Aim: To prepare, evaluate and submit medicated dusting powder.
Requirements: Spatula, 80# mesh, Mortar pestle, and Suitable container.
Chemicals: Talc, Boric acid, Salicylic acid, Zinc oxide, Kaolin, Calcium carbonate, zinc stearate, and Perfume.
Formulation Consideration: Dusting powders are of two types:
- Medical
- Surgical
Medicated dusting powder are those powders in which one or more therapeutic agents are incorporated. They are mainly used for superficial skin conditions and sterility is rarely essential. However, they must be free from dangerous pathogens. Some natural ingredients such as talc, kaolin, etc. may be contaminated with spores of tetanus, gas gangrene, and anthrax and should be sterilized.
Medical dusting powders are not intended for application to open wounds or areas of broken skin. Since small particles are less likely to irritate sensitive tissue, all the ingredients are sieved through mesh 180# to get uniform size particles.
Formulation Consideration: Ingredients imparting therapeutic activity include zinc oxide, boric acid, and salicylic acid.
Zinc oxide acts as an astringent, antiseptic and has soothing properties, and provides coverage. Boric acid is antiseptic and antifungal.
Salicylic acid is responsible for antibacterial and keratolytic action.
Talc Imparts excellent flow properties to powder. Zinc stearate and talc provide adhesion and slip property to dusting powder.
Calcium Carbonate acts as an absorbent for better coverage and adhesion, Kaolin is also used.
Formula:
| Sr.No. | Ingredients | Quantity given (% w/w) | Quantity taken |
| 1 | Talc | 62 | |
| 2 | Boric acid | 1.5 | |
| 3 | Salicylic acid | 1.5 | |
| 4 | Zinc oxide | 10 | |
| 5 | Kaolin | 15 | |
| 6 | Calcium carbonate | 5 | |
| 7 | Zinc stearate | 5 | |
| 8 | Perfume | q.s |
Procedure:
- Pass all the powders through 80# mesh. Weigh and mix all the powders in geometric proportions.
- Add perfume and fill the pre-weighed container. Perform the ‘Quality control’ test.
Label: For external use only.
Storage: Store in a cool and dry place.
Packaging: Packed in wide-mouth plastic bottles.
Directions: Sparkle a sufficient quantity of dusting powder over the affected parts of the body or as directed by a physician. For best results use twice daily.
Quality Control Tests:
| Sr.No. | Test | Observations |
| 1 | Appearance | |
| 2 | Colour | |
| 3 | Perfume | |
| 4 | Texture | |
| 5 | Covering powder | |
| 6 | Flow rate | |
| 7 | Bulk density | |
| 8 | Tap density | |
| 9 | Angle of repose | |
| 10 | Microscopy (mean particle size) |
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