Non-sterile compounding - Excipients

20 important questions on Non-sterile compounding - Excipients

Allows the contents of a tablet to stick together while permitting the contents to be released once ingested. Can provide stability and strength.

Binders

What is used to bulk up/add size to a very small amount?

Fillers

In liquids, what is the purpose of diluents?

Help to dissolve or suspend the drug & facilitates disintegration, which is required for absorption
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Liquid examples of diluents. & fillers

Water, glycerin, alcohol

Topical examples of diluents & fillers

Petrolatum
Mineral oil
Lanolin

What facilitates the breakup of a tablet after PO administration because PO products have to be dissolved in order to be absorbed in the small intestine?

Disintegrants

What prevents ingredients from sticking to each other and to equipment. Also improve powder flowability by reducing interparticle friction?

Lubricants

What prevents or slows microorganism growth, are required in most preparations (except in: sterile, used immediately, single-use packaging) BUT cannot be used in neonates?

Chlorhexidine (antiseptic in surgical scrubs)
Povidone iodine
Sodiumm benzoate/benzoic acid, benzalkonium chloride, benzyol alcohol
Sorbic acid/potassium sorbate
Methyl/ethyl/propyl parabens
EDTA
Thimerosal
Cetylpyridinium chloride

What keeps the pH within a certain range to improve stability and solubility & decrease irritation to sensitive tissues in the body?

Buffers

What compounds are more polar, which makes them more water-soluble?

Ionized compounds

What equation calculates the pH of a buffer system?

Henderson-Hasselbalch

Examples of buffers used to maintain acidic pH

Hydrochloric acid
Acetic acid/sodium acetate
Citric acid/sodium citrate

Examples of buffers used to maintain alkaline pH

Sodium hydroxide
Boric acid/sodium borate
Sodium bicarb/sodium carbonate

Keeps powders dry & prevent hydrolysis

Adsorbents

Break up and inhibit the formation of foams

Anti-foaming agents

Prevent degredation due to oxygen, light & moisture, and mask bad taste

Regular coatings

What type of coating prevents drug degredation in the stomach for drugs that can be destroyed by stomach acid?

Enteric coatings

Increase the viscosity of a substance & stabilize the mixture

Gelling (thickening) agents

What gelling (thickening) agents are commonly used and swell when mixed with water?

Gelatin, cellulose, bentonite

When put into emollients, it draws water into the skin to moisturize skin. It prevents preparations from becoming dry and brittle.

Humectants

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