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Powders; Types, Advantages, and Disadvantages

Pharmaceutical powders are solid dosage forms of medicament in which one or more drugs are dispensed in the finely divided state with or without excipients. they are generally available in crystalline or amorphous form. It is used internally and externally.

Pharmaceutical Powders

Types of Powders

A) Divided Powder:

It is unit dose powders normally packed properly. The divided powder is of two types:

  1. Simple
  2. Compound

Simple: The powders which contain only one ingredient (single API) and a suitable inert substance are known as simple powders.

Compound: The powder which contains more than one drug substance or API is known as compound powders. they are mixed together and divided into the desired number of individual doses which are dispensed into the individual pack.

B) Bulk Powders:

Bulk powders are supplied in bulk quantity and applied by the patient according to the requirement. The bulk powder is preferably provided in sifter-type containers. Eg. of these types of powder is:

  • Dusting powder
  • Effervescent
  • Dentifrices
  • Insufflations
  • Douche, and Snuffs.

C) Effervescent powders:

When these powders are combined with water, they effervesce due to the release of carbon dioxide. The effervescence also helps to disguise the bitterness of the active substances. The others incorporated substances in effervescent powder are sodium bicarbonate, organic or inorganic acids such as citric acid, tartaric acid, etc.

Advantages:

  • Powders are more stable than liquid dosage forms.
  • It is convenient for physicians to prescribe.
  • Chances of incompatibility are less.
  • When compared to liquid dosage forms, powder has higher physicochemical stability and longer shelf life. Powder for antibiotic syrups, for example, has a shelf life of 2 to 3 years once reconstituted with water, but only 1 to 2 weeks once reconstituted with water.
  • The onset action or bioavailability of powder is rapid as compared to other dosage forms.
  • It is easy to carry as compared to liquid.
  • The powder is easy to handle

Related: Gels in Pharmaceuticals

Disadvantages:

  • These drugs are bitter in taste, nausea, and unpleasant taste and can not be administered in powder form.
  • Powders should not be used to administer drugs that decay quickly when exposed to the air or have an acidic pH. Ferrous iron salts, for example, are easily oxidized and should not be given as powder.
  • Deliquescent and hygroscopic drugs can not be dispensed in powder form they are packed in double wrapping.
  • Drugs which get affected by atmospheric conditions are not suitable for dispense.
  • Quantity less than 100 mg can not be weighed conveniently.
What are the advantage and disadvantages of powders?

Advantage: Powders are more stable, have fast action and long life, and are easy to Apply on external surfaces.
Disadvantage: bitter in test, hygroscopic, and easily decay if the environmental condition is not favorable.

What are the different types of powders?

Bulk powder, Dusting powder, Effervescent, Dentifrices, Insufflations, Douche, and Snuffs

What are powder and its types?

The powder is very fine in form of crystalline and amorphous. They generally are of two types, Divided, and Bulk powders.

What are the advantages of bulk powders?

They are more stable chemically and physically, and less prone to microbial attack. medically they are dispensed in powder form and administrated after mixing with sterile water.

Which is the best powder for the face?

Talcum powder is best for the face as well as for the whole body. for fungal infection, the candid powder is used.

What are the grades of powder?

Coarse Powder
Moderately Coarse Powder
Moderately Fine Powder
Fine Powder

Why is the powder more stable than liquid?

The powder is more stable and longer life as compared to the liquid because the liquid has more tendency to react with other ions in the liquid medium which leads to degradation.

What are the pharmaceutical uses of powders?

Pharmaceutical powders are solid dosage forms of medicament in which one or more drugs are administered in the finely separated state with or without excipients. medically they are dispensed in powder form and administrated after mixing with sterile water.

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