2. GELS
WHAT ARE GELS?
• Gels In Pharmaceuticals are Homogeneous, Semisolid preparations usually
consisting of solutions or dispersion of one or more medicaments in suitable
hydrophobic and hydrophilic bases.
• Suitable gelling agents are used for the preparation of gels.
• Antioxidants, Preservatives, and Stabilizers may be added to the gels.
VEHICLES USED:
• Aqueous
• Non-aqueous
• Hydro-alcoholic
• Alcohol base
3. GELING AGENTS:
• Gelling agents, also known as solidifiers, gel-forming agents when dissolved in a
liquid phase as a colloidal mixture forms a weakly cohesive internal structure.
• They are organic hydrocolloids or hydrophilic inorganic substances.
• Gelling agents also function as stabilizers and thickeners to provide thickening
without stiffness.
EXAMPLES:
• Tragacanth
• Pectin
• Starch
• Gelatin
• Cellulose derivatives
• Polyvinyl alcohol
• Acacia
