Powders

Powders, Pharmaceutics I, Unit 2, Chapter 6

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 Powders for internal use. Powders for external use. Powders for liquid for internal use. Parenteral powders. Granulated powder or granules. 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. Simple powders: simple powder or powders that contain only one ingredient that is active ingredient either in crystalline form or amorphous form. 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 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 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. 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. 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. 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: 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. 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.