Pharmaceutical Dispensing 1: Potio

1. Definition:

Potio (Latin for “potion”) is a liquid dosage form, prepared according to prescription, taken by spoonful, and has a short shelf life.

Note: Potio is a liquid medication known for its ease of use and convenience for patients, especially children and the elderly. However, due to its composition containing many components prone to degradation and contamination, the shelf life of Potio is short, usually within a day.

2. Properties:

• Form: Liquid

• Taste: Sweet (due to the presence of a small amount of sugar for sweetness)

• Method of administration: Taken by spoonful

• Shelf life: Short (usually within a day)

3. Classification:

• Potio with official name (Potio dd): This type of Potio is prepared with medicinal substances that completely dissolve in water.

• Potio suspension: This type of Potio contains medicinal substances that do not completely dissolve in water, forming a suspension that needs to be shaken well before use.

• Potio emulsion: This type of Potio contains oil, fat, or other fatty substances, requiring the addition of an emulsifier to form a stable emulsion. It needs to be shaken well before use.

4. Composition:

• Active ingredient:

• Pure pharmaceutical active ingredient

• Total extract

• Medicinal extract

• Volatile substances

• Excipient:

• Distilled water

• Aromatic water

• Low-alcohol content

• Auxiliary substance:

• Sweetening agent: Sugar, simple syrup, honey

• Emulsifier, solubilizer: Gum arabic, lecithin, tragacanth

• Preservative: If necessary (such as benzoic acid, sodium benzoate)

• Coloring, flavoring agent: If necessary

5. Preparation Technique:

• Mixing ingredients:

• If there are tinctures, liquid extracts: Thoroughly mix these substances with simple syrup before adding other medicinal substances and other ingredients.

• Soft or solid extracts: Dissolve in hot syrup, glycerin.

• Preparing suspension:

• Insoluble medicinal substances: Add a solubilizer and prepare as a fine suspension, which should be shaken before use.

• Preparing emulsion:

• Vegetable oils, animal fats, mineral oils: Add an emulsifier and prepare as an emulsion that should be shaken before use.

• Dispersing essential oil:

• If there is essential oil: Grind the essential oil with sugar to evenly disperse the oil and then mix with the syrup quantity in the formula.

• Filtering Potio:

• Do not filter Potio that is a suspension or emulsion.

• Preparing decoction or infusion:

• Depending on the amount of water in the prescription, boil water to decoct or infuse the herb.

• Storage:

• Potio is a favorable environment for microorganisms to grow, therefore it should only be used within the day.

• Store in a dry, cool place, protected from direct sunlight.

Note:

• The storage of Potio is crucial to ensure the quality of the medication.

• Potio should be used according to the instructions of a physician or pharmacist.

• Do not prepare Potio at home without professional guidance.

6. Examples of Some Types of Potio:

• Potio suspension:

• Terpin, sodium benzoate, Aconite, Gum julep

• Gum Potio:

• Gum julep: Gum arabic powder, simple syrup, orange blossom water, distilled water.

• Potio (looch) peach kernel oil: Peach kernel oil, gum arabic powder, gum arabic syrup, orange blossom distilled water.

7. Notes when preparing Potio:

• Replace distilled water with 5% gum arabic solution: This is to avoid precipitation of alkaloids in Cinchona extract.

• Thoroughly check the quality of all ingredients before preparation: Ensure the ingredients are not degraded or contaminated.

• Perform the preparation technique carefully: Ensure the Potio meets the required quality and safety for the user.

• Thoroughly inspect the prepared Potio: Ensure the Potio has the correct color, taste, and viscosity according to the formula.

• Clearly note information about Potio: Including the name of the medication, composition, dosage, method of use, shelf life, and precautions for use.

In conclusion: Potio is a liquid dosage form characterized by its ease of use and convenience for patients. However, the shelf life of Potio is very short and requires proper storage to ensure quality and safety for the user.

This information is intended for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, consult with a qualified healthcare professional.