Monophasic Dosage Forms
Monophasic liquid dosage forms consist of a single homogeneous phase, such as true or colloidal solutions, with aqueous or non-aqueous solvents. They are commonly used for patients with difficulty swallowing solids or requiring individualized doses, including pediatric, geriatric, and psychiatric patients.
Classification:
- Liquids meant for internal administration: mixtures, syrups, elixirs, linctuses, aromatic waters.
- Liquids meant for external administration: gargles, mouthwashes, throat paints, douches, nasal drops, eye drops, ear drops, liniments, lotions.
Liquids Meant for Internal Administration
Mixtures:
Oral liquid preparations where medicaments are dissolved or suspended in suitable vehicles, intended for short-term use mainly in acute conditions like cough or diarrhea. Mixtures are extemporaneously prepared and supplied in small quantities.
Example: Prepare and dispense 90 ml mixture containing 4.0 g Potassium bromide, 4.0 ml Tincture nux vomica, and Chloroform water up to 90 ml. Direction: One tablespoonful thrice daily after meals.
Syrups:
Concentrated or nearly saturated sucrose solutions in purified water, often used to mask unpleasant tastes. Medicated syrups contain active substances; flavored syrups contain aromatic or sugar substances.
Example: Simple syrup I.P. with 66.7 g sucrose in 100 g syrup.
Elixirs:
Clear, sweetened, aromatic hydroalcoholic solutions intended for oral use, often containing antibiotics, sedatives, or other potent drugs. Vehicles include water, alcohol, glycerin, or propylene glycol.
Example: Piperazine citrate elixir I.P. with specified ingredients in 100 ml.
Linctuses:
Viscous oral liquids prescribed mainly for cough relief, containing demulcents, sedatives, or expectorants. Administered in small doses for prolonged effect.
Example: Codeine linctus with specified formulation.
Aromatic Waters:
Clear saturated solutions of volatile oils or substances in purified water, used as flavoring agents, carminatives, sweetening vehicles, or preservatives.
Liquids Meant for External Administration:
Gargles
Aqueous solutions used to treat or prevent throat infections, usually diluted before use. Contain antiseptics such as phenol or thymol.
Mouthwashes
Solutions with refreshing and antiseptic properties for oral hygiene and halitosis reduction, containing flavors, colorants, and sometimes alcohol.
Throat Paints
Viscous liquid preparations applied to mouth and throat infections, commonly based on glycerin for prolonged adhesion and sweet taste.
Ear Drops
Solutions or suspensions for ear application, often using oily vehicles for better absorption and effect.
Nasal Drops
Usually aqueous or oily solutions instilled into nostrils with specific viscosity and pH to mimic nasal secretions, often containing decongestants or antihistamines.
Liniments
Alcoholic or oily solutions applied with friction for analgesic or counter-irritant effects, used in muscle or joint pain.
Lotions
External liquid preparations applied without friction for antiseptic, astringent, or germicidal action, sometimes containing alcohol for cooling effects.
Enemas
Liquids introduced into the rectum for cleansing, digestion aid, or therapeutic purposes, including evacuation, retention, and diagnostic enemas.
Collodions
Viscous liquid preparations containing pyroxylin dissolved in ether and alcohol, forming a protective film on drying, used externally for wounds or skin protection. Flexible and medicated forms are also available.
Detailed Notes:
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