A validated stability-indicating UPLC method for desloratadine and its impurities in pharmaceutical dosage forms.

A novel stability-indicating gradient reverse phase ultra-performance liquid chromatographic (RP-UPLC) method was developed for the determination of purity of desloratadine in presence of its impurities and forced degradation products. The method was developed using Waters Aquity BEH C18 column with mobile phase containing a gradient mixture of solvents A and B. The eluted compounds were monitored at 280nm. The run time was 8min within which desloratadine and its five impurities were well separated. Desloratadine was subjected to the stress conditions of oxidative, acid, base, hydrolytic, thermal and photolytic degradation. Desloratadine was found to degrade significantly in oxidative and thermal stress conditions and stable in acid, base, hydrolytic and photolytic degradation conditions. The degradation products were well resolved from main peak and its impurities, thus proved the stability-indicating power of the method. The developed method was validated as per ICH guidelines with respect to specificity, linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, accuracy, precision and robustness. This method was also suitable for the assay determination of desloratadine in pharmaceutical dosage forms.

In vitro and in vivo studies on slow release propranolol hydrochloride suppositories. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation.

Matrix-based slow release (SR) compressed propranolol HCl (25 mg) suppositories were formulated using PEG 4000 and either stearic acid or bees wax at different concentrations (5, 7.5 and 10%). In vitro studies revealed good slow release characteristics from the suppositories. Their in vivo performances--pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics--were evaluated in rabbits. Different pharmacokinetic parameters were determined from the plasma concentration-time profiles using a model-independent computer programme, RAMKIN. The relative bioavailability of propranolol (CAS 525-66-6) from three SR suppositories containing stearic acid, 7.5 and 10% and bees wax, 5%, was 86.4, 87.8, and 83.6% respectively. Pharmacodynamic response (beta-blockade) was assessed by determining the degree of reduction of isoprenaline-induced tachycardia at different time intervals. A minimum concentration of 40-60 ng/ml drug in plasma was maintained during 1-10 h, and there has been a minimum of about 40-50% of beta-blockade during 1-9 h post administration. A good correlation between pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles was observed.

Pharmacognostical and phytochemical investigation of peristrophe bicalyculata.

Morphological, microscopical and phytochemical studies of root and stem of the herb Peristrophe bicalyculata (Acanthaceae) were carried out. Presence of coumarins, alkaloids, potassium chloride (stem and root), saponins and a free sugar (root) have been here in this herb for the first time.

Potentiation of hypoglycemic response of glibenclamide by piroxicam in rats and humans.

Influence of piroxicam (PX) on glibenclamide (GL) induced hypoglycemia has been studied in rats, healthy human volunteers and diabetics. GL per se has significantly reduced blood sugar levels in rats and in humans. PX per se has significantly reduced BSLs, in diabetics, while having no significant influence on blood sugar level in rats and healthy human volunteers. Prior administration of PX has potentiated the hypoglycemic effect of GL in rats, healthy human volunteers and diabetics. GL, PX + GL administration have also significantly influenced the glucose tolerance test (GTT) in healthy human volunteers.