Physicochemical Principles of Pharmacy

Abstract

Physical chemistry is the basis of rational pharmaceutical formulation and processing, and provides the basis for understanding the complexities of drug delivery and drug absorption. Knowledge of the physicochemical principles is essential for the modern pharmaceutical scientist and pharmacist. The third edition of this well-established textbook has been thoroughly rewritten, updated and reset, while retaining its essential characteristic of using only pharmaceutical examples to illustrate the physical chemistry involved. A new chapter on proteins as pharmaceuticals is included. Solutions, the solid state and the gaseous state are discussed (the latter particularly with pressurised aerosols in mind), while ionization of drugs is considered at length. Surface chemistry retains its place and the treatment of colloidal systems includes discussion of liposomes and other colloidal carriers now more widely used in therapeutics. The properties of soluble, insoluble and dispersible natural and synthetic polymers - elements of many delivery systems - are described. Each route used for delivering medicines is treated by considering the physiology of the route and the conditions of the route that affect the drug and dosage form. Many drug interactions have a physicochemical basis and these are considered in a short chapter. In vitro functionality tests for many delivery systems can be devised if the physical basis of their functioning is recognised; again a short chapter deals with this important topic relating to the quality of pharmaceuticals. Wherever possible, calculations and worked examples are included to aid understanding of the equations described. There are many diagrams and each chapter contains a bibliography.