DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY TECHNICIAN, ALHUDA COLLEGE OF HEALTH
TECHNOLOGY, SOKOTO
BDT 251: Basic Dispensing Theory II 3CU
Lecture Note
First Semester 2022/2023 Session
By
Dr. S. Aliyu Musawa
LINCTUSES
➢ Definition
➢ Composition of linctuses
➢ Preparation of linctuses
➢ Storage condition and considerations
➢ Examples of linctuses
Definition
Linctus is a viscous, monophasic, oral liquid preparation containing a high concentration of syrup.
Linctus is chiefly used for a demulcent, expectorant or sedative purpose, principally in the
treatment of cough. As such, a linctus is intended to be sipped slowly and allowed to trickle down
the throat in an undiluted form. Consequently, linctuses are formulated as viscous solutions which
contain sugars.
Composition of linctuses
Active ingredients: They contain sedatives and expectorants.
Vehicles:
• Syrup IP – (67% w/w or 85% w/v sucrose solution) has a sweet taste, has a preservative
action, viscous.
• Glycerol – Has demulcent action, sweet.
• Sorbitol – Used in preparations for diabetic patients, viscous.
• Invert syrup – Sweet and viscous.
Adjuncts:
Chemical stabilizers: Invert sugar has reducing action. This reduces the oxidative degradation of
various colors and flavors. Hence color and flavors of fruit juices are better preserved in invert
syrup.
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Coloring agents: Coal tar dyes
• e.g. Amaranth – red color.
• e.g. Compound tartrazine solution – yellow color.
Flavoring agents:
• e.g. Tolu Syrup, Fruit flavors like lemon, and black current.
• e.g. Benzaldehyde Spirit – has an almond-like flavor.
Preservatives: Syrup (67% w/w) has high osmotic pressure and hence acts as a self-preservative.
Other preservatives used are Chloroform spirit or Benzoic acid solution, etc.
Examples of Linctuses:
1. Codeine linctus, pediatric B.P.C.
2. Codeine linctus, Diabetic.
3. Diamorphine linctus.
4. Compound tolu linctus, pediatric.
Preparation of linctuses
The following general method should be used in the preparation of linctuses:
1. Write out the formula either from the prescription (unofficial) or from an official text
(official).
2. Calculate the quantities required for each ingredient in the formula to produce the required
final volume.
3. Prepare a suitable label.
4. Weigh all solids.
5. Identify the soluble solids and calculate the quantity of vehicle required to fully dissolve
the solids. If more than one solid is to be dissolved, they are dissolved one by one, in order
of solubility (i.e. the least soluble first). In almost all cases, dissolution will take place in a
glass (or occasionally plastic) beaker, not a conical measure. Remember that the solubility
of the soluble solids will be dependent on the vehicle used.
6. Transfer the appropriate amount of vehicle to a glass beaker.
7. If necessary, transfer the solid to a glass mortar and use the glass pestle to reduce particle
size to aid dissolution.
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8. Transfer the solid to the beaker and stir to aid dissolution. If a mortar and pestle have been
used to reduce particle size, ensure that the mortar is rinsed with a little vehicle to ensure
complete transfer of the powders.
9. When all the solid(s) have dissolved, transfer the solution to the conical measure that will
be used to hold the final solution.
10. Rinse out the beaker in which the solution was made with a portion of the vehicle and
transfer the rinsings to the conical measure.
11. Add any remaining liquid ingredients to the conical measure and stir.
12. Make up to final volume with remaining vehicle.
13. Transfer to a suitable container, polish, label and dispense to the patient.
Example 1: Codeine Phosphate linctus BPC
Rx
Ingredients Official formula Working formula
Codeine phosphate…………………………………..3.0 g
Lemon syrup………………………………………...200 ml
Benzoic acid………………………………………...20 ml
Chloroform spirit……………………………………20 ml
Compound tartrazine solution………………………10 ml
Syrup q.s to ………………………………………...1000 ml
Prepare linctus, send 100 ml
Direction: 10ml tds
Sip and swallow slowly (without aid of water)
Method of preparation: see general method above
Example 2: Simple linctus BPC
Rx
Ingredients Official formula Working formula
Citric acid monohydrate ………………………….25 g
Concentrated anise water …………………………10 ml
Amaranth solution ………………………………...15 ml
Chloroform spirit ………………………………….60.00 ml
Simple syrup Up to ………………………………..1000 ml
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Prepare and submit 100 ml
Direction: 5ml to be sipped and swallowed slowly twice daily without the addition of
water
Method of preparation: see general method above.
Labeling
Special direction: to be sipped and swallowed slowly without the addition of water
Storage condition and considerations
Linctuses are supplied in well closed air tight container having screw cap and stored in a
cool place, protected from light.
