Examples of levigating agents include mineral oil and glycerin.

Examples of levigating agents include mineral oil and glycerin.

• A. Mineral oil and glycerin
• B. Water and ethanol
• C. Acetone and diethyl ether
• D. Propylene glycol and methanol

Answer: (A)

Levigation relies on using a liquid in which the powder is not soluble to wet the particles and reduce their size, forming a smooth paste that can be easily incorporated into the final dosage form. Mineral oil and glycerin fit this role because they are liquids that do not dissolve most pharmaceutical powders. Mineral oil is nonpolar and provides a lubricating, non-solvent medium that helps break up agglomerates without dissolving them. Glycerin, though polar and viscous, also generally does not dissolve many powders and acts as an effective wetting agent that lowers surface tension and aids grinding, producing a uniform levigate paste. Other liquids listed are more likely to dissolve the solid or pose practical issues: water and ethanol can dissolve many compounds; acetone and diethyl ether are strong organic solvents that may dissolve the powder and are highly volatile; propylene glycol with methanol introduces a toxic solvent into the preparation and can also affect solubility.

Levigation relies on using a liquid in which the powder is not soluble to wet the particles and reduce their size, forming a smooth paste that can be easily incorporated into the final dosage form. Mineral oil and glycerin fit this role because they are liquids that do not dissolve most pharmaceutical powders. Mineral oil is nonpolar and provides a lubricating, non-solvent medium that helps break up agglomerates without dissolving them. Glycerin, though polar and viscous, also generally does not dissolve many powders and acts as an effective wetting agent that lowers surface tension and aids grinding, producing a uniform levigate paste.

Other liquids listed are more likely to dissolve the solid or pose practical issues: water and ethanol can dissolve many compounds; acetone and diethyl ether are strong organic solvents that may dissolve the powder and are highly volatile; propylene glycol with methanol introduces a toxic solvent into the preparation and can also affect solubility.