Influence of electrolytes/non-electrolytes on the cloud point phenomenon of the aqueous promethazine hydrochloride drug solution

We have studied the clouding phenomena in promethazine hydrochloride (PMT) aqueous solutions in presence of electrolytes and non-electrolytes. PMT, a tranquillizer, shows phase separation. The cloud point (CP) decreases with increase in pH due to deprotonation of drug molecules. At constant pH, increasing salt addition causes an increase in CP, which is explained on the basis of their position in Hofmeister series and their hydrated radii. With quaternary salts CP increases due to adsorption/mixed micelle formation. Ureas decrease the CP and the behavior is explained on the basis of removal of water from the headgroup region.

Graphical abstractEffect of pH on the CP of 50 mM PMT solution, prepared in 10 mM sodium phosphate buffer, containing no or a fixed salt concentration (50 mM).Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide