Question | Answer |
What is extemporaneous compounding? | the on-demand preparation of a drug |
What are class A balances? | balance scales that can weigh as little as 120 mg of material with a 5% error |
What is the sensitivity of a balance? | the amount of weight that will move the balance pointer one division mark |
What are electronic or analytical balances? | highly sensitive balances that can weigh quantities smaller than 120 mg |
What are weighing papers or boats? | items that should always be placed on the balance pans before any weighing is done |
What are mortars and pestles used for? | they are used to grind powders |
What are the types of volumetric glassware? | graduates, flasks, pipets, and syringes |
What is the rule for measuring small volumes? | always use the smallest device that will hold the desired volume of liquid |
What is a graduated cylinder? | a cylinder with horizontal lines that represent the units of measure |
What are disposable syringes used for? | to measure small volumes accurately and precisely |
What is a meniscus? | the curved surface of a volume of a liquid; read the bottom of the curve |
When are medicine droppers used? | to deliver small liquid doses, but they must be calibrated first |
What is trituration? | the process of grinding powders to reduce particle size |
What is levigation? | grinding a powdered drug with a solvent in which the drug is insoluble |
What is geometric dilution? | a technique for mixing two powders of unequal size |
What is a solvent? | a liquid that dissolves another substance |
What are nonaqeous solutions? | solutions that contain solvents other than water |
What is a thickening agent? | an ingredient used in a suspension to increase the viscosity |
What are suspensions? | formulations in which the drug isn't completely dissolved |
What are flocculating agents? | electrolytes used in the preparation of suspensions |
What are ointments and creams? | ointments are simple mixtures of a drug(s) in an ointment base and a cream is a semi-solid emulsion |
What is an emulsion? | an unstable solution of unmixable liquids |
What is an oil in water (o/w) emulsion? | an emulsion of oils, petroleum hydrocarbons, or waxes with water |
What is a water in oil (w/o) emulsion? | an emulsion of a liquid in an oil based medium |
What are emulsifiers? | stabilizing agents in emulsions |
What are the three classes of suppository bases? | oleaginous bases, water soluble or miscible bases, and hydrophilic bases |
What are polyethylene glycols (PEGs)? | water soluble bases that are chemically stable, nonirritating, and miscible with water |
What is fusion molding? | a method in which the drug is dispersed or dissolved in a melted suppository base |
What is compression molding? | a method of making suppositories made by compressing the ingredients into a mold |
What is a syrup? | a concentrated solution of sucrose in water |
What is USP/NF Chapter <795>? | regulations pertaining to nonsterile compounding or formulations |
What is USP/NF Chapter <797>? | regulations pertaining to sterile compounding or formulations |
What does it mean to calibrate? | to set, mark, or check graduations of a measuring device |
What is an arrest knob? | the knob on a balance that prevents movement of the balance |
What is sonication? | exposure to high frequency sound waves |
What is spatulation? | the mixing of powders with a spatula |
What is a formulation record? | the record of formulas and procedures for the formulation of a compound |
What is an aliquot? | a portion of a mixture |
What is USP/NF grade? | the lowest grade of purity for an ingredient in a compound |
What is a primary standard? | the highest grade of purity for an ingredient |
What is a hydrophilic emulsifier? | a stabilizing agent for water-based emulsions |
What is a lipophilic emulsifier? | a stabilizing agent for oil based emulsions |
What is a mucilage? | a wet, slimy liquid formed as an initial step in a wet gum method |
What is the "punch" method? | a method for filling capsules by "punching" the capsule into a drug powder |
Why is compounding important? | sometimes a unique dosage form is not available commercially |
What is extemporaneous compounding? | when a medication is prepared for a specific patient |
What is bulk compounding? | a medication is prepared in anticipation of a prescription |
What is a master formula? | a set of specific instructions for making a product |
What information should be included on a master formula? | 1. product name 2. dosage form 3. raw materials needed 4. measures of each material 5. quantity of total yield 6. equipment needed 7. shelf-life and expiration date 8. packing/storage requirements 9. labels |
What should be on the production logs that are required for bulk compounded products? | 1. date of compounding 2. lot/batch number 3. manufacturer's lot # and name of each raw material used 4. weights and measures 5. verification signature 6. sample labeling 7. expiration date |
What should be on the label of the compounded product? | 1. product name and strength 2. dosage form 3. lot/batch number 4. storage conditions 5. expiration date 6. auxiliary labels and special instructions |
What is stability? | the integrity of a dosage form and its ability to withstand contamination |
What are some common solvents? | water, ethanol, glycerin, propylene glycol, and various syrups |