LIQUID DOSAGE FORMS

 Liquid dosage forms commonly used in pharmacy are either monophasic or biphasic.
Monophasic liquid dosage form refers to liquid preparation in which there is only one
phase. It is represented by true solution. A true solution is a clear homogenous mixture
that is prepared by dissolying a solid, liquid or gas in a liquid. The component of solution
present in large amount is known as 'solvent' and the component present in small amount
is known as 'solute'.

CLASSIFICATION:
 Monophasic liquid dosage forms are classified into two groups:
(i) Liquids meant for internal administration, for example, mixtures, syrups and
elixirs.
(ii) Liquids meant for external administration, for example, gargles, mouthwashes,
throat paints, douches, nasal drops, eye drops, ear drops, liniments and lotions.

[Link] LIQUID DOSAGE FORM:

(A)LIQUIDS MEANT FOR INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION:

Liquid preparations for internal administration includes following categories of
preparations:
(1) Mixtures
(2) Syrups
(3) Elixirs
(4) Linctuses
(5) Aromatic Waters

(1) MIXTURES:
 A mixture is a liquid preparation meant for oral administration in which medicament or
medicaments are dissolved or suspended in a suitable vehicle. Generally, several doses
are dispensed in a bottle. In case, a bottle contain one dose, it is called draught.
 Mixtures are not prepared to keep them for a long period because they are mainly
prescribed for acute conditions such as cough, indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation etc. So
the mixtures should be extemporaneously prepared and supplied only for small number of
doses which can be used up within a short period. In case further need arises, then a fresh
mixture is prepared for the patient.
 Classification of mixtures Mixtures are classified into:
I. Simple mixtures containing soluble substances
II. Mixtures containing diffusible solids
III. Mixtures containing indiffusible solids
IV. Mixtures containing precipitates forming liquids
V. Mixtures containing slightly soluble liquids

(2) SYRUPS:
 A syrup is a concentrated or nearly saturated solution of sucrose in purified water. The
concentration of sugar is 66.7% w/w. The syrups are sweet viscous preparations. The
syrups containing medicinal sub stances are called 'medicated syrup' and those containing
aromatic or flavoured substances are known as 'flavoured syrups'
 Advantages of Syrups:
1) Syrup retards oxidation because it is partly hydrolysed reducing sugars such as,
laevulose and dextrose.
2) It prevents décomposition of many vegetable substances. Syrups I have high osmotic
pressure which prevents growth of bacteria, fungi and moulds which are the chief
causes of decomposition insolutions of vegetable matter.
3) They are palatable. Due to sweetness of sugar it is a valuablevehicle for the
administration of nauseous and bitter substances.

(3) ELIXIRS:
 Elixirs are clear, sweetened, aromatic, hydroalcoholic liquids in tended for oral use. The
main ingredients of elixirs are ethyl alcohol (5-40%), water, glycerin or propylene
glycol, flavouring agent, colouring agent and some suitable preservative. The medicated
elixirs usually contain a potent drug such as, antibiotics, antihistamines or sedatives. The
flavoured elixirs are non-medicated and are used as flavours and vehicles.
 (4) LINCTUSES:
 Linctuses are viscous, liquid and oral preparations that are generally prescribed for the
relief of cough. They contain which have demulcent, sedative or expectorant action.
Linctuses should be taken in small doses, sipped and swallowed slowly without diluting
it with water in order to have the maximum and prolonged effect of medicaments.

(5) AROMATIC WATERS:

 Aromatic waters are the clear saturated solution of volatile oil or volatile substances in
purified water. They are also known as medicated water.
 Advantages:

1) Aromatic waters are used as flavouring agent e.g. camphor ter, peppermint water. wa
2) They are used as carminative e.g. chloroform water, peppermintwater.
3) They are used as sweetening vehicle e.g. chloroform water.
4) They are used as preservative menstruum e.g. chloroform water.
 Types of Aromatic Waters:Aromatic waters are of two types
1) Simple aromatic waters
2) Concentrated waters

(B) LIQUIDS MEANT FOR EXTERNAL USE:

 Liquids meant for external use are of three types:

(i) Liquids to be applied to the skin, for example, liniments andlotions.

(ii) Liquids to be used in the mouth, for example, gargles, mouthwashes, throat sprays and
throat paints.
(iii) Liquids to be instilled into body cavities, for example, douches,eye drops, nasal drops,
nasal sprays, eye lotions, etc.
 (1) LIQUIDS TO BE APPLIED TO THE SKIN:

a. LINIMENTS
 The liniments are liquid or semi-liquid preparations meant for appli cation to the skin.
The liniments are usually applied to the skin with friction and rubbing of the skin. The
liniments may be alcoholic or oily solutions or emulsions. In alcoholic liniments, alcohol
helps in the penetration of medicament into the skin and also increases its counter irritant
and rubefacient action. In oily liniments, arachis oil is com monly used which spreads
more easily on the skin.
 Labelling The label must state, "for external use the bottle well before use". The label
should carry the warning, "Not to be applied to open wound or broken skin". only" and
"Shake
 Storage Liniment should be stored in tightly closed airtight con tainers in a cool place.

b. LOTIONS
 Lotions are liquid preparations meant for external application without friction. They are
applied direct to the skin with the help of some absorbent material, such as, cotton wool
or gauze soaked in it. Lotions may be used for local action as cooling, soothing or
protective purposes. They are generally applied for antiseptic action e.g., calamine lotion.
Alcohol is sometimes included in aqueous lotions for its cooling and soothing effect. e.g.,
salicylic acid lotion.

c. COLLODOINS
 Collodions are liquid preparations for external use containing pyroxylin (nitrocellulose) in
a mixture of ethyl ether and alcohol. They are applied to the skin by means of a soft brush
or suitable applicator. When ether and alcohol get evaporated it leaves a film of pyroxylin
on the surface of the skin. Collodions are highly inflammable because volatile solvents
are used for its preparation

(2) LIQUIDS TO BE USED IN THE MOUTH

a. GARGLES:
 Gargles are aqueous solutions used to prevent or treat throat infections. They are usually
available in concentrated form with direction for dilution with warm water before use.
 They are brought into intimate contact with the mucous membrane of the throat and are
allowed to remain in contact with it for a few seconds, before they are thrown out of the
mouth, They are used to relieve soreness in mild throat infection. Phenol or thymol is
generally present in small concentration for its antibacterial activity. Potassium chlorate is
also included in gargles for its weak astringent effect to tone up a relaxed throat. It also
stimulates secretion of saliva which relieves dryness e.g., phenol gargles, potassium
chloride and phenol gargles.

b. MOUTHWASHES:
 These are aqueous solutions with a pleasant taste and odour used to make clean and
deodorise the buccal cavity. Generally, they contain antibacterial agents, alcohol,
glycerin, sweetening agents, flavouring agents and colouring agents.
 Labelling The label should clearly indicate the proper directions for diluting the
mouthwash before use. Also apply the secondary label, "For external use only".

c. THROAT PAINTS:
 Throat paints are viscous liquid preparations used for mouth and throat infections.
Glycerin is commonly used as a base because being viscous, it adheres to mucous
membrane for a long period. It also provides a sweet taste to the preparation. The
commonly used throat.

(3) LIQUIDS TO BE INSTILLED INTO BODY CAVITIES

a. DOUCHES:
 A douche is a medicated solution meant for rinsing a body cavity. The word douche is
often used for vaginal solutions. The vaginal solutions are generally called irrigations.
Douches are also used to irrigate the other body cavities, such as eyes, ear or nasal
cavities for cleaning or removing the foreign particles or discharges from them.
 Douches are generally dispensed in the form of a powder or tablet with a specific
directions for dissolving it in a specific quantity of warm water. They are also dispensed
as concentrated solutions with direction to dilute it in a specific quantity of warm water
before use. Vaginal douches must be sterile.
 Douches are generally used for the following purposes:
(1)Cleansing agents e.g., isotonic sodium chloride solution
(2) Antiseptics e.g., mercuric chloride (0.001%), potassium permanganate (0.025%), lactic
acid (0.5 to 2%), chlorohexidine (0.02%).
(3) Astringent e.g., alum (1%).

b. ENEMAS:
 Enemas are aqueous or oily solutions or suspensions that are intro duced into the rectum
for cleansing, therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.
 Enemas meant for cleansing purpose are used to evacuate faeces in constipation or before
an operation. They act by any one of the following method:
(i) By stimulating peristalsis: Enemas stimulate the peristaltic movement of intestine and thus
help to evacuate faeces. This occurs by any one of the following mechanism: -
(a) Enemas cause osmotic retention of water in the bowel e.g. sodium phosphate enema and
magnesium sulphate enema.

c. EAR DROPS:
 These are solutions of drops that are instilled into the ear with a dropper. The solution is
generally prepared in water, glycerin, propylene glycol or dilute alcohol. However,
vehicle like glycerin and propylene glycol are preferred. These are generally used for
cleaning the ear, softening the wax and for treating the mild infection.
 Labelling The label should state, "For external use only" and"Store in cool place".

d. NASAL DROPS:
 These are aqueous solutions of drops that are instilled into the nose with a dropper. The
oily vehicle is not used nowadays because oily drops inhibit the movement of cilia in the
nasal mucosa and if used fo long periods, may reach the lungs and cause lipoid
pneumonia.
 Nasal drops should be isotonic with 0.9% sodium chloride having neutral pH and
viscosity similar to nasal secretions by using 0.5% methyl cellulose.

 Containers Nasal drops are dispensed in coloured fluted bottlesfitted with a dropper or
in a suitable plastic container.
 e. NASAL SPRAYS:
 Nasal sprays are used to reduce nasal congestion and to treat infections. The main aim of
nasal spray is to retain the nasal solution in the droplet form in the nasal tract. For this
purpose, the nasal solution is sprayed in the form of coarse droplets by using scent spray
type of atom plastic squeeze bottle. The nasal spray should be isotonic and buffered at pH
6.2. They may contain antibiotics and antihistamines.
 Containers Nasal sprays are stored in small, coloured, fluted glass bottles. Plastic squeeze
bottles, atomisers or pressurised aerosols are most suitable for administration. Storage
Nasal sprays should be stored in well-filled air tight containers. These should be protected
from light.

f. INHALATIONS:
 These are liquid preparations containing volatile substances and are used to relieve
congestion and inflammation of the respiratory tract. The inhalations containing the
volatile substances which are volatile at room temperature may be placed on an
absorbent pad or handkerchief to inhale therefrom. In other cases inhalations are added
to hot, but not boiling water (about 65°C) and vapours are inhaled for about 10 minutes.
 Containers Inhalations are packed in small fluted glass bottles.

II. BIPHASIC LIDUID DOSAGE FORMS:

A. SUSPENSIONS:
 Suspensions are the biphasic liquid dosage form of medicament in which the finely
divided solid particles ranging from 0.5 to 5.0 micron are dispersed in a liquid or
semisolid vehicle. The solid particles act as disperse phase whereas liquid vehicle acts as
the continuous phase. Suspensions are generally taken orally or by parenteral route. They
are also used for external applications.
 The particle size of the disperse phase is very important in the formulation of
suspensions. The suspensions which are meant for external application, should have small
particle size to avoid gritty feeling to the skin and to cover a greater area of the
application. Moreover, it also helps penetration of solid medicament into the skin because
its smaller particle size gives a faster rate of dissolution. The suspensions which are
 meant for parenteral administration should have a particle size that can pass through the
needle.
 Qualities of a Good Suspension:
(1) It should settle slowly and should be readily re-dispersed on gentle shaking of the
container.
(2) The suspension should pour readily and evenly
(3) It should be chemically inert from its container.
(4) The suspended particles should not form a cake.
(5) It should be free from large particles which spoil its appearance.

B. EMULSIONS:
 An emulsion is a biphasic liquid preparation containing two immiscible liquids, one of
which is dispersed as minute globules into the other. The liquid which is converted into
minute globules is called the 'dispersed phase' and the liquid in which the globules are
dispersed is called the 'continuous phase'. Normally, two immiscible liquids cannot be
dispersed for a long period. So, an emulsifying agent is added to the system. It forms a
film around the globules in order to scatter them indefinitely in the continuous phase, so
that a stable emulsion is formed.
 Advantages:
a. Medicines having an unpleasant taste and odour can be made more palatable for
oral administration in the form of an emulsion. e.g., castor oil, cod-liver oil etc.
b. Emulsion provides protection against drugs which are prone toMoxidation or
hydrolysis.
c. Various external preparations such as, creams, lotion and foam aerosols are
formulated in emulsion.
d. The sterile stable intravenous emulsions containing fats, carbo hydrates and
vitamins can be administered to the patients who are unable to take them orally.

REFERENCES:
1. A text book of Dispensing Pharmacy by R.M Mehta.
2. A text book of Dispensing Pharmacy-II by R.M Mehta.