Formulation, Physical Stability, and the Clinical Effectiveness of Extemporaneous Ivermectin Oral Solution.

Ivermectin is a gamma amino butyric acid (GABA)-gated-Cl-channels modulator, which has been used orally in the treatment of numerous parasitic infections. The study target was to set up a stable, efficient 0.2% w/v ivermectin solution, which would be achieved from pure ivermectin powder as a source of the active pharmaceutical ingredient. Several trial solutions were prepared. The most fitting solution, with respect to its organoleptic properties, was chosen for additional investigation, including the solution's physical stability. Two storage conditions, room temperature (25°C, 60% relative humidity) and accelerated stability chambers (40°C, 75% relative humidity) were subjected to guarantee the physical stability of the solution through the 3-month study period. Furthermore, other quality tests were assessed, (e.g., pH, assay, organoleptic properties, microbial contamination) for the same latter period. Quantification of ivermectin was validated utilizing a high-performance liquid chromatography analytical method. The adopted solution showed accepted organoleptic properties. The pH of the solutions was approximately 5 and remained unchanged during the stability study. The mean percent of remained ivermectin solution was close to 97% ± 0.2 at room temperature. Ivermectin solution was additionally tested for microbial contamination, and it was free from any microbial contamination (E. coli bacteria: Negative/mL, yeast and molds count: <10 cfu/mL and aerobic microbial count results in <10 cfu/mL). The adopted formula showed the best physical stability within at least the three months of storage at both room and accelerated conditions. Ivermectin solution was successfully prepared from its pure powder. This formula provides a stable, efficient oral solution for those who suffer from swallowing difficulties or patients in the intensive care unit who cannot receive the medication in a solid dosage form. Using the suggested formula, community and hospital pharmacists could prepare an effective, high quality ivermectin oral solution using pure ivermectin powder.

Video game addiction and psychological distress among expatriate adolescents in Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION: Few studies have estimated screen time among Arab adolescents, and no studies, to date, have published data on addiction to video games or Internet games among Arab adolescents. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of addiction to video games and its correlation with mental health in a sample of expatriate high school students from the Al-Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: The survey was conducted in 2016 among 276 students enrolled in ninth through twelfth grades in the International Schools in Buraidah, Al-Qassim. Students who returned signed consent forms from their parents filled out a self-administered questionnaire that included validated scales on addiction to video games, general health, and lifestyle. RESULTS: The proportion between the sexes and the schools were roughly equal. Around 32% were overweight or obese, 75% had screen time ≥ 2 h/day, and 20% slept < 5 h/night. Sixteen per cent (16%) were addicted to video games and 54% had psychological distress. Addiction to video games was strongly associated with psychological distress (OR = 4.1, 95% CI = 1.80, 9.47). Other significant correlates were female gender, higher screen time, and shorter sleep hours. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of students with psychological distress was high. Future studies should investigate other potential correlates of distress such personal traits, family relations, and academic performance.