According to pharmaceutical technology, powders are dry, solid, small particles composed of finely divided drugs or pharmaceutical ingredients. That may be used internally or externally.
Example: Clotrimazole dusting powder (Candid Powder), Povidone iodine powder (Betadine powder), etc.
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In pharmaceuticals, eutectic mixtures are important when two solid substances, when mixed, form a liquid or semi-liquid due to a lowering of the melting point.
Example: Camphor and Menthol are solids but can liquefy when mixed together.
They fizz or bubble due to a chemical reaction, making them easier to ingest and sometimes more palatable.
Typical ingredients:
Acid: Citric acid or tartaric acid
Base: Sodium bicarbonate
Applications: Normally used in antacids, pain relievers, and vitamin supplements.
Example: Aspirin effervescent tablet (Dispirin), Acetylcysteine effervescent tablet (Mucinac), Sodium bicarbonate & citric acid powder (ENO, Gas O Fast), etc.
Eutectic Powder:
Eutectic powders are a mixture of two or more substances that melt at a lower temperature than any of the individual components.In pharmaceuticals, eutectic mixtures are important when two solid substances, when mixed, form a liquid or semi-liquid due to a lowering of the melting point.
Example: Camphor and Menthol are solids but can liquefy when mixed together.
Effervescent Powders:
Effervescent powders are dry, granular or powdered mixtures that release carbon dioxide gas when they come into contact with water.They fizz or bubble due to a chemical reaction, making them easier to ingest and sometimes more palatable.
Typical ingredients:
Acid: Citric acid or tartaric acid
Base: Sodium bicarbonate
Applications: Normally used in antacids, pain relievers, and vitamin supplements.
Example: Aspirin effervescent tablet (Dispirin), Acetylcysteine effervescent tablet (Mucinac), Sodium bicarbonate & citric acid powder (ENO, Gas O Fast), etc.
Related Article: Effervescent Granules- Advantages, Preparation, Applications
Classification of Powders:
- Based on Particle Size
- Classification Based on Usage
- Classification Based on Preparation or Form
Based on Particle Size
| Powder Type | Particle Size Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Very Coarse | > 1000 µm | Large, gritty particles, clearly visible |
| Coarse | 355–1000 µm | Large particles, visible but smaller than very coarse |
| Moderately Coarse | 180–355 µm | Intermediate size (slightly gritty) |
| Fine | 125–180 µm | Smooth texture (barely visible particles) |
| Very Fine | 90–125 µm | Silky smooth texture (not visible to the naked eye) |
| Micronized or Ultrafine | 1–90 µm | Extremely small particles (require special milling) |
Classification Based on Usage
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Internal Powders | Taken orally (Example: ORS powder) |
| External Powders | Applied to skin (Example: Dusting powder) |
| Powders for Inhalation | Administered via inhalers (Example: Asthalin Rotacaps) |
| Powders for Injection | For intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) administration |
| Insufflation Powders | Blown into body cavities (ear, nose) |
| Dentifrices | Powder used to clean teeth (Example: Tooth powders) |
Classification Based on Preparation or Form
| Types | Description |
|---|---|
| Simple Powders | Single pharmaceutical ingredient |
| Compound Powders | Multiple active pharmaceutical ingredients |
| Bulk Powders | Dispensed in bulk |
| Divided Powders | Pre-divided into individual doses |
| Effervescent Powders | Release CO₂ in water due to acid-base reaction |
| Eutectic Powders | Liquefy when mixed due to melting point depression |
| Dusting Powders | Applied externally for skin treatment |
| Trituration Powders | Finely ground for better mixing |
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