Pharmaceutics 1 RM Mehta PDF 20: Tips and Tricks for Formulating and Evaluating Drugs
Pharmaceutics 1 by RM Mehta: A Comprehensive Guide for Pharmacy Students
Pharmaceutics is the science that deals with the design, development, manufacture, evaluation, and delivery of drugs to the body. It is one of the core subjects for pharmacy students, as it provides them with the necessary knowledge and skills to formulate effective and safe drug products. Pharmaceutics also encompasses various aspects such as pharmacokinetics, biopharmaceutics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenomics, pharmacoeconomics, pharmacovigilance, etc.
pharmaceutics 1 rm mehta pdf 20
One of the best books for learning pharmaceutics is Pharmaceutics-I by RM Mehta. This book covers the basic concepts and principles of pharmaceutics in a simple, concise, and comprehensive manner. It is divided into ten chapters, each focusing on a different type of pharmaceutical preparation or dosage form. The book also includes numerous examples, illustrations, tables, diagrams, exercises, questions, references, etc. to enhance the understanding and application of the subject.
In this article, we will provide an overview of each chapter in the book, highlighting the main topics covered and how they are organized. We will also discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of different dosage forms, as well as the factors that affect their formulation, quality, stability, and performance. By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of what pharmaceutics is and why it is important for pharmacy students.
Chapter 1: Pharmaceutical Preparations and Dosage Forms
This chapter introduces the basic concepts and terminology of pharmaceutics, such as pharmaceutical preparations, dosage forms, drug delivery systems, routes of administration, etc. It also explains the classification of pharmaceutical preparations and dosage forms based on various criteria, such as physical state, method of preparation, mode of action, site of action, etc.
Some of the factors that affect the choice of dosage forms are:
The nature and properties of the drug (e.g., solubility, stability, bioavailability, etc.)
The intended use and purpose of the drug (e.g., therapeutic effect, prophylaxis, diagnosis, etc.)
The patient's age, condition, preference, compliance, etc.
The cost, availability, convenience, safety, etc. of the dosage form
Some of the advantages and disadvantages of different dosage forms are:
Dosage Form
Advantages
Disadvantages
Solutions
- Easy to prepare and administer- Rapid onset of action- Uniform distribution and absorption of the drug
- Poor stability and shelf-life- Inaccurate dosing and measuring- Unpleasant taste and odor
Suspensions and Emulsions
- Suitable for insoluble or poorly soluble drugs- Enhanced bioavailability and stability of the drug- Improved palatability and appearance
- Require shaking before use- Prone to sedimentation, creaming, flocculation, coalescence, etc.- Difficult to formulate and sterilize
Powders and Granules
- Convenient and economical to produce and store- Flexible in terms of dose and composition- Enhanced solubility and dissolution rate of the drug
- Require reconstitution before use- Hygroscopic and deliquescent in nature- Inconvenient and inaccurate for administration
Chapter 5: Tablets
Tablets are solid dosage forms that are prepared by compressing a mixture of active and inactive ingredients into a single unit. Tablets are the most widely used dosage forms because of their convenience, portability, accuracy, stability, and low cost. Tablets can be classified into different types based on their shape, size, method of preparation, mode of administration, etc. Some of the common types of tablets are:
Compressed tablets: These are the most common type of tablets that are prepared by compressing a single or multiple layers of powder or granules into a flat or convex shape.
Coated tablets: These are compressed tablets that are coated with one or more layers of materials to modify their appearance, taste, stability, or release characteristics. Coated tablets can be further classified into sugar-coated tablets, film-coated tablets, and enteric-coated tablets.
Chewable tablets: These are compressed tablets that are intended to be chewed or dissolved in the mouth before swallowing. They are usually formulated with pleasant flavors and colors to mask the unpleasant taste of the drug.
Buccal and sublingual tablets: These are compressed tablets that are placed in the cheek pouch (buccal) or under the tongue (sublingual) for absorption through the oral mucosa. They bypass the first-pass metabolism and offer rapid onset of action.
Effervescent tablets: These are compressed tablets that contain an acid and a base that react with water to produce carbon dioxide gas. They are usually dissolved in water before administration and offer improved solubility and palatability of the drug.
Orally disintegrating tablets: These are compressed tablets that disintegrate rapidly in the mouth without the need for water. They are suitable for patients who have difficulty in swallowing or have no access to water.
The methods of preparation of tablets can be divided into two main categories: direct compression and wet granulation. Direct compression is the simplest and most economical method that involves compressing a blend of active and inactive ingredients directly into tablets without any prior treatment. Wet granulation is a more complex and costly method that involves forming granules from a mixture of active and inactive ingredients with a liquid binder, drying the granules, sieving them to obtain uniform size, and then compressing them into tablets.
The quality control of tablets involves testing various parameters such as weight variation, hardness, thickness, diameter, friability, disintegration, dissolution, content uniformity, assay, etc. These tests ensure that the tablets meet the required specifications and standards for safety, efficacy, and stability.
Some of the factors that affect the disintegration and dissolution of tablets are:
The type and amount of excipients used in the formulation (e.g., binders, disintegrants, lubricants, glidants, etc.)
The type and amount of coating applied on the tablet surface (e.g., sugar coating, film coating, enteric coating, etc.)
The compression force and speed applied during tabletting (e.g., high compression force may reduce porosity and increase hardness)
The storage conditions and aging of the tablets (e.g., high temperature and humidity may cause degradation or hydrolysis)
The physiological conditions in the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., pH, enzymes, food, fluids, etc.)
Chapter 6: Capsules
Capsules are solid dosage forms that consist of a shell made of gelatin or other materials that enclose a drug substance or a mixture of drug substances. Capsules are easy to swallow and offer flexibility in terms of dose and composition. Capsules can be classified into two main types based on their structure: hard capsules and soft capsules.
Hard capsules are rigid cylindrical shells that consist of two pieces: a body and a cap. The body is filled with a powder or granule mixture of active and inactive ingredients and then sealed with the cap. Hard capsules can be further classified into conventional hard capsules and modified-release hard capsules. Conventional hard capsules release their contents immediately after dissolution in the gastrointestinal fluids. Modified-release hard capsules have special coatings or formulations that alter their release characteristics such as delayed-release, sustained-release, pulsatile-release, etc.
Soft capsules are flexible, one-piece shells that are filled with a liquid, semi-solid, or paste formulation of active and inactive ingredients. Soft capsules are usually prepared by a rotary die process that involves injecting the formulation into a continuous sheet of gelatin that is formed into a capsule shape and sealed. Soft capsules can also be further classified into conventional soft capsules and modified-release soft capsules. Conventional soft capsules release their contents immediately after dissolution in the gastrointestinal fluids. Modified-release soft capsules have special coatings or formulations that alter their release characteristics such as delayed-release, sustained-release, pulsatile-release, etc.
The methods of preparation of capsules can be divided into two main categories: manual filling and machine filling. Manual filling is a simple and inexpensive method that involves filling the capsule shells by hand using a capsule-filling device or a spatula. Machine filling is a more complex and expensive method that involves filling the capsule shells by automated machines that can produce large quantities of capsules with high accuracy and speed.
The quality control of capsules involves testing various parameters such as weight variation, content uniformity, disintegration, dissolution, assay, microbial limits, etc. These tests ensure that the capsules meet the required specifications and standards for safety, efficacy, and stability.
Some of the factors that affect the bioavailability and stability of capsules are:
The type and quality of the capsule shell (e.g., gelatin, cellulose derivatives, starch, etc.)
The type and composition of the capsule fill (e.g., powder, granule, liquid, semi-solid, etc.)
The type and amount of coating applied on the capsule shell or fill (e.g., sugar coating, film coating, enteric coating, etc.)
The storage conditions and aging of the capsules (e.g., high temperature and humidity may cause brittleness or softening of the shell)
The physiological conditions in the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., pH, enzymes, food, fluids, etc.)
Chapter 7: Suppositories and Pessaries
Suppositories and pessaries are solid dosage forms that are intended to be inserted into body cavities such as rectum, vagina, or urethra. They are usually made of a base material that melts or dissolves at body temperature and releases the drug substance. Suppositories and pessaries are used for local or systemic effects and offer advantages such as bypassing the first-pass metabolism, avoiding gastric irritation, and improving patient compliance.
Some of the common types of suppositories and pessaries are:
Rectal suppositories: These are bullet-shaped or cone-shaped suppositories that are inserted into the rectum for treating conditions such as constipation, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, inflammation, etc.
Vaginal suppositories: These are oval-shaped or globular-shaped suppositories that are inserted into the vagina for treating conditions such as infections, itching, dryness, contraception, etc.
Urethral suppositories: These are slender rod-shaped suppositories that are inserted into the urethra for treating conditions such as erectile dysfunction, urethritis, etc.
Pessaries: These are ring-shaped or disc-shaped devices that are inserted into the vagina for supporting the uterus or cervix in cases of prolapse or for delivering drugs for contraception or hormone replacement therapy.
The methods of preparation of suppositories and pessaries can be divided into three main categories: molding, compression, and extrusion. Molding is the most common method that involves melting the base material with or without the drug substance, pouring the molten mixture into molds of desired shape and size, and allowing it to solidify. Compression is a method that involves compressing a mixture of powdered base material with or without the drug substance into molds using a tablet press. Extrusion is a method that involves forcing a softened mixture of base material with or without the drug substance through a nozzle or die to form rods or cylinders that are then cut into desired lengths.
Chapter 8: Semisolids
Semisolids are viscous dosage forms that are intended to be applied topically to the skin or mucous membranes for local or systemic effects. They are usually composed of a base material that contains the drug substance and other excipients such as preservatives, antioxidants, stabilizers, etc. Semisolids can be classified into different types based on their physical structure, composition, and rheological properties. Some of the common types of semisolids are:
Ointments: These are greasy or oily preparations that have good occlusive and emollient properties. They are suitable for dry or scaly skin conditions and for drugs that require prolonged contact with the skin.
Creams: These are emulsions of oil and water that have good spreadability and penetration properties. They are suitable for moist or weeping skin conditions and for drugs that require rapid absorption.
Gels: These are transparent or translucent preparations that consist of a network of polymers or colloidal particles that entraps a liquid phase. They have good cooling and drying properties and can deliver both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs.
Pastes: These are stiff preparations that contain a high proportion of solid particles dispersed in a fatty or aqueous base. They have good protective and absorptive properties and can be used for inflammatory or pruritic skin conditions.
Plasters: These are solid or semisolid preparations that adhere to the skin by means of an adhesive layer. They can provide mechanical support, occlusion, or drug delivery to the skin.
The methods of preparation of semisolids can be divided into two main categories: fusion and levigation. Fusion is a method that involves melting the base material with or without the drug substance, mixing them thoroughly, and then allowing them to cool and solidify. Levigation is a method that involves triturating the drug substance with a small amount of base material to form a smooth paste, and then incorporating it into the bulk of the base material.
The quality control of semisolids involves testing various parameters such as appearance, consistency, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, drug content, microbial limits, etc. These tests ensure that the semisolids meet the required specifications and standards for safety, efficacy, and stability.
Some of the factors that affect the penetration and permeation of semisolids are:
The physicochemical properties of the drug substance (e.g., molecular weight, solubility, partition coefficient, etc.)
The type and composition of the base material (e.g., hydrocarbon, absorption, water-removable, water-soluble, etc.)
The type and amount of additives or enhancers used in the formulation (e.g., surfactants, solvents, penetration enhancers, etc.)
The condition and integrity of the skin or mucous membrane (e.g., hydration, temperature, pH, blood flow, etc.)
The method and duration of application of the semisolid (e.g., rubbing, occlusion, frequency, etc.)
Chapter 9: Aerosols
Aerosols are pressurized dosage forms that consist of a container, a valve assembly, a propellant system, and a drug formulation. Aerosols deliver the drug substance as fine particles or droplets that are dispersed in a gas phase. Aerosols can be classified into different types based on their physical state, propellant system, valve design, etc. Some of the common types of aerosols are:
Solution aerosols: These are aerosols that contain the drug substance dissolved in a liquid propellant or a mixture of propellant and solvent.
Suspension aerosols: These are aerosols that contain the drug substance suspended in a liquid propellant or a mixture of propellant and solvent.
Emulsion aerosols: These are aerosols that contain an emulsion of two immiscible liquids (e.g., oil-in-water or water-in-oil) as the drug formulation.
Foam aerosols: These are aerosols that produce a foam when dispensed from the container due to the presence of a foaming agent in the formulation.
Powder aerosols: These are aerosols that contain the drug substance as a fine powder that is dispersed in a gas propellant.
The methods of preparation of aerosols can be divided into two main categories: cold filling and pressure filling. Cold filling is a method that involves cooling the propellant and the drug formulation to a low temperature, transferring them into the container under pressure, and then sealing the valve assembly. Pressure filling is a method that involves transferring the drug formulation into the container under atmospheric pressure, sealing the valve assembly, and then injecting the propellant into the container through the valve under pressure.
The quality control of aerosols involves testing various parameters such as net content, leakage, valve delivery, spray pattern, particle size distribution, drug content, stability, etc. These tests ensure that the aerosols meet the required specifications and standards for safety, efficacy, and stability.
Some of the factors that affect the performance and stability of aerosols are:
The type and amount of propellant used in the formulation (e.g., chlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, hydrocarbons, compressed gases, etc.)
The type and amount of additives or excipients used in the formulation (e.g., solvents, surfactants, antioxidants, preservatives, etc.)
The type and design of the container and valve assembly (e.g., metal, glass, plastic, continuous, metered-dose, etc.)
The storage conditions and aging of the aerosols (e.g., temperature, light, humidity, etc.)
The method and frequency of use of the aerosols (e.g., shaking, priming, cleaning, etc.)
Chapter 10: Sterile Products
, and handling. Sterile products are essential for preventing infections and ensuring patient safety.
The methods of sterilization of sterile products can be divided into two main categories: physical methods and chemical methods. Physical methods involve the application of heat, radiation, or filtration to destroy or remove microorganisms. Chemical methods involve the use of gaseous or liquid agents to inactivate microorganisms. Some of the common methods of sterilization are:
Steam sterilization: This is the most widely used and reliable method of sterilization that involves exposing the products to saturated steam under pressure (usually 121C for 15 minutes or 134C for 3 minutes). Steam sterilization is suitable for heat-stable and moisture-tolerant products such as aqueous solutions, glassware, metal instruments, etc.
Dry heat sterilization: This is a method of sterilization that involves exposing the products to hot air (usually 160C for 2 hours or 170C for 1 hour). Dry heat sterilization is suitable for heat-stable and moisture-sensitive products such as oils, powders, metal instruments, etc.
Radiation sterilization: This is a method of sterilization that involves exposing the products to ionizing radiation (usually gamma rays or electron beams). Radiation sterilization is suitable for heat-sensitive and moisture-sensitive products such as plastics, biologicals, implants, etc.
Ethylene oxide sterilization: This is a method of sterilization that involves exposing the products to ethylene oxide gas (usually at 40-6