The “description” and “solubility” statements pertaining to an article (formerly included in the individual monograph) are general in nature. The information is provided for those who use, prepare, and dispense drugs, solely to indicate descriptive and solubility properties of an article complying with monograph standards. The properties are not in themselves standards or tests for purity even though they may indirectly assist in the preliminary evaluation of the integrity of an article.

Organoleptic characteristics are indicated in many instances because they may be useful and descriptive properties of substances. However, they are not meant to be applied as tests for identifying materials.

The inclusion of odor or taste among other descriptive properties may aid in identifying the causative agent following accidental exposure to or contact with a substance. This information is provided as a warning or to make an individual aware of sensations that may be encountered. The use of odor or taste as a test for identification or content is strongly discouraged.

The characteristic odor of a volatile substance becomes apparent immediately on opening a container of it. The odor may be agreeable (e.g., Peppermint Oil), unpleasant (e.g., Sulfur Dioxide), or potentially hazardous on prolonged exposure (e.g., Coal Tar). Moreover, an unexpected odor may be encountered if the characteristics of a substance are not known or if a container is incorrectly labeled. Consequently, containers of such substances should be opened cautiously, preferably in a well-ventilated fume hood. A characteristic taste or sensation produced in the oral cavity likewise is apparent if traces of residue materials on fingers are inadvertently brought into contact with the tongue or adjacent mucosal tissues.

Only where a special, quantitative solubility test is given in the individual monograph, and is designated by a test heading, is it a test for purity.

The approximate solubilities of Pharmacopeial and National Formulary substances are indicated by the descriptive terms in the accompanying table. The term “miscible” as used in this Pharmacopeia pertains to a substance that yields a homogeneous mixture when mixed in any proportion with the designated solvent.

Soluble Pharmacopeial and National Formulary articles, when brought into solution, may show traces of physical impurities, such as minute fragments of filter paper, fibers, and other particulate matter, unless limited or excluded by definite tests or other specifications in the individual monographs.