Here is your free sample essay on Lotions

Lotions are usually liquid or liquid suspensions or semi-solid preparations containing one or more medicaments, intended to be applied to the uniform skin without rubbing. They are lightly applied on the skin or applied on a suitable dressing and covered with waterproof substance to reduce evaporation. They may be prepared by triturating the ingredients to a smooth paste and then gradually adding the remaining liquid phase.

For large quantity preparation of lotion, high-speed mixers or homogenizers produce better quality of lotions. The particles in colloidal dimension are more soothing to inflamed areas and are more effective in contact with infected surfaces. A wide variety of ingredients are employed in the preparation to produce better dispersions that show good cooling, soothing, drying or protective nature of the lotion. Following substances are used in the preparation of lotions.

1. Bentonite: used as a suspending agent.

2. Methylcellulose or sodium carboxymethylcellulose: used to hold the active ingredient in contact with the affected site.

3. Glycerin: keep the skin moist for considerable period of time.

4. Alcohol: used for accentuated action like drying, cooling etc.

5. Miscellaneous: benzocaine, calamine, resorcin, steroids, sulphur, zinc oxide, etc.

Lotions are generally prescribed for the following purpose – anesthetic, antiseptic, astringent, germicide, protective, antihistaminic, screening agent. Microorganisms may grow in certain lotions if no preservative is included in the preparation. Care should be taken to avoid contamination during the preparation of lotion, even if it contains preservative.

Dilution of Lotions:

Care should be taken in dilution, particularly to prevent microbial contamination. The appropriate diluent should be used and heating should be avoided during mixing. Diluted lotions should be used within four weeks of their preparation.

Labelling

Comply with the general requirements for labeling. In addition the label on the container states – ‘Shake Well before Use’ and ‘For External Use Only’

Example 01: Prepare and dispense Calamine Lotion

Calamine 15.0 g

Zinc oxide 5.0 g

Bentonite 3.0 g

Sodium citrate 0.5 ml

Liquefied phenol 0.5 ml

Glycerin 5.0 ml

Rose water, sufficient to produce 100.0 ml

Method of Dispensing:

Prepare sodium citrate solution in 70 ml rose water. Triturate calamine, zinc oxide, and bentonite with citrate solution and add other additives and make sufficient volume with rose water.

Example 02: Prepare and dispense Boric Acid Lotion

Rx

Chlorinated lime 1.25 g

Boric acid 1.25 g

Purified water, sufficient to produce 100.0 ml

Method of Dispesnsing:

Mix chlorinated lime and boric acid and dissolve in purified water to produce 100 ml.

Example 03: Prepare and dispense gentian violet lotion

Rx

Gentian violet 1.0 g

Ethanol (95%) 10.0 ml

Purified water, sufficient to produce 100.0 ml

Method of Dispensing:

Dissolve gentian violet in ethanol (95%) and add sufficient purified water to produce 100 ml.

Example 04 : Prepare and dispense oily calamine lotion

Calamine 5.0 g

Oleic acid 0.5 ml

Wool fat 1.0 g

Arachis oil 50.0 ml

Calcium hydroxide solution qs 100.0 ml

Method of Dispensing:

Melt oleic acid, wool fat and arachis oil in a container, triturate the calamine with the mixture and transfer to a suitable container. Add calcium hydroxide solution sufficient to produce 100 ml and shake vigorously.

Containers:

Narrow mouthed, fluted bottle or container distinguished from types used for orally-administered preparations.