In vitro stability of fortified ophthalmic antibiotics stored at -20 degrees C for 6 months.

PURPOSE: This study evaluates the in vitro stability and sterility of fortified ophthalmic antibiotic preparations of 5% solutions (50 mg/mL) made from commercially available powders of amikacin, ceftazidime, and vancomycin stored at -20 degrees C for 6 months. METHODS: Antibiotic solutions were prepared with aseptic techniques by reconstitution and dilution of the commercially available powders (amikacin, ceftazidime, and vancomycin) and stored at -20 degrees C. After various durations of storage, the stability of various physical and chemical properties was determined by a pH meter, an osmometer, and high-performance liquid chromatography. Microbiological activity was assayed according to the European Pharmacopoeia. RESULTS: Solutions of 5% amikacin or ceftazidime in 0.9% sodium chloride and vancomycin in 5% dextrose were found to be physically, chemically, and microbiologically stable after storage at -20 degrees C for 190 days. A time limitation of 6 months is proposed. CONCLUSION: Fortified ophthalmic antibiotic solutions prepared and supplied by a pharmacy can be stored in freezers at -20 degrees C for later use.

[Comparison between analytic and anamnestic data about drug consumption among opiate addicts with substitutes therapy. A feasibility study]. / Comparaison des données analytiques et anamnestiques des consommations de drogues et psychotropes chez des usagers d'opiacés en traitement de substitution. Etude de faisabilité

In this feasibility study of an observational nature, we used the protocol 'AnalyTox-Op' to compare analytical data with anamnestic reports gathered from specialized drug addiction treatment centers. These data were collected from 32 drug addicts who were patients undergoing treatment with addictive drug substitutes or prescribed psychotropic drugs. Urine toxicology screens were performed using immunological methods followed by confirmation with more specific techniques, i.e. gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DB). While complete agreement between patient reports of drug consumption (obtained from a questionnaire) and analytical data was only observed in 13 out of the 32 cases, a very good concordance was seen with opiate substitutes (88% with methadone and high-dosage buprenorphine, combined) and legally prescribed psychotropic drugs. Of note, however, was the omission of illicit drug use in patient questionnaires, especially with cocaine (22%) and recreational opiates (22%), causing discordance in the comparison. This study is currently being expanded to include a large number of participants across the country with the aim of obtaining data under homogeneous conditions, verifying the discordance we found and determining its significance.

Indinavir-induced cholelithiasis in a patient infected with human immunodeficiency virus.

We report the first case of acute cholecystitis due to indinavir-induced cholelithiasis in a patient infected with human immunodeficiency virus who had been receiving indinavir for 56 months. Infrared spectroscopy demonstrated that the gallstone was composed of indinavir monohydrate (50%), calcium bilirubinate (28%), calcium palmitate (10%), cholesterol (7%), and proteins (5%). The role of high-level chronic unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia coupled with high blood concentrations of indinavir is discussed.