The document discusses various types of powders used in pharmaceuticals, including their advantages and disadvantages for both internal and external use. It categorizes powders into different classifications such as simple powders, compound powders, and parenteral powders, detailing their applications, methods of dispensing, and examples. Overall, powders are highlighted for their stability and ease of use, while also noting challenges like dosage inaccuracy and taste issues.

1. Powders
Prepared by, Shantanu Ranjan
Assistant Professor ( Dept. of Pharmaceutics )
Nibah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rajgir, Bihar

2. Introduction
• Powders are preparations containing solid, loose and dry particles
that vary in fineness.
• Powders contain one or more active ingredient with or without
inactive ingredients.
• Powders are meant for both external or internal use.
• Many parental products are being marketed in the form of powder
to be dissolved into solution or suspension just before use.

3. Advantages of powders
• Powders are generally more stable than liquid dosage form
because chemical reaction takes place slowly in solid is compared
to liquid.
• Easy to carry when compared to liquid dosage form.
• Onset of action is faster than tablet and capsule as it easily
dissolve in body fluids.
• Powder can be used both internally and externally.
• Easy administration.

4. Disadvantages of powders
• Dispensing of powder is time consuming.
• Inaccuracy in dosage in case of bulk powder.
• Unstable at atmospheric condition.
• Unsuitable for many drugs due to unpleasant taste.
• Quantity less than 100 mg cannot be weighed conveniently

5. Classification of powders
1. Powders for internal use.
2. Powders for external use.
3. Powders for liquid for internal use.
4. Parenteral powders.
5. Granulated powder or granules.
6. Powders enclosed in catches and capsules.

6. Powders for internal use
• Powders for internal use generally consist of dosage forms in a form of
powder which can be swallowed directly or indirectly or with water or any
other suitable liquid. These are packed in sachet, paper and vails or in a
multi dose container provided with a measuring device.
1. Simple powders: simple powder or powders that contain only one ingredient that is
active ingredient either in crystalline form or amorphous form.
2. Compound powders: compound powders are powders that contain two or more than
two ingredient that is active ingredient with one or more inactive ingredient. The
different ingredients are mixed together and dispensed either in bulk (Bulk Powders)
or separately into individual doses (Divided Powders).

7. Powders for internal use: Compound powders
1. Bulk powders: Powders are usually dispensed in bulk when the dose of the active
ingredient is not so critical.
Example: Compound Magnesium Trisilicate Oral Powder
Magnesium Trisilicate 250g
Chalk in powder 250g
Sodium Bicarbonate 250g
Heavy Magnesium Carbonate 250g
2. Divided powders: Divided powders are powders in which each dose of the
medicament is packed separately and dispensed to the patient.
Example: Aspirin 350mg
Caffeine 20mg
Make a powder. Send such six.
Label: One powder to be taken when pain is severe.

8. Powders for external use
Powders for external use are meant for tropical application to the skin or for introduction
into body cavities.
1. Dusting powders: Dusting powder is a fine, dry powder used on the skin to keep it dry,
reduce friction, or soothe irritation. It is often made from ingredients like talc, starch,
or zinc oxide and is commonly used for babies, athletes, or in cosmetics.
2. Surgical powders: Surgical powders consist of sterile powders intended to be used on a
large open wounds or on severely damaged skin. Such powders should not be applied
on areas that exude large volumes of fluids as large crusts may form.
3. Insufflations: Insufflations are medicated powders blown or sprayed into body cavities,
such as the nose, throat, ears, or lungs, using a special device called an insufflator.
They are used for localized treatment, like delivering drugs to the respiratory system
or treating infections in specific areas. The powders are finely divided to ensure
smooth application and effective absorption.

9. Powders for liquid for internal use
• Powders for liquids for internal use are dry, finely divided
medicinal powders intended to be dissolved or suspended in a
liquid (like water) before oral consumption.
• These powders are commonly packaged in single-dose sachets or
bulk containers. Examples include oral rehydration salts (ORS) and
powdered antibiotics.

10. Parenteral powders
• Parenteral powders are sterile, finely powdered medications
intended for injection after being dissolved or suspended in a
suitable sterile liquid, such as water for injection or saline.
• These powders are used when the drug is unstable in liquid form.
Examples include antibiotics like ceftriaxone and anti-cancer drugs
like doxorubicin.

11. Granulated powders or granules
• Granulated powders or granules are small, dry aggregates of
powdered materials that are larger and more uniform in size than
regular powders.
• They are often used to improve flow properties, reduce dustiness,
and enhance dissolution rates. Granules are commonly used for
both internal (e.g., effervescent granules) and external (e.g.,
topical granules) applications.
• Examples include effervescent granules (like antacids) and
granules for reconstitution in oral suspensions.

12. Powders enclose in Catches and Capsules
Powders enclosed in cachets and capsules are dosage forms designed
to deliver powdered medications in a convenient and tasteless
manner:
1. Cachets: These are small, flat containers made of edible material, such
as rice paper, used to enclose powders. They dissolve when swallowed
with water. Cachets are rarely used today due to their inconvenience
compared to capsules.
2. Capsules: These are solid dosage forms in which powdered or granulated
drugs are enclosed within a gelatin or vegetable-based shell. Capsules are
widely used as they are easy to swallow, mask the unpleasant taste of
drugs, and allow accurate dosing.