Sodium Alginate Gel Pharmaceutics Lab Practical Manual PDF
Aim: To Prepare, Evaluate and Submit Sodium Alginate Gel
Requirements:
• Chemicals: Sodium Alginate, Glycerin, Methyl-Hydroxy Benzoate, Calcium Gluconate
• Apparatus: Beaker, Glass Rod, Measuring Cylinder, Glass Mortar Pestle
Theory:
Sodium alginate gel is used as lubricant and dermatological vehicle. The viscosity of sodium alginate gel can be increased by adding soluble calcium gluconate. Sodium alginate has an advantage over tragacanth because it is available in several grades of standardized viscosity. Alcohol, glycerin and propylene glycol are included in certain formulations as the dispersing agents.
Formula:

Procedure:
- Accurately weigh all the ingredients for sodium alginate gel
- Add sodium alginate & glycerin in glass mortar.
- Dissolve methylhydroxy benzoate and calcium gluconate in about 3/4th quantity of Purified water with heating.
- Cool it to about 60° C and stir it rapidly.
- Then add sodium alginate and glycerin mixture to it in small quantity and sir it vigorously until the homogeneous mixture is produced.
- Transfer in to a suitable container, cork it, label and then submit.
Category: Lubricant
Dose: Use the gel one or two times a day or use as required.
Storage: Store in a closed air tight container at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
Direction: For external use only.
Precautions:
O Avoid the use of gel when irritation and allergic reactions to the skin.
O Keep away from children.

Definition:
Lubricants: Lubricants are the agents added in small quantities in the formulation to reduce the friction and improve certain processing characteristics.
Gelling agent: These are the substances which when added to an aqueous mixture increased its viscosity without substantially modifying its other properties.
Viscosity enhancer: These are the agents used to increased desirable viscosity of preparation.
Humectant: Humectants are the substances used to retain water in to the preparations and prevent them from dryness.
Dispersing agent: The agents are added to disperse the ingredients properly into dispersion medium.
Preservative: The chemical substances used in various pharmaceutical dosage forms and cosmetic preparations to prevent or inhibit microbial growth.
Vehicle: Vehicles or solvents are the medium in which ingredients of a formulation are dissolved, suspended or dispersed.
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