Types of Powder in Pharmacy: Complete Classification Guide

This is another classification of powder generally based on the manner of dispensing. This section is covering different types and their uses.

1).DIVIDED POWDER

Divided powders are a single dose medicament wrapped individually in an aluminum foil, zip lock bag, or paper. These powders are potent and very accurate than bulk powders as a patient does not involve measuring a dose. This method of dispensing was conventionally used in ancient days but replaced with another dosage form such as tablets and capsules.

While the classical dispensing of potent divided powders wrapped in distinct parchment layers has been largely superseded by automated compressed oral solids, managing their volumetric consistency remains a core component of formulation line validations.

Modern solid dosage compounding lines must demonstrate unwavering conformity with the strict volumetric uniformity and weight parameters outlined in the British Pharmacopoeia (BP) Appendix XVII: Particle Size Characterization and Powder Mechanics, ensuring zero mass segregation during high-speed automated packaging runs.

A.Simple Powder

In this form of powder, only one active ingredient is present either in crystalline form or in amorphous.

A crystalline form of powder is a finely crushed or reduced substance. For instance, aspirin.

B.Compound Powder

Here, you will get more than one active ingredient and other constituents. In pharmacy, they are prepared by trituration (mixing of one or more powdered drugs) using mortar and pestle.

For instance, mixing of aspirin, paracetamol, and caffeine.

2) BULK POWDER

Bulk powders are indicated as non-potent substances. They can be dispensed into a suitable bulk container with a broad opening such as glass jars. You can accurately pack the ingredients using measuring tools such as graduated cups, insufflators, or teaspoons.

These types of powders are relatively nontoxic with a large dose. That’s why, bulk powders are practically confined to antacids, laxatives, and nutritional supplements.

Bulk powders are categorized into various types:

A) DUSTING POWDERS

A dusting powder is used topically employing a sifter top to relieve skin irritation and absorb the moisture to maintain the softness of the skin. Dusting powders are utilized externally for local application. They are not intended for systemically uses. They are used over various parts of the body as a protectant, antiperspirant, lubricant, etc. They are dispensed in an extremely fine state to enhance efficacy and potency.

CHARACTERISTICS OF DUSTING POWDER:

• Homogenous
• Non-irritable
• Free-flowing
• Easy application
• Good adsorption and absorption properties.
• Not intended for broken skin

a.Medicated Dusting Powder

These are sterile dusting powders used for a superficial application that produce soothing effects over skin due to extra heart loss and large surface area. For instance, talc, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide. Medicated dusting powders are powerful ingredients to protect your skin against microbial growth.

b.Surgical Dusting Powder

As its name shows, they apply to deep skin issues or applied on major wounds caused by burns or applied over the umbilical cord of a new-born. They must be sterile and free from pathogens. Dusting powders are prepared by mixing two or more active ingredients that contain talc or kaolin in their formulation. Talc is a commonly used ingredient due to its chemical inertness.

B) DENTIFRICES (TOOTH POWDER)

Dentifrices, tooth powder, or dental powders are used for cleaning teeth. Their formulation is designed in such a way to give good cleaning effects with the help of a toothbrush. They can easily remove the dental stains and offer fresh and pleasant oral effects. Flavour is a dominant property in determining the sensory effect of dentifrice that is added up to 1% w/w.

C) INSUFFLATIONS

Insufflations are evenly divided powders indicated to be applied in body cavities such as ear, nose, tooth cavities, etc. For their application, you need an insufflator that enables their administration satisfactorily. Powders are sprayed uniformly over the site of application. For potent drugs, pressure aerosols are used.

D) SNUFFS

Snuffs are evenly divided medicament used to inhaled for their antiseptic, vasodilatory, and decongestant properties. In ancient days, it was sniffed and inhaled via a pinch of snuff using a thumb and index finger or snuffing device.

E) DOUCHES

These are used for cleaning the internal body cavity. For instance, A special powder is used to clean or irrigate the vaginal tract. Douches induce soothing effects on the mucous membranes. Douches are dispensed in a prepacked form in an airtight bottle or a container to protect the active ingredient against humidity. They are commonly used after dissolving with water than intended for body cavities.