SPIRITS

 

SPIRITS

•      Spirits are alcoholic or hydroalcoholic solutions of volatile substances.

•      Generally, the alcoholic concentration of spirits is rather high, usually over 60%.

•      Because of the greater solubility of aromatic or volatile substances in alcohol than in water, spirits can contain a greater concentration of these materials than the corresponding aromatic waters.

•       When mixed with water or with an aqueous preparation, the volatile substances present in spirits generally separate from the solution and form a milky preparation.

•      Spirits may be used pharmaceutically as flavouring and medicinally for the therapeutic value of the aromatic solute.

•      As flavouring agents, they are used to impart the flavour of their solute to other pharmaceutical preparations.

•       For medicinal purposes, spirits may be taken orally, externally, or used by inhalation, depending upon the particular preparation.

•      When taken orally, they are generally mixed with a portion of water to reduce the pungency of the spirit.

•      Depending on the materials, spirits may be prepared by simple solution, solution by maceration, or distillation.

•       The spirits most recently official in the USP–NF are aromatic ammonia spirit, camphor spirit, compound orange spirit, and peppermint spirit.

Uses of Spirits

•       A. MEDICINAL SPIRITS

    AROMATIC SPIRIT OF AMMONIA

•        reflex / respiratory stimulant ( by inhalation)

•       B. FLAVORING SPIRITS –

•       Compound Orange Spirit

•       Compound Cardamom Spirit

ROUTES of ADMINISTRATION of SPIRITS

1. Taken orally

Brandy and Whisky

Mixed with a portion of water to reduce pungency of the spirit

2. Applied externally

3. Used by inhalation

  Aromatic spirit of ammonia

METHODS of PREPARATION of SPIRITS

•       Distillation

•       Brandy (48 % – 54 % alcohol)

•        Distilled from red grapes

•       Whisky (47 % – 53% alcohol)

•       Distilled from hops, barley and other grains

Solution with Maceration

•       Peppermint Spirit

•                         (maceration of peppermint leaves)

•       Solution by Chemical Reaction

•                      – Ethyl Nitrite Spirit

•       Simple Solution

•                      – Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia (Spirit of Sal Volatile)

Example

•       Camphor Spirit is an alcohol solution containing,in each 100mL,not less than 9.0g and not more than 11.0g of camphor (C₁₀H₁₆O).

•       Dissolve the camphor in about 800mLof the alcohol,and add alcohol to make 1000mL.Filter,if necessary.

•       Packaging and storage— Preserve in tight containers.

Uses

•       camphor spirit taken

•       Used internally are used as a calming agent for the nervous system, particularly in cases of hysteria or excessive nervousness.

•       Camphor may also be beneficial as a treatment for diarrhea, excessive digestive gas, nausea or bronchitis.

•       Used externally, it may help relieve the pain of rheumatism, bruises,  and sprains.

ORS Citrate g/liter

Sodium Chloride	2.6
Glucose Anhydrous	13.5
Potassium Chloride	1.5
Trisodium Citrate, Dihydrate	2.9

 

ORS bicarbonate g/L

•       Glucose                                        13.5g

•       Sodium chloride                         2.6g

•       Sodium bicarbonate                  2.5g

•       Potassium Chloride                   1.5g