ABSTRACT
The aim of study is to establish pharmaceutical equivalence of different brands of Metformin tablets available in Karachi, Pakistan. The quality control parameters which are studied are weight variation test, hardness test, thickness, friability, disintegration and dissolution specified by BP/USP [British and United State Pharmacopoeia]. Weight variation and hardness value requirement was complied by all brands. Disintegration time for all brands was within range i.e. 15 minutes and also complies with the BP/USP recommendation. All brands showed more than 90% drug release within forty five minutes. The present conclusion suggests that almost all the brands of Metformin that are available in Karachi meet the specification for quality control analysis. Assay performed by HPLC by keeping flow rate of 1.0 ml/min of the mobile phase and the quantitative evaluation at 225 nm was performed. The retention time of Metformin was found to be 2.5min. Method suitability for the quantitative determination of the drugs was proved by validation according to the International Conference on Harmonization [ICH] guidelines
ABSTRACT
Loratidine is a piperidine derivative resemble to azatadine long acting non sedating commonly used for the treatment of allergic condition like watery or itchy eyes, runny nose, chronic urticaria or throat itching. In the present study different brands of loratidine were evaluated for the weight variation, hardness, friability, disintegration time and dissolution. Dissolution release study performed by using paddle method [USP 2] in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl at 50 rpm. The physicochemical of loratidine did not give any variation. By this study we conclude that all parameter for physicochemical properties like weight variation, hardness of tablets, friability, their disintegration time and the dissolution release study for all the brands of loratidine that are available in Karachi meet the British pharmacopoeia [BP] and United State pharmacopoeia [USP] specification for quality control analysis.Weight variation, hardness and friability value requirement was complied by all brands .Disintegration time for all brands was less than 15 minutes complying the BP/USP recommendation. All brands showed more than 80 % drug release within 45 minutes. The present findings suggest that almost all the brands of loratidine meet the BP/USP specification for QC analysis
ABSTRACT
To estimate the effects of using hormonal contraceptives on serum lipoprotein levels. Lipid profile was measured at baseline and afterward at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. 1391 Pakistani females taking COCs, DMPA, or non hormonal [NH] contraceptives. The results were calculated by repeated measure ANOVA subsequent to tukey's post hoc test for the multiple comparisons. Statistical examination revealed that differences in lipid profile were significant [p <0.001] among all treated group in comparison with control. DMPA also caused significant rise in Castelli index-I and Castelli index-II as compared to COCs group and control group. This study demonstrated raise in total cholesterol [TC] and triglycerides [TG] as well as very low density lipoprotein [VLDL-C] and low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDLC]. Whereas, an obvious decrease was observed in high density-lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] in the DMPA-treated group. We concluded that, this inductive study specifies atherogenic cardiovascular risk in women using DMPA on long term basis
ABSTRACT
The frequency of administration of sedatives and hypnotics has been discussed. The questionnaire filled by female volunteers of different age groups revealed that these drugs were used illegally for sedation purposes and are administered without any prescription. A total number of 100 self reporting questions were distributed to students of different age group. The percentage of self-administrated hypnotics and sedatives were high last year. The drugs often used for common symptoms were seasonal flu followed by fever, pain and discomfort. Antihistamines are usually self-administered at night as sleep aids. The patients' selection criteria of drugs were mostly without any prescriptions. They preferred cheaper, less toxic and more effective drug. Those medicines which were effective in their past experiences or easier to get after the consultation with the pharmacist were preferred. The self medications of these sedatives and hypnotics resulted in adverse effects in almost all the patients. These results were stomach upsets, headaches, and severe dizziness and addiction. The patients changed the drugs after experiencing the adverse effects. Most of the patients found it very relaxing and acceptable practice to take the drugs without any guidance or consultation. However, sedatives and hypnotics are not good for health so they should be prohibited as self medication