OBJECTIVES: This study is part of a programme on reduction of postpartum haemorrhage. Buccal oxytocin and desamino-oxytocin administration with a favourable effect on both blood loss and maternal morbidity and mortality were regarded as possible treatments for use in tropical countries. The stability of buccal oxytocin and desamino-oxytocin under tropical conditions was unknown and therefore tested in this study. STUDY METHODS: The 'experimental shelf lives' of buccal oxytocin and desamino-oxytocin were examined by exposing the tablets to seven artificially controlled conditions. Samples were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography to determine the content of oxytocin and desamino-oxytocin at nine different times during the period of 1 year. RESULTS: Oxytocin and desamino-oxytocin are fairly stable under refrigeration. Instability for both drugs was detectable after 20 weeks' storage under humid conditions, independent of temperature. Desamino-oxytocin is more sensitive to light exposure; its concentration declines to 55.6% of the stated amount after 1 year of exposure to light compared to 85% in the case of oxytocin. Oxytocin packaged as supplied by the manufacturer were stable for 21 weeks when exposed to simulated humid (75% relative humidity) conditions. At 40 degrees C and 25% relative humidity there is no difference in stability between tablets in sealed aluminium packs as supplied by the manufacturer and unpackaged tablets. CONCLUSIONS: Tropical conditions make oxytocin and desamino-oxytocin tablets unstable, with humidity as the most adverse factor. The oxytocin tablets were partially protected from the harmful effect of humidity by sealed aluminium package.
OBJECTIVES: This study is part of a programme on reduction of postpartum haemorrhage. Buccal oxytocin and desamino-oxytocin administration with a favourable effect on both blood loss and maternal morbidity and mortality were regarded as possible treatments for use in tropical countries. The stability of buccal oxytocin and desamino-oxytocin under tropical conditions was unknown and therefore tested in this study. STUDY METHODS: The 'experimental shelf lives' of buccal oxytocin and desamino-oxytocin were examined by exposing the tablets to seven artificially controlled conditions. Samples were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography to determine the content of oxytocin and desamino-oxytocin at nine different times during the period of 1 year. RESULTS:Oxytocin and desamino-oxytocin are fairly stable under refrigeration. Instability for both drugs was detectable after 20 weeks' storage under humid conditions, independent of temperature. Desamino-oxytocin is more sensitive to light exposure; its concentration declines to 55.6% of the stated amount after 1 year of exposure to light compared to 85% in the case of oxytocin. Oxytocin packaged as supplied by the manufacturer were stable for 21 weeks when exposed to simulated humid (75% relative humidity) conditions. At 40 degrees C and 25% relative humidity there is no difference in stability between tablets in sealed aluminium packs as supplied by the manufacturer and unpackaged tablets. CONCLUSIONS: Tropical conditions make oxytocin and desamino-oxytocin tablets unstable, with humidity as the most adverse factor. The oxytocin tablets were partially protected from the harmful effect of humidity by sealed aluminium package.
Authors: Andrea Hawe; Robert Poole; Stefan Romeijn; Piotr Kasper; Rob van der Heijden; Wim Jiskoot Journal: Pharm Res Date: 2009-04-03 Impact factor: 4.200
Authors: Eliangiringa Kaale; Vicky Manyanga; Mhina Chambuso; Jafary Liana; Edmund Rutta; Martha Embrey; Thomas Layloff; Keith Johnson Journal: PLoS One Date: 2016-11-15 Impact factor: 3.240