From the laboratory to the end-user: a primary packaging study for microneedle patches containing amoxicillin sodium.

As microneedle (MN) patches progress towards commercialisation, there is a need to address issues surrounding their translation from the laboratory to the end-user. One important aspect of MN patches moving forward is appropriate primary packaging. This research focuses on MN patches containing amoxicillin (AMX) sodium for the potential treatment of neonatal sepsis in hot and humid countries. A MN patch consists of a hydrogel-forming MN array and a drug-containing reservoir. Improper primary packaging in hot and humid countries may result in degradation of active pharmaceutical ingredients, with the use of substandard medicines a major health concern. The research presented here, for the first time, seeks to investigate the integrity of MN patches in different primary packaging when stored under accelerated storage conditions, according to international guidelines. At pre-defined intervals, the performance of the MN patch was investigated. Major causes of drug instability are moisture and temperature. To avoid unnecessary degradation, suitable primary packaging was sought. After 168 days, the percentage of AMX sodium recovered from drug-containing reservoirs packaged in Protect™ 470 foil was 103.51 ± 7.03%. However, packaged in poly(ester) foil, the AMX sodium content decreased significantly (p = 0.0286), which is likely due to the degradation of AMX sodium by the imbibed moisture. Therefore, convincing evidence was provided as to the importance of investigating the stability of MN patches in primary packaging intended for MN-mediated transdermal delivery so that they are 'fit for purpose' when it reaches the end-user. Future work will include qualitative studies to assess MN patch usability.

Preparation and evaluation of amoxicillin loaded dual molecularly imprinted nanoparticles for anti-Helicobacter pylori therapy.

This paper reports studies on preparation and evaluation of amoxicillin loaded dual molecularly imprinted nanoparticles (Amo/Dual-MIPs) designed for anti-H. pylori therapy. Both MNQA and AmoNa were chosen as templates to prepare Dual-MIPs using inverse microemulsion polymerization method. NQA was modified with myristic acid (MNQA) to become amphiphilic and assist in leaving NQA cavities on the surface of Dual-MIPs for H. pylori adhesion. AmoNa was applied to produce imprinting sites in Dual-MIPs for rebinding AmoNa to exert its anti-H. pylori effect. Batch rebinding test demonstrated a preferential rebinding effect of NQA toward the Dual-MIPs. In vivofluorescence imaging showed the prolonged residence time of Dual-MIPs in H. pylori infected mice stomachs after intragastric administration of nanoparticles.In vivo H. pylori clearance tests indicated Amo/Dual-MIPs had a better aniti-H. pylori effect than amoxicillin powder did. In conclusion, Amo/Dual-MIPs may provide an alternative drug delivery strategy for anti-H. pylori therapy.

Pharmacoeconomics Evaluation of 5 Kinds of Antibiotics in the Treatment of Pediatric Bronchopneumonia / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the pharmacoeconomics of cefathiamidine, ceftriaxone sodium, cefuroxime sodium, amoxicillin sodium/clavulanate potassium and cefoperazone sodium/sulbactam sodium in the treatment of pediatric bronchopneumo-nia,and to provide reference for rational drug use in the clinic. METHODS:By retrospective study,338 children with broncho-pneumonia were divided into groups A,B,C,D and E according to different therapy regimens. There were 75,65,76,66 and 56 cases in groups A,B,C,D and E,and they were given cefathiamidine,ceftriaxone sodium,cefuroxime sodium,amoxicillin sodium/clavulanate potassium and cefoperazone sodium/sulbactam sodium intravenously. The pharmacoeconomics of therapy regi-mens in group A,B,C,D and E were evaluated by cost-effectiveness analysis and decision tree analysis model. RESULTS:The effective rates of groups A,B,C,D and E were 93.33%,90.77%,96.05%,87.88% and 87.50%,respectively. The treatment cost of those groups were 1 929.09,2 173.73,1 611.91,1 661.42,1 801.32 yuan,respectively. The cost/effectiveness(C/E)ratio of those groups were 20.67,23.95,16.78,18.91,20.59,respectively. The treatment cost of group C was the smallest,so was the C/E. Results of cost-effectiveness analysis were supported by sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSIONS:Cefuroxime sodium is the best treatment for pediatric bronchopneumonia among 5 antibiotics in respect of cost-effectiveness.

Study on the Stability of Amoxicillin Sodium and Clavulanate Potassium for Injection in Sodium Chloride Injection Solution / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To study the stability of amoxicillin sodium and clavulanate potassium for injection in sodium chloride injection solution so as to offer a scientific basis for rational use of drug in clinical practice.METHODS:The external appearance and pH values of the mixed solution were observed,and the contents of Amoxicillin sodium and Clavulanate potas?sium were determined by HPLC method at5℃,25℃and37℃within3hours.RESULTS:The stability was related to the temperature and sunlight.CONCLUSION:The mixed solution is instable and should not be put in storage for long time.