Reference Guides
Suspension Preparation
Introduction
A 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 chemical. Additionally, it is ideal for chemicals 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.
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.
Conclusion
Pharmaceutical suspensions possess some advantages over other dosage forms. Such advantages include being able to create a vehicle for poorly soluble chemicals, being more chemically stable than a solution, and being easier to swallow.