Spill resistant pharmaceutical compositions in semi-solid form

A spill resistant pharmaceutical formulation for oral administration from a squeezable container, comprising an effective amount of a pharmaceutical agent in a suitable vehicle comprising a liquid base and a thickening agent, the formulation consisting of mutually compatible components and having the following properties:

• an initial viscosity within the range of about 7,500 to about 12,500 cps using a Brookfield Viscometer with a `C` spindle with Helipath movement at a spindle speed of 20 rpm and 20-25.degree. C.,
• a viscometric yield value of a semi-solid,
• a spill resistant consistency permitting the composition to be squeezed by light manual pressure though a channel of about 1-1.5 mm, to spread in a spoon bowl sufficiently quickly for accurate measurement, and to remain in the spoon bowl without spilling for at least about one second and less than about 20 seconds on spoon tilting at 90 degrees, and for at least about 30 seconds upon spoon vibration at a frequency of about 120/minute,
• homogeneity such that the components do not separate under conditions of use, and
• a storage stability such that the foregoing properties are retained for at least three months of storage at elevated temperature, with viscosity remaining within a range of 50% less to 100% more than the initial viscosity,
• wherein said thickening agent comprises components selected from the group consisting of cellulose derivatives in an amount of less than about 2 weight % by volume, and water-soluble carboxyvinyl polymer in an amount less than 1 weight % by volume.