Geometric dilution is a pharmaceutical process that thoroughly mixes a small amount of a

drug with an appropriate amount of a diluent, an inert substance that thins or binds the drug. It
ensures equal distribution of the drug throughout the resulting compound, according to the UNC
Eshelman School of Pharmacy.

Synonymys
Divided Powders or charts are single doses of powdered medicinal. Wrapped in
cellophane, metallic foil or paper. It is more accurate dosage form than bulk powders
because the patient is not involved in the measurement of the dose.
Cellophane and foil-enclosed powders are bette protected from the external
environment until the time of administration than paper-enclosed powders.
1. Bulk Powders for internal use
2. Bulk Powders for external use
3. Divided (single dose) powders
1. It is not possible to dispense a drug as a solution or suspension, because of its
insolubility or it is susceptible to microbial continuation if it is wetted.

3. When insolubilities of tablets and capsules were not known administration of potent
substances as good option.
2. A Bulky drug that has a large dose is to be administered, a powder is a good way of
administering it.
4. Powders are good option to small children and old people.

5. Powders dissolve fast in the Gastro Intestinal tract and the drugs are absorbed faster
from these organs.

6. When the patient has to mix the ingredients before administration, dispensing in
separate divided powders is a convenient way.
7. Powders are very ideal.
Disadvantages of Powders
1. They are time consuming to prepare and pack.
2. They are bulky to carry.
3. Powders may spill whey they are being opened
4. When a tablet and capsule is not suitable, a well formulated suspension may be a
suitable alternative.
5. When a medicament with an unpleasant taste has to be administered, it may be
given as a suspension or in a hard capsule form.
6. Powders are not ideal way of dispensing substance that are volatile, deliquescent,
hygroscopic or oxygen-sensitive.
3 Methods in Preparing Powders
* Pulverization by Intervention
* Trituration
*Levigation
Trituration a method by which we make course powders into small particles through
rubbing them in a mortar with a pestle.
Objectives
1. Appreciate the skill in compounding exact amounts of active ingredients and
diluents
2. Develop the ability to precisely measure chemicals involved in medication

Pulverization by Intervention

- When it is difficult to powder a material in a mortar because

it is soft or gummy, we add a second material which helps in the
powdering and which is latter removed. So when material A resists grinding, we add
we can then grind them or pulverize them easily. Then material B is removed.
The substance is powdered by adding a suitable non solvent
(levigations agent) to it, to form a paste. We then rub the paste in a
mortar and pestle. Liquid Paraffin is a commonly used levigations
agent. This method is used to incorporate solids into dematologic or
ophthalmic ointments and suspensions to prevent a gritty feel.
Levigation

1. Drug Content Uniformity

2. Fine Size
3. Free Flowing
4. Good Taste
5. Amount

Principles in Preparing Powders

Procedure

Geometric dilution
In this method we first take into the mortar, that drug which is minimum in weight
(say drug A, 500mg) we powder it with the pestle, then we add to the mortar, the drug
which is next higher in weight (say drug B, 1g); we add into the mortar that much of
the second material which is approximately equal to the material in the mortar
(500mg). We mix them and then we add the remaining quantity of B and mix them.
Them we add the remaining drugs in order of increasing weights (say drug C, 2g; drug
D 3g etc.). Each time we add an amount that is equal to the amount in the mortar.
When we take the materials into the mortar in this way and mix them, we get very
good mixing.
After the material of the powder is prepared it is divided into individual doses. In
weighing certain points are to be kept in mind. Today nobody is working in the
imperial system; but if you are working in the imperial system 1 grain is the minimum
that can be weighed and 2 grains are the minimum that can be dispensed. In the metric
system, by convention 100mg is the minimum that can be weighed and 200mg is the
minimum that can be dispensed. If the final weight of a divided powder in coming out
to be, say 750mg, we take it to the nearest 100, that is 800mg, by adding an
inert diluent such as lactose to it. The final weight of a divided powder or bulk powder
is not allowed to be in a fraction or a part of] 100mg.
Weighing

The packing of powders in done in a very systematic and specific manner. Packs
which
are known as pharmacists packs are prepared by folding a neatly cut rectangular paper
two times, each time keeping an edge. Then the final
pack has a central portion and two flaps. After placing the powder in the center of the
pack, the flaps are closed such that one flap goes into the other.
Packaging

An envelope is taken and is neatly labeled. Below a sample

label is given.
Dispensing

Synonyms:
Pulvis Rhei cum Magnesia

Gregory's Powder
Formulas
Heavy Magnesium Carbonate 335g
Uses
: is also used in flooring, fireproofing, fire extinguishing compositions, cosmetics,
dusting powder, and toothpaste.
Storage:

it is store in a tightly closed container. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away
from incompatible substances.
ROI:

Characteristics:
is a white colored powder. Magnesium carbonate is insoluble in water, but readily
dissolves in many acids to form magnesium salts.
Light Magnesium Carbonate 335g
Uses:

It is used as a base to treat dyspepsia, rheumatism and gout as well as in the

production of magnesium derivatives and high purity magnesium compounds as an
acid acceptor.
Storage
:
Store in a tightly closed container. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from
incompatible substances.
ROI:
Characteristics:
is a white colored powder. Magnesium carbonate is insoluble in water, but readily
dissolves in many acids to form magnesium salts.

Rhubarb, in powder250g
Uses:
Rhubarb is used primarily for digestive complaints including constipation, diarrhea,
heartburn, stomach pain, and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding
Storage:
Pack dried rhubarb into airtight storage containers and store in a cool, dark place

ROI:

Characteristics:
(Rheum rhabarbarum) is a species of plant in the family Polygonaceae. They are
herbaceous perennials growing from short, thick rhizomes.

Uses
: is commonly used to treat various types of stomach problems,including motion
sickness, morning sickness, colic, upset stomach, gas, diarrhea.
Storage
: Dried ginger should be kept in a cool, dark space in an airtight container

ROI:
Characteristics:

Ginger,in Powder 100g

Mix thoroughly all the powders and divide into 24 papers with the proper labels.
Weigh each.

Preparation:
Gregory's powder
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