Laryngitis is often a symptom of some other health problem, so finding out its root cause is the first step to getting better. If your doctor finds no other health problems, knowing why your throat is inflamed means you can take steps to avoid getting laryngitis in the future. When hoarseness is accompanied by a weak voice and lasts more than two weeks, your doctor may want to do a test on your throat to rule out cancer, especially if you're a smoker. This test, called a laryngoscopy, involves your doctor directly looking at your voice box with a mirror or a small flexible scope which goes down your nose.
Treating and Preventing Laryngitis
If your laryngitis comes from straining your voice, resting it and breathing in steam will probably ease the pain and inflammation and help you recover. On the other hand, if your laryngitis is a symptom of an infection, it won't go away until the infection clears up. If the laryngitis is caused by bronchitis or another bacterial infection, antibiotics may be needed and corticosteroids may be prescribed to stop the inflammation. Most infections are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics. When acid reflux or allergies are the source of irritation, bringing these conditions under control will make you feel better quickly.
Avoiding voice strain and irritants is the best way to prevent simple attacks of laryngitis. If you get a cold or flu and it feels like you are getting laryngitis as well, avoid things that irritate your throat. Remember to pace yourself and try not to push your voice by talking if you don't have to. These steps may help to stop your laryngitis in its tracks. Quitting smoking is another important way to treat both acute and chronic laryngitis.
Laryngitis occurs when the part of the throat called the larynx becomes inflamed. When this happens, it causes a severe hoarseness that can make your voice "croak" or have to whisper when you talk. It can even lead to temporary loss of your voice. The inflammation is very common - most people have experienced it at one time or another - and is really a symptom that's been caused by some other factor or condition. Yelling too enthusiastically at a hockey game can cause it, but so can viral and bacterial infections or other illnesses. Finding out the real cause of laryngitis is an important part of getting your voice back. There are two types of laryngitis: acute and chronic.
Causes of Laryngitis
Acute laryngitis refers to hoarseness or loss of voice that appears suddenly after a night of singing and shouting, or being exposed to a lot of cigarette smoke. This condition usually improves when you avoid whatever has been irritating the throat (like cigarettes) and and when you rest your voice. The common cold and influenza (the flu) are common causes of acute laryngitis, but it can also be a symptom of bronchitis, pneumonia, and measles. Hoarseness may also be part of an allergic reaction.
Chronic laryngitis lasts longer than a week, and comes back over time. This condition can involve permanent changes in the lining of the throat. These changes could be due to repeated attacks of acute laryngitis like those sometimes experienced by professional singers, or happen because of repeated exposure to smoke, dust, dryness, or other irritants. Chronic laryngitis can also be caused by allergies and post-nasal drip or gastroesophageal reflux disorder (when harsh stomach acids rise up into the esophagus and cause burning). Rarer causes of chronic laryngitis include cancer of the throat, non-cancerous tumours on the vocal cords, and non-cancerous wart-like lesions called papillomas that grow in the throat.
Symptoms and Complications of Laryngitis
Many people with laryngitis get very hoarse or even lose their voice for a short time. You may feel a tickling or rawness in your throat and experience a constant need to clear it. Symptoms vary with how badly the throat is inflamed.
When other symptoms accompany the laryngitis - such as fever, general aches and pains, and throat pain - a viral or bacterial infection usually the culprit.
Treatment of allergic disease is limited to only five choices:
1.Ignore the symptoms. This is fine if the allergic problem is minimal in nature.
2. Avoid the offending allergens. This is accomplished by cleaning up the environment for allergens and avoiding places where allergens occur naturally.
For Pollen: Close windows to keep pollen out and stay indoors as much as possible. Use air conditioning, both in you home and car. Participate in outdoor activities when the pollen counts are lowest.
For Dust Mites: Steam clean carpeting. Replace old or musty carpeting. Use a central vacuum or a regular vacuum with a HEPA filter. Wash pillows, sheets/pillowcases, comforters, bedspreads, stuffed animals, and clothing regularly-- 130ºF soapy water kills mites best. Do not leave piles of previously worn clothing in the bedroom. Cover mattresses and pillows with mite-impermeable covers. Clean out furnace ducts-- place filters over vents in the bedroom especially. Avoid fabric headboards and fancy drapes that require drycleaning.
For Mold: Fix leaky roofs or plumbing. Fix leaky showers and repair/replace moldy walls around showers, tubs, and toilets. Flush out overflow drains for sinks and tubs with bleach. Clean out the drain pan for the self-defrosting refrigerator. Make sure water drains away from your house adequately. Use a dehumidifier in the basement. Hose down concrete areas with dilute bleach or borax. Store items in plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes. Avoid using swamp coolers to decrease the temperature in your house. Dry out the mold in your automobile air conditioning ducts by turning the heat on high for a few minutes before getting in the car and then switching to air conditioning. Avoid dryer sheets and complicated cleaning chemicals. Decrease mold/yeast containing foods in the diet.
For Animals: Bathe pets regularly; give them away if absolutely necessary. Wash with animal shampoo. For cats, Dawn dishwashing liquid can be used to wash most cats. Keep animals out of bedrooms. Avoid sleeping with them.
Cleaning up the environment for allergens takes a fair amount of time and effort, but it is worthwhile.
3. Use antihistamines with or without decongestants. They prevent/decrease the tissue swelling from occurring with an allergic reaction. The newer ones are non-sedating. Regular use is required for best. Remember: The use of antihistamines when driving a car is as dangerous as drinking alcohol and driving!! There are only a few antihistamines that are considered to be TRULY non-sedating by the FDA.
4.Use Cortisone products. Corisone block the allergic reaction in a different way from antihistamines. Pill and spray forms are used to treat nasal, throat, and lung problems. Sprays are not generally absorbed systemically, so they are quite safe for nasal or pulmonary use. Systemic cortisone use usually has significant risks only if used for more than several weeks. The rare, random, serious risks of cortisone use, like aseptic necrosis of the hip, can occur after only dose of a systemic cortisone product.
5. Take allergy shots. Desensitization involves having small amounts of the allergens to which a person is allergic injected into the fat of the arm in slowly increasing doses, causing the body to develop a tolerance to these allergens. Starting with a small dose that has been deemed to be low enough so as not to cause a reaction, the dose is increased gradually over several months. During that time, symptoms generally diminish slowly. Treatment is usually necessary for several years (3-10). Shots start at 1 week intervals and gradually are stretched to 3-4 week intervals. The improvement in symptoms and quality of life is generally worth the effort and expense. Patients who have such diseases as chronic sinusitis that has required one or more surgeries generally require desensitization for optimal control. Because there is always a risk of an adverse reaction to any allergy shot (including asthmatic or anaphylactic reactions), a 20-30 minute wait in the office is required after the allergy shot. Shots may be administered in the office of the allergist or the office of most family physicians.
Allergic disease of the ear, nose, and throat areas presents itself in many ways. The most common allergic symptoms are congestion, runny nose, postnasal drip, watery eyes, and itching of the eyes or throat. Ear infections and sinus infections are often aggravated by allergies. Less commonly, hives, headaches, and Menière's disease can be caused or aggravated by allergies. People who cannot breathe through their noses adequately because of allergies do not sleep well, either. That can cause or aggravate sleep apnea which increases the risk of heart attacks in folks over 50, causing death in some.
Simple allergic reactions involve an allergen (Ragweed, dust mite, cat, etc) finding an antibody in the nose, mouth, or throat and creating antigen-antibody complexes, triggering the immediate release of histamine which causes congestion, itching, etc. Less common allergic reactions involve blood compliment or fixed tissue reactions, which are often delayed in onset, prolonged in duration, and involve parts of the body other than the nose, throat, and lungs. Mild allergic reactions are usually treated symptomatically with antihistamines or nasal sprays and don't require identifying the offending allergens. As allergic reactions get worse and interfere more with daily life, the need to identify the offending allergens becomes greater and treatment becomes more prolonged, more complicated, and more specific. Allergy testing is usually done either as a skin test or a blood test (RAST). Skin testing involves placement of a small amount of allergen in the skin of the arm, creating small wheals (bumps). These wheals are then observed for 10 minutes and the change in size and color is recorded. Inhaled allergens cause acute reactions that go away within a few hours with the exception of molds, which can create acute and/or delayed reactions. Delayed mold reactions, usually dark red bumps that occur 24-72 hours after the skin test was placed, are often important. Notify your allergist if you note delayed reactions to skin tests that were placed one or more days earlier.When you are scheduled for skin testing: Wear a short sleeved shirt. Make sure you have been off all drugs that might interfere with skin testing for an adequate period of time. This includes antihistamines, many antidepressants, and certain anti-acid stomach medications. Ask about your current medications when scheduling your appointment for skin testing. Check with the doctor who put you on antidepressants before stopping antidepressant medications! Make sure toe doctor know if you are on a beta blocker for any reason. Skin testing is not usually done on someone on a beta blocker.
Allergic disease of the head and neck presents itself in many ways. The most common allergic symptoms are congestion, runny nose, postnasal drip, watery eyes, and itching of the eyes or throat. Ear infections and sinus infections are often aggravated by allergies. Less commonly, hives, headaches, and Menière's disease can be caused or aggravated by allergies. People who cannot breathe through their noses adequately because of allergies do not sleep well, either. That can cause or aggravate sleep apnea which significantly increases the risk of heart attacks in folks over 50, causing death in some. Simple allergic reactions involve an allergen (Ragweed, dust mite, cat, etc) finding an antibody in the nose, mouth, or throat and creating antigen-antibody complexes, triggering the immediate release of histamine which causes congestion, itching, etc. Less common allergic reactions involve blood compliment or fixed tissue reactions. The latter create symptoms which are often delayed in onset, prolonged in duration, and involve parts of the body other than the head and chest. Mild allergic reactions are usually treated symptomatically with antihistamines or nasal sprays and don’t require identifying the offending allergens. As allergic reactions get worse and interfere more with daily life, the need to identify the offending allergens becomes greater and treatment becomes more prolonged, more complicated, and more specific.
Allergy testing is usually done either as a skin test or a blood test (RAST). Skin testing involves placement of a small amount of allergen in the skin of the arm, creating small wheals (bumps). These wheals are then observed for 10 minutes and the change in size and color is recorded. Inhaled allergens cause acute reactions that go away within a few hours with the exception of molds, which can create acute and/or delayed reactions. Delayed mold reactions, usually dark red bumps that occur 24-72 hours after the skin test was placed, are usually important. Notify your allergist if you note delayed reactions to skin tests that were placed one or more days earlier. RAST testing determines the amount of immunoglobulin E present in the blood for specific antigens. It is less invasive than skin tests, it doesn’t require the patient to be off medications, and it does not involve much of the patient’s time. Not all allergens, especially molds, can be tested accurately using RAST, so it cannot totally replace skin testing. If you are scheduled for skin testing: Wear a short sleeved shirt. Make sure you have been off all drugs that might interfere with skin testing for an adequate period of time. This includes antihistamines, many antidepressants, and certain anti-acid stomach medications. Ask about your current medications when scheduling your appointment for skin testing. Check with the doctor who put you on antidepressants before stopping those medications!
Sinus disease is very common in industrialized countries. It contributes to significant respiratory disease, which is one of the largest causes of work loss in the United States. It causes significant illness, including congestion, headaches, post-nasal drainage, and nasal polyps. Complications of sinus disease include face, eye, and brain abscesses, nerve injury to any of the cranial nerves(nerves to the face and head) near the sinuses, local bone destruction, spinal fluid leaks, and sometimes even death.
Proper treatment of sinus infections is necessary to prevent complications and decrease morbidity. Your otolaryngologist is the best trained physician/surgeon to diagnose and treat sinus problems. Early consultation with an otolaryngologist will help prevent the irreversible changes in the sinus mucosa and bone that occur when infection has been present for a long period of time.
Sinus disease is integrally related to multiple disease processes and environmental factors that affect the head and neck. Anatomical problems that interfere with a normal air flow and proper sinus drainage cause and aggravate sinus disease. Nasal septal deviation and anatomical abnormalities from old facial fractures are only two of these causes. Allergies, especially dust mite, mold, and animal allergy cause nasal swelling that interferes with normal air flow, obstructs sinus openings, and causes excessive mucous production that aggravates infection. GERD, gastrointestinal reflux disease, may also aggravate sinus disease. Sinus disease associated with nasal polyp formation is aggravated by the use of aspirin or aspirin-containing products, including the tartrazine dyes (yellow dye #5). Smoking also aggravates sinus disease.
Sinus disease occurs in several forms, but all are related to a combination of infection and the inability of air to get into sinus cavities from the nose. Similar to the ear and mastoid , the sinuses are air-filled spaces surrounded by thin bone and lined by mucosa. When the air is absorbed by the mucosa faster than air can get through the sinus openings (ostia) into the sinuses, a relative vacuum develops and fluid is pulled from the lining tissues of the sinuses into the sinus cavities. This fluid easily becomes infected. Allergy causes mucous glands to release thicker fluids (mucous), which can also become infected and which are harder to clean from the sinuses. Besides the toxic effect on the nasal tissues from the carcinogens in cigarette smoke, cigarette smoke paralyzes the hairs of the cilia of the nasal and sinus mucosa that move the mucous your nose normally produces into your throat. When normal mucous does not flow from your nose into your throat, it becomes infected more easily and adds to a "downward spiral" of problems that causes full-blown sinus disease.
Sinus surgery, opening the sinus cavities so air can reach the mucosa in a "functional" way, allows reversal of the disease process as long as the mucosal and bone of the sinuses has not been too badly damaged by the infections. FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery) has revolutionized sinus surgery. It has increased the completeness of disease removal at the same time as it has allowed simpler and less invasive procedures to eliminate the sinus infections/disease. Short endoscopes pass light into the nose and sinuses and magnify the field for the surgeon, allowing state of the art instruments to open the small sinus cavities and remove disease with the least surgical trauma to the remaining bone and mucosa. Less packing is needed with this kind of sinus surgery and there is less postoperative pain and drainage.
Control of allergic disease is imperative if sinus disease is to be cured and if reinfection is to be prevented. Allergy shots (desensitization) for dust mites, molds, and cat are often indicated if sinus disease is to be well controlled. Nasal steroid sprays help decrease nasal edema and open up sinus ostia, as well.
Chronic sinus disease may cause or aggravate nasal congestiion problems that can make sleep apnea worse. It can also cause problems that limit a patients ability to use CPAP on a consistent basis.
Gastrointestinal reflux (GERD) can irritate the lining of the throat, mouth, voice box, upper trachea (windpipe) as well as the back of the nose, the adjacent sinuse, and the openings ofthe eustacian tubes to the ears.. Reflux often occurs during the night when a person lies flat, but it can also occur during the day. It is a MAJOR factor causing and aggravating ear, nose, and throat diseases. Control of GERD is imperative.
Control of fungus infection in the nose and sinuses is often necessary to clear sinus infections and prevent their recurrence. Ask your otolaryngologist about this.
The titrator automatically calculates the water content of the sample in the chosen
units. The drift measured from the start of the titration, the quantity of water introduced
by the solvent and the dilution parameters are also taken into account during
calculations. If a series of measurements is performed, the titrator will calculate the
mean value, the standard deviation and the uncertainty on the mean value.
The user is able to accept or refuse the last result obtained and check the impact it
might have on the mean result. A rejected result will remain in the GLP table with
the indication “rejected”.
Finally, the titrator includes specific QC parameter setting together with High-Low
alarms to help operators make the right choice in reviewing results.
General remarks
Performing Karl Fischer titrations is more demanding than other volumetric titrations.
Radiometer Analytical titrators guide the user step-by-step to ensure reliable and
reproducible results are obtained every time.
The main difficulties of a Karl Fischer titration are:
• The omnipresence of water in the atmosphere. Leakage of water and
vapour in the cell during the titration will lead to an erroneous result.
Radiometer Analytical has designed a titration stand which is easy to use and
ensures operation without contact with the external atmosphere. An
electronically driven pump allows addition of solvent and emptying of the cell
without any leakage. The user should inspect the desiccant tubes regularly
and replace the desiccant when saturated.
• Side reactions will be detrimental to the accuracy of the titration. For example,
the reaction with iodine (ketones and aldehydes) or reactions which inhibit
the response of the indicating electrodes. In the first case, a specific reagent
should be used to reduce the influence of these side reactions and in the
latter, an oven is required.
The KF titration cell
It is recommended to always leave the cell on stand by, i.e. the titrator measures the
effect of ambient humidity during conditioning so that the KF cell is ready for
immediate use.
The built-in electronically driven pump assures the draining of the KF cell. In this
way, exchanges with ambient humidity as well as solvent handling are avoided.
Start the pump then press the emptying button. When the cell is empty, release the
button then stop the pump. To add solvent, start the pump then hold the solvent
button down until the solvent reaches the level marked on the cell.
The KF titration cell should be completely disassembled if not being used for
longer periods of time. The parts should be washed in methanol and then dried.
The parts can also be dried in an oven. The temperature of the oven must not
exceed 50°C. Higher temperatures are not recommended as this can lead to
deformation of plastic parts.
Stirring speed
The stirring speed should be selected to ensure a rapid mixing of the reagent
added, without introducing an excessive amount of air into the solution. Insufficient
stirring can easily lead to an over-titration whereas excessive stirring may disturb
the response of the electrodes.
Delivery tip and indicating electrode
The delivery tip should be placed after the indicating electrode following the
direction of rotation of the stirrer.
The burette
Most manufacturers titrant and solvent bottles can be connected directly to
Radiometer Analytical titrators using the bottle stoppers supplied.
The burette should be equipped with an absorption chamber filled with silica gel or
a molecular sieve for H2O absorption. This will preserve the titre of the titrant and
limit titrant consumption during the pre-titration of the solvent.
GLP
Even with all the precautions taken in order to preserve the titre of the KF reagent,
it is recommended to perform a calibration at regular intervals. The titrator alerts the
operator when a calibration is necessary. The calibration interval is entered by the
operator during programming. In the same way, when using dedicated PC software,
it is possible to enter a KF titre expiry date during programming of the KF reagent
library. The operator will then be prompted when it is time to replace the KF reagent.
Use of dedicated PC software allows unlimited archiving of results and data and
lets you consult your results and methods at all times. As many as 7 titrators can be
connected via a standard RS232C serial port.
Safety
A ventilation hood is advisable, particularly if a titrant containing pyridine is used.
Please note that, almost all KF titrants and solvents used are inflammable and
toxic.
The solvent
The working medium (i.e. the solvent required), can be freely chosen by the user
depending on the dissolution properties of the sample to be investigated. For
methanol-based reagents, the stoichiometry 1:1 of the Karl Fischer reaction is only
fulfilled if there is more than 25% methanol in the reaction mixture. A methanol-free
working medium can be used, however it is important to determine the titre of the
KF reagent in the same working medium.
The modern solvents available today present a high buffer and dissolution capacity.
These solvents consist of sulphur dioxide, a base and methanol or ethanol.
The main advantages of these solvents are:
• A more rapid titration due to better reaction kinetics; an advantage especially
for the titration of large amounts of water.
• A better reproducibility, because the reaction environment is stable. The pH
and the sulphur dioxide concentration remain constant.
For the titration of samples producing side reactions (aldehydes, ketones and
silanols), it is necessary to use an appropriate solvent. Most reagent manufacturers
include the letter K in the commercial name of such solvents.
Note:
If you are using an ethanol-based Karl Fischer solvent (example: E-Solvent) and
you have difficulties balancing your cell, you may need to immerse the Pt-Pt
electrode for 2 min. in a 10% v/v TritonX-100 solution once a week. Then rinse with
dry methanol and gently wipe. This treatment allows the electrode to recover full
efficiency after a few minutes operation. 10% v/v TritonX-100 is available from
reagent manufacturers or can be prepared by diluting 10 ml of TritonX-100 in 100
ml of deionised water.
The titrant
The titrant consists of iodine dissolved in methanol or ethanol. We often find that
the titrant has three titres 1, 2 and 5 mg of water per ml titrant. Even if it is possible
to perform a titration with more than one stroke of the burette piston, it should be
avoided by an appropriate reagent titre and choice of sample size. This allows the
titration time to be reduced and therefore improves the reproducibility.
The titration of samples producing side reactions (aldehydes, ketones and silanols)
requires an appropriate solvent.
The following table gives the recommended maximum speeds for given reagents
and solvents. However, conditions may be modified with respect to the additives,
solvents e.g. chloroform, or samples added.
If the titrator indicates an excess of iodine at the end of the titration, the burette
speed should be halved (a speed below 5 ml/min is rarely used). It should be
remembered that the titration time is not necessarily proportional to the rate of
reagent addition. It is recommended to adapt the addition rate so that it is proportional
to the speed of the Karl Fischer chemical reaction. Increasing the speed may lead
to a momentary excess of non reacted iodine which puts a stop to the reagent
addition. The titrator must therefore wait until this excess has been consumed
before continuing the reagent addition.
Water determination using Radiometer Analytical titrators
1) Filling the burette with titrant
Place the reagent bottle in the bottle holder (if mounted) and connect the
suction tubing from titrant bottle to stopcock. Add desiccant to the absorption chamber
mounted on the bottle. To prepare the titrant, use the titrator burette functions “Bottle
exchange” or “New titrant”.
Note: replace the desiccant when saturated.
2) Filling the KF cell with solvent
Place the solvent bottle in the bottle holder (if mounted) and connect the tubing
from the solvent bottle to the KF cell. Fill the desiccant tubes for KF cell and KF
pump with an appropriate desiccant, e.g. silica gel. Start the pump then using the
titrator solvent button, add between 30 and 40 ml of solvent to the titration cell.
Radiometer Analytical has marked the KF cell to indicate the minimum level to
which solvent must be added.
3) Mounting the waste bottle
Label and identify the waste bottle and place the bottle at the rear of the titrator.
Connect the tubings, KF cell to waste bottle and pump to waste
bottle. Make sure that the tubing is correctly connected to the pump module. A bad
connection could release liquid into the pneumatic module and cause severe
damage. Start the pump then use the waste button to empty the cell.
Reagent Solvent Manufacturer Recommended speed
Recommended
current
HYDRANAL®-Composit 5 Methanol Riedel-de-Hahn 150 %/min = 15 ml/min AC 50 μA
HYDRANAL®-Composit 5K HYDRANAL®-Solvent K Riedel-de-Hahn 50 %/min = 15 ml/min AC 50 μA
HYDRANAL®-Titrant 1 HYDRANAL®-Solvent Riedel-de-Hahn 150 %/min = 15 ml/min AC 50 μA
HYDRANAL®-Titrant 2 HYDRANAL®-Solvent Riedel-de-Hahn 150 %/min = 15 ml/min AC 50 μA
HYDRANAL®-Titrant 5 HYDRANAL®-Solvent Riedel-de-Hahn 150 %/min = 15 ml/min AC 50 μA
HYDRANAL®-Titrant 5 HYDRANAL®-Solvent CM Riedel-de-Hahn 150 %/min = 15 ml/min AC 50 μA
HYDRANAL®-Titrant 5 E HYDRANAL®-Solvent E Riedel-de-Hahn 15 ml/min AC 20 μA
HYDRANAL®-Titrant 2 E HYDRANAL®-Solvent E Riedel-de-Hahn 15 ml/min AC 20 μA
HYDRANAL-Composolver E Ethanol Riedel-de-Hahn
Karl Fischer Réagent T Karl Fischer reagent S Merck 150 %/min = 15 ml/min AC 50 μA
Karl Fischer Reagent 2.5 Karl Fischer reagent S Merck 150 %/min = 15 ml/min AC 50 μA
Karl Fischer Reagent 5 Pyridine Merck 50 %/min = 5 ml/min AC 50 μA
4) Pre-titration
Pre-titration allows the removal of traces of water introduced with the solvent. It is
only necessary if the stand by function is not used.
5) Sample introduction
The titrator is ready to start titrating when the message "Introduce sample" appears
on the display.
In general, at least 5 mg/ml is allowed. With a newly filled KF cell, it is possible to
titrate 5 x 35 = 175 mg of water.
6) Titrating the water
If "Autostart" has been activated, the titration will start as soon as the water in the
sample is detected. Otherwise the titration will start as soon as the ✓ key is pressed.
The titrator constantly determines the speed of titrant addition which is adapted to
the titration. The introduction or simple confirmation of the sample addition can be
carried out by the operator in his own time. In fact, the titration may have finished
before the sample amount is introduced. The titrator waits for the input of the sample
amount before calculating the final result.
7) Result calculation
The titrator calculates the water content of the sample. The drift measured from
titration start and if necessary the quantity of water introduced by the blank, the
dilution factor etc.are also taken into account during calculations.
At the same time, the titrator will determine whether or not the result falls within the
acceptance range specified by the user during programming. This allows the user
to determine if the water content conforms to the specifications and if the result can
be used for statistical purposes.
8) Solvent renewal
It is possible to perform successive titrations in the same solvent. However, it is
important to ensure that the methanol concentration is above 25% and that pH is
maintained within the range 5 to 7.
Although it is advisable to renew the solvent after each analysis, successive titrations
may be performed using the same solvent. Due to the fact that the quantity of
sulphur dioxide present in the cell is limited, care must be taken to respect the
quantity of water that can be analysed using the volume of solvent present in the
KF cell. For further information, consult the reagent manufacturer's instructions for
use.
9) Restarting the titration using a new aliquot or return to the start of
a menu
The KF titration cell will remain permanently on stand by i.e. ready for immediate
use.
10) At the end of a series of titrations, the following statistical
calculations are performed:
• Mean.
• Standard deviation.
Use of an oven
The oven is necessary when:
• The solvent does not allow a sufficient dissolution of the sample.
• The sample interacts with the working medium.
• The sample inhibits the response of the indicating electrodes.
The preparation steps 1 to 4 for the titration are identical to the conventional method.
Use a specific method based on the preprogrammed "Oven KF method".
Remember to pre-titrate the cell after having turned on the gas flow.
1. The titrator prompts you to weigh an "advised" amount of aliquot. The
approximate value of this aliquot has been entered in the titrator beforehand.
2. Introduce the sample in the oven's cold zone.
3. Enter the "exact" amount of sample weighed.
4. The titrator will determine the drift value.
5. Move the sample to the oven's hot zone.
6. The titration will start automatically if the option “Autostart” has been selected.
The titrator will display the result until the end of the titration.
7. Withdraw the sample from the oven.
8. Start a new titration with another aliquot or return to the menu. The cell will
remain in stand by condition, i.e. ready for a new titration.
9. At the end of a series of titrations statistical calculations are performed.
The user is guided through all the stages in the titration by the titrator's, clear and
concise messages. In this way the quality of the analyses is optimised.
General remarks
Volumetric Karl Fischer titration requires the determination of the titre (t) of the Karl
Fischer reagent. It is usually quoted in mg of water per ml of Karl Fischer reagent.
Modern reagents allow direct titration of water in the sample. The sample may be
introduced directly into the KF cell or after an extraction or dissolution with a suitable
solvent. The water concentration of the solvent must be determined previously in
order to be subtracted from the sample analysis.
In Radiometer Analytical titrators all these operations are simplified and the different
results are accounted for automatically.
The volumetric titration of water allows the analysis of water concentrations between
0.1% and 100%. If an aliquot contains less than 1 mg of water, coulometric
determination will result in a more accurate result. For reasons of precision, the
titre of the titrant should be chosen so that the titration is completed with a titrant
demand between 1 and 10 ml.
End point determination
The end point of the reaction is generally based on the detection of a slight excess
of iodine which occurs when water is no longer present in the KF cell. The iodine
excess can be indicated visually, photometrically or potentiometrically. The
potentiometric method is the most common for the majority of titrators currently on
the market.
Radiometer Analytical titrators allow the use of direct or alternating current. The
indicating electrode geometry and frequency of the alternating signal have been
optimised. The instrument does not operate with instantaneous potential values
but uses half the difference between two consecutive measurements.
E =
E(t) - E(t-1)
2 (IV)
In a conventional system with dc current, the electrodes are polarised,
and become the site for reactions other than the reaction iodine to iodide. This
leads to a drift in the potential difference between the electrodes and an end point
that may be erroneous.
- 6 -
Two curves for the same electrode are shown. Both have the same
amplitude but one is with direct current whereas the other is with alternating current.
It can be seen that with ac the potential is stabilised whereas with dc the potential
increases, showing the appearance of reactions other than the reaction iodine to
iodide.
The amplitude of the direct or alternating current and the value of the set point are
modified according to the resistivity of the reactive medium. Radiometer Analytical
offer more than a simple end point titration. The instrument controls the speed of
reagent addition in order to maintain the indicating electrode potential at a constant
value, thus an excess of iodine is never observed. This reaction control is achieved
with a self-adapting PID algorithm(1). The only input parameter is the maximum
allowed speed that only depends on the reaction kinetics of the reagent used.
Radiometer Analytical has tested most available reagents and the default value is
valid for the most commonly used ones. The table below gives the maximum advised
speed for the tested reagents.
Thanks to this principle, the titrator compensates the water introduced into the KF
cell by determining a drift value which is subtracted during the titration. In this way,
more accurate results are obtained, especially for low water contents.
(1) PID: Proportional Integral Derivative
The Karl Fischer reaction can only take place in a certain pH range between 5 and
7. In this pH range, the reaction remains constant. If the pH drops too low, end point
attainment becomes sluggish or an end point will not be reached at all. If the pH is
too high, side reactions occur making the titration non-stoichiometric. We can
therefore say that errors occurring during a KF titration may be due to a change in
the pH of the titration solvent.
The pH of the titration solvent can be tested using a combined pH electrode and a
pH meter. The electrode is first calibrated with aqueous buffer solutions and
afterwards the pH of the titration solvent is measured.
Note: do not place the pH electrode directly into the KF cell because excessive
moisture will be introduced along with the electrode.
For further information, consult the users manuals of the main manufacturers of
Karl Fischer reagents.
The titration is based on the oxidation of sulphur dioxide by iodine in the presence
of water. It is the same reaction as the iodometric titration of sulphur dioxide in
water.
I2 + SO2 + 2H2O 2HI + H2SO4 (I)
In 1935, Karl Fischer published a description of “a new procedure for the titration of
water” using the above reaction in an anhydrous nonaqueous solvent. However, in
order to shift the equilibrium (I) to the right, it was necessary to neutralise the acids
produced. Originally pyridine was used as the neutralising base. Later on,
diethanolamine followed by imidazole were used as buffers.
Recent studies show that methanol, which is the most commonly used solvent,
contributes in the reaction. The Karl Fischer titration can therefore be described by
the two following reactions:
CH3OH + SO2 + RN => [RNH]SO3CH3 (II)
H2O + I2 + [RNH]SO3CH3 + RN -> [RNH]SO4CH3 + 2[RNH]I (III)
(RN designates the base used)
Ethanol-based reagents have recently emerged. These have the advantage of
being less toxic, offering more stable endpoints and faster kinetics.
Water content needs to be determined at all stages of the manufacturing process
from raw materials to finished goods. The quality of the product depends on it. In
products such as kerosene, transformer insulation oil or brake oil, the presence of
unwanted moisture can have disastrous consequences.
In the pharmaceutical industry, it is essential to know the amount of water contained
in the ingredients of a drug in order to correctly predict its lifetime, stability and
effectiveness.
In the food industry, the water content of both raw materials and the finished foodstuff
needs to be carefully monitored.
The technique most commonly used for these analyses because of its rapidity,
accuracy and ease of use is Karl Fischer titration.
Thanks to their design and titration algorithm, Radiometer Analytical Karl Fischer
Titrators provide accurate results and clear sample information. Radiometer
Analytical makes it easy for the user to comply with Quality Control requirements
and follow Good Laboratory Practice.
The instrument is easy to program due to preset methods for titrations in the most
common samples. The last calibration results of titrants, blanks and samples are
stored. When used in conjunction with dedicated PC software, archiving of results
and methods is limited only by available storage space.
May 17, 2010 — Roxro Pharma (Menlo Park, California) today announced that the US Food and Drug Administration has approved an intranasal formulation of ketorolac tromethamine (Sprix Nasal Spray) for the short-term management of moderate to moderately severe pain requiring analgesia at the opioid level.
The formulation can be used for up to 5 days in patients outside the hospital setting. Ketorolac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is most often given in the hospital setting as an intramuscular (IM) injection for short-term treatment of moderately severe pain, a statement from the company notes. The new formulation, given intranasally and absorbed through nasal mucosa, achieves peak blood levels as fast as an IM injection, the statement adds.
The new product "fills the need for a new non-opioid, non-injectable option for ambulatory pain control, because it minimizes the potential for abuse as well as the negative side effects associated with narcotic pain relievers while providing potent control of moderate to moderately severe pain at the opioid level," said Askomur Buvanendran, director of orthopedic anesthesia at Rush University Medical Centers in Chicago, Illinois, in the company release. "The convenient nasal spray formulation will also provide pain relief outside of the hospital setting."
The new formulation has been studied in patients with moderate to moderately severe pain, alone and in combination with morphine, the statement notes. The new drug application package included data from 14 clinical trials with more than 1000 subjects, the release notes, as well as 4 controlled efficacy studies of adults in all of which primary endpoints were met.
Two phase 3 trials, each including more than 300 patients undergoing elective abdominal or orthopedic surgery, showed a statistically significantly greater reduction in the summed pain intensity difference, an accepted measure of pain, vs placebo over 48 hours, the company statement adds. Use of the intranasal formulation was also shown to reduce morphine use by 26% to 36% over 48 hours vs placebo.
Again, the total duration of use of this intranasal formulation, as with other ketorolac formulations, should be for the shortest duration possible and not exceed 5 days, the statement notes.
Other risks and contraindications include the following:
• Ketorolac can cause peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, and/or perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. Intranasal ketorolac is contraindicated in patients with peptic ulcer disease or a history of GI bleeding;
• Intranasal ketorolac inhibits platelet function and is contraindicated in patients with suspected or confirmed cerebrovascular bleeding, hemorrhagic diathesis, incomplete hemostasis, or a high risk of bleeding;
• NSAIDs may cause an increased risk for serious cardiovascular events, myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal, the release notes. Risk may increase with duration of use and be higher in patients with cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular risk factors. This intranasal formulation of ketorolac is contraindicated for treatment of perioperative pain from coronary artery bypass grafting surgery;
• Intranasal ketorolac is contraindicated in patients with advanced renal impairment and in those at risk for renal failure due to volume depletion; and
• In addition, the product is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity or a history of allergic reactions to aspirin, ketorolac, other NSAIDs, or EDTA, in those with prior major surgery, and during labor and delivery. It also should not be used concurrently with probenecid or pentoxifylline.
Mild, transient nasal discomfort was the most frequently reported adverse effect of the intranasal formulation.
"Currently approved injectable forms of ketorolac are already well accepted by the physician community for in-hospital use, so we believe uptake of this more convenient form will be rapid," said Roberto Rosenkranz, chief executive officer of Roxro Pharma in the company statement.
The full prescribing information for the intranasal ketorolac formulation is available on the Roxro Pharma Website.
Diagnosis, Prevention and management of serotonin syndrome are described in a review for family physicians published in the May 1 issue of the American Family Physician.
"Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening set of symptoms caused by serotonin toxicity, and usually involves a combination of drugs that increase serotonergic transmission," write Adrienne Z. Ables, PharmD, and Raju Nagubilli, MD, from Spartanburg Family Medicine Residency Program in Spartanburg, South Carolina. "This syndrome was first described in the literature during the 1960s in studies of single and combination therapy with antidepressant medications. Potential mechanisms of serotonin syndrome include increased serotonin synthesis or release; reduced serotonin uptake or metabolism; and direct serotonin receptor activation."
Symptoms of excessive serotonergic activity in the nervous system include mental status changes, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular hyperactivity, usually caused by exposure to multiple serotonergic drugs or excessive exposure to a single serotonin-augmenting drug.
Intentional self-poisoning with serotonergic agents has also been reported, as well as serotonin syndrome occurring when drugs that inhibit the cytochrome P450 2D6 and/or cytochrome P450 3A4 isoenzymes are added to therapeutic regimens of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Specific agents that may be implicated in serotonin syndrome include amphetamines and their derivatives (ecstasy, dextroamphetamine, methamphetamine, and sibutramine), analgesics (cyclobenzaprine, fentanyl, meperidine, tramadol), antidepressants/mood stabilizers (buspirone, lithium), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (such as phenelzine), SSRIs (such as fluoxetine), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (such as venlafaxine), serotonin 2A receptor blockers (such as trazodone), St. John's wort, tricyclic antidepressants, antiemetics (metoclopramide, ondansetron), and antimigraine drugs (carbamazepine, ergot alkaloids, triptans, and valproic acid).
Miscellaneous agents that may cause serotonin syndrome include cocaine, dextromethorphan, linezolid, l-tryptophan, and 5-hydroxytryptophan.
Criteria for Identifying Serotonin Syndrome
It is important for clinicians to be able to recognize serotonin toxicity because the prognosis is favorable if complications are managed appropriately. The term serotonin syndrome usually is reserved for severe toxicity.
The Hunter Serotonin Toxicity Criteria are used to diagnose serotonin syndrome. Diagnosis by these criteria requires at least 1 of the following characteristic features or groups of features:
• Spontaneous clonus;
• Inducible clonus with agitation or diaphoresis;
• Ocular clonus with agitation or diaphoresis;
• Tremor and hyperreflexia; or
• Hypertonia, temperature above 100.4°F (38° C), and ocular or inducible clonus.
Differential diagnosis of serotonin syndrome includes anticholinergic syndrome, malignant hyperthermia, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
Most cases of serotonin syndrome are mild, and patients usually respond to withdrawal of the offending agent and supportive care. Agitation and tremor may be treated with benzodiazepines, and cyproheptadine may be used as an antidote.
For moderate or severe cases of serotonin syndrome, patients should be hospitalized, and neuromuscular paralysis, sedation, and intubation may be indicated for critically ill patients.
Key Recommendations for Practice
Specific key clinical recommendations for practice, and their accompanying level of evidence rating, include the following:
• To prevent serotonin syndrome, clinicians must be aware of the toxic potential of serotonergic agents (level of evidence, C). Education and use of drug interaction software may help promote awareness.
• Serotonin syndrome should be identified and diagnosed with use of established criteria (level of evidence, C). Compared with Sternbach's criteria, the Hunter Serotonin Toxicity Criteria are more sensitive and specific in diagnosing serotonin syndrome.
• First-line treatment of serotonin syndrome is to withdraw the offending drugs and to provide supportive care (level of evidence, C).
• On the basis of case reports, moderate to severe cases of serotonin syndrome may be treated with cyproheptadine (level of evidence, C).
"The incidence of serotonin syndrome is rising, reflecting the growing number of serotonergic drugs available and the increased use of these agents in clinical practice," the review authors write. "The reported incidence may also reflect an increasing diagnostic awareness of the syndrome.... Prevention of serotonin syndrome begins with awareness by physicians and patients of the potential for toxicity from serotonergic drugs."
The review authors have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Am Family Physician. 2010;81:1139-1142. Abstract
Additional Resource
More information on serotonin syndrome and SSRI toxicity is available on eMedicine
CLINICAL CONTEXT
With a higher number of serotonergic medications available, the incidence of serotonin syndrome has been increasing. In 2005, there were 48,279 cases of serotonin syndrome reported to US Poison Control Centers, 18% of which were judged to be moderate or severe cases.
Although wider use of psychotropic medications at least partially explains the increasing incidence of serotonin syndrome, nonpsychotropic medications also contribute to the syndrome. These medications include tramadol, metoclopramide, triptans, valproic acid, linezolid, and dextromethorphan. Drugs of abuse, such as methamphetamine and cocaine, can also contribute to the development of serotonin syndrome.
The current review describes the diagnosis and management of serotonin syndrome.
STUDY HIGHLIGHTS
• Serotonin syndrome most commonly develops when other serotonergic medications are added to therapeutic SSRI regimens, when dosages are changed, or in an overdose of serotonergic agents.
• There are no published guidelines regarding the prevention of serotonin syndrome.
• Most patients with serotonin syndrome experience symptoms for 6 to 24 hours, although the onset of symptoms can be within minutes of drug ingestion.
• The Hunter Serotonin Toxicity Criteria are more sensitive and specific than Sternbach's criteria. The diagnosis of serotonin toxicity with the Hunter criteria includes at least 1 of the following signs to be present:
o Spontaneous clonus
o Inducible clonus with agitation or diaphoresis
o Ocular clonus with agitation or diaphoresis
o Tremor and hyperreflexia
o Hypertonia, temperature above 38°C, and ocular or inducible clonus
• The primary differential diagnosis of serotonin syndrome includes anticholinergic syndrome, malignant hyperthermia, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
• There are no specific laboratory tests to diagnose serotonin syndrome.
• Mild cases of serotonin syndrome generally resolve within 24 to 72 hours after removal of the causative drugs.
• Patients with moderate to severe serotonin syndrome, defined as hypertonicity, hyperthermia, autonomic instability, or progressive cognitive changes, should be hospitalized.
• Benzodiazepines may be used to control agitation and tremor in serotonin syndrome.
• Cyproheptadine is a serotonin 2A antagonist. It is the most widely used antidote for serotonin syndrome, although it is not an evidence-based treatment. The usual starting dose is 12 mg, followed by an additional 2 mg every 2 hours as long as symptoms continue. After the patient is stabilized, cyproheptadine may be continued at a dose of 8 mg every 6 hours.
Clinical Implications
Nonpsychotropic medications that can promote serotonin syndrome include tramadol, metoclopramide, triptans, valproic acid, linezolid, and dextromethorphan.
The Hunter Serotonin Toxicity Criteria require that at least 1 of the following signs be present to diagnose serotonin toxicity: spontaneous clonus; inducible clonus with agitation or diaphoresis; ocular clonus with agitation or diaphoresis; tremor and hyperreflexia; or hypertonia, temperature above 38°C, and ocular or inducible clonus.
A soybean lecithin based topical liniment and method of making the same is disclosed. The liniment utilizes soybean lecithin as a base and major ingredient and as the emulsifier which is mixed with plant oils, natural menthol, calcium stearate, and magnesium stearate. The soybean lecithin, plant oils, natural menthol, calcium stearate, and magnesium stearate are mixed together in predetermined relative proportions with the amount of soybean lecithin being greater than the sum of the amounts of the plant oils, natural menthol, calcium stearate, and magnesium stearate. The soybean lecithin, plant oils, natural menthol, calcium stearate, and magnesium stearate are added to one another and mixed together in a predetermined sequence to prevent precipitation and provide a homogenous mixture having a viscosity suitable for topical application.
Claims:
I claim:
1. a homogeneous lecithin based topical liniment for aiding in the transmission of nerve impulses in the area of application comprising a mixture in parts per gallon of:
a. about 8.5 cups of soybean lecithin as a base ingredient and emulsifier, said soybean lecithin containing sufficient amounts of choline and acetylcholine such that said choline serves as a precursor for said acetylcholine and said acetylcholine serves as a neurotransmitter to aid in the transmission of nerve impulses;
b. plant oils consisting of about 345 ml. lemon grass oil, about 230 ml. clove oil, about 190 ml. eucalyptus oil, about 125 ml. lemon oil, about 100 ml. camphor oil, about 40 ml. lime oil, and about 10 ml. ginger oil;
c. about 560 g. of natural menthol;
d. about 10 g. of calcium stearate; and
e. about 5 g. of magnesium stearate.
2. A homogeneous lecithin based topical liniment product for aiding in the transmission of nerve impulses in the area of application made by the process of:
mixing together in parts per gallon about 560 g. natural menthol, about 10 g. calcium stearate, about 5 g. magnesium stearate, about 345 ml. lemon grass oil, about 230 ml. clove oil, about 190 ml. eucalyptus oil, about 125 ml. lemon oil, about 100 ml. camphor oil, and about 40 ml. lime oil, in the sequence as listed;
adding about 8.5 cups soybean lecithin and mixing it with the recited ingredients and then allowing the mixture to stand for at least 24 hours; and
after the recited mixture has been allowed to stand for at least 24 hours, adding about 10 ml. ginger oil to the mixture.
3. A method for making a homogeneous lecithin based topical liniment having a viscosity suitable for topical application comprising the steps of:
mixing together the following ingredients in parts per gallon and in the sequence listed:
about 560 g. of natural menthol;
about 10 g. of calcium stearate;
about 5 g. of magnesium stearate;
about 345 ml. of lemon grass oil;
about 230 ml. of clove oil;
about 190 ml. of eucalyptus oil;
about 125 ml. of lemon oil;
about 100 ml. of camphor oil;
about 40 ml. of lime oil;
said calcium stearate and said magnesium stearate providing a soluble stearate mixture which is miscible in said natural menthol and said recited oils and preventing precipitation thereof after mixing;
after mixing the above recited ingredients, adding about 8.5 cups of soybean lecithin to the mixture and mixing therewith and then allowing the mixture to stand for at least 24 hours; and then
after allowing the mixture to stand for at least 24 hours, adding about 10 ml. of ginger oil to the recited mixture.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to topical liniments, and more particularly to a soybean lecithin based topical liniment utilizing a mixture of soybean lecithin as a base and emulsifier, plant oils, natural menthol, calcium stearate, and magnesium stearate.
2. Brief Description of the Invention
There are many "over the counter" (OTC) drugs which claim to provide relief from a variety of human conditions, such as muscle aches, cramps, arthritis, muscle spasms, nasal congestion, and headache. Some of the common "over the counter" drugs are; Ben Gay (™ Pfizer, Inc.), Sportscream (™ Thompson Medical Co., Inc.), Therapeutic Mineral Ice (™ Bristol-Myers Co.), Sero-Ice (™ Seroyal Brands, Inc.), Eucalyptamint (™ Naturapathic Laboratories, Inc.), Flex-al (™ Chatten, Inc.), and Vicks Inhaler (™ Proctor & Gamble Co.).
Ben Gay (™ Pfizer, Inc.) has 15% methyl salicylate and 10% menthol listed as active ingredients. Listed as inactive ingredients are glycerol stearate, lanolin, prolysorbate-85, purified water, sorbitan tristearate, stearic acid, and triethanolamine.
Sportscream (™ Thompson Medical Co., Inc.) has 10% salycin as its active ingredient with "other ingredients" listed as; cetyl alcohol, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Yellow No. 5, fragrance, glycerin, methylparaben, mineral oil, potassium phosphate monobasic, propylparaben, stearic acid, triethanolamine, and water.
Therapeutic Mineral Ice (™ Bristol-Myers Co.) has menthol listed as the active ingredient. Unlike Sportscream, Ben Gay, and other "over the counter" drugs, the percent of menthol is not displayed on the label. The cool, blue, Therapeutic Mineral Ice gel base is specifically formulated to dry quickly with no grease or lingering unpleasant odor. Therapeutic Mineral Ice is one of the most widely advertised over the counter drugs.
Sero-Ice (™ Seroyal Brands, Inc.) has 6.25% menthol as its active ingredient. Inactive ingredients listed are; N-propyl alcohol, eucalyptus oil, origanum oil, tincture of merthiolate, and deionized water.
Eucalyptamint (™ Naturapathic Laboratories, Inc.) is one of the latest widely advertised pain relieving over the counter drugs on the market. Its active ingredient is 15% natural menthol. Other ingredients are lanolin and eucalyptus oil.
Flex-al (™ Chatten, Inc.) was also introduced in the market quite recently. Its label states; "Active ingredient: menthol (7%) in Flex-al 454's special Aloe Vera Gel also containing alcohol, allantoin, aloe vera gel, boric acid, carbomer 940, diazolidinyl urea, eucalyptus oil, glycerin, iodine, methylparaben, methyl salicylate, peppermint oil, polysorbate 60, potassium iodide, propylene glycol, propyl paraben, thyme oil, triethanolamine, water, 97-116."
Vicks Inhaler (™ Proctor & Gamble Co.) has been on the market for many years. Its active ingredient is 1-desoxyephedrine. Inactive ingredients listed are; special Vicks Vapors (bornyl acetate), camphor, lavender oil, and menthol.
Typically, over the counter drugs contain active ingredients which consist of one or more counterirritants, anti-inflammatory agents and/or antispasmodic agents. Listed generally under "other ingredients" or "inactive ingredients" are; alcohols, animal byproducts, petroleum byproducts, saturated organic acids, salicylates or their derivatives, and many synthetic chemicals.
The present invention is distinguished over the prior art in general, and these over the counter drugs in particular by a lecithin based topical liniment which utilizes soybean lecithin as a base and major ingredient and as the emulsifier, and does not incorporate aspirin or petroleum byproducts. The soybean lecithin is mixed with plant oils, natural menthol, calcium stearate, and magnesium stearate. The soybean lecithin, plant oils, natural menthol, calcium stearate, and magnesium stearate are mixed together in predetermined relative proportions with the amount of soybean lecithin being greater than the sum of the amounts of the plant oils, natural menthol, calcium stearate, and magnesium stearate. The soybean lecithin, plant oils, natural menthol, calcium stearate, and magnesium stearate are added to one another and mixed together in a predetermined sequence to prevent precipitation and provide a homogenous mixture having a viscosity suitable for topical application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a lecithin based topical liniment which can be used for the relief of nasal congestion.
It is another object of this invention to provide a lecithin based topical liniment which can be used for the relief of headaches.
Another object of this invention is to provide a lecithin based topical liniment which can be used for the relief of muscle aches and arthritic pain.
A further object of this invention is to provide a lecithin based topical liniment which utilizes soybean lecithin as a base and major ingredient and as the emulsifier for the mixture.
A still further object of this invention is to provide a lecithin based topical liniment which contains a mixture of soybean lecithin, plant oils, natural menthol, calcium stearate, and magnesium stearate.
Other objects of the invention will become apparent from time to time throughout the specification and claims as hereinafter related.
The above noted objects and other objects of the invention are accomplished a lecithin based topical liniment which utilizes soybean lecithin as a base and major ingredient and as the emulsifier. The soybean lecithin is mixed with plant oils, natural menthol, calcium stearate, and magnesium stearate. The soybean lecithin, plant oils, natural menthol, calcium stearate, and magnesium stearate are mixed together in predetermined relative proportions with the amount of soybean lecithin being greater than the sum of the amounts of the plant oils, natural menthol, calcium stearate, and magnesium stearate. The soybean lecithin, plant oils, natural menthol, calcium stearate, and magnesium stearate are added to one another and mixed together in a predetermined sequence to prevent precipitation and provide a homogenous mixture having a viscosity suitable for topical application.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The present invention is a lecithin based topical liniment which utilizes soybean lecithin as a base and major ingredient and as the emulsifier. The soybean lecithin is mixed with plant oils, natural menthol, calcium stearate, and magnesium stearate. The soybean lecithin, plant oils, natural menthol, calcium stearate, and magnesium stearate are mixed together in predetermined relative proportions with the amount of soybean lecithin being greater than the sum of the amounts of the plant oils, natural menthol, calcium stearate, and magnesium stearate. The plant oils include: lemon grass oil, clove oil, eucalyptus oil, lemon oil, camphor oil, lime oil, and ginger oil.
The formulation is the outcome of numerous trials using various combinations of mixtures, and is based on the inventor's knowledge of Indian Aeuverdic medicine and biochemistry. The combination of ingredients and the relative proportions of the ingredients to each other were established after extensive experimentation. The preferred lecithin based topical liniment is a mixture in parts per gallon of: approximately 8.5 cups of soybean lecithin as a base ingredient and emulsifier; approximately 1040 ml. of plant oils; approximately 560 g. of natural menthol; approximately 10 g. of calcium stearate; and approximately 5 g. of magnesium stearate.
The preferred proportions of the plant oils in parts per gallon are: approximately 345 ml. of lemon grass oil, approximately 230 ml. of clove oil, approximately 190 ml. of eucalyptus oil, approximately 125 ml. of lemon oil, approximately 100 ml. of camphor oil, approximately 40 ml. of lime oil, and approximately 10 ml. of ginger oil.
After several trials, it was discovered that the sequence of adding the ingredients would also affect the homogeneity and viscosity of the finished product. It was found that the following sequence of adding and mixing the ingredients produced the best results. (1) Adding the following ingredients in the sequence as listed; natural menthol, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, lemon grass oil, clove oil, eucalyptus oil, lemon oil, camphor oil, and lime oil. (2) Mixing the ingredients by shaking intermittently for 3 minutes. (3) Adding the soybean lecithin and mixing the ingredients by rotating the container for 3 minutes and allowing the mixture to stand overnight. (4) After 24 hours, adding the ginger oil to the mixture and rotating the container for 3 minutes. On the third day, the mixture would be ready for bottling and use.
Soybean lecithin was selected as the base and major ingredient of the liniment for two reasons. First, soybean lecithin contains choline and acetylcholine. The choline is a precursor for the acetylcholine, and the acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter which plays a major role in the transmission of nerve impulses. Second, lecithin acts as an emulsifier for the plant oils, natural menthol, calcium stearate, and magnesium stearate.
Various other relative proportions of the soybean lecithin, plant oils, natural menthol, calcium stearate, and magnesium stearate may be used, with resultant variations in the homogeneity and viscosity. Calcium stearate and magnesium stearate, by themselves, are not readily miscible in some of the plant oils which are used in the mixture, and the ratio of calcium stearate to magnesium stearate will affect solubility. Various ratios of calcium stearate to magnesium stearate may be used, but will produce precipitation of these materials. An amount of calcium stearate greater than the amount of magnesium stearate will produce a satisfactory soluble stearate mixture. Providing the soybean lecithin in an amount greater than the sum of the amounts of the plant oils, natural menthol, calcium stearate, and magnesium stearate, will produce a desirable homogenous mixture having a viscosity suitable for topical application.
The sequence of adding and mixing the ingredients also affects the finished product. For example, if the soybean lecithin is mixed with the natural menthol, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, lemon grass oil, clove oil, eucalyptus oil, lemon oil, camphor oil, lime oil, and ginger oil, at the same time, the resultant mixture will develop a less than desirable fragrance 24 hours after the initial mixing.
After experimentation, it was found that by deleting the ginger oil from the initial mixture, mixing the soybean lecithin with the natural menthol, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, lemon grass oil, clove oil, eucalyptus oil, lemon oil, camphor oil, and lime oil, allowing the recited mixture to stand for at least 24 hours after the initial mixing, and then adding the ginger oil, that the resultant mixture would have a desirable pleasant fragrance.
Thus, various ratios of the ingredients may be used to produce a liniment with resultant variations in homogeneity, viscosity, and fragrance. However, the preferred mixture is one in which soybean lecithin is used as the base and emulsifier and is mixed with natural menthol, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, lemon grass oil, clove oil, eucalyptus oil, lemon oil, camphor oil, and lime oil, in the amounts described previously, allowed to stand for at least 24 hours after the initial mixing, and then ginger oil in the amount described previously, is added to the mixture. In the preferred mixture, the ratio of calcium stearate to magnesium stearate is sufficient to prevent precipitation, and the ratio of the soybean lecithin relative to the other ingredients is an amount greater than the sum of the amounts of the plant oils, natural menthol, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, and ginger oil. This combination of ingredients and the manner at sequence in which they are mixed will produce a desirable homogenous liniment mixture having a viscosity suitable for topical application, and a pleasant fragrance.
It should be noted that the recited ingredients are of plant origin, with the exception of calcium stearate and magnesium stearate. Among the eleven ingredients utilized in the described mixture, menthol and camphor are regulated by the Food And Drug Administration (FDA), and must conform to the monograph published in the Feb. 8, 1983 Federal Register. Therefore, the maximum allowable concentration of these ingredients must not exceed the published guidelines. The inventor is not aware of any FDA regulations regarding the other ingredients.
While this invention has been described fully and completely with special emphasis upon a preferred embodiment, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.
This an example of an herbal liniment which anyone can make. Herbs can generally be substituted according to your specific needs and plant availability. This is a specially formulated counter-irritant liniment I did myself. It is made from black mustard, camphor, rubbing alcohol, olive oil, and lime. If you prefer the recipe to be less complicated just add soap directly and delete the olive oil and lime solution.
Once you have identified the Black Mustard and Shepherd’s Purse to be harvested around full bloom, pick the leaves, tops, seeds during mid-morning, shortly after the dew has left. This is the optimum time for harvesting. Knowing racehorse people, mornings are devoted to track work, so optimum time may not be practical. The first step is to make an herbal tincture from these two plants. The fresh Black Mustard is placed in a food processor and chopped. I fully understand that the desired rubefacient (counter-irritant) qualities of Black Mustard is primarily in the seeds, but I consider the entire herb of value. Next place the chopped herb into an appropriate sized jar with lid for the maceration (soaking) process. Since isopropyl alcohol is cheap and because this herbal preparation will be used topically, I will use the highest strength of isopropyl, I can find. Normally a 70% strength is commonly stocked at most grocery and drug stores. This will do in a pinch. Some Saddlers shops will carry 95% strength of isopropyl in gallon jugs. This would be the preferred strength to use as a menstruum (solvent) for your chopped herb. Fresh herbs are high in water content and need the higher alcohol strengths to extract the medicinal properties. If dried herbs are being used, a 50% isopropyl solution would be optimum. A 50% isopropyl alcohol solution can be mixed by adding 285 ml (cc) of distilled water to 715 ml (cc) of the stock, store purchased 70% alcohol. Use either the 50% solution, if you are employing dried herbs, or the stronger 95% solution for the fresh plants.
Place the chopped herb into the jar and cover with the appropriate strength of isopropyl alcohol solvent. The herb should just barely be covered by the alcohol menstruum One may have to use a ladle or similar utensil to initially compress the herb below the alcohol level. Check your jar in a few days. You may find the alcoholic menstruum level to be below the herb; if so, add more to keep the level above the herb. Store your jar in a warm, dark place for 2-4 weeks. Daily shaking is not necessary for the fresh herb macerate, but should take place with any dried herb infusions.
Once the 2-4 week maceration time is complete, the exhausted plant material and tincture must be separated by some type of filtration system of your choice. The goal is to produce a smooth grit-free tincture. I heavily rely on antique kitchen utensils that farm wives have used in years past. I use a cone shaped sieve and wood pestle which was employed for various canning and juicing chores. This cone sieve or ricer can be found at flea markets, estate farm auctions, and online auctions. I pour the herbal contents of the jar into the cone which has a bowl underneath it. The pestle is then rotated to squeeze the menstruum from the depleted plant material. Once I have the initial tincture in a bowl, I filtrate a second time through a canning funnel which has several layers of cheese cloth, rubber banded around the open end. This should produce a fairly smooth tincture into a wide mouth measuring cup. Pour this final filtrate into a storage bottle of dark amber glass. With the Black Mustard filtered, now do the Shepherd's Purse.
You have the main ingredients of your liniment, the two herbal tinctures. The following components should be gathered:
1) Tincture of Black Mustard.......................................300 ml
2) Tincture of Shepherd's Purse...................................300 ml
3) Camphor...........................................................................1 oz.
4) Ammonia Water..........................................................100 ml
5) Olive oil.........................................................................300 ml
1000 ml
Combine the tinctures, ammonia water, and olive oil and add one ounce of powdered camphor to the solution, shaking. A final filtration may or may not be necessary..
Camphor is obtained from an evergreen type tree found in Asia. It has counter-irritant and analgesic properties. Camphor is an old timey remedy, long used in Veterinary medicine both internally and externally. It can be found in the inventory of many of the old line Saddlery Shops and usually is sold in small blocks. Its presence in this liniment recipe is optional. If you can find camphor, grind up one ounce into fine powder and add to the liniment, shake until dissolved. One can filter any particles that do not go into solution before final bottling.
Ammonia Water is another old staple of many topical liniments of the past. It is simply 9.5%-10.5% of Ammonium Hydroxide in a solution with water. Ammonium Hydroxide according to its strength can act as an epidermal stimulant, irritant, or blister. Store purchased Ammonia will contain normally 5-10% of Ammonium Hydroxide in water with additives which may include perfumes, salts, and stabilizers. I am suggesting that commercial Ammonia can be substituted here in a liniment formula, though an Ammonia cleaner without additives is to be preferred. I would further suggest that commercial Ammonia should be cut in half to give approximately a 5% solution. Pour out 50 cc of Ammonia and add another 50 cc of distilled water–add to the tinctures.
Olive oil comes in many grades. I would suggest the cheapest oil you can find which usually means a golden color from a latter pressing. Olive oil is primarily being used for its lubricant properties in this formula, though it does possess some solvent properties as well.
Herbs can be deleted and added as one may see fit to formulate that liniment that seems to work for your animal. My book will give you the few basic rules which should be followed but, on the whole, creativity can reign with the cost of production small when compared to commercial products.
Liniments are possibly the most well-known of all the veterinary preparations used by the everyday Horseman. Almost every barn of the past that housed a working horse would have a bottle of liniment or embrocation, as it was sometimes known, sitting somewhere in its recesses. Liniments have been so secretly formulated, patented, and gleefully marketed through the ages that these mystical solutions are almost a laughing stock in today's veterinary/medical circles. You will be hard put to find a veterinarian that will freely prescribe a liniment treatment on his own. This is not to say that liniments are without value. Our finely latexed friends from the ivy towers of equine medicine are far from authorities on race horse physical therapy. I would like to have a dime for every horse they have labeled as un-raceable and gone on to win races. Personally, I remember growing up in the 1960's, working out of my granddaddy's barn with accouterments of Absorbine, Gombalt’s Caustic Balsam, Tuttle's Elixir, and a few other patent medicines sitting on a shelf ready for any infirmity. They were a permanent fixture of a barn in my young eyes, never to be questioned or doubted. Perhaps that is the problem, they have always been present in the traditions of horse husbandry, but few people understand their pharmacologic merits and uses. So when should a liniment be used and what type?
A liniment by nature has always been applied with a groom's rubbing hands over some ailing body part of the horse. This combination of massaging hands wetted with the liniment provides the physiologic healing mechanism, so respected through the ages. It seems in the history of embrocations, they were most always of a counterirritant nature. Characteristically, liniments were formulated with a soap and/or oil base aiding in the lubrication of the hands and fingers during massage.
Liniment and stable bandagesmay or may not be combined. If you are applying a liniment after working a sound horse, then bandages are not called for. One may apply a liniment as a general stimulating, relaxing agent accompanied by light massage as it is being worked into the legs or body region. A counterirritant type of liniment would be the most desirable in this situation where no apparent soreness is present or being treated. On the other hand, if you have reason to suspect a problem after work or you are treating an on going problem, bandages should probably be put on the horse over the liniment. This allows the liniment to be directed in toward the leg and guards against rapid evaporation from the hide's surface. Also, bandages will provide protection and retard edema (swelling/filling) in this more serious situation.
Liniments are routinely used on race horses only very casually as a preventive or for the first recognition of a suspicious leg. If I had a horse galloping and training nicely with no visible leg problems, doing him up with a liniment would allow me to perform a closer, hands-on, inspection. By massaging his legs, tendons and ligaments while working the liniment in, allows me to assess the integrity of each structure which might have been missed otherwise. If your horse is stocking up (generalized leg edema) overnight, then bandages with a liniment are also indicated when putting the horse away after morning work. A counterirritant type of liniment will help stimulate blood/lymphatic flow and relieve any possible transient soreness.
If an acute, more serious injury seems to be manifesting itself in your horse's leg then something a bit stronger may be in order, i.e. a leg paint, poultice, or sweat. Such common leg injuries calling for more than a liniment would include superficial/deep flexor tendon sore spots, suspensory ligament sore spots, check ligament soreness, any type of bone damage or growth, joint capsule distensions, tendon sheath distensions, and any non-broken skin injury due to gait interference. All of these unsoundnesses may or may not be accompanied by actual lameness on the part of the horse, but all are a step beyond what a common liniment was designed for. .
Common generic veterinary liniments of the past have included Liniment of Aconite, Camphor Liniment, Liniment of Croton Oil, or variations. Many had an oil or soap component. One way to achieve a soap/oil base is to mix 500 cc of a lime solution with 500 cc of olive oil. The reaction will produce a thick creamy mixture after it is shaken, of soap and oil. A good way to infuse various desired herbs into this formula is to first extract the herbs into the olive oil and filter. Once filtered, add the same amount by volume of a lime solution to your herb infused olive oil. Lime is Calcium oxide, processed from marble. Perhaps an easier method is to just add soap to your herbal alcohol solution. Soft soap or green soap is what is needed. Soft soap is made from olive oil and potassium hydroxide. Soft soap by itself has active medicinal properties of a topical nature. It removes fats from the skin surface which is sometimes beneficial. There are also softening benefits to the skin, aiding in the removal of crusts and skin scales.
