Pharmacy Formula Library
Essential pharmaceutical formulas with explanations, variables and quick access to calculation tools.
Bulk Density
Mass of powder divided by its bulk volume.
M = mass of powder
Vb = bulk volume
Tapped Density
Mass of powder divided by its tapped volume.
M = mass of powder
Vt = tapped volume
Carr's Index
Indicates the compressibility characteristics of a powder.
ρb = bulk density
Hausner Ratio
Ratio of tapped density to bulk density.
ρb = bulk density
Angle of Repose
Describes the flow behavior of a powder.
r = radius of powder cone
Percentage Yield
Compares actual product obtained with the theoretical amount.
Theoretical yield = expected amount
Drug Loading
Represents the proportion of drug present in a formulation or carrier system.
Total = total formulation amount
Entrapment Efficiency
Indicates the fraction of drug successfully entrapped within a delivery system.
Free drug = unentrapped amount
Swelling Index
Measures the increase in mass caused by liquid uptake.
W0 = initial weight
Moisture Content
Estimates the percentage mass lost during drying.
Final = mass after drying
Percentage Strength
Expresses the concentration of a preparation as a percentage.
Final amount = final preparation quantity
Molarity
Number of moles of solute present per litre of solution.
volume = solution volume in litres
Normality
Concentration expressed as gram-equivalents per litre.
volume = solution volume in litres
Dilution
Relates concentration and volume before and after dilution.
V₁ = initial volume
C₂ = final concentration
V₂ = final volume
Alligation
Determines the relative quantities of two strengths needed to obtain a desired strength.
High = higher concentration
Desired = target concentration
Ratio Strength
Converts ratio strength into percentage strength.
Milliequivalents
Relates millimoles to milliequivalents using ionic valence.
Valence = ionic charge
Millimoles
Converts mass into amount of substance in millimoles when units are compatible.
Molecular Weight = g/mol
Body Surface Area
Mosteller equation for estimating body surface area.
Weight = kg
Dose
Basic relationship between dose, concentration and volume.
Volume = administered volume
Infusion Rate
Calculates the rate required to deliver a specified volume over a specified period.
Time = infusion duration
Drops per Minute
Calculates manual infusion rate when a drop factor is known.
Drop factor = drops/mL
Time = minutes
Friability
Calculates percentage weight loss after a friability test.
W₁ = final weight
Drug Content
Expresses measured drug amount relative to the stated label claim.
Label claim = stated amount
Dissolution %
Expresses the amount of drug released relative to the labeled drug amount.
Label amount = labeled drug quantity