ABSTRACT
Objective: The aim of the present study was to prepare the ondansetron hydrochloride Mouth Dissolving Tablets (MDTs) followed by its comparison with ethical and non-ethical (generic) marketed tablets. Methods: Prior to the formulation, drug excipient compatibility study was carried out by FTIR spectroscopy. The λmax was determined by UV spectroscopy. The ondansetron hydrochloride MDTs were prepared by direct compression method using Sodium Starch Glycolate (SSG) as super disintegrant and camphor as a sublimating agent. Then the prepared MDTs were subjected to evaluation of post compression parameters such as thickness and diameter, weight variation, wetting time, hardness, friability, disintegration and dissolution. The results obtained were compared with that of ethical and non-ethical marketed ondansetron hydrochloride 4 mg tablets. Results: The λmax was found at 310 nm. FTIR study revealed that excipients used in the prepared formulations are compatible with the drug. The thickness and diameter was in the range of 2.646 to 3.27 mm and 6.0 to 8.12 mm, respectively. Friability was in the range of 0.43 to 0.88 % and had a slightly higher friability (1.27%) for sublimated tablets. Wetting time and disintegration time were in the range of 15 to 40 sec and 23 to 50 sec, respectively. The 100 % drug release was found within 180 sec for all the codes. These results were then compared with non-ethical film coated ondansetron marketed tablets. Conclusion: Ondansetron hydrochloride MDT 4 mg tablets prepared in the laboratory were under specified IP limits. The experimental findings demonstrated that any of these ethical and non-ethical tablets of ondansetron hydrochloride can be selected, advised by the physician or pharmacist, as per the patient’s need and economical status.
ABSTRACT
Background : The Indian government enacted 'The cigarettes and other tobacco products act, 2003' (COTPA), which prohibits smoking in public places. Aim : To validate the efficacy of the Act of 2003, enacted by the Government of India, to prevent secondhand smoking in public places. Settings and Design : The study is based on a non-random sample survey of 2,600 bus passengers carried out in the premises of three mega public road transport organizations in Karnataka state, India, in June 2007. Methods and Material : The information was gathered through administration of structured schedules. A sample of 1,000 each for the terminus of Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) in Bangalore and, 600 for North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) in Hubli-Dharwad city was distributed proportionately according to the number of platforms in each terminus. Statistical Analysis Used : Simple Averages. Results : There is some reduction in smoking in general as perceived by 69% of the passengers as compared to the scenario a year before the enactment of COTPA. The observed smoking is lower in the bus premises of BMTC where there is strict regulation, and higher in the bus premises of NWKRTC, which has not taken any regulatory measures. Conclusions : Knowing smoking is banned in public places can itself create awareness depending on the coverage extended by media and implementing an agency to reach the public. The implementation of an act depends on the willingness of stakeholders to act upon it. The implementation of COTPA as done by BMTC could well become a role model for replication elsewhere, if BMTC can strive harder to accomplish a 100% smoke-free zone.