Granulae Effervescentes. Effervescent Granules.
Effervescent granules are made by mixing citric and tartaric acids with the medicament, and the sodium bicarbonate with the sugar when present; and then thoroughly mixing the one with the other, and granulating the resulting mixture by stirring in a pan heated to between 93° and 104°; passing through sieves of a suitable size, and drying at a temperature not exceeding 54°. This method of preparing the granules yields satisfactory results, but the following alternative method has also been suggested:—Mix the sodium bicarbonate, the sugar, and the medicament, pass the mixture through a No. 20 to No. 30 incorrodible sieve, subject the mixed acids to the same process, and thoroughly mix the two sifted powders. Place the mixed powders in layers on a suitable dish, pan, or glass tray, heated to 75° to 85°, if required, but not exceeding the higher temperature. When the mass, after being suitably kneaded and compressed, has assumed a uniformly plastic condition, suitable for granulation, rub it through a No. 5 to No. 10 incorrodible sieve, according to the size of granule desired, and dry the granules at a temperature not exceeding 50°.
