The document outlines various pharmaceutical aids used in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical preparations, highlighting their essential roles while noting that they have no therapeutic value. It details the classification of these substances, including glidants, emulsifying agents, and thickening agents, their functions such as stabilizing formulations and enhancing palatability, and specific examples of each type. Additionally, it discusses the therapeutic applications of specific substances like kaolin and bentonite, emphasizing their properties and uses in both pharmaceutical and medicinal contexts.

1. PHARMACEUTICAL AIDS
Authored by:
Dr. Alex Martin
Ph.D, M.Pharm, FAGE

2. PHARMACEUTICAL AID
1. Substances which
are used in the
manufacture of
pharmaceutical
preparations.
2. They do
not have any
therapeutic
value.
3. They may be present in the final pharmaceutical
preparation or may just have come in close contact
with it, during its preparation.
4. May be required
for purposes such
as maintaining pH,
prevention of
oxidation,
stabilizing a
preparation, for
complexation or as
a stabilizer.
CLASSIFICATION
CLASSIFICATION

3. Used to initiate the
formation of products in a
chemical reaction.
Eg: H2SO4, HCl
Help maintain
pH of various
dosage forms
of drugs and
thus assists
the drug to
remain stable
for longer
duration of
time.
Eg:
Phosphate
Buffer
Solution,
Acetic
acid/Acetat
e buffer
Therapeutically inactive
substances that act as
carriers for
pharmaceutically active
ingredients. These agents
also make the
pharmaceutical preparation
palatable and stable so as
to be administered.
8. Colorants
7. Preservatives
4. Glidants

4. To increase the bulk of a solid dosage form
Eg. Anhydrous lactose, mannitol, etc.
3. Anti-adherents
Eg. Magnesium Stearate
4. Glidants
5. Disintegrators
Eg: Carboxymethylcellulose
6. Flavouring
agents/
Sweeteners
To impart flavour
to a dosage form
and thereby
increase
palatability. Eg:
Peppermint oil

5. Eg: Erythrosine, Sunset Yellow, etc.
Eg: Benzoic acid,
Methyl paraben,
etc.
8. Coating agents

6. 4. Suspending agents
Agents used to disperse
particles in a suspension
and thus provide longer
duration of stability.
Eg: Sodium
carboxymethyl
cellulose, gum
tragacanth etc.
5. Emulsifying agents
Agents used to disperse fat
globules uniformly throughout
aqueous medium or vice-
versa.
Eg: Sodium Lauryl sulfate,
Spans and tweens
6. Solvent/Vehicle
Eg: Ethyl alcohol, water, etc.
7. Thickening agents
They aid in
improving the
dispersion properties
of particles in a
suspension or an
emulsion
Eg: HPMC,
methylcellulose ,etc.

7. 1. White/grayish powder
2. Odorless. Darkens and
develops a earthy odour
when wet.
5. Melting point:
740- 1785°C
I. As Pharmaceutical Aid II. As Therapeutic medicament
I. As Pharmaceutical Aid

8. II. AS THERAPEUTIC MEDICAMENT
AS
THERAPEUTIC
MEDICAMENT 2. Due to its adsorbent
properties, Kaolin is
used as an ingredient in
dusting and baby
powders.
3. The adsorbent
properties of
kaolin imparts
dermatoprotectiv
e properties to it
and therefore it is
utilized in the
treatment of
diaper rash.

9. 4. The adsorbent
properties of
kaolin also makes
it appropriate to
be used to negate
food and
alkaloidal
poisoning.
AS
THERAPEUTIC
MEDICAMENT

10. BENTONITE
1. Yellowish-
brown colored
powder
2. Odourless 3. Insoluble in
water. Swells in
water to around
8 times it’s initial
volume.
4. Mol formula:
Al2H2O6Si
5. Synonym:
Alumino silicate
I. AS PHARMACEUTICAL AID II. AS THERAPEUTIC MEDICAMENT
I. AS PHARMACEUTICAL AID

11. 2. As
thickening
agent to adjust
viscosity.
3. As diluent
or bulking
agent.
4. As abrasives in
toothpastes. It
aids in removal of
plaques and
strains from teeth.
5. Due to its adsorbent
properties, it is used
as a filter aid. It
prevents the
formation of a hard
cake over the filter
paper.
6. As desiccant,
bentonite absorbs
moisture and extends
the shelf life of
pharmaceuticals.

12. 7. Due to its
water
absorption
property and its
ability to swell,
Bentonite is
used as a bulk
laxative
8. Bentonite is used as a skin cleansing
agent . It’s slurry is applied as a mask on
the face. The clay adsorbs on its surfaces
toxins, oils and dead cells.
9. As base in a number of
dermatological formulas. It helps skin
care products to adhere to the skin
and be more water resistant.
10. Applied as
poultice or
cataplasm for
quicker wound
healing purposes.
The clay possess
antibacterial
attributes.

13. CONFUSED WITH YOUR
RESEARCH WORK IN
PHARMACY….
CONTACT ME ON:
aalexmartin@rediffmail.com