medications orally.

What is the max solid material allowed in a suppository?

About 30% of the blank weight.

What does BUD stand for?

Beyond Use Date.

How should suppositories be stored to maintain stability?

Wrapped individually; foil protects from light and moisture.

Which formulations are associated with a 14-day refrigerator BUD?

Aqueous oral formulations without preservatives.

What is the significance of dosimetry in nuclear pharmacy?

Measures exposure to radiation.

What does ALARA stand for?

As low as reasonably achievable.

What are the ideal properties for radiopharmaceuticals?

Quick travel to targeted organ and fast clearance from non-targeted tissue.

What are the common types of gels in pharmacy?

Single phase and two phase systems.

What does a neutralizer do in gel formulations?

Thickens the gel after carbomer dispersion.

What is the role of gelling agents?

Increase viscosity of a gel.

Which agent is good for buccal or sublingual absorption?

Gelatin base.

What influences the viscosity of gels?

pH.

What can be used to produce medicated sticks?

Oils, waxes, and gels.

What is the BUD for non-aqueous oral formulations?

90 days.

What is the highest water content type of topical pharmaceuticals?

Lotion.

What is the ratio of oil:water:gum for emulsions?

4:2:1.

What is the significance of Levigating agents?

They help incorporate powders into ointments.

What should be done to avoid clumping when adding gelling agents?

Add slowly.

What patient populations might benefit from suppository administration?

Infants, small children, severely debilitated patients.

What should not be done to PEG suppositories with less than 20% water?

Do not dip them in water before use.

What distinguishes a soft lozenge from a hard lozenge?

Soft lozenges dissolve slowly, while hard lozenges dissolve in 10-15 minutes.

What is the stability duration for topical aqueous formulations?

30 days.

How should the heat during compounding be controlled for sensitive materials?

Should not exceed specific temperatures to maintain stability.

What is important to note when using emulsifying agents?

Must be mixed with appropriate bases for successful emulsification.

What happens when high-melting point waxes and low-melting point waxes are not blended correctly?

Inconsistent temperature reduces effectiveness during application.

What is a major challenge during compound preparations?

Stability and degradation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API).