Validation of UV spectrophotometric method for determination of lomefloxacin in pharmaceutical dosage form

A simple and reproducible method was developed for the assay of lomefloxacin in tablets. The excipients in the commercial tablet preparation did not interfere with the assay. Beer's law is obeyed in the range 2.0-9.0 μg.mL-1 at λmax 280 nm. The molar absorptivity was calculated. Six triplicate analyses of solutions containing six different concentrations of the examined drug were carried out and gave a mean correlation coefficient 0.9997. The proposed method was applied to the determination of the examined drug in coated tablet and the results demonstrated that the method is equally accurate, precise and reproducible as the official methods.

A new insight about pharmaceutical dosage forms for benzathine penicillin G

In this work, a micellar system of benzathine penicillin G (BPG) in sodium deoxycholate (NaDC) was developed and evaluated physicochemically. The solubility profile of the drug in water and buffer solutions at various pH was determined, as well as its n-octanol/water partition coefficient. The Critical Micellar Concentration of NaDC and its ability to incorporate BPG were also assessed. The study was carried out at low and high ionic strength which was adjusted by the addition of sodium chloride. The results demonstrated the ability of the micellar system to incorporate BPG, as well as to increase its apparent solubility in water. The enhancement of the solubility of BPG by the presence of NaDC micelles could be analyzed quantitatively within the framework of the pseudo-phase model. Concentration analysis showed that the micellar system could attain up to 90% incorporation of BPG. The incorporated drug is expected to exhibit improved stability, since the antibiotic enclosed in the hydrophobic core of micelles is rather shielded from the aqueous external environment.

Protocolo para ensaios físico-químicos de estabilidade de fitocosméticos

The growing demand for stable, safe and effective cosmetics has required increasingly complex studies by the scientific community and the use of more efficient techniques to determine the stability of these products. The use of active principles from the Brazilian flora has led to the development of numerous products, in the most varied pharmaceutical forms, making it, even more difficult to standardize experimental protocols to certify the stability of cosmetic preparations. While in Brazil there is no one protocol that standardizes the tests that should be carried out to determine product stability, several studies have been conducted in academic laboratories to determine the stability of specific raw materials. The rheological properties of topical use products have to be taken into account in their manufacture, storage and application. The determination of the rheological behavior of a formulation helps in evaluating the physicochemical nature of the vehicle, allowing early signs of physical instability to be detected and thus enabling quality control of the constituents, test formulations and final products. Thermal analysis has also been used to assist in the study of cosmetic stability and differential scanning calorimetry to guide the development of new products. Other tools, such as fluorimetry and laser granulometry can be used to help the study and development of both emulsified and non-emulsified systems. The aim of the present study is to develop a protocol for the investigation of the physical and chemical stability of phytocosmetics - systems containing active compounds extracted from the Brazilian biodiversity.

Non-conventional applications of computerized tomography: Analysis of solid dosage forms produced by pharmaceutical industry

X-ray computed tomography (CT) refers to the cross-sectional imaging of an object measuring the transmitted radiation at different directions. In this work, we describe a non-conventional application of computerized tomography: visualization and improvements in the understanding of some internal structural features of solid dosage forms. A micro-CT X-ray scanner, with a minimum resolution of 30 μm was used to characterize some pharmaceutical tablets, granules, controlled-release osmotic tablet and liquid-filled soft-gelatin capsules. The analysis presented in this work are essentially qualitative, but quantitative parameters, such as porosity, density distribution, tablets dimensions, etc. could also be obtained using the related CT techniques. © 2010 American Institute of Physics.

Recent applications of analytical techniques for quantitative pharmaceutical analysis: A review

The intension of this paper was to review and discuss some of the current quantitative analytical procedures which are used for quality control of pharmaceutical products. The selected papers were organized according to the analytical technique employed. Several techniques like ultraviolet/visible spectrophotometry, fluorimetry, titrimetry, electroanalytical techniques, chromatographic methods (thin-layer chromatography, gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography), capillary electrophoresis and vibrational spectroscopies are the main techniques that have been used for the quantitative analysis of pharmaceutical compounds. In conclusion, although simple techniques such as UV/VIS spectrophotometry and TLC are still extensively employed, HPLC is the most popular instrumental technique used for the analysis of pharmaceuticals. Besides, a review of recent works in the area of pharmaceutical analysis showed a trend in the application of techniques increasingly rapid such as ultra performance liquid chromatography and the use of sensitive and specific detectors as mass spectrometers.

Topical use of fluorides for caries control

Since the early findings on the protective effects of fluoride present in drinking water upon caries incidence and prevalence, intensive research has been conducted in order to determine the benefits, safety, as well as the cost-effectiveness of other modalities of fluoride delivery. The present chapter reviews the various forms of topical fluoride use - professionally and self-applied - with special emphasis on clinical efficacy and possible side effects. The most widely used forms of fluoride delivery have been subject of several systematic reviews, providing strong evidence supporting the use of dentifrices, gels, varnishes and mouth rinses for the control of caries progression. Dentifrices with fluoride concentrations of 1,000 ppm and above have been shown to be clinically effective in caries prevention when compared to a placebo treatment, but the evidence regarding formulations with 450-550 ppm is still subject of debate. Therefore, the recommendation for low-fluoride dentifrice use must take into account both risks and benefits. The evidence for the combined use of two modalities of fluoride application in comparison to a single modality is still inconsistent, implying that more studies with adequate methodology are needed to determine the real benefits of each method. Considering the currently available evidence and risk-benefit aspects, it seems justifiable to recommend the use of fluoridated dentifrices to individuals of all ages, and additional fluoride therapy should also be targeted towards individuals at high caries risk. © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Development of a topical formulation containing S. Lutea extract: Stability, in vitro studies and cutaneous permeation

Flavonoids have been widely incorporated into cosmetic and dermatological formulations, affording benefits such as antioxidant action, improved skin tone and fewer lines and wrinkles. Brazil has a huge biodiversity, with one of the richest flora in the world, and existing studies justify the quest for greater research efforts in this area. The cajazeira (Spondias lutea L.), a plant of the Anacardiaceae family from tropical America, is widely disseminated in Brazil. This plant was chosen because of the presence of flavonoids that exhibit antioxidant activity. The purpose of this research was to develop a stable topical formulation containing Spondias lutea extract with the aim of preventing skin diseases caused by UV radiation. Hydro ethanolic extract of Spondias lutea fruit was prepared and assayed for its the flavonoids content. The antioxidant activity was estimated by DPPH and superoxide assay. The physicochemical stability and skin permeation of the cream containing 8% (w/w) of extract were assessed. The results showed that the S. lutea extract possessed antioxidant activity, and that it is possible to obtain a stable cosmetic containing the extract, which is able to penetrate the skin. Thus, it is possible to use this extract to produce an anti-aging cosmetic.

Antibacterial activity of gels with pomegranate, apricot and green tea glycolic extracts

Pomegranate (PGE) and green tea (GTGE) glycolic extracts are being employed in formulations because of their antiseptic and astringent effects. Apricot (AGE) glycolic extract possesses function cooling and antibacterial. The aim was to verify the antibacterial activity of these extracts incorporated in gel base. The antibacterial activity was verified by diffusion in agar method, using cylinder in plate. Plates containing Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538p), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Escherichia coli (ATCC 10536) and Salmonella sp. (ATCC 19196) were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. After incubation, the results were analysed with a pachymeter, observing the bacterial growth inhibition halo diameter and the statistical significance level was determined. PGE presented activity only against P. aeruginosa; GTGE presented activity against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and E. coli; and AGE presented activity against P. aeruginosa and Salmonella sp. According to the experimental conditions, it is possible to conclude that GTGE presented the greater growth inhibition halo diameter when compared with other extracts, suggesting higher antibacterial action of this extract.

Biocompatible microemulsion modifies the pharmacokinetic profile and cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anthracycline antibiotic with a broad antitumor spectrum. However, the clinical use of DOX is limited because of its cardiotoxicity, a dose-dependent effect. Colloidal drug delivery systems, such as microemulsions (MEs), allow the incorporation of drugs, modifying the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile and toxic effects. In this study, we evaluated the PK profile and cardiotoxicity of a new DOX ME (DOX-ME). The PK profile of DOX-ME was determined and compared with that of the conventional DOX after single-dose administration (6mg/kg, intravenous) in male Wistar rats (n = 12 per group). The cardiotoxicity of DOX formulations was evaluated by serum creatine kinase MB (CKMB) activity in both animal groups before and after drug administration. The plasma DOX measurements were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection, and the CKMB levels were assayed using the CKMB Labtest® kit. The ME system showed a significant increase in plasma DOX concentrations and lower distribution volume when compared with conventional DOX. Serum CKMB activity increased after conventional DOX administration but was unchanged in the DOX-ME group. These results demonstrate modifications in drug access to susceptible sites using DOX-ME. DOX-ME displayed features that make it a promising system for future therapeutic application. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Inorganic UV filters

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Evaluation of skin hydration after exposition to the aqueous and hydroalcoholic bases and silicone emulsion

Several dermocosmetic bases even without active substances, can increase the cutaneous hydration, resulting in a beneficial effect to the skin. The evidence and interpretation of possible hydration effect of formulations in the skin can be carried through by means of histopathological and histomorphometrical evaluation, a time that allows the analysis of the epithelial tissue, of dermis and also of the cellular characteristics. The objective of this research was to evaluate the skin hydration after exposition to the aqueous and hydroalcoholic bases and silicone emulsion. Swines had areas submitted to treatments during 15 days with three different formulations (F1 - aqueous gel, F2 - hydroalcoholic gel and F3 - silicone emulsion). By means of histometric and histopathological techniques were gotten the thickness of the epidermis and stratum corneum. Comparison of means was done using ANOVA followed by the Tukey test. The F1 provoked significant increase in the thickness of the epidermis. The formulaton F2 provoked significant reduction in the thickness of the epidermis and stratum corneum. F3 not presented significant difference in this structures. According to the study, the type of base chosen intervenes with the skin hydration.

Static and dynamic impacts of MERCOSUR: the case of the pharmaceutical sector

Includes bibliography

Obtenção, caracterização e estudo de liberação in vitro e permeação in vivo de sistemas microestruturados contendo cafeína

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Report of the ECLAC/CCST workshop on the pharmaceutical sector in the Caribbean, 14-19 March 1986, Havana, Cuba

Presenta las recomendaciones de la reunion en la que se trato el rol del CCCT en la promocion del intercambio de informacion, el estrechamiento de la asistencia tecnica entre los paises de la region, y el de aunar los esfuerzos de los cientificos en la busqueda de soluciones a los problemas comunes en el sector farmaceutico.