Pentacyclic triterpene-loaded emulsion stabilized by Agaricus blazei Murill polysaccharides: Factorial design and cytoprotection study.

In this study, pentacyclic triterpene-loaded emulsions were stabilized by polysaccharides from Agaricus blazei Murill mushroom (PAb). The drug-excipient compatibility results by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) showed the absence of physicochemical incompatibilities. The use of these biopolymers at 0.75 % led to obtaining emulsions with droplets smaller than 300 nm, moderate polydispersity, and ζ-potential >30 mV in modulus. The emulsions presented high encapsulation efficiency, suitable pH for topical application, and absence of macroscopic signs of instability during 45 days. Morphological analysis suggested the deposition of thin layers of PAb around the droplets. The encapsulation of pentacyclic triterpene in emulsions, stabilized by PAb, improved the cytocompatibility of this drug against PC12 and murine astrocyte cells. There was a reduction in cytotoxicity, which resulted in a lower accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and maintenance of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Based on these results, it is estimated that PAb are promising biopolymers for the emulsions' stabilization by improving their physicochemical and biological properties.

Drugs via enteral feeding tubes in inpatients: dispersion analysis and safe use of dispensers.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to improve knowledge about drug administration through enteral feeding tubes (EFTs) in order to minimize efficacy and safety problems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed in a public secondary care hospital with level II accreditation by the National Accreditation Organization (Organização Nacional de Acreditação ONA), in Fortaleza, Ceará, north-eastern Brazil. RESULTS: One hundred and eight oral solid medications that could be administered through EFTs and were not available in liquid forms were evaluated via transformation of their solid dosage forms into liquid forms. Dispersion times and conditions were assessed to determine which medications should be crushed. We compared the use of dispensers and syringes and their connections to enteral feeding tubes and intravenous devices. Medications whose dispersion occurred within 20 minutes and could be visually perceived and whose content could be expelled without occluding the oral syringe were considered "satisfactory". CONCLUSIONS: The dispersion was "satisfactory" in 82 (75.9%) of the medications; they were classified as capable of being dispersed in water in the oral syringe for further administration via EFTs without the need for crushing. Use the dispenser instead of the syringe for drug administration was safer because the dispenser apparatus did not fit into equipment for intravenous drug administration.