Object – To prepare and dispense 30ml Castor oil emulsion.
Reference – Mehta R.M., ‘Pharmaceutics-II’, Published by Vallabh Prakashan, 4th Edition, Page No. 161-162.
Requirements –
- Chemicals – Castor oil, Gum acacia
- Glassware – 1 Beaker, 1 Measuring cylinder, 1 Mortar pestle
Theory –
An emulsion is a biphasic liquid preparation containing two immiscible liquids, one of which is dispersed as minute globule into the other. The liquid which is converted into minute globule is called the dispersed phase and the liquid in which the globules are dispersed is called continuous phase.
It is prepared by wet gum method in which primary emulsion is prepared in the ratio of 4:2:1 (Oil : Water : Gum). Castor oil acts as purgative & laxative, gum acacia as emulsifying agent which forms the protective barrier and reduces interfacial tension. Water is dispersion medium.
Formula Table:
| S. No. | Ingredients | Quantity Given |
| 1. | Castor oil | 8 ml |
| 5. | Purified water | Upto 120 ml |
For Primary Emulsion
| S. No. | Ingredients | Quantity Given | Quantity Taken |
| 1. | Castor oil | 32 ml | 8 ml |
| 2. | Gum acacia | 8 gm | 2 gm |
| 5. | Purified water | 16 ml | 4 ml |
Calculation:
The quantity of ingredients given for 120ml but for 30ml we have to take half of the given quantity.
For fixed oil (Castor oil) the ratio of Oil : Water : Gum given is 4 : 2 : 1.
Castor oil used for 60ml castor oil emulsion – = 8 ml
Gum acacia used for 20ml castor oil emulsion – = 2 gm
Purified water used for 20ml strong Iodine solution – = 4 ml
Approx volume of primary emulsion = 14 ml
Total volume of emulsion = 30ml
Volume of water added to dilute the primary emulsion = 30 – 14 = 16 ml
Procedure
- Powder the gum acacia tears in a mortar.
- Add water and triturate to form a mucilage.
- Add the required quantity of castor oil in small portion with rapid trituration until a clicking sound is produced and the product became white or nearly white.
- Add more water in small portions to the primary emulsion with trituration to produce the required volume.
- Transfer the emulsion to a bottle, label and dispense.
Category: Laxative
Storage: Store in a cool and dry place away from light.
Use: For internal use only.
Result: 30ml castor oil emulsion had been prepared and dispensed.
