1
|
Merczel S, Vida RG, Tasi T, Fittler A, Botz L. Quality of dorzolamide hydrochloride and timolol maleate containing eye drops distributed online. Saudi Pharm J 2023; 31:921-928. [PMID: 37250359 PMCID: PMC10220214 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2023.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Patient safety risks associated with the online purchase of medications, especially in case of ophthalmic preparations, are significant. Our study aimed to carry out quality assessment of dorzolamide hydrochloride (DZA) and timolol maleate (TIM) eye drops preserved with benzalkonium chloride (BAC) via online test purchases. Three samples were purchased online, while control preparations were acquired through authorized national drug supply chain. Our method was based on the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Inspection Checklist and integrated the evaluation of packaging and labelling. Sterility was established according to the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.), while qualitative and quantitative quality was assessed with high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis. Several signs of falsification were recognized upon visual inspection of the online samples. All the products were clear, colourless, slightly viscous solutions. They were free from visible contaminants. The samples were sterile as no evidence of microbial growth was found. A quick and inexpensive HPLC analysis, optimized by the authors showed that active ingredients and the preservative deviated significantly (p < 0,05) with more than 10% from the values stated on the labels for at least one component (DZA: 99.3-113.1%, TIM: 112.8-139.2%, BAC: 82.4-97.7%). Development of comprehensive and reliable quality assessment methods are vital to increase public safety of pharmaceutical products sold online. A complex approach, integrating visual inspection, labelling assessment, microbiological analysis coupled with qualitative and quantitative methods provide a most reliable method. Due to its limited feasibility and cost-effectiveness, raising public awareness and limiting illegal online sellers should be the primary approaches to protect patients from substandard and falsified medicinal products sold via the internet. Particularly important for health professionals to understand this market and its public health concern, and to raise patient awareness of the risks associated with uncontrolled online purchase of medication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sára Merczel
- Somogy County Kaposi Mór Teaching Hospital, Department of Pharmacy, Tallián Gyula Street 20-32, 7400 Kaposvár, Hungary
- University of Pécs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics, Honvéd Street 3, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Róbert György Vida
- University of Pécs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics, Honvéd Street 3, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tamás Tasi
- Somogy County Kaposi Mór Teaching Hospital, Medicopus Nonprofit Health Service Provider Ltd, Tallián Gyula Street 20-32, 7400 Kaposvár, Hungary
| | - András Fittler
- University of Pécs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics, Honvéd Street 3, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Lajos Botz
- University of Pécs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics, Honvéd Street 3, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Youssef SH, Kim S, Khetan R, Afinjuomo F, Song Y, Garg S. The development of 5-fluorouracil biodegradable implants: A comparative study of PCL/PLGA blends. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2023.104300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
|
3
|
Abdel-Kader MS, Alam P, Soliman GA, Al-Shdefat R, Afzal O. Eco-friendly stability-indicating RP-HPTLC method for sildenafil analysis, characterization and biological evaluation of its oxidized stress degradation product. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15358. [PMID: 34321578 PMCID: PMC8319155 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94854-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
A feasible and cost effective reverse-phase high-performance thin layer chromatography (RP-HPTLC) based method was developed for the quantification of sildenafil (SLD) using eco-friendly EtOH:H2O (9.5:0.5 v/v) as mobile phase. SLD was subjected to stress conditions according to the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. The drug undergoes significant structural changes under oxidative stress condition to the N-oxide derivative. The oxidation product Sildenafil N-oxide (SDL N-oxide) designated in the European Pharmacopeia (EP) as impurity B was characterized utilizing 1D- and 2D-NMR as well as High Resolution Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectroscopy. The aphrodisiac potency of SDL N-oxide in comparison with SLD was evaluated in vivo using rats as experimental animal model. The evaluation based on the following parameters: mount, intromission and ejaculation latencies (ML, IL and EL, respectively), mounting and intromission frequencies (MF and IF, respectively), and postejaculatory interval (PEI). SLD N-oxide expressed similar aphrodisiac effect to SLD but with less potency. Molecular docking of SDL N-oxide along with the parent drug SLD, indicated a strong binding affinity and similar binding pattern within the active site of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5). However, the docking score of SLD N-oxide was slightly lower as compared to SLD in agreement with the biological study findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maged S Abdel-Kader
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 173, Al-Kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21215, Egypt.
| | - Prawez Alam
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 173, Al-Kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gamal A Soliman
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 173, Al-Kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ramadan Al-Shdefat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jadara University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Obaid Afzal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 173, Al-Kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Three-Dimensional Printing of Curcumin-Loaded Biodegradable and Flexible Scaffold for Intracranial Therapy of Glioblastoma Multiforme. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13040471. [PMID: 33807243 PMCID: PMC8065414 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13040471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel drug delivery system preventing Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) recurrence after resection surgery is imperatively required to overcome the mechanical limitation of the current local drug delivery system and to offer personalised treatment options for GBM patients. In this study, 3D printed biodegradable flexible porous scaffolds were developed via Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) three-dimensional (3D) printing technology for the local delivery of curcumin. The flexible porous scaffolds were 3D printed with various geometries containing 1, 3, 5, and 7% (w/w) of curcumin, respectively, using curcumin-loaded polycaprolactone (PCL) filaments. The scaffolds were characterised by a series of characterisation studies and in vitro studies were also performed including drug release study, scaffold degradation study, and cytotoxicity study. The curcumin-loaded PCL scaffolds displayed versatile spatiotemporal characteristics. The polymeric scaffolds obtained great mechanical flexibility with a low tensile modulus of less than 2 MPa, and 4 to 7-fold ultimate tensile strain, which can avoid the mechanical mismatch problem of commercially available GLIADEL wafer with a further improvement in surgical margin coverage. In vitro release profiles have demonstrated the sustained release patterns of curcumin with adjustable release amounts and durations up to 77 h. MTT study has demonstrated the great cytotoxic effect of curcumin-loaded scaffolds against the U87 human GBM cell line. Therefore, 3D printed curcumin-loaded scaffold has great promise to provide better GBM treatment options with its mechanical flexibility and customisability to match individual needs, preventing post-surgery GBM recurrence and eventually prolonging the life expectancy of GBM patients.
Collapse
|
5
|
Hobeika E, Farhat J, Saab J, Hleihel W, Azzi-Achkouty S, Sili G, Hallit S, Salameh P. Are antibiotics substandard in Lebanon? Quantification of active pharmaceutical ingredients between brand and generics of selected antibiotics. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2020; 21:15. [PMID: 32087736 PMCID: PMC7036234 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-020-0390-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In developing countries, brand-generic substitution is not based on validated scientific evidence that confirm the therapeutic equivalence of the generic to the originator. Rather, decisions are made based on the availability of generic medications. Substitution by inappropriate preparations applies to antibiotics, which may increase the risk of resistance in case of underdosing. This analytical study aims to dose and assess for the accuracy of labeling three oral antibiotic preparations, namely ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, amoxicillin trihydrate and amoxicillin trihydrate-clavulanate potassium, the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) found in brand and generic tablets available on the Lebanese market. Methods One brand and 4 generics of ciprofloxacin tablets, 3 generic amoxicillin tablets, and 1 brand and 4 generics of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid medications, were quantified, taking 2 batches of each. According to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) guidelines, ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography was used to measure the APIs content within tablets. The USP required assay limit of the API was taken as the main comparison criteria. Results Out of the 5 ciprofloxacin medications tested, all 5 were out of the 2% required range, thus being substandard. For amoxicillin, all 3 medications were within the 20% range. As for amoxicillin-clavulanic acid medications, 4 out of 5 medications met the 30% required range of clavulanic acid and one exceeded the claimed amount of clavulanic acid, while all 5 met the assay limit for amoxicillin. Conclusion These findings raise safety and efficacy concerns, providing solid grounds for potential correlations of antibiotic resistance/substandard antibiotics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Hobeika
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon.
| | - Joanna Farhat
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Joseph Saab
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Walid Hleihel
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Samar Azzi-Achkouty
- School of Engineering, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Georges Sili
- Drug Information Center, Order of Pharmacists of Lebanon, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon. .,INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Sante Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Pascale Salameh
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Sante Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Beirut, Lebanon.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon.,Faculty of Medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang X, Nutland W, Brady M, Green I, Boffito M, McClure M. Quantification of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine in generic pre-exposure prophylaxis tablets obtained from the internet. Int J STD AIDS 2019; 30:765-768. [PMID: 31072205 DOI: 10.1177/0956462419841144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we addressed the recent concerns over the authenticity of generic pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) purchased online by sampling 14 generic PrEPs from different manufacturers and suppliers and measuring tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and emtricitabine (FTC) content using high-performance liquid chromatography. We confirmed that all the PrEP tablets contained 94.3% to 104.9% of the 300 mg of TDF claimed on the label and 97.3% to 104.4% of the 200 mg FTC claimed on the label.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinzhu Wang
- 1 Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Ian Green
- 3 Terrence Higgins Trust, London, UK
| | - Marta Boffito
- 1 Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.,4 HIV/GUM department, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
| | - Myra McClure
- 1 Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Can the surface color of pharmaceutical tablets be used as a unique product identifier? J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2016.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
8
|
Hamilton WL, Doyle C, Halliwell-Ewen M, Lambert G. Public health interventions to protect against falsified medicines: a systematic review of international, national and local policies. Health Policy Plan 2016; 31:1448-1466. [PMID: 27311827 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czw062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Falsified medicines are deliberately fraudulent drugs that pose a direct risk to patient health and undermine healthcare systems, causing global morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE To produce an overview of anti-falsifying public health interventions deployed at international, national and local scales in low and middle income countries (LMIC). DATA SOURCES We conducted a systematic search of the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for healthcare or pharmaceutical policies relevant to reducing the burden of falsified medicines in LMIC. RESULTS Our initial search identified 660 unique studies, of which 203 met title/abstract inclusion criteria and were categorised according to their primary focus: international; national; local pharmacy; internet pharmacy; drug analysis tools. Eighty-four were included in the qualitative synthesis, along with 108 articles and website links retrieved through secondary searches. DISCUSSION On the international stage, we discuss the need for accessible pharmacovigilance (PV) global reporting systems, international leadership and funding incorporating multiple stakeholders (healthcare, pharmaceutical, law enforcement) and multilateral trade agreements that emphasise public health. On the national level, we explore the importance of establishing adequate medicine regulatory authorities and PV capacity, with drug screening along the supply chain. This requires interdepartmental coordination, drug certification and criminal justice legislation and enforcement that recognise the severity of medicine falsification. Local healthcare professionals can receive training on medicine quality assessments, drug registration and pharmacological testing equipment. Finally, we discuss novel technologies for drug analysis which allow rapid identification of fake medicines in low-resource settings. Innovative point-of-purchase systems like mobile phone verification allow consumers to check the authenticity of their medicines. CONCLUSIONS Combining anti-falsifying strategies targeting different levels of the pharmaceutical supply chain provides multiple barriers of protection from falsified medicines. This requires the political will to drive policy implementation; otherwise, people around the world remain at risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William L Hamilton
- University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0SP, UK .,Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Cormac Doyle
- University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0SP, UK
| | - Mycroft Halliwell-Ewen
- University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0SP, UK
| | - Gabriel Lambert
- University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0SP, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Seal D, Jackson S, Brooks J, Harris K, Haskell A, Ransom R. Direct-to-Consumer Sale of Prescription Drugs by Pharmaceutical Companies. J Pharm Technol 2016; 32:98-103. [DOI: 10.1177/8755122515627361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Direct-to-consumer sale of prescription medications by pharmaceutical companies has emerged as a novel delivery method. It is important to ensure that patients who choose this method are receiving adequate pharmaceutical care that meets established practice standards. Objective. The objective of this study was to assess consultation for patients who are receiving medications via direct-to-consumer sales of prescription drugs from pharmaceutical companies. Methods. We conducted a blinded telephone survey using 10 mock prescriptions for simulated patients (secret shoppers) by contacting the 2 companies currently offering prescription medications for sale directly to consumers. Results. Simulated patients in this pilot study only had a pharmacist initiate consultation for 20% of the calls. Multiple pharmacy technicians offered consultation and this behavior does not follow state statutes. In addition, technicians also failed to forward calls to the pharmacist-on-duty, instead suggesting the patients contact their physicians. On a further direct request to speak to a pharmacist, a consultation did occur for 90% of the calls. However, the consultation failed to achieve practice standards set by Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 and the state statutes for the majority of the encounters. Conclusion. These results warrant a larger scale study of consultation for direct-to-consumer prescription sales. In addition, they highlight areas for training needed for all pharmacy personnel who work in this venue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Seal
- Florida A&M University Jacksonville Instructional Site, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Sylvia Jackson
- Florida A&M University Jacksonville Instructional Site, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Jeffrey Brooks
- Florida A&M University Jacksonville Instructional Site, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Kiydra Harris
- Florida A&M University Jacksonville Instructional Site, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - April Haskell
- Florida A&M University Jacksonville Instructional Site, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Rodney Ransom
- Florida A&M University Jacksonville Instructional Site, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|