Dear colleagues, this week we will examine together a formula used in varicose veins by applying it onto bandages while hot and fluid, acting in a way like compression stockings. Before moving on to the formula, let us briefly touch upon varicose vein disease, which is briefly defined as dilated veins.
The dilation of veins just beneath the skin in the legs is called varicose veins.
The veins in our legs are vessels that carry deoxygenated blood against gravity to the lungs and heart to be purified. Inside these vessels, there are valves that facilitate upward flow and prevent blood from pooling downwards. With the contraction of the leg muscles and the help of these valves, blood moves unidirectionally upwards. However, when the valves are damaged, the downward pressure of blood due to gravity causes varicose veins to form in the superficial veins.
Standing motionless for long periods, genetic predisposition, and excess weight in female patients are considered risk factors for varicose vein disease. Varicose veins, reported to have a prevalence of 20% to 40% in the population, are a significant public health problem affecting the quality of life. Due to varicose vein disease, there is gradually increasing leg pain throughout the day, early leg fatigue, and a sensation of heaviness. Patients may feel the desire to sit down and elevate their legs in the afternoon to relieve symptoms. These complaints can also occur without visible varicose veins. If left untreated, it may progress and lead to blood clot formation. In patients with more severe stages of varicose veins, skin discoloration and ulcers may develop. Ulcers related to varicose vein disease are observed in 1% of adults over the age of 60. It must certainly be taken seriously and its treatment should not be neglected.
To return to our formula;
Zinc Gelatin U.S.P.- D.A.B.
Unna’s Paste, Colle de Zinc
Zinc oxide 100 g
Gelatin 150 g
Glycerin 400 g
Water 350 ml
Substances in the formula;
Zinc oxide- Zinci oxidum- 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 lesions. Zinc oxide ointment contains 20% zinc oxide, while zinc oxide paste contains 25%. 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.
Gelatina alba- Gelatin- Gelatinum;
It is an excipient used in pharmaceutical technology capable of absorbing several times its weight in water. When brought into contact with cold water, it swells by absorbing 5–10 times its volume of water and forms a solid gel. It is practically insoluble in acetone, chloroform, ethanol, ether, and methanol.
Glycerol- Glycerine- Glycerol- 85%;
申Glycerin is a clear, colorless or very pale, hygroscopic, syrupy liquid, odorless or with a very faint odor, and with a sweet taste. It is miscible with water and alcohol; slightly soluble in acetone; practically insoluble in chloroform, ether, fixed oils, and essential oils. Its aqueous solutions give a neutral reaction to litmus. According to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), the pH of Glycerin Oral Solution, USP is between 5.5 and 7.5. Strong oxidizing agents form explosive mixtures when combined with glycerin.
While examining this paste formulation, let us recall some general information about PASTES;
They are thick-consistency ointments containing 50–70% solid medicinal substances. The powder substances inside impart mild drying properties to these medications. The active ingredient in such a mass is absorbed more slowly through the skin. For this reason, astringent and antiseptic drugs are very frequently used in this form. The bases of pastes are generally fatty or hydrocarbon bases, but can also be soluble mucilaginous substances such as Pectin, Tragacanth, Gelatin, and Starch. As with ointments, fatty pastes cannot be applied to hairy areas of the skin. They form a gel in water, are more easily applied to moist skin, and can be washed off easily.
Preparation of pastes; It is just like the preparation of ointments. However, since a large quantity of powder is present, the powders must first be thoroughly levigated with a small portion of the melted base or with small amounts of excipients such as glycerin or liquid oil. Pastes prepared in large quantities must definitely be passed through ointment mills.
Preparation of the formula;
Zinc oxide is sieved through a No. 180 sieve and triturated with glycerin. Then this mixture is heated in a water bath. Gelatin is left to swell in water for 15 minutes. At the end of this period, the gelatin swollen in water is added to the zinc oxide-glycerin mixture and heated until dissolved. Any portion lost by evaporation during heating is made up to the specified weight with distilled water and stirred. Before use, the paste is melted in a water bath.
Note: I previously shared this formula with you in my article dated 20.01.2014 under the name ‘gelatina zinci’ as written in the German Pharmacopoeia (D.A.B.) for the treatment of varicose veins. While reviewing the same formula with you in this form, we see that it is also known as Unna’s paste.
Have a great week…
Source: Ankara University Faculty of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Technology Book Volume I
Prof. Dr. Enver İzgü
Spec. Pharm. Ahmet Nezihi Pekcan
Pekcan Pharmacy – Konya
[email protected]
Tel: (332) 3520657
http://www.majistralformul.com/
