ABSTRACT
It has been known for many years that benzodiazepine compounds effectively antagonize seizures induced by organophosphorous nerve agents. In the event of poisoning, a combination of three drugs is commonly used: an anticholinergic drug (e.g. atropine), an oxime used as cholinesterase reactivator (e.g. pralidoxime or HI-6) and an anticonvulsant (i.e. benzodiazepine). Most of anticholinergics and oximes are freely soluble in water, whereas many benzodiazepines are not. However, a water-soluble prodrug form of diazepam, avizafone, has been adopted by French armed forces for the immediate treatment of nerve agent seizure. The degradation behaviour of this new drug was investigated under different stress degradation conditions (hydrolytic, oxidative, photolytic and thermal) as recommended by International Conference on Harmonization. Successful separation of the active pharmaceutical ingredient from decomposition products formed under stress conditions was achieved using liquid chromatography. The method was validated with respect to specificity, linearity, precision and accuracy.
Subject(s)
Chromatography, Liquid/methods , Dipeptides/chemistry , Chemistry, Pharmaceutical , Dipeptides/analysis , Drug Stability , Reproducibility of ResultsABSTRACT
Male condoms are undoubtedly the best protection against sexually transmitted diseases. The French Military Health Service buys condoms from civilian manufacturers using a public purchasing process. This process includes strict technical analysis that allows selection of the best supplier. In addition each batch of condoms delivered to French armed forces undergoes quality testing in the laboratory of the Armed Services Central Pharmacy before being distributed to troops. Despite these strict control measures, several isss remain unclear. One issue involves the shelf life of condoms stored in warm humid tropical conditions. Another issue involves the effect of lubricants on condom quality. The purpose of this report is to describe a study designed to gain insight into these two issues. This study was conducted by the Armed Services Central Pharmacy in colaboration with the Procuremnt and Central Establishment Directorate. Findings showed that stage conditions have no negative effects on the intrinsic physico-chemial properties of condoms supplied by two different manufacturers. Conversely use of inadequate lubricants (alimentary or cosmetic compounds) appeared to have extremely deleterious effects on condom quality. Laboratory tests showed that lubricants composed mainly of fatty acids dramatically decreased the effectiveness of condoms.
