Analysis of the Physical Characteristics of an Anhydrous Vehicle for Compounded Pediatric Oral Liquids.

The paucity of suitable drug formulations for pediatric patients generates a need for customized, compounded medications. This research study was set out to comprehensively analyze the physical properties of the new, proprietary anhydrous oral vehicle SuspendIt® Anhydrous, which was designed for compounding pediatric oral liquids. A wide range of tests was used, including sedimentation volume, viscosity, droplet size after dispersion in simulated gastric fluid, microscopic examination and content uniformity measurements to evaluate the properties of the anhydrous vehicle. The results showed that the vehicle exhibited consistent physical properties under varying conditions and maintained stability over time. This can be attributed to the unique blend of excipients in its formulation, which not only maintain its viscosity but also confer thixotropic behavior. The unique combination of viscous, thixotropic and self-emulsifying properties allows for rapid redispersibility, sedimentation stability, accurate dosing, potential drug solubility, dispersion and promotion of enhanced gastrointestinal distribution and absorption. Furthermore, the vehicle demonstrated long-term sedimentation stability and content uniformity for a list of 13 anhydrous suspensions. These results suggest that the anhydrous oral vehicle could serve as a versatile base for pediatric formulation, potentially filling an important gap in pediatric drug delivery. Future studies can further investigate its compatibility, stability and performance with other drugs and in different clinical scenarios.

Realities of Pharmaceutical Compounding in the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The development of compounding science in the Republic of Uzbekistan began in ancient times. The emergence of medical science on the territory of modern Uzbekistan was associated with the activities of the famous physician Ibn Sina (Avicenna). His Canon of Medicine is still considered the main source of medical knowledge in the world. He paid great attention to herbal medicines, its collection, storage, and application. The main development of compounding in Uzbekistan fell within the 20th century, after the Main Directorate of Pharmacies was established and new pharmacies were opened in all cities. In the beginning of 1975, there were about 2000 pharmacies in Uzbekistan and all pharmacies were engaged in the preparation of medicines. Today, there are more than 14 thousand pharmacies in Uzbekistan, which belong to large pharmacy chains, in the structure of which there are compounding pharmacies that compound injections and infusions, nasal and eardrops, ointments and suppositories, tinctures, decoctions, etc. Among the pharmaceutical networks in Uzbekistan, JSC Dori-Darmon is one of the largest. JSC Dori-Darmon, having about 120 branches, provides the population of Uzbekistan with medicines. Another one, Osiyo Farm, specializes in the compounding of external solutions and semi-solid dosage forms, while JSC Dori- Darmon mainly dispenses injections, mixtures, and solutions for external use. In Uzbekistan, pharmaceutical compounding is regulated by the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. 415-I. The development of the pharmaceutical market in Uzbekistan is very active since the number of pharmaceutical enterprises is increasing and new drugs of synthetic and herbal origin are being developed. The main educational institutions that train pharmacists are the Tashkent Pharmaceutical Institute and the Tashkent Medical College.

Authentication of Rhodiola rosea, Rhodiola quadrifida and Rhodiola rosea liquid extract from the Ukrainian market using HPTLC chromatographic profiles.

Rhodiola rosea and Rhodiola quadrifida are widely distributed and sold in Eastern Europe. The purpose of this paper was to identify R.rosea, R.quadrifida and Rhodiola rosea liquid extract (RRLE) in the Ukrainian market and bring out adulteration cases using chromatographic characterisation by HPTLC. The multiple samples of R.rosea, R.quadrifida and RRLE were compared; the optimal chromatographic conditions for identification of R.rosea and RRLE based on the presence of rosavins and salidroside as well as for identification of R.quadrifida based on the presence of salidroside were proposed; the specific HPTLC fingerprints were obtained; the acceptance criteria for each product were set. The adulteration cases for R.rosea and RRLE samples were established. The dependence on handling R.rosea and presence of rosavins was determined. It was assumed that low-quality raw materials or inefficient technology process were used for RRLE. The consistency of HPTLC fingerprints for R.quadrifida samples was established.

Chromatographic characterization on flavonoids and triterpenes of leaves and flowers of 15 crataegus L. species.

The Hawthorn (Crataegus L.) is the most commonly used herb for treating cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this paper was the analysis and comparison of HPTLC chromatographic profiles of flavonoids and triterpenes of leaves and flowers of 15 Crataegus L. species occurring throughout Eurasia and North America, and determination of specific distinguishing markers of its fingerprints. The optimal chromatographical conditions for evaluation of flavonoids and triterpenes of 15 Hawthorn species were proposed, the specific HPTLC fingerprints were obtained. The flavonoids fingerprints were qualitatively much the same for the pharmacopoeial species C.laevigata/oxyacantha and C.monogyna and other related non-pharmacopoeial European and Asian Hawthorn species including C.curvisepala, C.pseudokyrtostyla, C.fallacina, C.leiomonogyna, C.ambigua, C.sanguinea, C.almaatensis, C.turkestanica. The specific distinctive features for Hawthorn species native to North America, including C.punctata var aurea, C.pringlei, C.festiva, C.douglasii and C.holmesiana, were determined. The evaluation of the triterpenes profiles showed that all 15 analyzed Hawthorn species had quite similar fingerprints.

Investigation of the Physical, Chemical, and Microbiological Stability of Oral Solutions Compounded with Herbals.

The physical, chemical, and microbiological stability of a compounded oral solution with the active ingredients herbal tinctures of valerian and motherwort with sedative action for pediatric treatment was studied. Evaluations for physical, chemical, and microbiological stability were performed initially and throughout the storage period. Physical stability of the oral solution was assessed by coloration, clarity, and pH of the solution. The physical appearance of the oral solution did not change throughout the study period. The chemical stability of the oral solution was evaluated by means of a stability-indicating high-performance thin-layer chromatography analytical technique, identification tests, and assay method of sodium bromide. The microbiological stability of the oral solution was investigated by using the European Pharmacopoeia method using the acceptance criteria for nonsterile aqueous preparations for oral use. It was found that the compounded oral solution was stable for at least 21 days at 25°C ± 2°C/60% RH and 5°C ± 3°C, when protected from light.

Compounding in Nigeria.

Although the art of apothecary existed as early as the first settlers in the location known today as Nigeria, the practice of pharmacy has transformed from training of dispensers in the 17th century to compounding pharmacists. Compounding, currently carried out exclusively in hospital pharmacies in Nigeria, is a relatively small but significant part of pharmaceutical care since it is tailored to individual/ special patients for positive therapeutic outcomes. This aspect of pharmaceutical service suffers challenges in Nigeria.

Investigation of physical and chemical stability of ointment with herbals.

The physical and chemical stability of a stock preparation ointment with active ingredients-herbal tinctures of calendula and arnica-for the treatment of hemorrhoids was studied. Evaluations for physical and chemical stability were performed initially and throughout the storage period. Physical stability of the ointment was assessed by means of visual observation in normal room light. Throughout the study period, the physical appearance of the ointment did not change. The chemical stability of the ointment was evaluated by means of a stability-indicating, thin-layer chromatography analytical technique. The shelf-life was found to be one month at 25 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C/60% RH and two months at 5 degrees C +/- 3 degrees C, when protected from light.

Compounding in Ukraine.

Pharmaceutical compounding in modern Ukraine has a rich history and goes back to ancient times. Today in the Ukraine, there is a revival of compounding practice, the opening of private compounding pharmacies, updating of legislative framework and requirements of the State Pharmacopeia of Ukraine for compounding preparations, and the introduction of Good Pharmaceutical Practice.