Better drug design and delivery options can help improve the likelihood that patients will be more willing to take their medications as prescribed.

Suspensions are defined as finely divided undissolved drugs dispersed in liquid vehicles. They can be a ready-to-use liquid suspension or a dry powder reconstitutable suspension, which is dispersed in water by the patient, a caregiver or a pharmacist. Solutions are defined as liquid preparations in which the drug and the various excipients are dissolved in the suitable solvent or aqueous system.

In these formulations, several of the following ingredients are typically added to support the delivery and experience of the API, including:

• Suspending agent and/or viscosifier
• Protective colloid
• Wetting agent
• Buffer and/or sequestrant
• Preservative
• Sweetener, coloring agent and flavor

IFF can help you differentiate your offerings in this category with specialized solutions that deliver key functionalities.

• Avicel^® colloidal MCC is produced by co-processing microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC). It is used in pharmaceutical suspensions, emulsions, nasal sprays, and creams. The wide range of thixotropies, viscosities, gel strengths, and dispersion characteristics of this product line deliver unparalleled functional versatility and physical stability of suspensions.
• GRINDSTED® Xanthan gum is a very effective thickener and suspending agent. It provides desired rheological characteristics and ensures formulation homogeneity at very low use levels. Improved sensory attributes, like appealing mouthfeel, is another reason to include this excipient in liquid dosage forms.
• TEXTURECEL™ sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) controls the rheological (flow) properties in a variety of liquid dosage forms. It is an excellent choice for viscosity control, suspension stabilization, improved mouthfeel, water absorption or water retention as required.
• METHOCEL™ water-soluble cellulose ethers are excellent thickeners, suspend solids, lubricate and retain moisture. The protective colloid action and emulsifying properties of METHOCEL™ cellulose ethers also benefit many liquid formulations.

Benefits of Suspensions and Solutions:

• Preferred for patients, geriatric and pediatric, who have difficulty in swallowing solids such as tablets and capsules.
• Bioavailability is usually higher than with most of the other delivery forms.
• Improved chemical stability compared to other solutions.
• Unpleasant taste can often be overcome by purposefully limiting the amount of drug in solution and by flavoring the liquid vehicle.

Here’s how we can deliver the functionality and variety you need for your suspension and solution formulations.