A specific method of preparation is given in the compendia for most solutions.

These procedures fall into three main categories.

1. Simple Solutions
Solutions of this type are prepared by dissolving the solute in most of the
solvent, mixing until dissolved, then adding sufficient solvent to bring the
solution up to the proper volume. The solvent may contain other ingredients
that stabilize or solubilize the active ingredients. Calcium Hydroxide Topical
Solution USP (Lime Water), Sodium Phosphates Oral Solution USP, and
Strong Iodine Solution USP are examples.
Calcium Hydroxide Topical Solution USP contains, in each 100 ml, not
less than 140 mg of Ca(OH)2. The solution is prepared by agitating vigorously
3 g of calcium hydroxide with 1000 ml of cool, purified water. Excess calcium
hydroxide is allowed to settle out and the clear, supernatant liquid dispensed.
An increase in solvent temperature usually implies and increase in solute
solubility. This rule does not apply, however, to the solubility of calcium
hydroxide in water, which decreases with increasing temperature. The official
solution is prepared at 25o.
Solutions containing hydroxides react with the carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere.
OH + CO2
OH- + HCO3-

HCO3
+ H2O

Calcium hydroxide Topical Solution , therefore should be preserved in wellfilled, tight containers, at a temperature not exceeding 25o.
Strong Iodine Solution USP contains, in each 100 ml, 4,5 to 5,5 g of iodine,
and 9,5 to 10,5 g of potassium iodine. It is prepared by dissolving 50 g of
iodine in 100 ml of purified water containing 100 g of potassium iodine.
Sufficient purified water then is added to make 1000 ml of solution. One g of
iodine dissolves in 2950 ml of water. However, solutions of iodides dissolve
large quantities of iodine. Strong Iodine Solutions is, therefore, a solution of
poly iodides in excess iodide.

I- + nI2
Doubly charged anions may be found also.
2I- + nI2
Strong Iodine Solution is used in the treatment of iodide deficiency disorders
such as endemic goiter.
Several antibiotics (eg, cloxacillin sodium, nafcillin sodium and
vancomycin), because they are relatively unstable in aqueous solution, are
prepared by manufacturers as dry powders or granules in combination with
suitable buffer, colors, diluents, dispersants, flavors and / or preservatives.
These preparations, Cloxacillin Sodium for Oral Solution , Nafcillin for oral
solution, and Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Oral Solution meet the
requirements of the USP. Upon dispensing to the patient, the pharmacist adds
the appropriate amount of water. The products are stable for up to 14 days
when refrigerated. This period usually provides sufficient time for the patient
to complete the administrations of all the medication.

2. Solution by Chemical Reaction

These solutions are prepared by reacting two or more solutes which each
other in a suitable solvent. An example is Aluminium Subacetate Topical
Solution USP.
Aluminium sulfate (145 g) is dissolved in 600 ml of cold water. The
solution is filtered and precipitated calcium carbonate (70 g ) is added, in
several portions, with constant stirring. Acetic acid (160 ml) is added slowly
and the mixture set aside for 24 hours. The product is filtered and the magma
on the Buchner filter washed with cold water until the total filtrate measures
1000 ml.
The solution contains pentaquohydroxo and tetraquodihydroxo
aluminium (III) acetates and sulfates dissolved in

a aqueous medium

saturated with calcium sulfate. The solution contains a small amount of acetic
acid. It may be stabilized by the addition of not more than 0,9 % boric acid.

The reactions involved in the preparation of the solution are given below.
The hexaquo aluminium cations first are converted to the nonirritating
[Al(H2O)5(OH)]2+ and [Al(H2O)4(OH)2]+ cations.
[Al(H2O)6]3+ +
[Al(H2O)6]3+ +

[Al(H2O)5(OH)]2+ +
[Al(H2O)5(OH)]2+ + H2O + CO2

As the concentration of the hexaquo cations decreases, secondary reaction

involving carbonate and bicarbonate occur.
[Al(H2O)5(OH)]2+ +
[Al(H2O)5(OH)]2+ + H

[Al(H2O)4(OH)2]+ +
[Al(H2O)4(OH)2]+ + H2CO3

The pH of the solution now favors the precipitation of dissolved calcium ions
as the insoluble sulfate. Acetic acid now is added. The bicarbonate that is
formed in the final in the final stages of the procedure is removed as carbon
dioxide.
Aluminium Subacetate Topical Solution is used in the preparation of
Aluminum Acetate Topical Solution USP (Burows Solution). The latter
solution contains 15 ml of glacial acetic acid, 545 ml of Aluminium
Subacetate Topical Solution and Sufficient water to make 1000 ml. It is
defined as a solution of aluminium acetate in approximately 5 %, by weight,
of acetic acid in water. It may be stabilized by the addition of not more than
0,6 % boric acid.
3. Solution by Extraction
Drugs or pharmaceutical necessities of vegetable or animal origin often are
extracted with water or with water containing other substances. Preparation of
this type may classified as solution but, more often, classified as extracts and
are described at the end of this chapter.