Effect of solvent polarity on the extraction of components of pharmaceutical plastic containers

A study of the extraction of polymeric material and dyes from the pharmaceutical plastic containers using various organic solvents was conducted to evaluate the effect of polarity on the extraction process. The plastic containers used included semi-opaque, opaque, transparent and amber colored and the solvent used were acetonitrile, methanol, ethanol, acetone, dichloroethane, chloroform and water. The determination of extractable material was carried out by gravimetric and spectrometric methods. The yield of extractable materials from containers in 60 h was 0.10-1.29% [w/w] and the first-order rate constant [kobs] for the extraction of polymeric material ranged from 0.52-1.50 × 10[-3]min[-1] and for the dyes 6.43- 6.74 x10[-3]min[-1]. The values of [kobs] were found to be an inverse function of solvent dielectric constant and decreased linearly with the solvent acceptor number. The extractable polymeric materials exhibited absorption in the 200-400 nm region and the dyes in the 300-500nm region. The rates of extraction of polymeric material and dyes from plastic containers were dependent on the solvent dielectric constant. The solvents of low polarity were more effective in the extraction of material indicating that the extracted material were of low polarity or have non-polar character. The dyes were soluble in acetone and chloroform. No plastic material was found to be extracted from the containers in aqueous solution

review on the analytical techniques used for the determination of paracetamol in pharmaceutical formulations and biological fluids

Paracetamol [PM] is an active metabolite of phenacetin and belongs to p-aminophenol derivatives. It is also termed as acetaminophen. PM is one of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] which is used as an analgesic and antipyretic agent. It is an OTC drug and is used as a common household analgesic. It is not used as a substitute of aspirin or any other NSAIDs. It is a weak cyclooxygenase [COX] 1 and 2 inhibitor but may inhibit COX-3 in the central nervous system. Many analytical techniques have been used for the assay of PM in pharmaceutical preparations and biological fluids. These techniques include spectrometry, chromatography, spectrofluorimetry, chemiluminescence, electrochemical techniques, flow injection spectrometry and chronoamperometry. In many pharmaceutical preparations PM is also used in combination with other drugs and these techniques have also been used for their simultaneous determination. A detailed review of various analytical techniques used for the assay of PM has been carried out which would be of great help to the chemists and pharmacists involved in the analysis and quality control of drugs

Analysis of amino acids by high performance liquid chromatography

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are considered as the key precursors for the formation of hormones and low molecular weight nitrogenous substances with biological importance. Since the analysis of amino acids has been carried out for both qualitative and quantitative purposes with an aim to study their levels in the plasma concentration, the quantitative determination, in particular, also helps in the diagnosis of different diseases associated with their deficiency. This review article deals with the determination of amino acids by chromatographic methods which include ion-exchange chromatography [IEC], high performance liquid chromatography [HPLC], reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography [RP-HPLC] and ultra-performance liquid chromatography [UPLC]. The review will also give an idea for the preparation of samples, derivatization methods for the analysis of amino acids [direct and indirect methods] and separation of amino acids by high performance liquid chromatographic technique

Analytical techniques for the determination of meloxicam in pharmaceutical formulations and biological samples

Meloxicam [MX] belongs to the family of oxicams which is the most important group of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] and is widely used for their analgesics and antipyretic activities. It inhibits both COX-I and COX-II enzymes with less gastric and local tissues irritation. A number of analytical techniques have been used for the determination of MX in pharmaceutical as well as in biological fluids. These techniques include titrimetry, spectrometry, chromatography, flow injection spectrometry, fluorescence spectrometry, capillary zone electrophoresis and electrochemical techniques. Many of these techniques have also been used for the simultaneous determination of MX with other compounds. A comprehensive review of these analytical techniques has been done which could be useful for the analytical chemists and quality control pharmacists

Peptic ulcer disease: pathogenesis and diagnosis

Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative bacteria which forms colonies in gastric mucosa and is responsible for peptic ulcer diseases [PUDs]. The present review deals with the strategies employed in the diagnosis of H. Pylori infection. The diagnostic techniques for H. pylori infection are categorized into invasive and non-invasive. The invasive techniques include endoscopy, histological studies, culture and rapid urease test whereas 13C-urea breath test, stool antigen test, blood test, serology and PCR are included in non-invasive techniques. A brief outline of these techniques with their selection criteria has been discussed in this review

Total parenteral nutrition [TPN]: role of riboflavin [vitamin B[2]] and cyanocobalamin [vitamin B[12]]

Total parenteral nutrition [TPN] replaces and maintains essential nutrients in patients in whom oral or tube feedings are contraindicated or inadequate. A nutritional assessment must be carried out before initiating TPN in order to determine nutritional needs and any metabolic changes due to the patient's underlying condition, medications or concurrent therapies. In addition to carbohydrates, proteins and fats, certain amounts of micronutirents are also added to TPN solutions. These micronutrients include electrolytes, vitamins, and trace minerals. This review highlights some basic concepts regarding the use and formulation of TPNs along with their advantages and disadvantages and the importance of water soluble vitamins B[2] and B[12] in human nutrition

Silicosis- a major occupational threat

One of the most hazardous diseases associated with the construction industry is silicosis, which is the outcome of dust inhalation. The prolonged breathing of silica [quartz] or silicon dioxide is considered as a potent irritant that causes the occurrence of this disease. The respiration of silica leads to the formation of scar tissue inside the lungs which diminishes the ability of lung to extract oxygen from air and hence leads towards the pulmonary fibrosis condition. In the present study, the workers engaged in bricks and tiles operation were examined and their percentage cell damage has been determined. According to the statistical analysis performed, there is no significant difference between the cell damage of the workers either employed in bricks or tiles operation and thus they are equally affected by the inhalation of silica. In addition, it has been found that there is a weak correlation between the length of the service of individual worker and the cell damage which signifies that intensity of silica exposure varies and is poorly correlated with the duration of work. However, when compared separately, the workers in both operations depict some interesting and surprising correlations

Photochemical reactions of formylmethylflavin and riboflavin

Formylmethylflavin [FMF] is a major intermediate product in the aerobic and anaerobic photolysis of riboflavin [RF] and is highly sensitive to light and hydrolysis. It is more sensitive to light as compared to RF. FMF is further degraded into lumichrome [LC], carboxymethylflavin [CMF] in acidic medium, and LC, CMF and lumiflavin [LF] in alkaline medium. When FMF is exposed to light it is degraded in to LC and LF via a photoreduction and CMF through photooxidation pathways. In aerobic and anaerobic conditions, RF when exposed to light is excited to singlet state [1RF] and from singlet to triplet state [3RF]. This is followed by the conversion of 3RF into a semiquinone radical [RFH] and this radical further disproportionate to form an oxidized RF and a cyclic intermediate, which is further oxidized to FMF and degradation products [LC, LF, CMF]

Ascorbic acid: clinical uses and method of analysis

Ascorbic acid [AA], commonly known as vitamin-C, is used in the treatment of scurvy by the reversal of the symptoms associated with it and helps in the absorption of iron in the human body. It also helps in the prevention of hardening of arteries in old age patients and along with vitamin E, zinc and a-carotene supports the improvement of vision and reduces the excretion of protein in urine. Vitamin-C acts as an antidote in lead poisoning and reduces the development of cancer in the body. However, when used with zinc sulfate and bioflavonoids, AA also improves face wrinkles due to exposure to sun. A number of analytical techniques have been reported for the determination of AA in pharmaceutical systems, food and biological materials

These techniques include spectrometry, fluorimetry, chromatography, electrophoresis, flow injection, photochemical, electrochemical and titrimetric methods. These methods are used in the presence of other substances such as vitamins and medicinal compounds

Photodegradation of riboflavin in the presence of acetate buffer

In the present work the photo degradation of riboflavin in the presence of acetate bulfer has been studied. The assay of riboflavin and its photoproducts in degraded solution has been carried out simultaneously using a multi component spectrometer method. Acetate buffer has been found to catalyze the photo degradation of riboflavin and the apparent first-order rate constants for the reaction at pH 4.2 in the presence of 0.125 -0.625 M acetate buffer range from 0.45 [pH 5.6] to 2.05 X 10-2 min-1. The k-pH profile for these reactions shows a maximum around pH 4.2 indicating the participation of different species of the molecule in the reaction. The decrease in the rate of the reaction after the maximum is due to a change in the redox behavior of riboflavin. The results indicate that acetate buffer at a low concentration is suitable for maintaining the pH of vitamin preparations

Helicobacter pylori: a major causative organism for peptic ulcer and its eradication

Peptic ulcer is one of the most common diseases in the third world countries. This review illustrates the understanding of the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer. The theories and concepts regarding the onset of peptic ulcer have changed by the discovery of Helicobacter pylori. The discovery of H pylori, which proved that it plays a major role in causing ulcer. It has also been reported that H pylori has a tendency to cause non-ulcer dyspepsia and gastric carcinoma. The unique features of H pylori play an important role in the diagnosis of this infection and the establishment of diagnostic procedures for its eradication. The ideal treatment for the peptic ulcer is to focus on the relief of the pain, healing of ulcer and delay in its reoccurrence. These treatments are targeted on the cytotoxic factors and also on the enhancement of the activity of cytoprotective factors

Ascorbic acid as an effective agent in cancer therapy

Ascorbic acid [vitamin C] is a cofactor for a number of metabolic enzymes and is an undeniable essential vitamin C for humans. However, the prospects of ascorbic acid as an anticancer agent have been a topic of argument. A number of earlier reports have addressed both the positive aspects and restrictions of ascorbate in cancer therapy. In this review, we briefly sum up the potential antitumor effects of ascorbate have been described and its prospects for clinical use have been discussed. The biological role of ascorbic acid has been highlighted and its advantages in cancer therapy have been discussed

Influenza virus: infections and their treatment

Influenza virus is responsible for a number of pandemics. Its various subtypes have been identified such as HINI, H2N2, H3N2, H3N2v, etc. that is responsible for infections like swine and bird flu. WHO has confirmed the incidences of bird-human infections in people who had a record of close contact to poultry? Similarly, human to human transmission can also take place. Various drugs have been employed to guard against these infections but recently some drug resistant strains of influenza virus have also been identified. Therefore, vaccines are found to be the most reliable source for the prevention of such flu infections. However, the right use of antiviral medicines, vaccines and public health interventions can result in better progress against the viral disease