Anna Czajkowska-Kośnik, Katarzyna Winnicka

Oralbase – a new raw material for suspension formulations used in drug compounding

 

2026-06-19

Research Subject. The most commonly prepared magistral formulations for pediatric and geriatric patients are oral suspensions and mixtures. The lack of pharmaceutical raw material often requires the use of commercially available drugs. To ensure uniform dispersion and homogeneity of the formulation, various viscosity-increasing agents are used, and Oralbase, a hydroxyethylcellulose-based dispersing phase, has recently become available on the pharmaceutical market in Poland.

Research Object. The aim of the study was to evaluate the properties and stability of prescription suspensions prepared from commercial drugs and pro-recipe substances, using Oralbase – a new pharmaceutical raw material.

Material and Methods. Eleven prescription suspensions were prepared and tested immediately after preparation and after 7, 14, and 30 days of storage at room temperature. Their color, consistency, and homogeneity were assessed, and microscopic observation and pH measurements were performed. Suspensions containing omeprazole were additionally tested for stability during 30-day storage at room temperature and under refrigeration.

Results. All prepared formulations were homogeneous and showed uniform dispersion of the suspended particles. No changes in the consistency and color of the suspensions were observed during the entire experiment. Only preparations with omeprazole changed color to light brown after 7 days of storage at room temperature. This symptom did not occur in the suspensions stored in the refrigerator.

Conclusions. The recommended method for preparing suspensions with Oralbase, which ensures the homogeneity of the prescription drug, is the initial crushing of tablets or capsules’ content in a mortar, forming a concentrate with a portion of Oralbase, then diluting the drug with a dispersing phase and transferring it to a bottle. The study confirmed that omeprazole suspensions require preliminary alkalization with sodium bicarbonate, and after preparation, they should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain the stability of the active substance.

Keywords: oral suspension, oralbase, hydroxyethylcellulose, stability, omeprazole.

© Farm Pol, 2025, 81(12): 721–730