Page 18 - Dosage 1-part2 -ebook

30/10/2025, 00:02 Pharmaceutical Solutions & Sterile Dosage Forms

Non-aqueous vehicles

USE: They are used when the drug is not sufficiently soluble in aqueous solutions, or the
drug is unstable in the aqueous medium.

Non-aqueous solutions are limited to certain delivery routes, such as intramuscular and topical,
due to their unpalatability, toxicity, irritancy or immiscibility with physiological fluids.

Examples of non-aqueous solvents:

1. Some organic solvents are used as co-solvents with water (ethanol, Glycol,..) in oral
solutions.
Ex: Glycofurol is used as a co-solvent in parenteral solutions for intramuscular (IM) or
intravenous injection (IV).

2. Fixed oils are non-volatile oils and are mainly triglycerides of fatty acids: olive oil, corn oil,
sesame oil, almond oil, soya oil, cottonseed oil and castor oil have been used for IM
administration.
They are used to a lesser extent now due to their irritancy and the possibility of allergic
reactions to certain oils.

3. They are being replaced by synthetic alternatives (Esters) such as ethyl oleate, benzyl
benzoate.
E.g., IM injection of solutions of drugs in oils/organic solvents is often used for depot
therapy (propionate and benzoate esters of testosterone and estradiol).

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