Gargles are aqueous solutions used for treating the pharynx and nasopharynx by forcing air from lungs through the gargle that is held in the throat. Gargles are generally dispensed in concentrated form. They must be diluted with water prior to use.
Gargles are pleasantly flavored and medicated than mouthwashes. Many mouthwashes are used as gargles, either as such or diluted with purified warm water.
Gargles generally contain following substances viz. antibiotics (e.g., benzocaine), antiseptics (e.g., borax), anti-inflammatory (e.g., clove oil), anti-fungal (e.g., phenol, thymol etc.), analgesic (e.g., potassium permanganate), astringents (e.g., benzalkonium chloride, potassium chlorate), alkalinizing agents (e.g., cresote), deodorants (e.g., sodium bicarbonate), local anesthetics (e.g., eugenol).
Container:
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Narrow mouthed, screw capped, colorless fluted bottles.
Example 01: Prepare and dispense Phenol Glycerin Gargles.
Rx
Phenol glycerin 5.0 ml
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Amaranth solution 1.0 ml
Purified water, sufficient to produce 100.0 ml
Method of Dispensing:
Prepare phenol glycerin using phenol and glycerin. Mix phenol glycerin with purified water and add amaranth solution. Add sufficient purified water to produce 100 ml.
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Example 02: Prepare and dispense Potassium Permanganate Gargles.
Rx
Potassium permanganate 25.0 mg
Purified water, sufficient to produce 100.0 ml
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Method of Dispensing:
Grind weighed amount of potassium permanganate with water. Remove undissolved permanganate by filtration and add sufficient amount of purified water to produce 100 ml.