Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 5 (2017) 245-248
doi: 10.17265/2328-2150/2017.05.003
D DAVID PUBLISHING
Production of Gel with Menthol, Benzocaine and
Procaine HCl for Topical Application in Rheumatoid
Arthritis Patients
B. Angelovska1, S. Maleska-Stojadinovikj2, E. Drakalska1 and B. Gjorgjeska1
1. Facutly of medical sciences, University “Goce Delcev”-Stip, Stip 2000, R. Macedonia
2. Public Hospital-Ohrid, R. Macedonia,-“Dimitar Vlahov” Ohrid, 33- 6000, R.Macedonia
Abstract: Antirheumatic and analgesics drugs are the most commonly prescribed medications for treatment of acute and chronic
pain. Frequent application of these agents often causes adverse effects. So, in order to avoid the incidence of side effects, topical
analgesics are treatment of choice for localized muscle pain. Topical analgesics offer the potential to provide the same analgesic
relief provided by oral analgesics but with minimal adverse systemic effects. The aim of this study is to present the preparation and
characterization of topical analgesic gel named “Russian water”. Gel is composed of Menthol, Benzocaine, Procaine HCl as topical
analgesic agents indicated for temporary relief of pain. Obtained results showed prolonged analgesic effect compared with liquid
ethanol solution composed of the same components.
Key words: Pain, gel, Russian water, antirheumatic, analgesic.
1. Introduction According to the health requirements, the
preparation of pharmaceutical dosage formed in a
Antirheumatic and analgesics drugs are the most
galenic laboratory, mainly aims to provide a dosage
commonly used agents to treat diseases of the
form, which is designed as an opportunity for changes
musculoskeletal system and to alleviate all sorts of
in the composition and consistency of the product.
pain caused from different origins [1, 2]. However,
The usage of this drug, immediately after the
oral application of these agents often causes side
preparation, reduces the need for adding more funds to
effects [3, 4]. So combined therapy with systemic and
stabilize and to ensure longer shelf life.
local effect agents intended for topical use wherever
Obtaining the quality of this drug product satisfies
possible, especially in physical therapy, would be
the standards, maintains or enhances the therapeutic
treatment of choice [2, 5, 6, 7, 8].
properties, requires appropriate conditions for a
Various formulations of dosage frms, by
preparation and knowledge of all the components
composition and consistency, allow different
properties, technological process and requirements for
therapeutic approach, which is suitable for achieving
the finished product as well.
the desired therapeutic effect and for being capable to
The usage of the traditional liquid, a pharmaceutical
adapt to the physiotherapist treatment [9, 10].
product known as “Russian water”, which contains:
According to the regulations of the pharmacopoeia
alcohol, menthol, procaine hydrochloride and
or to other regulations, galenic drugs are made in
benzocaine, is well received and accepted by the
small batches in a galenic laboratory intended for
patients and the physiotherapists, but it also has some
direct administration.
negative sides, such as short effect, it is easily volatile,
Corresponding author: B. Angelovska, PhD, research it acts on the surface and cannot be recommended as a
fields: pharmaceutical technology, social pharmacy.
246 Production of Gel with Menthol, Benzocaine and Procaine HCl for Topical
Application in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
massage supplement. On the other hand, gels are a Production of the base gel I was represented on Fig. 1.
dosage forms for external use that can be applied In the step 1, preparation of base gel, Carbopol 940
easily to tie up to the skin and to enable the drug to and aqua distillate 50 mL, were left to bulge. Then
heal the affected area, and it can realize deep action, glycerolum was gradually added and mixed to achieve
such as the ability to quickly penetrate multi-layers on good homogenization. After that, triethylenetetraamin
the skin, to be easily rinsed from the site of was added and mixed again until thick gel was
application and generally does not irritate the skin, obtained.
which is largely satisfying for our requirements. In the step 2, preparation of healing gel, the
The aim of this study is to present the production of menthol was grinded through a sieve, and it was
a gel named “Russian water”, composed of Menthol, measured in the prescribed amount.
Benzocaine, Procaine HCl, in the form of a gel. Gel 3. Results and Discussion
was prepared for Specialists Services of
The obtained gel is a homogeneous product with
Physiotherapy Department, in General Hospital in
milk appearance. The high degree of pulverization of
Ohrid.
the components should improve solubility and ensure
2. Materials and Methods uniform distribution of insoluble components in the
mixture. The process of mixing equal amounts of the
For the formulation and preparation the following
basic mixture and pulverized substance also provides
active substances were used: Menthol (Alkaloid),
uniform distribution of the components, and the
Benzocaine (Sigma Aldrich), Procaine HCl (Sigma
high density of the base gel reduces the possibility of
Aldrich) at the recommended doses and ingredients:
Carbopol 940 (Sigma Aldrich) Glycerol, (Alkaloid)
Table 1 Analgesic components of “Russian water”.
Triethylenetetramine (Sigma Aldrich) and Aqua
Agent Dose
distillate. Gel with menthol, benzocaine and procaine
Menthol 4g
HCl was prepared in the galenic laboratory in Ohrid Benzocaine 2g
-General Hospital. Used ingredients and a Procaine HCl 2g
compounding procedure are presented in Table 1. Base gel 192 g
Carbopol Glicerolum
940 2.0 7.5
Base gel
Aqua Triethylene
destilata tetramine
190.0 2.5
Fig. 1 Components of base gel.
Production of Gel with Menthol, Benzocaine and Procaine HCl for Topical 247
Application in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
sedimentation [1, 9, 11, 12, 13]. Menthol is practically pleasant cooling sensation and a pain relief, also an
insoluble in water and because of its sole distribution easy flushing and an increased satisfaction of
in the preparation is pulverized for its incorporation therapists and patients.
into the system. Benzocaine is poorly soluble in water
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