Gelatin: A Safe Food?

Gelatin (lat.: gelare = to solidify, stiff) is a natural food, it is transparent, odorless and tasteless and is used in many applications. Gelatine consists of 80 to 90 % protein. The remaining components are water and mineral salts. The Egyptians were the first to produce gelatinous substances. At the time of Napoleon, gelatin was … Gelatin: A Safe Food?

Suppositories (Suppositories)

Products Many drugs are available in the form of suppositories. The most commonly administered in the office are acetaminophen suppositories for the treatment of fever and pain in infants and children (photo, click to enlarge). Definition Suppositories are single-dose medicinal preparations with a solid consistency. They usually have an elongated, torpedo-like shape and a smooth … Suppositories (Suppositories)

Vaginal Suppositories

Products Vaginal suppositories are commercially available as drugs and medical devices. Listed below are some active ingredients which are administered vaginally: Estrogens: estriol Progestins: progesterone Antifungals: Econazole, ciclopirox Antiparasitics: Metronidazole, Clindamycin Antiseptics: Povidone–iodine, formerly boric acid. Probiotics: Lactobacilli The egg-shaped vaginal suppositories are also called ovules (singular ovulum). Structure and properties Vaginal suppositories are dosage … Vaginal Suppositories

Gelatin

Products Gelatin is available as a pure substance in grocery stores and in pharmacies or drugstores. It is found in many processed foods, pharmaceuticals, and sweets, among other products. Structure and properties Gelatin is a purified mixture of proteins obtained by either partial acid, alkaline, or enzymatic hydrolysis of collagen. Hydrolysis results in gelling and … Gelatin

Gelatinetannate

Products Gelatin tannate is commercially available in the form of a powder and as capsules (Tasectan). It is approved as a medical device, not a drug, and is therefore less extensively studied. Structure and properties Gelatin tannate is a complex consisting of gelatin and tannic acid. It is stable in the stomach and breaks down … Gelatinetannate

Gels

Products Gels are commercially available as pharmaceuticals, medical devices and cosmetics. Structure and properties Gels consist of gelled liquids. They are prepared with suitable swelling agents (gelling agents). These include, for example, celluloses (e.g., hydroxypropyl cellulose), starches, carbomers, gelatin, xanthan gum, bentonite, agar, tragacanth, carrageenan, and pectin. The pharmacopoeia distinguishes between hydrophilic and lipophilic gels. … Gels

Emulsions

Products Many pharmaceuticals, cosmetics (personal care products), medical devices, and foods (e.g., milk, mayonnaise) are emulsions. Structure and properties Emulsions are liquid or semi-solid preparations for external or internal use. They are dispersed systems (dispersions) in which two or more liquid or semisolid phases are combined by emulsifiers, resulting in a mixture that is heterogeneous … Emulsions

Pectin

Products Pectin is available as a pure substance in specialized stores, such as pharmacies. It is also found in many processed foods, in gelling sugars, and in pharmaceuticals. Structure and properties Pectin is a polysaccharide with a high molecular mass that contains a high proportion of D-galacturonic acids. It is a natural substance found in … Pectin

Emulsifiers

Products Emulsifiers are available as pure substances, for example, in pharmacies and drugstores. They are found in numerous pharmaceuticals, cosmetics (personal care products), medical devices and foods. Structure and properties Emulsifiers are amphiphilic, meaning they have both a hydrophilic and lipophilic structural character. This allows them to mediate between the water and fat phases. Emulsifiers … Emulsifiers

Hemostyptics

Effects Hemostyptic: hemostatic. Indications Bleeding of various causes, e.g., nosebleeds Agents Hemostatic absorbent cotton (mostly calcium alginate). Cellulose Gelatin Hellstone (silver nitrate rod) Vasoconstrictors Herbal hemostyptics: Shepherd’s purse (blood herb). Tannin drugs, e.g. witch hazel Other: Etamsylate

Auxiliary Materials

Definition On the one hand, drugs contain the active ingredients that mediate the pharmacological effects. On the other hand, they consist of excipients, which are used for the production or to support and regulate the drug effect. Placebos, which consist only of excipients and contain no active ingredients, are an exception. Excipients can be of … Auxiliary Materials

Soft Capsules

Products Various drugs and dietary supplements are commercially available in the form of soft capsules. Active ingredients administered with this dosage form include, for example, pain relievers (e.g., diclofenac, ibuprofen, acetaminophen), retinoids such as isotretinoin, thyroid hormones, cytostatics, ginseng, vitamins, and fatty oils such as fish oil, krill oil, linseed oil, and wheat germ oil. … Soft Capsules