ABSTRACT

An emulsion is a heterogeneous mixture of two or more immiscible liquids, with a third component (emulsifier) used to stabilize the dispersed phase droplets. Co-emulsifiers and other additives are often used to improve stability. The most commonly used parenteral emulsion system is for parenteral nutrition (PN). Parenteral nutrition is a means of providing intravenous nutrition to patients who are unable to absorb nutrients via the gastrointestinal tract. Infused nutrients include amino acids, dextrose, electrolytes, minerals, vitamins,

fatty acids, and trace minerals (1-3). Drugs such as barbituric acid (4), nitroglycerin, and cyclandelate (5) have been incorporated into emulsions prepared forPN. In addition, emulsions have been specifically prepared as delivery vehicles for drugs with poor or no solubility in water.