Effect of gamma irradiation on cefotaxime in the solid state

Relationship between the color stability and impurity profile of cefotaxime sodium

The color grade, mainly introduced in the processes of semisynthesis and storage, is an important index used to evaluate the quality of cefotaxime sodium. Because the drug itself is prone to degradation under susceptible conditions, including those involving moisture, heat, ultraviolet light, acids, alkalis, and oxidants, and a series of degradation products as impurities are generated. In this study, the factors affecting color grade stability and the degradation mechanisms of cefotaxime sodium were investigated by designing different accelerated stability tests under the aforementioned conditions. The degradation extent was studied by using analytical methods, such as a solution color comparison method, ultraviolet spectrophotometry, and HPLC. The relationship between the color grade stability of cefotaxime sodium and its impurity profile has been explored, and a reasonable degradation mechanism has been proposed. The manufacturing conditions of inspection have been optimized, and a scientific basis for drug packaging, storage, and transportation conditions has been established. The results show that the color grade stability of cefotaxime sodium is related to the impurity profile to some degree, and the difference between the actual color and the standard color can reflect the levels of impurities to some extent.

Attack of cefotaxime by different radicals: comparison of the effects

Free radicals are physiological products and can react to administrated drugs. Metabolic transformations by radical mechanisms are, therefore, possible. A fundamental study of radio-induced degradation of aqueous solutions of sodium cefotaxime, a third generation cephalosporin, was realized to describe these possible radical mechanisms. Different radicals produced by the radiolysis method (.OH, N3., Br2.-, Tbut., eaq- + .OH, and exq- + Tbut.) were successively used to induce the radical mechanisms and their effects were compared. All these radicals induce the formation of a same main radiolysis product identified as anticefotaxime. Radical mechanisms induced by N3., Tbut., and eaq- include chain reactions to explain the formation of anticefotaxime contrary to those induced by .OH and Br2.-.