IPP REVENUE HITS

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Preparation of Mucilages

Official mucilages are thick, viscid, adhesive liquids, made by dispersing gum in water, or extracting the mucilagenous principle from vegetable substances with water. All mucilages are prone to decomposition and should never be made in large quantities that can be used immediately unless a preservative is added. They are primarily used to aid in suspending insoluble substances in liquids as their colloidal character and viscosity help them prevent immediate sedimentation. Example: sulfur in lotions, resins in mixtures and oils in emulsions. As substitute for mucilages several synthetic mucilage-like substances such polyvinyl alcohol, methycellulose, carboxymethylcellulose may be used. Methylcellulose is used as a bulk laxative since its absorbs water and swells to a hydrogel in the intestine in much the same manner as psyllium or karaya gum. Synthetic gums are non-glycogenetic and may be used in the preparation of diabetic syrups.


Acacia Mucilage NF


Synonyms: Mucilago Acaciae; Mucilage of Gum Arabic

Formula:
Acacia, in small fragments ..........................350g
Benzoic Acid ................................................2g
Purified Water, qs                                   _________
         To make                                           1000ml

Preparation:
Place the acacia in a wide mouth graduated bottle with a capacity not exceeding 1000ml, wash the drug with cold purified water, drain and add sufficient quantity of purified water in which the benzoic acid has been dissolved to make 1000ml. Stopper and lay the bottle on its side, rotate occasionally, and when acacia has been dissolved strain the mucilage.

It may be also prepared as follows:

Dissolve the benzoic acid in 400ml of purified water with the aid of heat. Add the solution to 350g of acacia in a mortar, triturating until the acacia is dissolved. Add sufficient quantity of purified water to make 1000ml. Strain if necessary.

Uses: Demulcent, suspending agent, excipient in making pills and troches, and as emulsifying agent for cod live oil and other substances.

Caution: Acacia mucilare must be free from mold or any indication of decomposition.



Tragacanth Mucilage NF, BP


Synonym: Mucilago Tragacanthae

Formula:
Tragacanth ....................................6 g
Benzoic Acid ................................0.2g
Glycerin ........................................18g
Purified Water, qs                     ________
        To make                                100g

Preparation:
Mix 75ml of purified water with the glycerin in a tared vessel, heat to boiling, discontinue application of heat, add the tragacanth and the benzoic acid and macerate during 24 hours, stirring occasionally. Add sufficient quantity of purified water to make the mucilage weigh 100g. Stir actively until of uniform consistency and strain through muslin.

Uses: Excipient for pills or troches, suspending agent for insoluble substances for internal mixtures and as protective agent.

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