Revisión de medicamentos sin receta con aspartamo: Indicación Farmacéutica segura en fenilcetonuria / Review of non-prescription medicines with aspartame: safe pharmaceutical indication in phenylketonuria

Introducción: La fenilcetonuria es el trastorno hereditario más frecuente del metabolismo de los aminoácidos y su abordaje suele centrarse en die-tas restringidas en fenilalanina, un aminoácido presente en el edulcorante aspartamo habitualmente usado como excipiente en tecnología farmacéutica. Objetivo: El objetivo principal es la revisión de los medicamentos sin receta comercializados en España hasta marzo de 2023 y que contienen aspartamo en su composición. Método: Se realizó una revisión en la base de datos BOT plus de todos los medicamentos comercializados en España que contienen aspartamo. Se seleccionaron solo los MSR. Se consultaron las fichas técnicas en el Centro de información online de medicamentos de la AEMPS (CIMA), y los datos obtenidos se registraron en una tabla. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 570 medicamentos; 58 eran MSR. Cuando exista petición de MSR con aspartamo en pacientes con fenilcetonuria, en el SIF, tras su evaluación, en el 100% de los casos, el farmacéutico aplicando el Servicio de Indicación Farmacéutica podría indicar un MSR alternativo, con el mismo principio activo pero sin aspartamo como excipiente. Conclusiones: La actuación del farmacéutico comunitario para aplicar el SIF es muy importante en pacientes con fenilcetonuria. Existen medicamentos que no requieren prescripción y se pueden indicar en estos pacientes. El farmacéutico debe tener a su disposición las herramientas necesarias que le faciliten el SIF con este tipo de enfermos. (AU)

Introduction: Phenylketonuria is the most common inherited disorder of amino acid metabolism and its management usually focuses on diets restricted in phenylalanine, an amino acid present in the sweet-ener aspartame commonly used as an excipient in pharmaceutical technology. Objective: The main objective is the review of non-prescription medicines marketed in Spain until March 2023 and that contain aspartame in their composition.Methods: A review of all medicines marketed in Spain containing aspartame was carried out in the BOT plus database. Only MSRs were selected. The data sheets were consulted at the AEMPS online medicines information centre (CIMA), and the data obtained were recorded in a table.Results: 570 medicines were obtained; 58 were MSRs. When there is a request for MSRs with aspartame in patients with phenylketonuria, in the SIF, after evaluation, in 100% of the cases, the pharmacist applying the Pharmaceutical Indication Service could indicate an alternative MSR, with the same active ingredient but without aspartame as an excipient.Conclusions: The action of the community phar-macist to apply the SIF is very important in patients with phenylketonuria. There are medicines that do not require a prescription and can be prescribed for these patients. Pharmacists should have the necessary tools at their disposal to facilitate the SIF with this type of patient. (AU)

Control de carbohidratos en los medicamentos antiepilépticos para niños con dieta cetogénica / Controlling carbohydrate content in antiepileptic medications for children on a ketogenic diet

Introducción: los pacientes que siguen una dieta cetogénica para el control de las crisis epilépticas deben llevar a cabo un estricto control de los hidratos de carbono procedentes tanto de los alimentos que consumen como de los medicamentos que tienen pautados. Tanto en la instauración de la dieta cetogénica como cuando el médico prescribe un medicamento nuevo es necesario el ajuste de la medicación a las formas farmacéuticas más adecuadas, de forma que se minimice el aporte de excipientes en forma de hidratos de carbono de los medicamentos.Objetivos:el objetivo que planteamos en el presente trabajo fue elaborar un listado de medicamentos antiepilépticos de utilización habitual en neurología pediátrica que incluyera información sobre su contenido calórico en forma de hidratos de carbono para la administración a pacientes con dieta cetogénica.Métodos:en cada medicamento incluido en el listado se revisó el contenido en excipientes considerados hidratos de carbono y derivados que pudieran influir en la cetosis del paciente. Se calculó el contenido calórico procedente de los hidratos de carbono y polioles de cada medicamento.Resultados:elaboración de una tabla para consulta del contenido calórico de distintos medicamentos antiepilépticos utilizados en neurología pediátrica para pacientes con dieta cetogénica.Conclusiones:la tabla publicada pretende ser una herramienta útil que permita la consulta del contenido calórico de distintos medicamentos antiepilépticos y la selección del medicamento idóneo que menos afecte a la dieta cetogénica. Con el contenido calórico en carbohidratos de las medicaciones pautadas se podrán realizar los ajustes necesarios en la dieta para mantener la cetosis necesaria. (AU)

Introduction: patients who follow a ketogenic diet for the control of epileptic seizures must carry out a strict control of carbohydrates from the foods they eat and the medicines they are prescribed. In the initiation of a ketogenic diet and when a doctor prescribes a new medication, it is necessary to select the most appropriate pharmaceutical form so that the supply of excipients in the form of carbohydrates from the drugs is minimized.Objectives:the goal of the present paper was to compile a list of carbohydrate and caloric contents in antiepileptic drugs commonly used in pediatric neurology.Methods:in each medication included in the list, the content of excipients considered carbohydrates and derivatives that could influence the patient's ketosis was reviewed. The caloric content from carbohydrates and polyols in each medication was calculated.Results:the table provides the total carbohydrate and caloric content for antiepileptic medications in pediatric patients consuming the ketogenic diet.Conclusions:this table is intended to be a useful tool to help clinicians select a pharmaceutical form that is less likely to affect the ketogenic diet. Additionally, knowing the carbohydrate content of a new medication will allow adjustment of the diet to maintain ketosis. (AU)

Cutaneous Crospovidone: A Newly Described Foreign Body Due to Illicit Drug Abuse.

Crospovidone, a polymer of poly N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, is an inert insoluble disintegrant found in pharmaceutical tablets. This material has been encountered in the lungs of intravenous drug users and embolized with other components such as talc and microcrystalline cellulose. More recently, crospovidone has also been described in the gastrointestinal tract. We present 2 cases of cutaneous crospovidone deposition resulting from subcutaneous injection of crushed tablets, commonly known as "skin popping." Clinical presentation includes painful, inflamed papules, nodules, or ulcers with overlying eschar. Crospovidone has a distinct and reproducible histochemical staining profile. Histologic recognition of this material is important because it can guide clinicians in their diagnosis and management decisions.

Poly(2-Ethyl-2-Oxazoline) as an Alternative to Poly(Vinylpyrrolidone) in Solid Dispersions for Solubility and Dissolution Rate Enhancement of Drugs.

Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEOX), a biocompatible polymer considered as pseudopolypeptide, was introduced as a potential alternative to the commonly used polymer, poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) for the preparation of solid dispersion with a poorly soluble drug. Glipizide (GPZ), a Biopharmaceutical Classification System class II model drug, was selected for solubility and dissolution rate study. GPZ-polymer solid dispersions and physical mixtures were characterized and investigated by X-ray diffractometry, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and FTIR spectroscopy. The impact of polymers on crystal nucleation kinetics was studied, and PEOX exhibited strong inhibitory effect compared with PVP. Solubility and dissolution behavior of the prepared solid dispersions and their physical blends were in vitro examined and evaluated. A significant enhancement in GPZ solubility was obtained with PEOX compared with the pure drug and solid dispersion with PVP. A big improvement in the intrinsic dissolution rate (45 times) and dissolved amount of GPZ (58 times) was achieved with PEOX in fasted state simulated intestinal fluid, against comparable enhancement observed with PEOX and PVP in phosphate buffer at pH 6.8. Lower molecular weight of PEOX-5K (5000 g/mol) was found to be superior to higher molecular weight PEOX-50K (50,000 g/mol) in the improvement of dissolution behavior. The findings of this study with GPZ as a model drug introduce lower molecular weight PEOX as a promising polymeric carrier toward better oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs.

Characterization and quantitation of PVP content in a silicone hydrogel contact lens produced by dual-phase polymerization processing.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) has been incorporated over the years into numerous hydrogel contact lenses as both a primary matrix component and an internal wetting agent to increase lens wettability. In this study, complementary analytical techniques were used to characterize the PVP wetting agent component of senofilcon A and samfilcon A contact lenses, both in terms of chemical composition and amount present. Photo-differential scanning calorimetry (photo-DSC), gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID), and high-resolution/accurate mass (HR/AM) liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) techniques confirmed dual phase reaction and curing of the samfilcon A silicone hydrogel material. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) demonstrated that high molecular weight (HMW) polymer was present in isopropanol (IPA) extracts of both lenses. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) effectively separated hydrophilic PVP from the hydrophobic silicone polymers present in the extracts. Collectively, atmospheric solids analysis probe mass spectrometry (ASAP MS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, GC-FID, and LC-MS analyses of the lens extracts indicated that the majority of NVP is consumed during the second reaction phase of samfilcon A lens polymerization and exists as HMW PVP, similar to the PVP present in senofilcon A. GC-FID analysis of pyrolyzed samfilcon A and senofilcon A indicates fourfold greater PVP in samfilcon A compared with senofilcon A. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1064-1072, 2018.

Líquidos iónicos basados en principios activos farmacéuticos / Ionic liquids based active pharmaceutical ingredients

Objetivos: la formación de sales de principios activos farmacéuticos mejora su solubilidad, procesado a nivel industrial, aspectos de seguridad y en ocasiones las propiedades biológicas. El objetivo de la presente revisión es considerar los líquidos iónicos basados en principios activos como una herramienta versatil y alternativa en la industria farmacéutica. Material y Métodos: Los líquidos iónicos son sales cuaternarias con punto de fusión por debajo de 100ºC. Los efectos secundarios negativos asociados a un determinado principio activo pueden ser tratados si se administra como líquido iónico, en el cual el contraión neutraliza los efectos negativos no deseados. Otro enfoque plantea que los resultados de la sinergia sean mejor en tratamientos terapéuticos combinados con la utilización de líquidos iónicos como principio activo en lugar de aquellos en los que se emplean aditivos. Recientemente, se ha manifestado un mayor enfasis en el uso de liquidos iónicos como transportadores de la actividad biológica deseada. En este contextos, las propiedades de los líquidos iónicos pueden modificarse con la elección juiciosa de cation(es) y anio(es). Resultados y Conclusiones: Los líquidos iónicos farmacéuticos pueden proporcionar una herramienta en el desarrollo, diseño y distribución de fármacos. Las sales de líquidos iónicos como principios activos eliminan los problemas asociados a estado sólido y presentan propiedades fisicas y biológicas sinergicas (AU)

Aims: Salt formation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) improve their aqueous solubility, processing at industrial level, safety aspects and sometimes biological properties. The aim of the present review is to consider ionic liquids (ILs) based active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) as an alternative versatile tool in the pharmaceutical industry. Materials and Methods: ILs are the quaternary salts having melting point below 100 oC. The negative side effects of a given API can be treated by delivering it as an ionic liquid in which the counterion neutralizes the unwanted side effects. Ionic liquid form such as APIs pair for dual treatment therapies with synergistic rather than additive results is another approach. Recently, a major emphasis has been placed on ionic liquids as bearers of desired biological activity. In this context, the properties of the Ionic liquids can be tuned by judicious choice of cation(s) and anion(s). Results: Recent developments have shown that Ionic liquids have potential biological applications in drug delivery, particularly as APIs. Some examples of ionic liquids produced as APIs are described from literature which has at least one pharmaceutical active ion with improved biological activity over the precursor ions. The use of ionogels in sensing platforms clearly has several advantages over current technologies. ILs have considerable potential to provide advances in liquid formulation of protein pharmaceuticals. Conclusions: Pharmaceutical ionic liquids could provide another tool in drug development, design and delivery. Ionic liquid salts as APIs eliminate problems associated with the solid-state and exhibit synergistic physical and biological properties (AU)

Triagem de vários excipientes para compressão direta: uma nova perspectiva com base nas propriedades funcionais / Screening of several excipients for direct compression of tablets: a new perspective based on functional properties

Os excipientes são materiais amplamente utilizados para formular fármacos através de compressão direta. No entanto, as propriedades do pó e compressão desses materiais são afetadas pela presença de lubrificantes e ingredientes ativos. Este estudo utilizou uma metodologia para avaliar a eficácia destes materiais como agentes de compressão direta. O efeito de três lubrificantes (estearato de magnésio, ácido esteárico e talco) na compressibilidade e compactação dos materiais foi avaliado pelo índice de compressibilidade e sensibilidade do lubrificante, respectivamente. Da mesma forma, a capacidade da diluição foi avaliada com um fármaco pouco compressível como o acetaminofeno. Finalmente, a recuperação elástica dos comprimidos foi avaliada aos cinco dias após a produção. Todos os lubrificantes aumentaram a compressibilidade destes materiais e a sua fluidez. No entanto, os lubrificantes hidrofóbicos, tais como o estearato de magnésio tem um efeito negativo sobre a compactação, em especial em materiais plásticos com uma superfície lisa, como o amido 1500. O amido de arroz e de mandioca e ácido algínico apresentaram a maior recuperação elástica (> 5%), indicando uma elevada tendência para a laminação. Além disso, os materiais plásticos com alta deformação, tais como o sorbitol, e polivinilpirrolidona (PVP-K30), exibiram a melhor potencial de diluição (~10%), enquanto que o ácido algínico mostrou um valor muito elevado (~ 70%). Em termos de desempenho, o sorbitol, o PVP-K30, alginato de sódio, Avicel PH-101, e de amido pré-gelatinizado são os materiais mais adequados para a compressão direta de fármacos.

Excipients are widely used to formulate solid drug forms by direct compression. However, the powder-forming and tableting properties of these excipients are affected by the presence of lubricants and active ingredients. In this study, a screening methodology was employed to test the performance of an excipient for direct compression. The effects of three lubricants (magnesium stearate, stearic acid and talc) on the compressibility and compaction of these excipients were assessed by the compressibility index and lubricant sensitivity ratio, respectively. Likewise, the dilution potential in blends with a poorly compactible drug such as acetaminophen was also assessed. Finally, the elastic recovery of tablets was evaluated five days after production. All lubricants increased the compressibility of these excipients and improved their flowability. However, hydrophobic lubricants such as magnesium stearate had a marked negative effect on compactibility, especially in plastic-deforming and more regularly-shaped materials with a smooth surface such as Starch 1500. Alginic acid, rice and cassava starches had the largest elastic recovery (>5%), indicating a tendency to cap. Moreover, highly plastic deforming materials such as sorbitol and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP-K30) exhibited the best dilution potential (~10%), whereas alginic acid showed a very high value (~70%). In terms of performance, sorbitol, PVP-K30, Avicel PH-101, sodium alginate and pregelatinized starch were the most appropriate excipients for the direct compression of drugs.

Efeito antifúngico de tinturas de própolis e romã sobre espécies de Candida / Efecto antimicótico de las tinturas a partir de propóleo y pomegranate contra las especies de Candida / Antifungal effect of tinctures from propolis and pomegranate against species of Candida

A utilização de produtos naturais na odontologia tem se mostrado como uma fonte alternativa no combate às patologias orais, incluindo as infecções fúngicas, causadas, geralmente, por Candida spp. Avaliar a ação antifúngica de tinturas de própolis Apis milifera e romã Punica granatum sobre Candida albicans (ATCC 76618), Candida krusei (ATCC 6538) e Candida tropicalis (ATCC 13803). A ação antifúngica das tinturas foi avaliada pelo método da Concentração Inibitória Mínima em meio de cultura sólido Ágar Saburaud Dextrose (Difco®). Foram confeccionados poços, com 6 mm de diâmetro, destinados a inserção de 50 µL das tinturas. Foram avaliadas seis concentrações seriadas das tinturas, sendo a concentração inicial para a tintura de própolis 200 mg/mL e 300 mg/mL a concentração inicial para a tintura de romã. Posteriormente, as placas de Petri foram incubadas em estufa bacteriológica por 48 h a 37 ºC. A análise dos dados para a Concentração Inibitória Mínima foi feita através da mensuração dos halos de inibição, sendo considerados quando iguais ou superiores a 10 mm de diâmetro. Para a tintura de romã observou-se que as Concentração Inibitória Mínima sobre Candida albicans, Candida krusei e Candida tropicalis foram 9,37 mg/mL, 9,37 mg/mL e 18,75 mg/mL, respectivamente. Em relação à tintura da própolis, constatou-se que apenas em sua forma pura apresentou ação antifúngica sobre Candida krusei e Candida tropicalis, entretanto a mesma ação não foi observada sobre Candida albicans. As tinturas avaliadas apresentam ação antifúngica sobre as cepas avaliadas, exceto a tintura da própolis sobre Candida albicans(AU)

Se ha demostrado que el uso de productos naturales en Estomatología es una fuente alternativa contra las enfermedades orales, incluyendo las infecciones micóticas, generalmente causadas por Candida spp. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la acción antimicótica de las tinturas a partir del propóleo (Apis milifera) y a partir de pomegranate (Punica granatum) sobre Candida albicans (ATCC 76618), Candida krusei (ATCC 6538) y Candida tropicalis (TCC 13803). La actividad antimicótica de las tinturas fue evaluada por el método Minimum Inhibitory Concentration en Aagar Dextrosa Saburaud (Difco®). Se crearon 6 orificios con un diámetro de 6 mm para la inserción de 50 µL de tinturas. Se evaluaron 6 concentraciones seriadas donde la concentración inicial para las tinturas a partir de propóleo fue de 200 mg/mL y de 300 mg/mL como concentración inicial para la tintura a partir de pomegranate. Posteriormente, los discos de Petri fueron incubados durante 48 h a 37ºC. El análisis de los datos para Minimum Inhibitory Concentration fue realizado midiendo las zonas de inhibición, se consideró inhibición cuando es igual o mayor de 10 mm de diámetro. En el caso de la tintura de pomegranate, se comprobó que la Minimum Inhibitory Concentration en Candida albicans, Candida krusei y Candida tropicalis fueron de 9,37 mg/mL, 9,37 mg/mL y 18,75 mg/mL respectivamente. Para las tinturas a base de propóleo, la acción antimicótica fue verificada solo en la concentración pura sobre Candida krusei y Candida tropicalis, pero no fue observada en Candida albicans. Las tinturas a base de pomegranate y propóleo tuvieron actividad antimicótica sobre las cepas evaluadas, excepto en el caso de la tintura a base de propóleo sobre Candida albicans(AU)

The use of natural products in Dentistry has been shown as an alternative source against oral diseases, including fungi infections, generally caused by Candida spp. The aim was to evaluate the antifungal action of tinctures from propolis (Apis milifera) and from pomegranate (Punica granatum) on Candida albicans (ATCC 76618), Candida krusei (ATCC 6538) and Candida tropicalis (ATCC 13803). The antifungal activity of tinctures was evaluated by Minimum Inhibitory Concentration method on Saburaud Dextrose Agar (Difco®). Six wells were confectioned, with 6 mm of diameter, to the insertion of 50 µL of tinctures. Six serial concentrations were evaluated, been 200 mg/mL the initial concentration for tincture from propolis and 300 mg/mL the initial concentration for tincture from pomegranate. Later, the Petri plates were incubated in bacteriological incubator for 48 h on 37 ºC. Data analysis for Minimum Inhibitory Concentration was conducted by measurement of inhibition zones, been considered inhibited when equal or bigger than 10 mm of diameter. For tincture from pomegranate, was verified that the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration on Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis were 9.37 mg/mL, 9.37 mg/mL and 18.75 mg/mL, respectively. For tinctures from propolis, the antifungal action was verified only in pure concentration on Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis, but it was not observed on Candida albicans. The tinctures from pomegranate and propolis had antifungal activity on evaluated strains, except for tincture from propolis on Candida albicans(AU)

Evaluation of the physicochemical characteristics of crospovidone that influence solid dispersion preparation.

A solid dispersion (SD) powder of indomethacin (IM) with crospovidone (CrosPVP) shows useful characteristics for manufacturing dosage forms. Four types of commercial CroPVP, Polyplasdone XL (XL) used as the initial carrier, Polyplasdone XL10 and INF-10 manufactured by milling XL, and Kollidon CL (CL) marketed by another company, were compared. The limit of the IM-CrosPVP weight ratio with which an SD can be prepared (maximum IM content) was calculated on the basis of the heat of fusion of physical mixtures of IM and CrosPVP with various weight ratios. When Polyplasdones were used, the maximum IM content increased with the specific surface area of the CrosPVP. When CL was used, however, it was about half of that obtained with XL, even though the difference between XL and CL was not observed in the physicochemical characteristics (particle size, specific surface area, flowability, glass transition temperature, IR spectra, and solid state NMR spectra). As determined by pore size distribution measurement, the volume of pore of which size is larger than the particle size of IM was less in CL than in XL. Therefore, the effective surface area of CrosPVP that comes in contact with IM is important for the preparation of the SD.

Weak bases and formation of a less soluble lauryl sulfate salt/complex in sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) containing media.

This work reports on the solubility of two weakly basic model compounds in media containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Results clearly show that the presence of SLS in the media (e.g. simulated gastric fluid or dissolution media) can result in an underestimation of solubility of some weak bases. We systematically study this phenomenon and provide evidence (chromatography and pXRD) for the first time that the decrease in solubility is likely due to formation of a less soluble salt/complex between the protonated form of the weak base and lauryl sulfate anion.

Dissolution rate enhancement of parabens in PEG solid dispersions and its influence on the release from hydrophilic matrix tablets.

The dissolution rate of a homologous series of parabens and their dispersions in PEG 4 × 10(3) was examined. In light of these measurements, the release behavior of the substances from extended release hydrophilic matrix tablets based on PEO 5 × 10(6) was studied. Tablet release was examined for matrices comprising either a physical mixture of PEG, paraben, and PEO, or a solid solution of each paraben in PEG, incorporated in the PEO matrix. Considerable increase of the dissolution rate for the eutectic and in particular solid solution form of the parabens was observed. The hydration rate of all matrices, as well as polymer release, was the same. The release rate of methyl, ethyl, and butyl parabens in solid solution form was similar to that of their crystalline form. However, the release rate of the solid solution form of propyl paraben was higher than that of its crystalline form, especially in the initial part of the release. The results indicate that all parabens crystallized in the gel layer of the solid solution formulations upon the process of tablet dissolution. This was proposed to be an effect of differences in the dissolution and crystallization kinetics of the parabens.

Comparative Investigation on in vitro release of extemporaneously prepared norfloxacin semisolid formulations with marketed silver sulfadiazine 1% cream, USP using model independent approach

ObjectiveIn an attempt for better treatment of bacterial infections, various semisolid formulations containing 5%w/w of norfloxacin were prepared and evaluated for in vitro drug release and in vitro skin permeabilityusing dialysis membrane and rat abdominal skin respectively. The in vitro diffusion and permeationprofile of the prepared formulation was compared with marketed silver sulfadiazine cream 1%, USPusing model independent approach.MethodsVarious semisolid formulations were prepared with different dermatological bases usingstandard procedures. In vitro diffusion and permeation studies were carried out using Keshary-Chein(KC) type diffusion cell using dialysis membrane and rat abdominal skin respectively.ResultsThe f1 lower than 15 and f2 higher than 50 indicated similarities in the in vitro diffusion andpermeation profiles of the extemporaneously prepared selected semisolid formulations and marketedsilver sulfadiazine 1% cream, USP.ConclusionAmongst all the semisolid formulations prepared, carbopol gel base was found to be most suitabledermatological base for norfloxacin, the results obtained for in vitro diffusion, and in vitro skinpermeation studies are comparable with that of marketed silver sulphadiazine 1% cream, USP(AU)

Analysis of adulterated herbal medicines and dietary supplements marketed for weight loss by DOSY 1H-NMR.

Twenty herbal medicines or dietary supplements marketed as natural slimming products were analysed by diffusion ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and DOSY-COSY 1H-NMR. The method allows analysis of the whole sample with the detection of both active and inactive ingredients in these complex matrices. Among the 20 formulations analysed, two were strictly herbal and four had a composition corresponding to declared ingredients on the packaging or the leaflet. The others were all adulterated. Eight formulations contain sibutramine alone at doses ranging from 4.4 to 30.5 mg/capsule. Five formulations contain sibutramine (from 5.0 to 19.6 mg/capsule or tablet) in combination with phenolphthalein (from 4.4 to 66.1 mg/capsule), and the last formulation was adulterated with synephrine (19.5 mg/capsule). Quantification of the actives was carried out with 1H-NMR. Several other compounds were also characterized including methylsynephrine, vitaberin, sugars, vitamins, etc. DOSY NMR is thus proposed as a useful tool for detection of unexpected adulteration.

Applying spectral peak area analysis in near-infrared spectroscopy moisture assays.

Spectral peak area analysis has in this study been shown to be a viable method in near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) moisture assays. The study also shows that the required number of calibration samples can be minimized, and the method is, therefore, especially suitable for moisture assays in early formulation development and in-situ process monitoring. Diffuse NIRS was utilized in the development of moisture assays for the model compounds polyvinylpyrrolidone and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin and also for a lyophilized formulation. Reference data were obtained using coulometric Karl Fischer titration. The NIRS measurements were performed through the bottoms of the sample vials using either a Fourier Transform-Near-Infrared (FT-NIR) spectrometer fitted with a diffuse reflectance probe or a dispersive single beam spectrometer. The ratios of the peak areas of a water peak at 5200 cm(-1) and a reference peak were evaluated using linear regression analysis. The spectral peak area analysis method was compared with a conventional partial least squares regression method. The moisture assays were verified using independent test sets. The investigated moisture range was 0-22% for the samples of PVP, 0-8.5% for the samples of hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin and 0.5-8.5% for the samples of the lyophilized formulation. The results of the spectral peak area analysis and the conventional partial least squares regression were similar, but the peak area method was more robust and could also make accurate predictions for lyophilized PVP samples, although the calibration set consisted of non-lyophilized samples. The peak area method required fewer calibration samples than the conventional partial least squares regression method.

Pharmaceutical excipients and the information on drug labels.

AIM: to evaluate the presence of preservatives, dyes, sweeteners and flavouring substances in 73 pharmaceutical preparations of 35 medicines for oral administration, according to drug labeling information about the excipients. METHODS: 35 medications were selected, both over-the-counter and prescription drugs, marketed in Brazil. The sample included: analgesic/antipyretic, antimicrobial, mucoregulatory, cough and cold, decongestant, antihistamine, bronchodilator, corticosteroid, antiinflammatory and vitamin medications. We collected data on 73 preparations of these drugs, according to drug labeling information regarding preservatives, dyes, sweeteners and flavourings. RESULTS: Methylparaben and propylparaben were the most common preservatives found (43% and 35.6% respectively). The most common sweeteners were: sucrose (sugar) (53.4%), sodium saccharin (38.3%) and sorbitol (36.9%). Twenty-one medicines (28,7%) contained two sweeteners. Colourless medicines predominated (43.8%), followed by those with sunset yellow dye (FD&C yellow no. 6) (15%). Five products (6.8%) contained more than one colour agent. Tartrazine (FD&C yellow no. 5) was present in seven preparations (9.5%). Fruit was the most common flavouring found (83%). Labelings of drugs which contained sugar frequently omitted its exact concentration (77%). Of the four labelings of medicines which contained aspartame, two did not warn patients regarding phenylketonuria. CONCLUSION: Omission and inaccuracy of drug labeling information on pharmaceutical excipients may expose susceptible individuals to adverse reactions caused by preservatives and dyes. Complications of inadvertent intake of sugar-containing medicines by diabetics, or aspartame intake by patients with phenylketonuria may also occur.

Allergic contact dermatitis to copolymers in cosmetics--case report and review of the literature.

Copolymers or heteropolymers are large molecules with high molecular weights (>1000 D). They have been underestimated for a long time as to their sensitizing capacities. Allergic contact dermatitis to 6 copolymers in cosmetics and 1 in a medical dressing has been described; however, the nature of the hapten is still unknown. We report a case of allergic contact dermatitis to polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/hexadecene copolymer in a purple-colored lipstick and review the literature on allergic contact dermatitis to 7 copolymers: PVP/hexadecene, PVP/eicosene, PVP/1-triacontene, methoxy polyethyleneglycol (PEG)-22/dodecyl glycols, methoxy PEG-17/dodecyl glycols, phthalic anhydride/trimellitic anhydride/glycols, and polyvinyl methyl/maleic acid anhydride.

Excipientes de medicamentos e as informações da bula / Pharmaceutical excipients and the information on drug labels

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a presença de conservantes, corantes, adoçantes e aromatizantes em 73 apresentações farmacêuticas de 35 medicamentos para uso oral, e as informações da bula sobre excipientes. MÉTODOS: Selecionamos 35 medicamentos, de venda livre ou sob prescrição médica, comercializados no Brasil. A amostra incluiu: analgésicos/antitérmicos, antimicrobianos, mucolíticos, antitussígenos, descongestionantes, anti-histamínicos, broncodilatadores, corticosteróides, antiinflamatórios e suplementos vitamínicos. Foram analisadas 73 apresentações desses fármacos, anotando-se as informações da bula sobre conservantes, corantes, adoçantes e aromatizantes. RESULTADOS: A bula de um medicamento (1,3 por cento) não mencionava os ingredientes inativos. Os conservantes mais encontrados nos medicamentos foram metilparabeno e propilparabeno (43 por cento e 35,6 por cento respectivamente). Os adoçantes mais usados foram: sacarose (açúcar) (53,4 por cento), sacarina sódica (38,3 por cento) e sorbitol (36,9 por cento). Vinte e um produtos (28,7 por cento) continham dois adoçantes. Predominaram os medicamentos sem corante (43,8 por cento), seguidos pelos coloridos por amarelo crepúsculo (amarelo FD&C no. 6) (15 por cento). Cinco produtos (6,8 por cento) continham mais de um corante. A tartrazina (amarelo FD&C no. 5) foi encontrada em sete formulações (9,5 por cento). Os aromatizantes mais usados foram os de frutas (83 por cento). Constatamos a freqüente omissão das bulas sobre o teor exato de açúcar dos produtos (77 por cento). Duas das quatro bulas de medicamentos contendo aspartame não mencionavam as precauções no uso por fenilcetonúricos. CONCLUSÕES: A omissão e a imprecisão das informações da bula sobre os excipientes farmacêuticos expõem os indivíduos suscetíveis ao risco de reações adversas dos conservantes e corantes. Também podem ocorrer complicações do uso inadvertido de medicamentos contendo açúcar pelos pacientes diabéticos, ou de fármacos adoçados com aspartame pelos fenilcetonúricos.

AIM: to evaluate the presence of preservatives, dyes, sweeteners and flavouring substances in 73 pharmaceutical preparations of 35 medicines for oral administration, according to drug labeling information about the excipients. METHODS: 35 medications were selected, both over-the-counter and prescription durgs, marketed in Brazil. The sample included: analgesic/antipyretic, antimicrobial, mucoregulatory, cough and cold, decongestant, antihistamine, bronchodilator, corticosteroid, antiinflammatory and vitamin medications. We collected data on 73 preparations of these drugs, according to drug labeling information regarding preservatives, dyes, sweeteners and flavourings. RESULTS: Methylparaben and propylparaben were the most common preservatives found (43 percent and 35.6 percent respectively). The most common sweeteners were: sucrose (sugar) (53.4 percent), sodium saccharin (38.3 percent) and sorbitol (36.9 percent). Twenty-one medicines (28,7 percent) contained two sweeteners. Colourless medicines predominated (43.8 percent), followed by those with sunset yellow dye (FD&C yellow no. 6) (15 percent). Five products (6.8 percent) contained more than one colour agent. Tartrazine (FD&C yellow no. 5) was present in seven preparations (9.5 percent). Fruit was the most common flavouring found (83 percent). Labelings of drugs which contained sugar frequently omitted its exact concentration (77 percent). Of the four labelings of medicines which contained aspartame, two did not warn patients regarding phenylketonuria. CONCLUSION: Omission and inacuracy of drug labeling information on pharmaceutical excipients may expose susceptible individuals to adverse reactions caused by preservatives and dyes. Complications of inadvertent intake of sugar-containing medicines by diabetics, or aspartame intake by patients with phenylketonuria may also occur.

Preparación de comprimidos de desintegración rápida de clorhidrato de ondansetrón mediante el método de compresión directa / Preparation of rapidly disintegrating tablets of ondansetron hydrochloride by direct compression method

Para elaborar comprimidos de desintegración rápida con un contenido de 8 mg de clorhidrato de ondansetrón, con sufi ciente integridad mecánica y buen sabor, se preparó una formulación de celulosa microcristalina (CM), lactosa anhidra, manitol y croscarmelosa. Los comprimidos se elaboraron mediante el método de compresión directa. Se determinaron propiedades tales como la resistencia a la fractura, el tiempo de desintegración, el tiempo de humidifi cación y la friabilidad. Para la preparación de los primeros lotes se utilizó el diseño experimental de compuesto de segundo orden esférico de dos factores, y para su optimización se empleó la función de deseabilidad. Para la preparación de los comprimidos de desintegración rápida se utilizó un diseño en retículos simple con restricciones en la proporción de los excipientes. En un diseño posterior, se seleccionaron como variables independientes la resistencia a la fractura y la concentración de celulosa microcristalina, de lactosa anhidra y de manitol. Para relacionar las variables independientes con la resistencia a la fractura y el tiempo de desintegración, se utilizaron ecuaciones matemáticas y representaciones gráfi cas. Además, para optimizar la formulación, se calculó el índice sintético que considera una desviación positiva o negativa a partir de un valor ideal. Se superpusieron las representaciones gráfi cas de la resistencia a la fractura y el tiempo de desintegración para encontrar la región optimizada en la que se pueden producir comprimidos con resistencia al aplastamiento y tiempos de desintegración aceptables. Para demostrar la similitud de la disolución en agua destilada y saliva simulada (pH 6,8) se utilizó el concepto de los factores de similitud f2 y Sd. Se podrían preparar comprimidos de desintegración rápida con una estructura duradera y un sabor agradable si se selecciona el nivel adecuado de CM, lactosa anhidra, manitol, croscarmelosa y fuerza de compresión

To make rapidly disintegrating tablets containing 8 mg ondansetron hydrochloride with suffi cient mechanical integrity as well as a pleasant taste, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), lactose anhydrous, mannitol and croscarmellose were formulated. Tablets were prepared by a direct compression method. Tablets properties such as tensile strength, disintegration time, wetting time and friability were determined. The two-factor spherical second order composite experimental design was used for the preparation of preliminary batches and the desirability function was employed for the optimization of preliminary batches. For preparation of the rapidly disintegrating tablets, simplex lattice design with constraints on the proportion of excipients was utilized. In later design, tensile strength and disintegration time were selected as dependent variables and concentration of microcrystalline cellulose, concentration of lactose anhydrous and concentration of mannitol were selected as controlling factors. Mathematical equations and contour plots were used to relate independent variables with tensile strength and disintegration time. Furthermore, the composite index which considers a positive or negative deviation from an ideal value was calculated for the optimization of the formulation. Contour plots of tensile strength and disintegration time were superimposed to fi nd out the optimized region at which tablets with an acceptable crushing strength and disintegration time can be produced. The concept of similarity factors f2 and Sd were used to prove similarity of dissolution in distilled water and simulated saliva (pH 6.8). Rapidly disintegrating tablets with durable structure and desirable taste could be prepared by selecting proper level of MCC, lactose anhydrous, mannitol, croscarmellose and compression force

Efecto del grado de hidrólisis del almidón de maíz sobre la capacidad aglutinante en tabletas / The effect of corn starch hydrolysis on binding capacity in tablets

Los almidones modificados constituyen un grupo de productos que pueden ser utilizados como sustancias auxiliares en la elaboración de tabletas. En este trabajo se obtuvieron tres tipos de almidones elaborados en diferentes condiciones de hidrólisis y se probaron como agentes aglutinantes en la elaboración de tabletas con vista a determinar la influencia del grado de esta modificación sobre la capacidad aglutinante de estos productos. Se concluyó que el nivel de la hidrólisis del almidón influye en las propiedades ligantes del mismo, encontrándose que el almidón denominado II es el más adecuado como aglutinante porque a niveles del 10 y 15 por ciento de concentración permite elaborar tabletas que, mostraron los mayores valores de dureza y HFR y los menores porcentajes de friabilidad y abrasividad Por otra parte el poder aglutinante del almidón hidrolizado mostró relación con el contenido de amilosa pero independencia de las propiedades reológicas (AU)

Biosensor for the enantioselective analysis of the thyroid hormones (+)-3,3',5-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3) and (+)-3,3',5,5'-tetraiodo-L-thyronine (T4).

An amperometric biosensor based on L-aminoacid oxidase is proposed for enantioselective assay of (+)-3,3',5-triiodo-L-thyronine (L-T3) and (+)-3,3',5,5'-tetraiodo-L-thyronine (L-T4), due to the fact that only the L enantiomer has the hormonal activity. The construction of the amperometric biosensor is simple and reproducible. The analytical information obtained from enantioselective analysis are reliable. The RSD <1% assured by using the amperometric biosensors for L enantiomers assay as raw materials, and from tablets, demonstrated their suitability for the analysis of T3 and T4 at ppb concentration levels.