Rheology in Pharmaceutical Formulations-A Perspective

Abstract

Medications produced as semi-solids type product such as creams, ointments and lotions are based on emulsion or suspension type systems consisting of two or more incompatible materials. In order to be manufactured, these dosage forms need specific flow properties so they can be placed into a container, remain stable over time, dispensed, handled and properly applied to the affected area by patients. Rheology is therefore crucially important as it will directly affect the way a drug is formulated and developed, the quality of the raw and finished product, the drug efficacy, the way a patient adheres to the prescribed drug, and the overall healthcare cost. It can be concluded that there are inherent and independent factors that affect the flow property of a medicated material during every stage of its manufacturing all the way to its use.