Reference Guides

A pharmaceutical suspension is a liquid dosage form that contains finely divided insoluble materials which are distributed evenly within the suspending medium offering a degree of solubility. This dosage form is normally used when it is needed to provide a liquid dosage form for a poorly soluble drug. Additionally, it is ideal for drugs that become unstable in an aqueous medium over time. There are a number of ways that a suspension can be administered such as orally, injection, and even application to the skin.

In this guide, we will go over how to make a suspension.

Needed equipment

• • Mortar and pestle
• • Rubber spatula
• • Metal spatula
• • Graduated conical
• • Prescription bottle
• • Weigh boats

Step 1:

Place the specified number of tablets in your mortar and triturate until the tablets have become a fine powder.

*Using a firm twisting motion is the most efficient way to start the trituration process.

Step 2:

Place your weigh boat onto the scale then tare the scale to zero.

Step 3:

Place the powder into the weigh boat until you have the specified weight.

*Be sure to dispose of the remaining powder in the appropriate manner.

Step 4:

Measure the required amount of suspending agent (Be sure to shake the suspending agent well before measuring) by pouring it into your graduated conical.

Step 5:

Create a divot in the center of your powder by firmly pressing down with your pestle. Pour a small amount of the suspending agent into the center of the divot. Use the pestle to begin the wetting process. *Rubber spatula can be sued if scraping is necessary.

Step 6:

Continue to pour small amounts of the suspending agent into the mortar. *It is important to add the suspending agent otherwise clumping may occur in the suspension. *Use the rubber spatula to scrap your pestle and the sides of the mortar.

Step 7:

Continue adding the suspending agent until there is a smooth consistency with no lumps. Once the consistency is smooth, you may add the suspending liquid more quickly. *The suspension should have no lumps inside.

Step 8:

Pour your completed suspension into your prescription bottle. *Use the rubber spatula to scrape and remove all of the suspension from the mortar.

Step 9:

Once you have finished placing all of the completed solution into the prescription bottle you may cap the bottle.

Step 10:

Clearly label your bottle with the contents.