ABSTRACT

Treatment of hypertension with conventional dosage forms is not effective as the drugs do not reach the site of action in appropriate concentration and it is also requiring dosing. Thus, an effective and safe therapy of hypertension disorder using specific drug delivery system is a challenging task to the pharmaceutical technologists. Most commonly used method of modulating the drug release is to include it in a matrix system, because of their flexibility, hydrophilic polymer matrix system is widely used in oral controlled drug delivery to obtain a desirable drug release profile, cost effectiveness and broad regulatory acceptance. In present study we have prepared matrix tablet formulations using Prazosin as model drug and Ethyl Cellulose, Two grades of Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose- HPMC-K4M &HPMC-K100M as polymers in different ratios. The developed matrix tablets were evaluated for different physical chemical evaluations like drug content, hardness, friability, swelling index etc. All the formulations had shown the results within prescribed limits. The In vitro drug release study indicates that formulation F7 containing EC, HPMC K100M in 1:2 ratio shown good release pattern for 14 hours compare to other formulations. The short-term stability study proven no change in the formulation upon ageing and it indicates good stability.

Keywords: Prazosin, Matrix tablets, Ethyl Cellulose and HPMC-K4M & K100M.

ABSTRACT

Lantana camera is used traditionally in Indian system of medicines for various diseases. The present study is focused on natural products of plant origin with insecticidal properties for control of insect vectors. Aqueous, ethanol, methanol, extracts of Lantana camara were evaluated against larvae. Phytochemical screening of the leaves showed the presence of phytocompounds such as tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, anthocyanin, quinines, triterpenoids, flavonoids, saponin and steroids. The resistance to chemical insecticides among mosquito species has been considered as a setback in vector control. The present study is focused on natural products of plant origin with insecticidal properties for control of insect vectors. The methanolic leaf extract of this plant showed potent larvicidal efficacy and can be considered for further investigation. Objective: control and prevention of larvae for social health.

Keywords: Medicinal plants, Lantana camara Linn, Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology

ABSTRACT

In the review, the focus has been laid on discussing various modes of solid phase microextraction for sample pre treatment and sample pre concentration of organophosphorus pesticide residue from the complex matrix they are embedded in. Wider availability of organophosphorus pesticide residue in environment pose a threat of toxicity, so quantification of the same becomes important. Sample preparation is one of the initial steps in any analytical procedure, which is quite exhaustive and hence leads to increase in error. So, over the years, the focus has been to minimize the burden on this step, thereby introducing many modifications in existing sample preparation techniques available, which are serially discussed. One such modification is miniaturization and automation of solid phase extraction, various developments of which so far has been discussed especially considering techniques employed for OPP residue extraction. Starting from stir bar sorptive extraction to newer techniques such as use of sol gel sorbents. Their deployment in sample pre concentration for extraction of organophosphorus pesticide residue; a comparison among the modes used, challenges and future trend in modification of solid phase micro extraction with emphasis on incorporating the usefulness to switch over to green analytical chemistry is discussed.

Keywords: Organophosphorus pesticide (OPP), Solid phase extraction (SPE), Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction (SBSE), Dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE), Dispersive solid phase microextraction (d-µSPE), Microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS), Fabric phase sorptive extraction (FPSE).

ABSTRACT

Drug waste management has become a serious subject. Excessive use and irrational sale of medicines have led to unlimited contributions of pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers to the ground of waste production. The community pharmacies return the unused and expired drugs to the distributors who sent back these to the manufacturers. This study was initiated with an aim of identifying knowledge and behaviour of the distributers in the area of proper drug waste management. A questionnaire survey and key informant interview were used for the study. The study comprised of drug distributors from various areas of Ernakulum district. The survey conducted through face-to-face interviews using pre-validated structured questionnaire. The participants were asked about their practice, knowledge and difficulties facing on area of safe waste drug disposal. The filled questionnaire forms collected were sorted and examined for accuracy. 30 drug distributors were participated in the study and were asked to answer the questionnaire based on the drug waste management practices in their firm. Majority of them were not aware about the drug waste management and don’t know any guidelines for the same. Drug waste return to them was mainly expired dosage form from retail pharmacies and also from hospital pharmacies. Most of distributors had return of drug waste in the range of 10-50 kilograms per month. The key to solve the issue of pharmaceutical waste disposal can be done in collaborative effort and co-operation between government and all the parties those who are dealing with medicines including public. Established and applied laws, along with community awareness will surely make our goal simply workable.

Keywords: Drug Waste, Distributors, Knowledge, Disposal Methods

ABSTRACT

Vesicular systems provide large opportunities for the transdermal delivery of therapeutics. The present study was designed to investigate the potential of a novel class of vesicular system ‘proniosome’ as a carrier for transdermal delivery of telavancin. Proniosome formulations were prepared by co-acervation phase separation method. The developed system was characterized for drug release, zeta potential, particle size analysis and kinetics. Span 60 was the most appropriate surfactant, and yielded vesicle size and percentage encapsulation ef?ciency respectively. The in vitro telavancin proniosomes formulations exhibited a sustained release for 7 hrs. Zeta potential was found to be -32.7 mv which indicates the stability of the formulation. The proniosomes F6 formulation shows entrapment efficiency of 92.7%. From the diffusion study it was found that formulation F6 shows the highest drug permeation. F1 followed zero order release kinetic profile; F2 was first order release kinetic profile and for F3 to F7 followed Peppa’s model drug release kinetic profile. Formulations stored at refrigeration condition (8±2 °C) showed a higher drug entrapment when compared to the formulations stored at accelerated condition (30±2 ⁰C) at (65±5%RH) after a period of 4 weeks.

Keywords: Proniosomes, Telavancin, In vitro drug release and release kinetics

ABSTRACT

The primary objective of this review is to address the issue of toxicity arising from herb–drug interactions (HDI) in patients taking complimentary systems of medicine and nutritional supplements along with prescribed medications in particular drugs for cardiovascular diseases. Patients tend to use herbal products with the belief that they are safe and harmless but this is not always true. A major population is known to have cardiovascular diseases for which they may be prescribed with multiple medications. Patients may develop undesired effects as result of concomitant use of prescription drugs with the so-called herbal products and may poorly respond to treatment. It is important to create patient understanding in the matter of HDI, so as to improve the clinical outcome. More attention to these interactions is also required on the part of healthcare professionals as well.

Keywords: Herb-Drug Interactions (HDI), Complementary medicine, alternative medicine, cardiovascular toxicity, Herbal remedies.