Special Washes

1. Eye washes (Collyrium) as anesthetic, anti

infective, diagnostic, myotic and anti
inflammatory
2. Mouthwash (Collutorium) antibacterial
3. Nasal wash ( Collunarium) antibacterial and
Antiseptic

Dobells solution or compound Sodium Borate NF

contains Sodium borate. Liquified Phenol and
Glycerin and sodium Bicarbonate
use: antiseptic
2. Compound Sodium Chloride Mouthwash Zinc
sulfate and ZnCl2

Mouthwashes generally contain four groups of excipients

AIcohols: (10-20% in MW) may function as a preservative.

aids in masking the unpleasant taste of active ingredients,

functions as a solubilizing agent for some flavoring agents

Humectants: such as glycerin and sorbitol (5-20% in MW)

increase the viscosity of the preparation

enhance the sweetness of the product
improve the preservative qualities of the product.

Surfactants: Non ionic and anionic surfactants aid in the solubilization of flavors and in
the removal of debris by providing foaming action. Cationic surfactants such as
cetylpyridinium chloride are used for their antimicrobial properties, but these tend to
impart a bitter taste.

Flavours: are used in conjunction with alcohol and humectants to overcome

disagreeable tastes. The principle flavoring agents are peppermint, cinnamon, menthol
or methyl salicylate.
CoIouring agents: also are used in these products.

Mouthwashes generally contain four groups of excipients:

1) Alcohols
Alcohol is often present in the range of 10 to 20%. It enhances the flavor,
provides a certain sharpness to the taste, aids in masking the unpleasant taste of
active ingredients, functions as a solubilizing agent for some flavoring agents, and
may function as a preservative. Humectants such as glycerin and sorbitol may form
5 to 20% of the mouthwash.
2) Surfactants
Surfactants of the nonionic class may be used in a concentration range of 0.1 to
0.5%. An anionic surfactant occasionally used is sodium lauryl sulfate. Surfactants
are used because they aid in the solubilization of flavors and in the removal of
Chapter 1 Pharmaceutical solutions
debris by providing foaming action. Cationic surfactants such as cetylpyridinium
chloride are used for their antimicrobial properties, but these tend to impart a bitter
taste.
3) Flavors
Flavors are used in conjunction with alcohol and humectants to overcome
disagreeable tastes, at the same time flavors must be safe to use. The principle
flavoring agents are peppermint, spearmint, cinnamon, wintergreen oils, menthol, or
methyl salicylate.
4) Coloring agents

Coloring agents also are used in these products

the difference between mouthwash and gargle is that mouthwash is used by swishing liquid in the
oral cavity whereas gargle is used by forcing the air from the lungs which is held in the throat.

Gargles
as a class of preparations are aqueous solutions employed form treating the pharynx
and nasopharynx by forcing air from the lungs through the gargle which is held in the
throat. Many mouth washes are used as gargles either as is or diluted with water. Many
gargles are diluted with water prior to its use.
Washes
are mostly aqueous in nature containing some alcohol or glycerin present to aid in
solubilization of volatile substance. Mouth wash are usually pleasantly flavored solutions
and are often colored and may be either acidic or basic in reaction. They are often
employed for deodorant, refreshing or antiseptic effect. Local anti-infective agents as
hexetidine and cetylpyridinium chloride are added to commercial mouth wash.
NF Mouthwash
is also known as Alkline Aromatic Solution NF II, Liquor Aromaticus Alkalinus, Liquor
Antisepticus Alkalinus NF IV, and Alkaline Antiseptic Solution.
Possible Uses:
Antibacterial mouthwash, nasal douche and throat gargle which is approximately
isotonic with body fluids and therefore non-irritant to the mucous membranes. For oral
use undiluted; dental spray diluted with 5 volumes of water.