Eczema treatment with calcium hydroxide solution.Dear Colleagues; this week we will examine together a formula prescribed for the treatment of eczema in Spain.Rp.
Calcium hydroxide solution
Vaseline / aa 33 g
Lanolin
Zinc oxide / aa 17 g
Copper sulfate 0.2 g
Zinc sulfate 0.1 g
Substances included in the formula:
Calcium hydroxide solution- Agua de cal;
It contains 0.15-0.17 percent calcium hydroxide (Ca (OH2) ). The solution, is odorless and colorless, with a slightly alkaline taste. It is a saturated aqueous solution of calcium hydroxide and becomes turbid when heated, i.e., upon water loss. It absorbs carbon dioxide from the air, forming a calcium carbonate layer on the surface; therefore, it should be stored in a well-closed bottle with a cork stopper and filtered before use. It is incompatible with acids and their salts, and generally with salts of heavy metals. It is used internally as an antacid for heartburn and stomach ulcers. It is used externally as an astringent and disinfectant.White petrolatum- White vaseline- Officinal vaseline- Paraffin, soft, white [BP; P.Cx.79]- Petrolatum, white [NF; USP]- Vaselin, weisses [PH; Ph.Eur.];Vaseline is used for the treatment of skin irritation and for skin care. Specially processed preparations containing vaseline are also used for wound care and wound dressing. Vaseline is an oily substance that exerts a soothing effect by softening the skin, smooths its surface, and is effective against disorders causing dryness or flaking. It has a moisturizing effect on the skin, thereby helping to revitalize it. Vaseline (white soft paraffin) is obtained by bleaching yellow soft paraffin. According to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), a suitable stabilizer may be added to its composition.
Vaseline is incorporated into topical pharmaceutical preparations as an ointment base with emollient properties. It is not easily absorbed through the skin. It is also used in creams, transdermal preparations, and cosmetic products. Hypersensitivity reactions associated with its topical use have been reported. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon impurities it carries may cause allergic reactions. The amount of these impurities depends on the source of the petrolatum and the degree of purification. Hypersensitivity reactions caused by white petrolatum are less frequent compared to yellow petrolatum. For this reason, white petrolatum is preferred in cosmetic products and pharmaceutical preparations.
Yellow petrolatum is obtained from petroleum. It is a purified mixture of semisolid saturated hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH2n+2. Yellow petrolatum is a pale yellow or yellow, translucent, soft-consistency mass. It is odorless and tasteless. It is practically insoluble in acetone, alcohol, glycerin, and water; it is soluble in benzene, carbon disulfide, chloroform, ether, hexane, and many fixed and volatile oils. The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) permits the addition of a suitable stabilizer to its composition. It should be stored in well-closed containers in a cool and dry place. It must be protected from light. Vaseline is a fairly stable substance. However, minute amounts of impurities it contains may lead to stability issues. These impurities can oxidize under the influence of light, leading to discoloration, which may result in undesirable odors. Such oxidation can be prevented by the addition of an antioxidant such as butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, or alpha-tocopherol. It should not be heated for extended periods above the temperature required to render it completely fluid (approximately 70°C).Lanoline- Graisse de laine- Adeps lanae- Refined wool fat- Lanae cera- Lanoleine T.K.;Lanolin is an ointment base. It is widely used in topical pharmaceutical formulations and cosmetic products. It is used in the preparation of water-in-oil creams and ointments. When mixed with suitable vegetable oils or petrolatum, emollient creams that penetrate the skin are obtained. It mixes with water without phase separation and yields stable emulsions. Due to this property, it facilitates drug absorption. Lanolin mixes with approximately twice its weight of water without phase separation, forming stable emulsions. It is obtained from sheep’s wool. It is pale yellow in color and has an ointment consistency. It is soluble in ether, petroleum ether, chloroform, and boiling absolute alcohol. It is an emulsifier. It forms water-in-oil emulsions. In its anhydrous state, its consistency is quite firm. With the addition of water, a pasty texture is formed. It is easily absorbed by the skin and is odorless. It is used as a base. According to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), its melting range is between 38-44°C. The USP permits it to contain up to 200 ppm of a suitable antioxidant. 10 g of lanolin must retain at least 20 ml of water. It is practically insoluble in water; sparingly soluble in cold alcohol, freely soluble in boiling alcohol. It readily dissolves in benzene, chloroform, ether, and petroleum ether. It may undergo slow autoxidation during storage. To prevent this, the addition of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) to its content is permitted. Prolonged heating may cause it to darken in color and develop an unpleasant odor. The base recognized under the name lanolinum by the Turkish Pharmacopoeia (T.K.) contains 13 parts Lanolin, 3 parts Liquid Paraffin, and 4 parts Water.Zinc oxide- Zinci oxide- Oxyde de zinc;It is an active ingredient with astringent properties known for its mild antiseptic properties. It is used in eczema, burns, diaper rash, and friction-related skin damage. Zinc oxide ointment contains 20% zinc oxide, and zinc oxide paste contains 25% zinc oxide. Zinc oxide is not absorbed through the skin, and because it is insoluble in water, it is applied in the form of powder, ointment, or paste.Copper sulfate – Copper Sulphate – Cuivre sulfate – Bluestone;It is a blue crystalline substance. Soluble in 3 parts water and 3.5 parts glycerin. Insoluble in alcohol. Copper sulfate and other soluble copper salts exert an astringent effect on mucous membranes; concentrated solutions have a corrosive effect. The main copper salts used in therapy are: Copper chloride, copper sulfate, and copper gluconate.Zinc sulfate – Sulfate de zinc T.K. – Zinksulfat;Colorless, prismatic crystals. Soluble in 0.66 parts water, 0.15 parts boiling water, and 23 parts glycerin. Insoluble in alcohol. Topically applied zinc shows astringent, weak antiseptic, and disinfectant effects. This effect is due to zinc ions precipitating proteins. It is bactericidal and fungicidal. A 0.1%-1% solution is used as an eye antiseptic, and a 4-5% solution is used as a skin antiseptic. It has a mild vasodilatory effect. It does not exhibit decongestant activity.Preparation of the formula:Calcium hydroxide solution is added to the lanolin melted at a low temperature in a beaker over a water bath, and brought into a homogeneous mixture using a glass stirring rod. On the other hand, petrolatum, which is also melted over a water bath, is initially added drop by drop onto zinc oxide and copper sulfate powdered by mixing in a mortar and levigated. Afterwards, all of the zinc oxide and petrolatum are added, continuing to mix in the mortar. The calcium hydroxide mixed with lanolin is added onto the mass in the mortar to obtain a homogeneous mixture.
References;
1- La Formulacion Magistral en la Oficina de Farmacia valencia, 3. Parte Valencia, 1990
2- RxMediaPharma®2018 Interactive Drug Information Source
Spec. Pharm. Ahmet Nezihi Pekcan
Pekcan Pharmacy – Konya
[email protected]
Tel: (332) 3520657http://www.majistralformul.com/
