Aim: To prepare and submit Castor oil emulsion.
Requirements: Castor oil, Purified water, Gum acacia, Measuring cylinder, Mortar, and pestle.
Theory: Castor oil is a fixed oil and is not miscible with water. To make it miscible, a third substance is known as an emulsifying agent in the ratio of 4: 2: 1 i.e, oil: water: gum is to be used for the preparation of primary emulsion. Gum acacia is to be used as an emulsifying agent because emulsions prepared with gum acacia remain stable for a sufficiently long time.
Formula:
| Ingredients | Standard formula |
| Castor oil | 8 ml |
| Purified water | 4 ml |
| Gum acacia | 2 gm |
Procedure:
- Thoroughly clean and dry a pestle and mortar.
- Weigh out 2 g gum acacia and transfer it to the mortar.
- Measure 4 ml water and triturate it with gum to form a mucilage.
- To this add 8 ml castor oil in small quantities at a time with thorough trituration after each addition.
- Triturate briskly without ceasing until a clicking sound is produced and the product becomes white or nearly white.
- At this stage, the emulsion is known as the primary emulsion.
- Add about 10 ml more of the vehicle in small quantities at a time with constant triturating to get a homogeneous product.
- Transfer the emulsion to a measuring cylinder and add more of the vehicle to produce the final volume of 30 ml. Stir thoroughly to form a uniform emulsion.
Category: Laxative.
Storage: Store in a well-closed container and keep in a cool place.
Labeling: SHAKE WELL BEFORE USE
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