- Liquid/Solution meant for External use
- Liquid to be used in the mouth:- Gargles, Throat Paint & Mouthwash
- Liquid to be applied to the skin: – Liniment & Lotion, Collodion
- Instilled into body cavities:- Douche, Eardrop, Nasal drop, Nasal spray, Enema
Gargles
Gargles are aqueous concentrated solutions used for treating the pharynx and nasopharynx (posterior part of mouth). Gargles frequently contains antiseptics, antibiotics, and anesthetics agents.
- Gargles are supplied in concentrate form so must be diluted with water prior to use.
- are brought into intimate contact with the mucous membrane of the throat and allowed to remain in contact with it for few seconds before they are thrown out of the mouth.
- Phenol or thymol ( in low concentrations) is used as an antibacterial agent in gargles. Also Phenol/thymol exert a mild anaesthetic effect.
- KCI is included in gargle preparation for its weak astringent effect, and stimulation of the flow of saliva, which released drugs.
Example: Phenol gargle, potassium chlorate (KCIO3) gargles
Phenol Gargle
| Phenol Glycerin | 5 mL |
| Amaranth Solution | 1 mL |
| Purified water q.s. | 100 mL |
Mouthwashes
- Mouthwashes are aqueous solutions, sometime in concentrated form, containing one or more active ingredients and excipients.
Use of Mouthwash
- They are used to clean, and deodorize the buccal cavity.
- Used as antiseptic, and antibacterial activity
- Mouthwashes can be used for two purposes i.e two types of Mouthwash: Therapeutic and cosmetic.
- Therapeutic rinses or washes can be formulated to reduce plaque, gingivitis, dental caries, and stomatitis.
- Cosmetic mouthwashes may be formulated to reduce bad breath through the use of antimicrobial and/or flavoring agents.
Example of mouthwash
- Compound sodium chloride mouthwashes
- Zinc chloride mouth washes,
- Fluoride mouth wash.
Difference between Gargle & Mouthwashes
Gargles differs from mouthwashes in that Gargles are to be diluted with water before use.
Throat Paint
Throat Paints are viscous solutions or dispersions of one or more active ingredients intended for application to the mucosa of the throat or mouth.
Summary of Gargles, Throat Paint & Mouthwash
| Gargles | Mouthwash | Throat Paint |
|---|---|---|
| -Aqueous Concentrated solution used to prevent/ treat throat infection –Dilute with warm water before use (since supplied as concentrated) -The diluted solution are brought into intimate contact with the mucous membrane of the throat & allowed to remain in contact with it for a few sec. before they are thrown out of the mouth -Relieved soreness of throat infection -Potassium chlorate –used in a gargle for its weak astringent effect to tone relaxed throat -Fluted glass bottles; External Use only; Dilute before use | -Aq. Solution with a pleasant taste & odor used to make clean & deodorize the buccal cavity. -Contain sweetening, antibacterial flavoring agent, alcohol & coloring agents -Mouth wash are dispensed in white fluted bottles | –Viscous liquid preparation used for mouth & throat infection -Base- Glycerine (most commonly used)- provide adheres to mucous membrane for a longer period – Supplied in Fluted bottle to distinguish from preparation used for internal use. |
| Example: Phenol gargle, potassium chlorate (KCIO3) gargles | Example Antisceptic: Listerine or phenolic mouthwash Analgesic: lidocaine hydrochloride Anticavity: Floride rinse | Example 1. Compound Iodine Paint (Mandl’s Paint) – used for pharyngitis or tonsillitis. Iodine throat paint is designed to kill germs. It can be used on sore throats and ulcers to ease them 2. Crystal Violet Paint – used for thrush. 3. Phenol glycerin (diluted with an equal volume of glycerin to reduce its causticity) produces analgesic effects in tonsillitis and ulcerative stomatitis. 4. Tannic acid Glycerin, has astringent action, relieve from sore throat. |