Introduction to Inorganic Pharmaceuticals
Inorganic Pharmaceuticals include medicinal compounds that do not contain carbon as the main chemical element. They are widely used in the treatment of diseases, as diagnostic aids, and in maintaining body functions. These compounds also serve as haematinics, gastrointestinal drugs, antacids, cathartics, disinfectants, dental products, and medicinal gases.
Haematinics
Haematinics are medicinal agents that increase haemoglobin levels and help in the treatment of iron-deficiency anaemia. They provide iron required for blood formation.
Classification of Haematinics
1) Iron Preparations
• Oral: Ferrous sulphate, Ferrous fumarate, Carbonyl iron
• Parenteral: Iron dextran, Ferric carboxymaltose
2) Maturation Factors
• Vitamin B12: Cyanocobalamin, Methylcobalamin
• Folic Acid: Folinic acid (Leucovorin)
3) Hematopoietic Growth Factor
• Erythropoietin (Epoetin Alpha, Beta)
Ferrous Sulphate
Ferrous sulphate, commonly known as Green Vitriol, contains high iron content. It appears as pale bluish-green crystals and is mainly used to treat iron deficiency anaemia. Its aqueous solution is acidic, reduces potassium permanganate, and turns brown on oxidation.
Uses: Treatment of iron deficiency anaemia, mordant in dyeing, constituent of ink, and agricultural insecticide.
Ferrous Fumarate
Ferrous fumarate is a reddish-brown, stable iron salt used for iron deficiency anaemia. It is beneficial when other iron preparations cause gastric irritation.
Ferric Ammonium Citrate
This bright brownish-red complex salt contains 20–22% iron. It is soluble in water and less irritant than other iron salts, making it suitable for haematinic use.
Ferrous Ascorbate
Ferrous ascorbate is used to treat low iron levels. Vitamin C enhances iron absorption, making it suitable for nutritional and kidney-related anaemia.
Carbonyl Iron
Carbonyl iron is a purified form of elemental iron used as a dietary supplement for treating iron deficiency anaemia. It is supplied as tablets and oral suspensions.
Gastrointestinal Agents
These agents treat disorders like hyperacidity, diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion, and gastric irritation. They include antacids, saline cathartics, adsorbents, and acidifiers.
Antacids
Antacids neutralise excess gastric acid and relieve heartburn, gastritis, and peptic ulcer discomfort. Ideal antacids are non-absorbable, palatable, rapid in action, gas-free, and do not cause constipation.
Examples of Non-Systemic Antacids
Aluminium hydroxide gel, Magnesium hydroxide, Magaldrate, Calcium carbonate.
Aluminium Hydroxide Gel
A weak, non-systemic antacid that neutralises gastric acid and adsorbs pepsin. It is amphoteric and forms aluminium chloride with hydrochloric acid.
Magnesium Hydroxide
Also known as Milk of Magnesia, it acts as a mild antacid and laxative. Long-term use may lead to renal complications.
Magaldrate
Magaldrate neutralises gastric acid and is used in GERD, gastric ulcers, and duodenal ulcers. It is insoluble in water and alcohol.
Sodium Bicarbonate
A systemic antacid that provides rapid relief but may cause alkalosis on overuse. It is widely used in indigestion, metabolic acidosis, and aspirin toxicity.
Calcium Carbonate
A fast-acting non-systemic antacid also used in dentifrices. It neutralises gastric acid and produces carbon dioxide and calcium chloride.
Acidifying Agents
These agents increase acidity in the body or GIT. Dilute Hydrochloric Acid is employed to treat achlorhydria, prepare soluble hydrochloride salts, and restore gastric acidity.
Protectives and Adsorbents
These agents coat intestinal mucosa and adsorb toxins in diarrhoea. Examples include Bismuth subcarbonate and Kaolin.
Cathartics
Cathartics enhance bowel evacuation. Saline cathartics such as Magnesium sulphate and Sodium potassium tartrate increase osmotic load and relieve constipation.
Topical Agents
These antimicrobial agents are applied to living tissues or surfaces to kill or inhibit microorganisms. Examples include Silver nitrate, Hydrogen peroxide, Boric acid, Chlorhexidine gluconate, and Potassium permanganate.
Dental Products
Inorganic dental products include dentifrices, fluoride agents, denture cleaners, adhesives, and mouthwashes. They help in cavity prevention, dental hygiene, and oral disinfection.
Medicinal Gases
Medicinal gases like Oxygen, Nitrous Oxide, and Carbon Dioxide are used in anaesthesia, respiratory therapy, and emergency care. They are stored in pressurised cylinders with colour-coded identification.
