Isotonic and Buffer Solutions Calculation in Pharmacy


It is generally accepted that for ophthalmic and parenteral administration, isotonic solutions are better tolerated by the patient than those at the extremes of hypo- and hypertonicity to maintain homeostasis with the body’s intracellular fluids. 

Isotonic solution: a solution having the same osmotic pressure as a specific body fluid.

Hypotonic solution: a solution of lower osmotic pressure than that of body fluids. 

Hypertonic solution: a solution of higher osmotic pressure than that of body fluids.


The calculations involved in preparing isotonic solutions may be made in terms of data relating to the colligative properties of solutions –

vapor pressure lowering 

freezing point depression  

boiling point elevation

osmotic pressure


Theoretically, any one of these properties may be used as a basis for determining tonicity. Practically and most conveniently, a comparison of freezing points is used for this purpose. It is generally accepted that - 0.52°C is the freezing point of both blood serum and lacrimal fluid.


Example- 1: Molecular weight of Boric acid is 61.8 thus if 61.8 g in 1000 g of water should produce a freezing point of -1.86°C, calculate the quantity of boric acid is required for a isotonic solution.

 1.86/1.52 = 61.8/X

 X = 17.3 g

So, 17.3 g of boric acid in 1000 g of water (1.73 %) should make a solution isotonic with lacrimal fluid.


Calculations Formula for Preparation of Isotonic Solution


Here the Sodium Chloride Equivalent (E value) of a drug is the amount of sodium chloride which has the same osmotic effect as 1 gram of the drug.


Example- 2: How much NaCl should be used in preparing 100 ml of 1% w/v solution of atropine sulfate, which is to be made isotonic with lacrimal fluids?

M.Wt of NaCl = 58.5,           i = 1.8

M.Wt of atropine sulfate = 695,      i = 2.6


X = 0.12 g of sodium chloride represented by 1 g of atropine sulfate


Example-3: How many grams of sodium chloride should be used in compounding the following prescription

Rx    Pilocarpine nitrate             0.3 g

         Sodium chloride                q.s.

         Purified water                    30 ml

            Make isoton. Sol.

            Sig. for the eye

Sodium Chloride equivalent for Pilocarpine nitrate = (59/271) = 0.22

Step-1.       0.22 X 0.3 = 0.066 g of NaCl represented by the pilocarpine nitrate

Step-2.       0.9 g NaCl              for             100 ml water to be isotonic

                     X g                 for               30 ml

               X =   0.9  X 30 / 100  =         0.27 g

Step-3.        0.27   -   0.066  = 0.204 g of  sodium chloride to be used.


Related: Pharmaceutical Calculation for Pharm D Students

Post a Comment

أحدث أقدم