Pharmaceutical powders can be categorized as either simple or compound powders. The differences between them are outlined in the table below: Feature Simple Powder Compound Powder Composition Contains a single active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). Contains two or more active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in a specific ratio. Therapeutic Effect Exerts a single therapeutic effect due to … Read more
Mixing powders is a critical process in preparing pharmaceutical products like tablets, capsules, and bulk powders. The goal is to create a homogenous blend of active ingredients and excipients for consistent dosing. Powder mixing can be done through manual or mechanical 1. Manual Mixing Manual mixing uses simple tools like spatulas, mortars, and pestles to … Read more
An Isotonic Solutions has the same osmotic pressure as body fluids, preventing cell damage by maintaining balance between fluids. Isotonicity and Freezing Point Depression Isotonic solutions match the freezing point depression of body fluids, around -0.52°C. Example: 9 Percent NaCl solution is isotonic with blood (normal saline). Isotonicity and Molecular Weight The osmotic pressure depends … Read more
Introduction to Powder is a dosage form in which a medication is presented as a dry, solid, and finely divided substance. They can be administered internally (e.g., orally, rectally) or externally (e.g., topically). Powders are prepared by grinding or triturating the solid drug particles until they reach the desired degree of fineness. Classification of powders … Read more
Proof spirit refers to the strength of alcohol in a solution, commonly used in beverages and pharmacy. Definition of Proof spirit Proof spirit contains 28 percent alcohol by weight or 57.1 percent alcohol by volume. In the U.S., the formula for proof is: Proof = 2 × Alcohol by Volume (ABV) So, 50 percent ABV = 100 proof. … Read more
Alligation in Pharmaceutical Calculations is a method used in pharmacy to calculate the proportions of solutions of different strengths needed to achieve a desired concentration. It’s useful in compounding and preparing pharmaceutical mixtures. Alligation Medial This method calculates the average strength of a mixture based on the quantities and concentrations of the individual solutions. Formula: … Read more
Weights and Measures are systems used to express the quantity, size, or weight of substances and objects. There are two main systems of weights and measures: the Imperial system and the Metric system. 1. Imperial system: The Imperial system, also known as the British Imperial system, originated in the United Kingdom and was widely used … Read more
Paediatric Dose Calculations is complex due to the physiological differences between children and adults, affecting drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Several methods are used to calculate the appropriate Paediatric Dose Calculations based on age, body weight, and body surface area (BSA). Age-Based Dosing Methods Young’s Formula (For children aged 2-12 years): Formula: Pediatric dose = (Age … Read more
Definition of Posology Posology is derived from the Greek words “posos” meaning “how much” and “logos” meaning “science.” It refers to the study of drug dosages, which includes not only the amount of the drug to be administered but also the frequency and duration of treatment. Posology aims to determine the correct dosage to achieve … Read more
Handling a prescription Steps and Responsibilities is a critical responsibility for pharmacists to ensure the safe and effective dispensing of medications. The process involves several steps: Receiving: The pharmacist receives the prescription, either directly from the patient or electronically from the prescriber. The prescription is reviewed for completeness, legibility, and all necessary information. Reading and … Read more
