Levigation is defined as which procedure?

• A. Reduction of particle size without wetting
• B. Process of reducing particle size and wetting a solid by triturating in a mortar or spatulating on an ointment slab/pad with a small amount of a liquid in which the solid is not soluble until the solid has been reduced to fine particles
• C. Dry grinding
• D. Dissolving the solid in a solvent

Answer: (B)

Levigation is the process of reducing particle size while wetting the solid with a small amount of a liquid in which the solid is not soluble. This is done by triturating in a mortar or spatulating on an ointment slab with a levigating agent until a smooth paste or fine suspension forms. The liquid helps wet and disperse the particles without dissolving them, making it easier to achieve a uniform, fine dispersion for incorporation into semi-solid dosage forms. If the solid dissolved, that would be dissolving rather than levigation; dry grinding lacks the wetting liquid entirely.