Examples of Suspension Preparations
Example 1 – Kaolin and Morphine Mixture BP
Master Formula Scaled Formula – 150ml
Light Kaolin 2g 30g
Sodium Bicarbonate 500mg 7.5g
Chloroform and morphine tincture 0.4ml 6ml
Water to 10ml to 150ml
Actions and Uses: As an adjunct to fluid replacement in treatment of acute diarrhea
Formulation Notes: Light Kaolin is a diffusible solid, therefore no suspending agent is required
Method of Preparation: Weigh the light kaolin and place in the mortar. Dissolve the sodium bicarbonate
in about 100ml of water. Gradually add this to the light kaolin in the mortar with missing to disperse the
solid. Add the chloroform and morphine tincture. Was the mixture into a tared, amber medicine bottle,
and make up to the volume with water. Seal with a child-resistant closure. Polish and label the bottle
and give a 5ml medicine spoon with the medicine.
Shelf-life and storage: Store in a cool, dry place. It is recently prepared (unless the kaolin has been
sterilized), therefore a shelf life of 2-3 weeks is applicable.
Advice and labeling: ‘Shake well before use’. The usual dose is 10ml every 4 hours in water. The
importance of rehydration therapy should be stressed to the patient.
Example 2 – Chalk Mixture, Paediatric BP. Mitte 100ml
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Master Formula Scaled Formula – 100ml
Chalk 100mg 2g
Tragacanth 10mg 200mg
Syrup 0.5ml 10ml
Concentrated cinnamon water 0.02ml 0.4ml
Double strength chloroform water 2.5ml 50ml
Water to 5ml to 100ml
Actions and Uses: As an antidiarrhoeal mixture for children, in addition to fluid replacement
Formulation notes: Chalk is practically insoluble in water and is an undiffusable solid which requires a
suspending agent. Tragacanth powder is used in this formulation. The concentrated cinnamon water is a
flavoring agent and the syrup increase the viscosity as well as acting as a sweetener. Chloroform water is
the preservative.
Method of preparation: The chalk and tracaganth should be weighed and lightly mixed in a morter and
pestle. Add the syrup and mix to make a paste. The double strength chloroform water should be
gradually added, with mixing, followed by the concentrated cinnamon water. The mixture should be
rinsed into a previously tared 100ml amber medicine bottle and made up to the volume with water.
Shake the suspension well and seal with a child resistant closure. Polish and label the bottle and give a
5ml medicine spoon with the medicine
Shelf life and storage: store in a cool, dry place. It is freshly prepared, therefore a shelf life of 1 week is
applicable.
Advice and labeling: ‘Shake well before use’. Advice on the importance of fluid replacement using oral
rehydration sachets should be given if necessary.
Example 3 – Sipronolactone suspension 15mg/5ml. Sig.5ml. t.d.s. Mitte 100ml. For a 4-year-old child.
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Master Formula Scaled Formula – 100ml
Sipronolactone q.s. (sufficient quantity) 300mg
Compound orange spirit 0.2% 0.2ml
Cologel 20% 20ml
Water to 100% to 100ml
Actions and Uses: A potassium-sparing diuretic usedin oedema of heart failure and nephrotic syndrome
Formulation Notes: Spironolactone is practically insoluble in water. Cologel (methylcellulose) acts as the
suspending agent. Compound orange spirit is a flavoring agent.
Method of preparation: Tablets may be used and sufficiently crushed in a mortar and pestle to give
300mg spironolactone (e.g. 6X50mg tablets). Alternatively, weigh the powder and transfer to a mortar
and pestle. Add to cologel and mix to a past. Gradually add some of the water. Add the compound
orange spirit. Rinse the suspension into a tared, amber medicine bottle and make up to volume with
water. Polish and label the bottle and give a 5ml medicine spoon with the medicine.
Shelf life and storage: It is recently prepared with a shelf life of 4 weeks when stored in a refrigerator.
Sipronolactone should be protected from light.
Advice and labeling: ‘Shake well before use’ and ‘give one 5ml spoonful three times a day’. Reinforce
the storage conditions.
