Evaluation of a maternal, neonatal and child health intervention package in a rural district of Pakistan: a quasi-experimental study

Background: Pakistan is among the countries which have the highest maternal, neonatal and child mortality rates. Immediate efforts are required to enable Pakistan to achieve the health related sustainable development goals. The continuum of care interventions can substantially reduce the mortality burden, however local evidence to implement them is lacking in Pakistan. We implemented the maternal, neonatal and child health intervention package comprised of health facility strengthening, capacity building, continuum of care interventions and community mobilization and evaluated its effectiveness on maternal, neonatal and child health care practices and neonatal mortality.Methods: The intervention package was delivered through existing public health system in a rural district of Pakistan. We used a quasi-experimental design to assess the impact of interventions. Baseline and end line surveys were conducted and neonatal mortality was considered as the primary outcome measure. Data were analysed using bivariate and difference and difference analysis techniques.Results: We found a reduced risk of neonatal mortality (RR 0.704; 95% CI 0.557-0.889; p=0.0033), in intervention areas compared to control area. For secondary outcomes; including mortality for infants and under five children, antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, institutional deliveries, postnatal care, delayed bathing, inappropriate cord care practices, birth asphyxia, exclusive breastfeeding and immunization a significant difference (p<0.001) was observed in the intervention area compared to control area.Conclusions: This study provides local evidence from Pakistan that effective methods for delivering MNCH interventions within the existing health infrastructure can improve the MNCH outcomes especially in the rural areas

Comparative hepatoprotective effect of Nigella sativa pre- and post-treatment to rabbits

Synthetic drugs are associated with adverse side-effects and rapid increase in resistance to most of them inspires to evaluate plants for their therapeutic values. We have been aimed to suggest the medicinal use of Nigella sativa seed aqueous extract to minimize the severity of liver damage via its antioxidant properties and its role in maintenance of cell ion-homeostasis. Annoyances in serum levels of some antioxidants and trace metals in human hepatitis C infected patients were compared with that from acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxic rabbits. Serum analysis of human patients and that of hepatotoxic rabbits have exhibited the same trend of incidence of liver marker enzymes, antioxidant levels, and trace metal concentrations, except for the serum levels of cobalt. Significance of pre-/ or posttreatment of Nigella sativa to acetaminophen induced-hepatotoxic rabbit has also evaluated. NS post-treatment to rabbits has been found effective in normalizing the levels [P<0.001] of serum liver markers; especially the ALP levels, and the antioxidants; with significant effect on the serum catalase levels. However, NS pre-treatment has shown its role [P<0.001] in maintaining the serum nickel and cobalt concentrations. Therefore, we suggest the use of Nigella sativa seeds as pre-/ or post-treatment therapy, and also as supplement to the normal medications of liver infection to normalize the status of cell antioxidants and trace metal concentrations

Development of a rapid resolution HPLC method for the quantitative determination of sitagliptin in human plasma

A new high performance liquid chromatography [HPLC] method for the quantitative determination of sitagliptin in human plasma was developed and validated for pharmacokinetics study. The plasma was spiked with the internal standard [Salbutamol, IS], extracted with trichloro acetic acid. The extracted analyte was injected into a Symmetry ODS C18 column [250mm×4.5mm, 5m] and the flourometric detector was operated at 267 nm for excitation and 575 nm for emission. The mobile phase consisting of Potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer pH [4.9]- Acetonitrile Methanol [30:50:20 v/v] at flow rate of 1.0mL/min. The method showed high specificity. Calibration curves of the peak area ratio of each analyte/IS versus sitagliptin concentration were linear in the range of 0.122-31.25 micro g/mL [r>0.989] for plasma and 0.012-25 ug/ml for QC solution[r>0.995]. The lower limit of quantification [LLOQ] was 0.122microg/mL in plasma and 0.012 in QC solution. The intraday and interday coefficient of variation was lower than 10%. The accuracy [relative recovery] at three levels was 100.95%, 101.03% and 97.79% respectively. The extraction recovery was 97.6%, 92.2% and 91.96% at the concentrations of 6.25, 25 and 100microg/mL, respectively. Short term and long term, freeze thaw stability of standard solutions and plasma samples were satisfactory. The optimized HPLC method was validated and proved to be specific, robust and accurate for determination of Sitagliptin in human plasma

Phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial activity of aqueous and methanolic extracts of the flowers of Nelumbium speciosum

In present investigation aqueous and methanolic extracts of Nelumbium speciosum flowers were screened for phytochemical constituents and antibacterial activity to ascertain their traditional use. Antimicrobial activity of both extracts was tested by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method against four Gram positive strains, viz. Staphylococcus aureus [ATCC25923], Streptococcus agalactiae [13813], Bacillus subtilis [ATCC 6633], Staphylococcus epidermidis [ATCC 12228] and four Gram negative bacterial strains Escherichia coli [ATCC 8739], Pseudomonas aeruginosa [ATCC 27853], Proteus mirabilis [12453] and Klebsiella pneumoniae [10031]. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of tannins, saponins and alkaloids in both extracts while flavonoids and steroids were present only in methanolic extract. Methanolic extract of Nelumbium speciosum flower showed concentration dependent antibacterial activity against all tested strains with maximum zone of inhibition [17.3 +/- 0.3mm] against P. aeruginosa. Aqueous extract showed concentration dependent activity against S. aureus, E. coli, B. subtilis and S. epidermidis with maximum antibacterial activity against E. coli [14.3 +/- 0.3mm]. MIC of methanolic and aqueous extracts was in the range of 0.015-0.251 and 0.0625-0.251 mg/mL, respectively. Results showed that methanolic extract of Nelumbium speciosum exhibits superior antibacterial activity than aqueous extract

Does adherence to the therapeutic regimen associate with health related quality of life: Findings from an observational study of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Pakistan

Patient adherence with a therapeutic regimen predicts successful treatment and reduces the severity of negative complications. The purpose of this work was to find the relationship between general Health Related Quality of Life [HRQoL] and compliance to the treatment among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients [T2DM] in Sargodha, Pakistan. The research was planned as a cross-sectional survey. T2DM patients attending a tertiary care institute in Sargodha, Pakistan were targeted for the study. The Urdu version of the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale [MMAS-Urdu] and EuroQol Quality of Life Scale were employed to evaluate adherence to treatment regimen and HRQoL correspondingly. Descriptive statistics were used for the elaboration of socio-demographic characteristics. The Spearman rank order test was employed to determine the relationship between medicine adherence and HRQoL. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 392 patients were selected for the survey. Most participants were males [n=222, 56.6%] with 5.58+/-4.09 years of history of T2DM. Majority of respondents [n=137, 34.9%] were categorized in age group of 51 to 60 years with mean age of 50.77+/-9.671 years. The present study highlighted that individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus had decreased HRQoL [0.4715+/-0.3360] and poor medication adherence [4.44+/-1.8]. Significant, yet weak positive correlations were observed between medication adherence and HRQoL [r=0.217 and 0.136 for EQ-5D and EQ-VAS respectively]. Although the association between adherence to therapeutic regimen and HRQoL in the present study cohort was significant, it was rated as weak, hence failed in producing an overall impression on quality of life. The study highlights the need of identifying other individual factors affecting HRQoL among T2DM patients in Pakistan

Comparative hypoglycemic activity of different fractions of Thymus serpyllum L. in alloxan induced diabetic rabbits

The aim of present study was to evaluate and compare the hypoglycemic activity of different solvents extracts of Thymus serpyllum in rabbits. Diabetes was induced with single intravenous injection of alloxan monohydrate [150mg/kg]. Glibenclamide and acarbose were used as standard drugs. The crude powder of Thymus serpyllum [500 mg/kg b.w] significantly reduced blood glucose level in both normal and diabetic rabbits. Various extracts of Thymus serpyllum were compared for their hypoglycemic activity in diabetic rabbits. Ether and aqueous extracts significantly reduced the blood glucose level with maximum effect [p<0.001] produced by aqueous extract, which was selected for further study. Aqueous extract significantly inhibited the rise in glucose level in oral glucose tolerance test. The extract showed synergistic effect with different doses of insulin; however serum insulin level of the diabetic rabbits was not significantly increased by the extract. HbA1c level was significantly [p<0.05] reduced whereas hemoglobin level was significantly increased in three months study. Phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpinoids, reducing sugar and cardiac glycosides. It is concluded that the aqueous extract might be used alone or in combination with insulin to manage diabetes and its associated complications

Hypoglycaemic effects of methanolic extract of Canscora decussata [Schult] whole-plant in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits

In present study hypoglycaemic effects of the crude powdered C. decussata and its methanolic extract [ME] in alloxan diabetic rabbits were evaluated. The hypoglycaemic effect was measured by blood glucose, insulin level, HbA1c and his to pathology of pancreas. Glucose lowering effect of the ME was studied in diabetic rabbits. The effects of extract on blood glucose, body weight, food in take, fluid intake, OGTT were also evaluated. The results showed that 0.5,1 and 2g/kg of the powder significantly decreased blood glucose levels in normal rabbits and diabetic rabbits at the intervals checked. Oral intake of pioglitazone also reduced the levels in these rabbits. Synergistic hypoglycaemic effect of 600mg/kg of ME with different doses of insulin [2 and 3unit/kg, s/c] further reduced blood glucose levels of treated alloxan-diabetic rabbits. The oral glucose tolerance test revealed lowered area under curve values in ME treated rabbits. Treatment with ME [400 and 600 mg/kg] for 30 days showed highly significant decrease in blood glucose level by augmenting insulin secretion, HbA1cand significant increase in body weight, serum insulin levels in treated diabetic rabbits. Histopathology study showed regeneration of beta -cells. These studies have, therefore, supported the traditional use of this herb in diabetic patients

Preparation and in vitro evaluation of Nystatin micro emulsion based gel

Nystatin is a polyene antimycotic obtained from Streptomyces noursei used in the treatment of topical and transdermal fungal infection. Nystatin is nearly insoluble in water [<0.1] and it is amphoteric in nature. The aim of the present study was to design and develop Nystatin micro emulsion based gel for efficient delivery of drug to the skin by water titration method. The Pseudoternary phase diagrams 1:2, 1:1 and 2:1 were constructed by water titration method. Micro emulsion based gel was prepared by using oleic acid, Tween 20, propylene glycol as an oil phase, surfactant and cosurfactant respectively. Cabopol 940 was used as a gelling agent. In vitro evaluation of micro emulsion based gel was done for pH, Viscosity, spreadability and droplet size. Micro emulsion based gel showed greater antifungal activity against Candida albicansas compared to control formulations. In vitro drug release studies were conducted for micro emulsion based gel and control formulation using Franz diffusion cell. Drug penetration through synthetic skin followed Zero order model as the values for R[2] higher in case of zero order equation. The optimized micro emulsion based gel was found to be stable and showed no physical changes when exposed to different temperatures for a period of 4 week. The results indicated that the micro emulsion based gel system studied would be a promising tool for enhancing the percutaneous delivery of Nystatin

Cardiotonic and vasoconstriction effects of aqueous methanolic extract of Paspalidium flavidum L.

The cardiovascular activity of aqueous methanolic extract of Paspalidium flavidum L. was evaluated on isolated rabbit heart and aorta. Heart rates, force of contraction and perfusion pressure were assessed in the presence of different concentrations of extract and adrenaline by using Langendorff's technique. Moreover, the vasoconstriction effects were studied in rabbit aorta using isolated organ bath. The results indicated that the extract [1ng-100[micro]g/ml] exhibited a significant increase in heart rate, contractility and perfusion pressure of isolated rabbit's heart; with a maximum effect at 1ng/ml, which was comparable to adrenaline [1[micro]g/ml]. Similarly, adrenaline at doses from 1-10[micro]g/ml produced a significant dose dependant increase in all the cardiac parameters. The cardiotonic effects of the extract were significantly blocked by propranolol [10[-5]M] while an increase in perfusion pressure was completely antagonized by verapamil [10[-6]M]. Activity of cardiac marker enzymes was also significantly raised in the perfusate of isolated heart pretreated with the extract. In rabbit aorta, the extract exhibited a dose dependent vasoconstriction effect however it did not increase the tone of aorta when pre-treated with verapamil [10[-6]M]. It is conceivable therefore; that the cardiotonic and vasoconstriction effects of the extract might be due to its agonistic actions on beta-receptors and Ca[+2] channels

Development and formulation of metformin [antidiabetic] effervescent Granules: To increase patient compliance and its stability study

Convenience of administration and patient compliance are gaining importance in the formulation of dosage forms. Many patients, like elderly people and person with dysphagia find difficulty to swallow the tablets and thus do not comply with prescriptions. So the present study was conducted to develop and formulate metformin effervescent granules. The stability study was carried out for 24 weeks [168 days] at temperatures of 4[degree sign]C, Room temperature, 40[degree sign]C and 60[degree sign]C and at the end, the%age of drug remaining in the formulation was determined. The results showed that the formulation of metformin effervescent granules were remained best stable at 4[degree sign]C in refrigerator, as the%age of drug remaining is not decreased more than 5% and the formulation stored at room temperature, was also found to be very close to the standard at the end of 24 weeks. It is concluded from the study that granules may be another dosage form to use as antidiabetic pharmaceutical product

Physicochemical characterization and evaluation of suspending properties of arabinoxylan from Ispaghula [Plantago ovata] husk

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of arabinoxylan as potential suspending agent, an effective alternative to commercially used excipients for the preparation of pharmaceutical suspensions. Alkali extraction was done to separate arabinoxylan from ispaghula [Plantago ovata] seed husk by alkali extraction its physicochemical characterization was done and the suspending properties of arabinoxylan isolated were evaluated comparatively with those of bentonite at different concentration ranges of 0.125,0.25,0.5 and 1% in Zinc oxide suspension. The parameters employed for evaluation were sedimentation volume, degree of flocculation, flow rate, density, pH, redispersibility, microbiological evaluation and particle size analysis. Physicochemical characterization of arabinoxylan indicates its suitability as excipient as it has fair flow properties, low moisture content and almost neutral pH. Arabinoxylan at low conc. 0.125% showed sedimentation volume comparable to commercially used suspending agents such as bentonite 1% while suspensions containing higher concentrations such as 0.25% [sedimentation volume 92%], 0.5% [sedimentation volume 94%] and 1% conc. [sedimentation volume 98%] of arabinoxylan remained almost completely suspended during study period of 7 days. Formulations containing 0.125% and 0.25% arabinoxylan as suspending agents are easily redispersible as compared to bentonite containing formulation while formulation containing 0.5% arabinoxylan are moderately redispersible while formulation containing 1% suspending agent gel upon storage and was not redispersible. Furthermore arabinoxylan produces stable, highly flocculated suspension, which fulfilled microbiological, and particle size specifications, however the formulations containing higher arabinoxylan 1% concentration gel upon storage. So it is concluded that arabinoxylan could be used as effective suspending agent at low concentrations in Zinc oxide suspension

Cardiotonic activity of methanolic extract of Saussurea lappa Linn roots

The cardiac activity of Saussurea lappa roots was evaluated in isolated perfused rabbit heart by the Langendorff's technique. Heart rate, contractility and coronary flow were determined in the presence of different concentrations of methanolic extract of Saussurea lappa, digoxin and diltiazem. The extract exhibited significant [p<0.01] positive inotropic effect at the first three doses [0.5/ Micro g, 2.5/ Micro g and 5.0/ Micro g] while a significant negative chronotropic effect and coronary flow rates were observed at all the doses tested. These effects were comparable to the effects of digoxin and diltiazem. The increase in force of contraction with decrease in heart rate and coronary flow rates were also observed to be dose dependent as increase in the dose of test extract further enhanced the effects except contractility that started decreasing at higher doses. It is conceivable therefore, that Saussurea lappa roots contain certain pharmacologically active compounds that could be involved in the cardiotonic activity of the extract

Formulation and in vitro evaluation of nateglinide microspheres using HPMC and carbopol-940 polymers by ionic gelation method

This study involves the design and characterization of Nateglinide [NAT] microspheres to enhance patient compliance. Ionic gelation technique was used to prepare Nateglinide Microspheres by using rate controlling polymers Carbopol-940 and Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose [HPMC]. Shape and surface were evaluated with Scanning electron microscopy [SEM]. Percentage Yield, Particle size analysis, Encapsulating Efficiency, Micromeritic analysis, Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy [FTIR], Differential Scanning Colorimetry [DSC] were done for characterization of Microspheres. Drug release studies were performed at pH 1.2 and 7.2 using USP dissolution type-2 apparatus and release rates were analyzed by the application of different pharmacokinetic models. The size of microspheres was found to be varied from 781 Micro m to 853 Micro m. Rheological studies proved excellent flow behavior while percentage yield was found to be varied from 72% to 79%. Absence of drug-polymers interactions was confirmed from FTIR and DSC results. The microspheres prepared with sodium alginate showed cracks while microspheres obtained from blend of Carbopol-940 plus sodium alginate were smooth and spherical. Maximum entrapment efficiency [71.4%] was achieved for Microspheres with Carbopol-940. The greater retardation in drug release was observed for microspheres containing Carbopol-940 and release pattern followed Higuchi kinetics model and negligible drug release was observed at pH 1.2

Appraisal of multifarious brands of Cephradine for their in vitro antibacterial activity against varied microorganisms

The astounding and exceptional growth of generic pharmaceutical Industry in Pakistan has raised certain questions for drug regulatory authorities contemplating their efficacy and quality. The current study focuses on assessing the in-vitro antimicrobial activity of 24 brands of Cephradine 500mg capsules against 4 different strains by employing standardized methods. Disk diffusion method was performed on all brands to look into the susceptibility and resistance patterns. Standard disk of 5 micro g Cephradine powder were used during evaluation. The zones of inhibitions were ranged from 24-40mm against S. aureus, 24-40mm against E. coli, 20-25mm against K. pneumonia and 19-23mm P. mirabilis. On the basis of mean value, the multinational brands were found to have better zone of inhibitions and were better than local Pharmaceutical companies but ANOVA cooperative study showed that all brands of Cephradine showed similar comparable results. Further investigations by employing MIC method, quality of raw material with special emphasis on the shelf-life, excepients and method of manufacturing will be needed to obtain more authenticated results. The price of National and Multinational brands ranges from Rs.156.00-212.00 for 10 capsules. It is concluded that Public health is at risk because of noticeable growing widespread curse of the manufacture and trade of sub-standard or below par pharmaceuticals. The pecuniary accountability of management of pharmaceutical agents is additionally apparent. The results of the study need to be made public to boost the confidence of medical profession about the quality of locally manufactured pharmaceuticals. It will succor the foreign exchange being incurred on the trade in of medicines

Fabrication of potential macromolecular prodrugs of aspirin and diclofenac with dextran

Aspirin and diclofenac conjugates with dextran were synthesized as potential macromolecular prodrugs under homogeneous reaction conditions by using 4-methyl-benzenesulfonyl chloride as an acylating agent in the presence of triethylamine as a base. Highly pure conjugates with good yields were synthesized by this acylation method. All of the products were found soluble in aqueous medium as well as in dimethylsulfoxide and N, N-dimethylacetamide. The UV/Vis spectrophotometry has indicated the incorporation of drugs in conjugates and extent of substitution of drug onto dextran polymer. Covalent attachment of the drug onto the drug carrier polymer [dextran] was verified by [1]H NMR and Fourier transform infrared [FTIR] spectroscopic analysis. The prodrugs were analysed by powder X-ray diffraction [XRD] measurements. Phase changes were noticed by powder XRD for all macromolecular prodrugs indicating the change of state of matter towards more crystallinity. Therefore, fabricated macromolecular prodrugs are potential candidates to show better pharmacokinetic profile. All of the products were thoroughly characterized by using different spectroscopic techniques

comparison of disease caused by Shigella and Campylobacter species: 24 months community based surveillance in 4 slums of Karachi, Pakistan

Despite the efforts of the international community diarrheal diseases still pose a major threat to children in children less than five years of age. Bacterial diarrhea has also emerged as a public health concern due to the proliferation of drug resistant species in many parts of the world. There is a paucity of population-based data about the incidence of shigellosis and Campylobacter infections in Pakistan. We report country specific results for Shigella diarrhea that were derived from a multicenter study conducted in six Asian countries. Disease surveillance was conducted over a 24 month period in urban slums of Karachi, Pakistan, a city with a population of 59,584. Cases were detected through passive detection in study treatment centers. Stool specimens or rectal swabs were collected from all consenting patients. Between January 2002 and December 2003 10,540 enteric infection cases were detected. The incidence rate of treated diarrhea in children under 5 was 488/1000/year. In children, 5 years and older, the diarrhea rate was 22/1000/year. 576 [7%] Campylobacter isolates were detected. The pre-dominant Campylobacter species was C. jenuni with an increase of 29/1000 year in children under 5 years. Shigella species were isolated from 394 of 8032 children under 5 years of age. Shigella flexneri was the dominant species [10/1000/year in children under 5 years] followed by Shigella sonnei [3.9/1000/year], Shigella boydii [2.0/1000/year] and Shigella dysenteriae [1.3/1000/year]. Shigellosis and Campylobacter infection rates peaked during the second year of life. The incidence rate of shigellosis increased in old age but such a trend was not observed in Campylobacter infections. Of 394 shigellosis patients 123 [31%] presented with dysentery in contrast to only 54 [9%] of 576 patients with Campylobacter infections [p < 0.001]. Both Campylobacter infections and shigellosis are common in community settings of Pakistan but shigellosis presented more frequently with abdominal pain and dysentery than Campylobacter infections indicating that shigellosis may be a more severe illness than Campylobacter infections. Due to the increased and disease severity, drug resistant shigella have become a significant health problem; moreover it is a disease of poor and impoverished people who do not have the access to standard water and sanitary conditions, health care services or optimal treatment. In the face of these facts it is empirically important to develop a low cost effective vaccine that can protect these populations for a longer duration

Comparison of diagnostic methods in cutaneous leishmaniasis [histopathology compared to skin smears]

Present study is carried out to compare laboratory diagnostic methods of Cutaneous leishmaniasis [CL] for the outdoor patients of Bolan Medical College Complex Hospital, Quetta, Balochistan. From November 2005 to December 2007, three hundred cases of CL patients were selected without restriction of age and sex. The lesions were divided into two groups. Early with duration less than 2 months and late duration between 2 to 4 months and were noted as nodules, plaques, ulcers and scarring [in case of relapses]. Skin smears were taken on first visit of the patients, followed by skin biopsy for histopathological examination. Result showed that out of 300 cases 163 [54.33%] were positive smears for Leishmania donovani [LD] bodies and 137 [45.67%] were negative smears for LD bodies.. While histological examination of all 300 cases showed that only 83 [27.66%] cases were negative for [LD] bodies and no granuloma seen, except with evidence of acute and chronic inflammation. Further analysis of histological observations of positive cases [72.34%] revealed that 91[30.33%] cases had LD bodies,, 78 [26%] cases had only necrotic sloughs showing polymorph neutrophilic infiltration, and 48[16%] cases were having granulomas composed of, epithelioid cells Langhan's type of giant cells and lymphocytes. It is therefore concluded that histopathological examination as compared to skin smears method is more sensitive method for diagnosis of CL

Effect of zinc in tablet and suspension formulations in the treatment of acute diarrhoea among young children in an emergency setting of earthquake affected region of Pakistan

A longitudinal cohort study was conducted at Camp Hospital Batagram in August 2006 to ascertain the effect of Zinc utilization in tablet and suspension formulations on thr frequency and recovery rates of diarrhoea among young children in the emergency settings of earthquake affected region of Pakistan. Two hundred patients were recruited and followed-up, the patients were allocated either of the 2 groups i.e. A [Zinc in tablets form] and B [Zinc in suspension form]. Both groups also received WHO recommended treatment for diarrhoea. Most of the cases recovered from the illness within 3 days after presentation. Significant p-values were established among Zinc use and reduction in frequency of stools on Day 2 and 3, with better outcome in group B. The study supports the notion that Zinc reduces the frequency and improves recovery rates of diarrhoea in any form and has better compliance and outcomes with the use in suspension form

Pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin in normal rabbits and changes observed in induced dehydrated state

The pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin following oral administration of a single dose of 20mg/Kg body weight was investigated in normal rabbits and changes were observed in water-deprived rabbits. High performance liquid chromatographic method was employed for the determination of plasma concentration of ciprofloxacin. The mean plasma concentration and AUC [0-t] and AUC [0-inf] were significantly different between normal and dehydrated rabbits [P < 0.05], but the absorption rate, distribution rate, and elimination rate did not show any statistically significant difference. The results reflect a need for monitoring toxicity of ciprofloxacin in the water-deprived condition

Disposition kinetics of ciprofloxacin after different oral dosage level in rabbits

Ciprofloxacin a flouroquinolone antibacterial drug was orally administered to healthy white albino rabbits [n=12] a single dose of 10, 20, and 30 mg/Kg body weight using a randomized crossover design. Plasma samples were collected at various times over 12 hours following drug administration. The drugs were detected by high performance liquid chromatography [HPLC], and plasma drug concentration versus time curve were subjected to non-compartment and two compartment pharmacokinetic analysis. Descriptive statistics were determined for each doses, and comparison were made among doses groups for selected pharmacokinetic parameters. Result indicated that increasing dose of ciprofloxacin resulted in increased plasma concentration. Maximum concentration [C max] was 0.43 + 0.007, 0.84 +/- 0.01, and 1.46+ 0.013 micro gm/ml for the doses of 10, 20, and 30mg/kg body weight. AUC[0-t], AUC[0-00] and MRT were significantly greater at 30mg/kg and showed significant difference with doses [P<0.05], where as other parameters like absorption rate constant, distribution rate constant and elimination rate constant did not show significant difference