Solutions
Part -2
Aqueous Pharmaceutical Solutions
A. Douches
Douche is an aqueous solution, which is directed against a part or into
a cavity of the body.
It functions as a cleansing or antiseptic agent.
1) Eye douches are used to remove foreign particles and discharges
from the eyes.
2) Pharyngeal douches.
3) nasal douches.
4) vaginal douches.
Douches most frequently dispensed in the form of a powder with
directions for dissolving in a specified quantity of water.
The components of douche powders are the following:
1. Boric acid or sodium borate
2. Astringents
3. Antimicrobials
4. Quaternary ammonium compounds
5. Detergents
6. Oxidizing agents
7. Salts, e.g., sodium citrate, sodium chloride
8. Aromatics, e.g., menthol, thymol.
B. Enemas
These preparations are rectal injections employed to:
evacuate the bowel (evacuation enemas),
influence the general system by absorption (retention enemas) e.g.
nutritive, sedative or stimulating properties
Retention enemas
are used in small quantities (about 30
ml) and are thus called retention micro-
enema.
affect locally the site of disease (e.g.
anthelmintic)
They may contain radiopaque substances
for examination of the lower bowel.
C. Gargles
Gargles are aqueous solutions frequently
containing antiseptics, antibiotics
and/or anesthetics
used for treating the pharynx (throat)
and nasopharynx by forcing air from the
lungs through the gargle, which is held
in the throat; subsequently, the gargle is
expectorated.
Many gargles must be diluted with
water prior to use.
The product should be labeled (it cannot
be intended for internal administration).
D. Mouthwashes
Mouthwashes can be used for therapeutic
& cosmetic
Therapeutic >>>>> to reduce plaque,
gingivitis, dental caries and stomatitis.
Cosmetic >>>>> to reduce bad breath
through the use of antimicrobial and/or
flavoring agents.
e.g. mouthwashes containing: combination
of antihistamines, hydrocortisone and
tetracycline have been prepared for the
treatment of stomatitis
Mouthwashes generally contain five groups of excipients
1- Alcohols: (10-20% in MW)
function as a preservative. masking the unpleasant taste.
a solubilizing agent.
2- Humectants: (glycerin and sorbitol (5-20%) )
increase the viscosity as sweetness As preservative
3- Surfactants:
aid in the solubilization
aid in the removal of debris by providing foaming action.
Cationic surfactants such as cetylpyridinium chloride are used as
antimicrobial
4- Flavours:
are used in conjunction with alcohol and humectants to overcome
disagreeable tastes. E.g. peppermint, cinnamon, menthol
5- Colouring agents:
also are used in these products.
E. Nasal Solutions
They are aqueous solutions administered to the nasal passages in drops
or sprays. E. g. Ephedrine Sulfate >>>>> reduce nasal congestion
peptides and proteins is inactivation within the GIT. As a result there
is considerable research on intranasal delivery of these drugs such
as insulin.
Intranasal drug administration is rapid absorption to
the systemic circulation.
This route is safe and acceptable alternative to the
parental administration.
Commercial nasal preparations include antibiotics,
antihistamines and drugs for asthma prophylaxis.
Nasal solutions are prepared similar in many respects to nasal secretions,
so that nasal solutions usually are isotonic and slightly buffered to
maintain a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Sprays
Sprays are solutions of drugs in aqueous vehicles and are applied to
nose and throat by means of an atomizer nebulizer.
The spray device should produce
coarse droplets if the action of the drug is to be restricted to the
upper respiratory tract.
Fine droplets tend to penetrate further into the respiratory tract than
is desirable (lower respiratory tract).
Many of the older sprays were
prepared by dissolving drug in
light liquid petrolatum. if
drops of oil enter the trachea,
can cause pneumonia.
Therefore aqueous sprays, are
to be preferred (WHY?).
F. Otic Solutions
The main classes of drugs used for topical administration to the
ear include local anesthetics, e.g.: benzocaine; antibiotics e.g.;
neomycin; and anti-inflammatory agents, e.g.; cortisone.
The main types of solvents used, namely glycerin or water.
The viscous glycerin vehicle permits the drug to remain in the ear
for a long time.
Anhydrous glycerin, being hygroscopic, tends to remove
moisture from surrounding tissues, thus reducing swelling.
Viscous liquids like glycerin or propylene glycol either are used
alone or in combination with a surfactant to aid in the removal of
cerumen (ear wax).
For a Middle Ear Infection:
While the person receiving Otic
solution lies on his/her side, the
person giving the drops should
gently press the (TRAGUS) 4
times in a pumping motion.
This will allow the drops to
pass through the hole or tube in
the eardrum and into the middle
ear.
For an Ear Canal Infection
While the person receiving the medication lies on
his/her side, the person giving the drops should
gently pull the outer ear upward and backward.
This will allow the ear drops to flow down into the
ear canal.
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