Page 57 - MNU-PM502- Pharmaeutical Microbiology Theoritical Book

Pharm D- Clinical Pharmacy Program Third Level Pharmaceutical Microbiology& Antimicrobials (PM 502)

Preservatives

• Preservative is a chemical substance used to preserve organic substances from
decay or spoilage by preventing microbial attack.

• Pharmaceutical Preservatives prevent microbial spoilage by preventing growth of
microorganisms in that product.

• It prevents the replication of any contaminants remaining after manufacture or
introduced during use.

Need of Preservatives

1. To protect our drug from microbial attack
2. To enhance the activity and efficacy of drug
3. To increase shelf life of our product
4. To stabilize the product

Preparations required antimicrobial preservatives

Solutions, Suspensions, Emulsions, Topical preparation e.g
creams, Injectable, Eye drops et

There is a low risk of contamination, as with tablets, capsules and
dry powders, the inclusion of a preservative may be unnecessary.

Ideal preservative

Ideal preservative The ability to kill all microorganisms likely to enter the product
should possess

Safe, non toxic and non irritant

Sufficient stability to withstand the manufacturing process and
remain stable during storage.
Selective reactivity with microbes

Cost effective

Effective at low concentration throughout the life of the medicine

Should not react with ingredients of the medicine

compatible with the formulation ingredients

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