monophasic liquid dosage forms, solutions, formulations and uses ,classification of liquid dosage forms

1. Liquid dosage forms
• A liquid dosage form is the liquid form of a dose of a chemical
compound used as a drug or medication intended for administration or
consumption
• Monophasic liquid dosage forms are represented by true or colloidal
solution
• The component of the solution which is present in a large quantity is
known as “SOLVENT” where as the component present in small quantity
is termed as “SOLUTE”

2. Liquid dosage
form
Monophasic
Internal
Syrups
Elixirs
Linctus
Drops
Draughts
External
Liquids
applied on
skin
Liniments
Lotion
Liquids for
body cavities
Eye drops
Nasal drops
Ear drops
Douches
Enemas
Liquids for oral
cavities
Gargles
Throat paints
Mouth washes
Throat sprays
Biphasic
Emulsion
Suspension

3. MONOPHASIC LIQUID
DOSAGE FORMS

4. SOLUTION:
• “A solution is a liquid-preparation that contains one or more
soluble chemical substances dissolved in a specified
solvent.”
• Advantages
Immediately available for absorption
Useful for hygroscopic drugs which must be
administered as a solution
• Disadvantages
Less stable
Incompatibility is faster
Bacterial contamination

5. Solvents used
A. Aqueous liquids:
Water
Purified Water
Water for injection
Sterile water for injection
Bacteriostatic water for injection
B. Oils &oily materials:
Animals source…pig fat
Vegetable Source…corn,cotton
Mineral Source…liquid paraffin
Synthetics….ethyl oleate
C. Hydroxylated Compounds:
Ethanol
Propylene Glycol
D. Hydro-alcoholic Mixtures
E. Modern Vehicles:
Dioxalanes Solvent for aerosol sprays
Dimethylecetamide

6. A. Draughts
• It is simple solution (mixture) which contains a single dose.
• Each dose is sent in separate bottle.Total volume is 50 ml.
• It is essential to be labelled with storage conditions on draughts.
• It is given very early expiry date (48 hours).
Examples:
1.Ipecacuanha emetic draughts-BPC (Treatment of poison)
2. Paraldehyde draughts- Oxidized to
acetic acid and cause death
Do not use, if the solution is discolored.

7. B. Drops:
. For vitamins and antibiotics formulation for pediatric purpose.
. It is not meant for higher dose.
. Drops are dispensed in a bottle with dropper.
. It contains potent drugs, so dose is measured precisely.

8. C. Linctuses
• Viscous liquid oral preparations that are usually prescribed for
the relief of cough.
• Consists of simple solution of active agent in high conc of
sucrose.
• They contain medicaments which have demulcent, sedative,
expectorant action
• Vehicle is always a syrup and sometimes contains glycerin,
because of sweetening taste and soothing effect on mucous
membrane.
• Should be taken as such without dilution and sipped slowly to
prolong action of drug
• EXAMPLE OF LINCTUSES: -
Codeine Linctuses
Diamorphine Lictus
Compound Tolu Linctus

9. FORMULATION OF LINCTUSES
• 1. Vehicle 2. Additives
• 1. Vehicles:
a. Syrup
b. Tolu Syrup
• It also provides aromatic odour and flavour, it has also
mild expectorant action.
• Due to high content (68%) of sucrose, solution tends to
crystallise, so stored at constant temperature.
• Due to high solid and low water content, dissolution of
medicament is slow. Sometime glycerol is used as Auxiliary
Vehicle.

10. 2. Additives
A. Chemical Stabilizers :
Linctuses are self stabilized due to syrup, so no need of
any other stabilizer.
B. Colouring Agent:
Coal-tar dyes
Ex: Compound Tartrazine solution
C. Flavouring Agent:
Syrup itself act as masking agent. Some fruit flavours used
are;
Lemon and Black current
D. Preservatives: Syrup has preservative action due to high
osmotic pressure.
Tolu syrup contain Benzoic acid and cinnamic acid.Some
other preservatives are -Chloroform spirit -Benzoic acid
spirit solution

11. D . SYRUPS:
• “It is concentrated aqueous solution of sucrose mixed with solution of
medicaments and others additives.”
• Generally syrup is prepared by sucrose but is partly replaced by
dextrose or other polyhydric alcohols to reduce crystallisation of
sucrose or to increase solubility of medicaments and other additives.
• Consists of 66.7% sugars
• 2 types of syrups
Non medicated syrup
Medicated syrup
SIMPLE SYRUP:
Simple syrup is concentrated solution of sucrose
in purified water.
The concentration of sugar is 66%w/w

12. Syrups may contain the following excipients like….
1)Sugar polyols-glycerol,manitol,sorbital
2)Preservatives- parabens, benzoates, antioxidants
(like BHT and sodium metabisulfite)
3)Acids-citric acid to prevent recrystallisation
4)Buffering agents
5)Chelating agents
6) Flavouring agents and flavor enhancers
7)Colouring agents
8)Ethyl alcohol(3-4% volume)

13. Function of Syrups
• Sweetening agent
• Good antioxidant
• Preservatives
• Demulcents and
• soothing agent
• EXAMPLES OF SYRUPS:
Codeine phosphate syrup
Squill syrup

14. Syrups are used for formulating
Antibiotics
Antitussives
Antihistamines
Vitamins
Analgesic/antipyretic
PREPARATION OF SYRUP –
1.Solution with heat: For non-volatile, thermostable drugs
2.Agitation without heat: For volatile, thermolabile drugs
3.Addition of medicating liquid to syrup: For liquid
medicaments such as extracts, tinctures

15. E. ELIXIRS
Elixirs are clear, pleasantly-flavoured, sweetened
Hydroalcoholic liquid intended for oral use.
2 types of elixirs
medicated elixir
non medicated elixir

16. Types:
NON MEDICATED ELIXIRS:
They are used as solvents or vehicles for the preparation of medicated
elixirs. Active ingredient is dissolved in a solution that contains 15 to
50%by volume of ethyl alcohol
MEDICATED ELIXIRS:These are 4 types
1)Antihistaminic elixirs
2)Sedative and hypnotic elixirs
3)Expectorant
4)miscellaneous

17. ADDITIVES
1.Chemical Stabilizers: pH Adjustment
Sequestering agents- like EDTA
2.Colouring Agents: Amaranth
Compound Tartrazine
3.Flavouring Agents: Lemon spirit ,Compound orange spirit
4.Sweetening Agents: Invert Syrup, Sodium Sachharin
5. preservatives: 20% Alcohol as vehicle
Propylene glycol

18. Formulation of phenobarbital elixir
phenobarbital - 4g
orange oil - 0.25ml
propylene glycol - 100ml
alcohol - 200ml
sorbitol solution - 600ml
colour - qs
purified water - 1000ml
EXAMPLES-
Chloral Elixir
pediatric Paracetamol Elixir
Ephedrine Elixir
Phenobarbitone Elixir

19. F.MIXTURES
“Mixtures are a liquid preparations, intended for oral
administration, in which drug is dissolved, suspended or
dispersed in a suitable vehicle.”
Classification:
Simple Mixture
Indiffusible Mixture
Diffusible Mixture
Precipitates forming liquids Mixture
containing slightly soluble liquids
Miscellaneous

20. Formulation:
1. Vehicles: Camphor water
Caraway water
2. Medicament
3. Preservatives: Chloroform water-0.25%
Benzoic acid-0.1%
4. Colours and Flavours:
Aromatic water Syrups
lemon syrup orange syrup
5. Container: - Plain glass or plastic bottle
6. Thickening Agent: (For indiffusible Mixtures)
a. Poly Saccharides
Natural - Acacia
Starch
Semisynthetic - Methyl Cellulose
Hydroxy ethylcellulose
b. Inorganic Agents:
Clays - Bentonite
Syntheitc - Carbomer

21. Liquids for Special Use (Oral Cavity)
• Gargles
• Mouth-washes
• Throat paints
• Glycerites
• Throat Spray

22. A. Gargles:
-Gargles are aqueous clear solutions intended to be used in
the mouth and throat.. Gargles are pleasantly flavoured and
5-9.5 pH appear to be safe.
-Some therapeutic agents used in gargles are antibiotics,
antiseptics , local anesthetics,Analgesic, Deodorants and
Astringents.
Examples:
Phenol gargles
Potassium chlorate and phenol gargles
Thymol glycerin compound

23. B. Mouth Washes
- Mouth washes are aqueous solution used to cleanse and
deodorise the buccal cavity.
- used for its deodorants, refreshing or antiseptic property.
Mouth washes generally contain antibiotic agents or
astringent ,alcohol, glycerin, sweeteners and surfactants,
flavouring and coloring agents.
Examples: -
Alkaline phenol mouth wash
Hydrogen peroxide mouth wash
Buffer sodium perborate mouth wash
Compound sod. Chloride mouth wash

24. C. Throat Paints
• Throat paints are liquid preparations applied to mucous
surfaces.
• They may be aqueous or alcoholic solution more viscous due to
high content of glycerin and prolong the action of medicaments.
• Throat paints are used for the mouth and throat infection.
• contains – antiseptic, astringent and analgesic. CONTAINERS:
Dispensed in wide
mouth bottle with brush.
EXAMPLES:
Compound iodine paints
Crystal violet paint

25. D. Glycerites
• These are viscous hygroscopic liquids or semisolids
preparations which contain not less than 50% by weight of
glycerin and dissolved medicaments.
• Glycerites have sweet taste and does not become rancid. They
also act as preservatives.
• Glycerites are hygroscopic and should be preserved in air tight
container.
• EXAMPLES:
Borax glycerin - Used as bacteriostatic
Phenol glycerin - Mouth ulcer
Tannic acid glycerin - in ulcer

26. E. Throat Spray
• Spray solutions are aqueous alcoholic or glycerin solution
intended for throat or nose by means of atomizer or nebulizer.
• The spray device should produce coarse droplets for upper
respiratory tract, while fine droplets for lungs (produced by
nebulizer).
• Spray solution contain antibiotics, antihistaminic,
vasoconstrictors, alcohol and suitable solubilizing and wetting
agents. Spray solution contain chlorbutol as an antibacterial and
antifungal agent.
• EXAMPLES:
Adrenaline and
Atropine spray compound-BPC.

27. LIQUIDS FOR SPECIAL USE (OTHER THAN
ORAL CAVITY):
• DOUCHES
• ENEMAS
• EAR-DROPS
• NASAL DROPS
• INHALANTS/SPRAY/AEROSOLS
• Eye drops

28. ENEMAS
• “Enemas are aqueous or oily solution or suspension or oil in
water emulsion introduced into rectum or colon for cleansing ,
therapeutic or diagnostic purpose.
• Types of Enemas:
1.Cleansing enemas
2.Therapeutic enemas.
3.Diagnostic enemas
4. Disposable Enemas

29. 1.CLEANSING ENEMAS: Cleansing enemas used to evacuate
feces in constipation or before an operation.
Two types:
A. By stimulating of peristalsis
i . Large volume: Plain water Soft soap Turpentine enemas
ii. Small volume (Osmotic retention)
Sodium phosphate enema
Magnesium sulphate enema
Sorbitol Sodium chloride
Sodabicarb
B. By lubricating impacted feaces:
Olive oil enemas
Araches oil Enemas
Glycerin enemas

30. 2.THERAPEUTICS ENEMAS:
Category Ingredient
a. Sedative Chloral hydrate Paraldehyde
b.Anthelmintics Quassia
c. anti-inflammatory Corticosteroids
d. nutrients
3.Diagnostic enemas:
It is used for X- Ray Examination of lower bowel.
Ex: Barium sulphate enemas.

31. 4.Disposable Enemas
Enemas available in disposable plastic bags.
They include
evacuant enemas like magnesium sulphate
retention enemas of prednisolone .
CONTAINERS: Single use plastic pack with rectal nozzle
LABEL: To be warmed to body temperature before use

32. C. Ear Drops:
Ear drops are solutions or suspension of drugs that are used
into the ear. VEHICLES: - Water ,Propylene glycol,glycerin ,
PEG-4000 ,Dil. Alcohol ,Haxylene glycol
uses category
1. For mild infection Antibiotics, anti bacterial
2. For softening wax Hydrogen peroxide,
sodabicarb
3. For cleansing Spirit
4. Drying weeping surface Astringent, ammonium acetate
5. antiseptic- anesthetic phenol

33. CONTAINERS: Coloured fluted glass bottle with dropper
LABELLED: - not to be taken
orally Store in a cool place
Not to be diluted
List of official ear drops:
Chloramphenicol ear drops
Hydrocortisone.
Hydrogen peroxide E.D.
Phenol E.D.
Sodium Bicarbonate E.D.

34. D.NASAL DROPS
“Nasal drops are liquid preparation and may be aqueous or oily
for instillation into nostrils.”
The following category can be formulated for nasal drops: -
sympathomimetics ------- vasoconstrictor (ephedrine)
Anti niflammatory ------ corticosteroids
Anti bacterial
Anti histamine
Local anaesthetics

35. Nasal Vehicles: they should possess following properties:
- pH range of 5.5-7.5.
- Have mild buffer capacity.
- Tonicity equivalent to normal saline.
- The viscosity should not exceed the normal viscosity of
nasal mucus. Contain antimicrobial agents
Containers : -
Fluted color glass bottle with plastic screw cap and
dropper.
Label: -FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY - STORE IN A COOL
PLACE

36. E. Nasal inhalation
• Inhalation are solution or suspension of volatile aromatic
medicaments in alcohol, or an alcoholic preparation. And the
vapour of which is inhaled to lower respiratory tract.
• If the ingredient is volatile at room temperature, it may be
placed on an absorbent pad and inhaled.
• If not, poured on hot surface of water (65 C) and vapour is
inhaled.
• Inhalation which requires hot water consists alcoholic
solution mixture of medicaments with water and light
magnesium carbonate.
• Containers: White fluted bottle

37. Label: SHAKE BOTTLE BEFORE USE
Examples:
Benzoin inhalation
Menthol and benzoin inhalation
Menthol and eucalyptus inhalation
Epinephrine inhalation.

38. Nasal Sprays
• Spray solutions are aqueous alcoholic or glycerin solutions
in the form of coarse droplets of finely divided solids
intended to be applied to the nose or throat by means of
atomizer.
• The type of atomizer used depends upon the viscosity of the
spray solution.
• Oily solutions were formerly used, but are no longer used as
they retard ciliary action and enter in
trachea and cause lipoidal pneumonia.
• Examples:
Anti inflammatory (corticosteroids)
Antihistaminics --Sympathomimetics
Local anaesthetics -- Antimigraine

39. F. EYE DROPS
• Sterile, aqueous/oily solutions or suspensions intended for
instillation in eye sac.
• Eye drops may contain buffers, stabilizing agents, dispersing
agents, solubilizing agents, anti-oxidants & agents required for
tonicity/ viscosity adjustment.
• Single dose container should not contain anti-microbial
preservative.
• In case of multi dose container a dropper should be supplied
with it for administration.
• Maximum size of such containers is 10 ml.

40. LIQUIDS FOR EXTERNAL USE
• LINIMENTS
• LOTIONS
• COLLODIONS

41. A. LINIMENTS
• “Liniments are fluid, semi-fluid or occasionally semisolid
preparations intended for external application.”
• They may be alcoholic or oily solution or emulsion.
• Liniments containing substances have following properties.
• Analgesic
• Rubefacient
• Counter Irritants
• Soothing
• Stimulating

42. In case of monophasic (solution) liniments
two types of solvents are used.
1. Alcohol - Soap liniment
- Aconite liniments.
2. Oil - Camphor Liniments
- Methyl Liniments
- Arachis and cotton seed oil is used. It is less irritant than
alcohol. It is spread more easily.
-Liniments may be applied with or without friction. It may be
painted or applied on skin by brush.
- Liniments should not be applied on broken skin.
- Liniments contains volatile ingredients
so cold storage is necessary and kept away from flame

43. PREPARATION: It can be prepared as solution or emulsion
as the case may be.
CONTAINER: Coloured fluted bottle.
LABEL: FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY
NOT FOR BROKEN SKIN
STORE IN COOL PLACE
INFLAMMABLE

44. B. LOTIONS
• “Lotion are liquid preparations intended for external application
or for special use.It may be aqueous or alcoholic solution or
suspension referred as SHAKE LOTION.
• In aqueous or alcoholic solution, the main ingredients are salts.
• Alcohol causes defatting, countered by addition of castor oil.
• Sometimes salt dissolved in water- aqueous solution, termed as
EYE-LOTION, meant for eyes.

45. -On application of shake lotion on skin, the water evaporates,
leaving residue of medicaments on skin.
- The evaporation causes cooling effect.
-Lotions are applied to inflammed area.
-The use of alcohol hasten (faster) drying and enhance
cooling.
- The use of glycerin keeps skin moist and promote adherence
of residue powder on skin.
- The suspending agent like Na C.M.C. may be used to assist
dispersion.
-Lotion liable to microbial growth, so includes proper
preservatives. Lotion used for local cooling, soothing,
protective, drying or moisturizing properties.

46. Lotion includes- antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti- infective,
anti pyretic and local anesthetic agents.
EXAMPLES:
Lead lotion - lead subacetate in water
Salicylic lotion - salicylic acid in alcohol
CONTAINER: Fluted bottle, closed with plastic screw cap.
LABEL: FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY
DILUTED LOTION NOT TO BE USED LATED THAN
ONE MONTH AFTER ISSUE.

48. C. COLLODION
• Collodions are fluid- prepared for external use.
• They are applied by brush, rod or applicator.
• The base is pyroxillin (Nitro Cellulose) in a volatile
solvents.
• The volatile vehicle evaporates leaving a flexible, protective
film covering the site.
• The volatile vehicles are ether, alcohol and acetone.
• Flexibility to film given by castor oil.
• Pyrocillin is highly inflammable so it is kept moist with
industrial menthylated spirit, stored loosely packed, protect
from light in a cool place.

49. EXAMPLES:
Flexible Collodion –USP/BP
Salicylic acid collodion -BPC
LABEL: FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY
STORE IN A COOL PLACE
HIGHLY INFLAMMABLE KEEP AWAY FROM NAKED
FLAMES.