Journal of Contemporary Pharmacy

Formulation, development and optimization of ofloxacin FDDS sustained release for UTI and H. pylori

Muhammad Afnan — 2024-06-30

Objective: Development & Optimization of Ofloxacin Floating tablets to enhance gastric retention time. Sustained release effect of formulation will reduce the dosing frequency for UTIs and prolonged local effect will benefit against H-pylori infection. Materials: Pre formulation tests were performed which include bulk characteristics and flow properties. Post formulation studies include weight variation, thickness, content uniformity, hardness, friability, dissolution studies, release kinetics and compatibility & stability analysis. Kinetic studies were done and models were applied to understand the drug release mechanism. Accelerated stability analysis was also done for time period of 6 months. Results: All pre formulation tests were within range of USP standards, all the formulations showed good buoyancy. The in-vitro dissolution testing showed that F2 released drug at much slower rate, 64.97% within 24 hrs. F3 & F4 released ofloxacin at faster rate, 98.6% & 99.90% respectively, however, F1 released 91.66% drug within 24 hrs. F1 followed Higuchi model, F2 & F3 followed 1^st order kinetics and F4 followed 1^st order & Higuchi model. For F1, FTIR & DSC analysis curves showed no interaction or change of state of ofloxacin. Conclusion: Formulation F1 was proved to be the optimized formulation and followed non-Fickian release independent of concentration of drug also confirmed from Korsmeyer-Peppas equation. The Stability analysis also proved that F1 is the best fit formulation to be used as Floating Drug Delivery System of Ofloxacin. Stability analysis proved that polymers used in F1 formulation were effective effervescent agents and made the formulation optimized and efficacious.

Extraction and quantification of antimicrobial peptides from Ricinus communis Cassia fistula and Acacia nilotica through different pharmaceutical buffers

Ume Habiba — 2024-06-30

Background: As humans are gifted by a defense system, Plants also possess a specialized system of defense that helps them to combat attacking microorganisms and harsh environmental conditions. This defense system is in the form of secondary metabolites that are present in the form of antimicrobial peptides. Antimicrobial peptides are specialized cysteine rich residues that play their marked protective role in plant defense systems. Material methods: In this study, we have extracted antimicrobial peptides from seeds and roots of three medicinal plants Ricinus communis, Cassia fistula, and Acacia nilotica. Extraction was carried out in two pharmaceutical buffers Tris NaCl and PBS buffer. Results: Results indicated that the extracts with PBS buffer without freeze thaw yield more concentrations of 2353 μg/ml, 1508 μg/ml, and 1553 μg/ml of proteins in Cassia fistula roots, Ricinus communis (seeds), and Cassia fistula (seeds) respectively. These concentrations were higher than the proteins extracted by Tris NaCl and PBS buffer with freeze thaw cycles. Conclusion: Extraction of these peptides from important medicinal plants and incorporating them in other plants with lesser immunity, can boost the immune system of receptive plants.

Formulation and evaluation of diclofenac sodium microemulsion transdermal spray for rheumatoid arthritis

Laiba Shahid — 2024-06-30

Background: The growth of a topical vehicle microemulsions has been more enhanced compared to the normal skin applications such as creams, gels among others. These micro-structured vehicles showed enhanced solubilization of drug and improved skin permeation as compared to conventional topical systems. Objective: This study was aimed to formulate and evaluate the topical diclofenac sodium microemulsion spray claimed to be having better bioavailability, greater drug solubility, enhanced skin permeation, and lesser side effects. Method: Diclofenac sodium microemulsion was prepared by constructing pseudo ternary phase diagram followed by water titration method. The oil phase IPM 10%(v/v) was selected on the basis of drug solubility whereas the surfactant:cosurfactant mixture (tween80 : polyethylene glycol 400) 50%(v/v) was on the basis of their oil solubilization and efficiency to form ME from pseudo-ternary phase diagrams and then 40%(v/v) aqueous phase and 4%(w/v) drug was added. Results: This optimized micro emulsion spray was evaluated by some preliminary tests and confirmatory tests. Results of tests indicated that the formulation was optimized as it was transparent on visual inspection having 6.8 pH, 113nm droplet size, and 36.70cP viscosity. Dye solubility testing confirmed that micro emulsion was W/O. FTIR and DSC studies showed that micro emulsion was compatible with excipients. Drug content and release was more than 90%. The kinetics studies revealed that diclofenac sodium micro emulsion followed Korsmeyer Peppas Model, Higuchi Model, and first order kinetics. Conclusion: This study made a good effort to develop a unique drug delivery system that had increased drug solubility and skin penetration with lesser side effects.

Association of restless leg syndrome with fatigue and sleep quality among students taking paracetamol

Ayesha Rehman — 2024-06-30

Objective: Restless leg syndrome is a major condition experienced by many individuals and is mostly present in medical undergraduates it is mostly found in correspondence with fatigue and sleep and many other factors as well. The objective of this research is to examine the correlation between restless leg syndrome (RLS) and insomnia within the population of medical students. Methods: The inquiry is a sampling pattern of a cross-sectional study and sampling is done with a convenience sampling technique. To diagnose Restless Leg Syndrome, International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group Diagnostic criteria are used, as well as fatigue and sleep quality are assessed by Fatigue Severity Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index respectively. The responses from the participants were taken in the form of a Questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) is used to find out the interaction of restless leg syndrome with sleep and fatigue in medical undergraduates. The gathered data was evaluated over SPSS. The data was collected from 178 medical students both female and male mainly ranging from 18 to 26 years. Intervention: The data collection is done by International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group Diagnostic criteria, Fatigue Severity Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The study is mainly conducted to raise awareness about restless leg syndrome in students and its correlating factors i.e. Poor sleep and fatigue. Results: This research contains 178 respondents. The mean age of respondents was 20.80 ±1.692 years with 36 (20.2%) being males and 142 (79.8%) being females. Sleep disturbance was observed in 80.9 % of the total population and fatigue was present in 53.4% of the total population. Restless Leg Syndrome was also so frequently present (36%) in medical students. Conclusion: The statistical analysis showed that restless leg syndrome was common in medical students and is most significantly correlated with fatigue and Sleep disturbance among medical undergraduates of Lahore Institute of Science & Technology with statistically significant (p=0.04) and (P=0.011) respectively.

Prevalence of hypertension in diabetic patients in Pakistan

Mehwish Javed — 2024-06-30

This study highlights the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension as well as the risk factors that are linked to them. Those with diabetes are as much as four times greater likely than non-diabetics to experience hypertension. In diabetics, hypertension is substantially correlated with both obesity and dyslipidemia. Because it rarely causes symptoms, hypertension is referred to as the "silent killer" and is a serious health risk. Stress, excessive sodium intake, alcohol consumption, and physiological variables are among the factors contributing to hypertension in diabetics; genetic susceptibility, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles are all significant factors. These elements have contributed to a rise in the prevalence of hypertension in Pakistani society. Severe consequences such as congestive heart failure, renal failure, strokes, and cardiovascular disorders might result from the condition. Genetic predisposition, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, stress, high in sodium consumption, drinking alcohol, and physical characteristics are some of the factors that cause hypertension in diabetics. In Pakistani society, the incidence of hypertension has increased as a result of several factors. The condition may have severe effects, including strokes, cardiovascular illnesses, congestive heart failure, and renal failure.

Investigating the synergistic effects of resveratrol and metformin on insulin sensitivity and ovulatory function in women with PCOS

Maryam Raana — 2024-06-30

This study explores the synergistic effects of Resveratrol and Metformin on improving insulin sensitivity and ovulatory function in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). As a complex condition, PCOS is characterized by elevated androgen levels, menstrual irregularities, and the presence of ovarian cysts, with significant impacts on reproductive and metabolic health. Addressing this, our randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 100 women diagnosed with PCOS. Participants were divided into two groups, one receiving Metformin alone and the other a combination of Metformin and Resveratrol. Outcomes measured included insulin sensitivity, ovulatory cycles, metabolic and hormonal profiles, and inflammatory markers. Our findings revealed that combination therapy significantly improved ovulatory function, insulin sensitivity, and reduced inflammation compared to Metformin alone. These promising results indicate the potential of combined Resveratrol and Metformin treatment in managing both metabolic and reproductive aspects of PCOS, though further research is necessary to confirm these outcomes and clarify the mechanisms at play.

Preparation of skin friendly topical gel containing betamethasone dipropionate loaded ethosomes and salicylic acid for the treatment of eczema

Aleesha Azhar Khan — 2024-06-30

Ethosomes, a lipid-based vesicular system, are a cutting-edge method for delivering medicinal drugs transdermally for either local or systemic action. Betamethasone Dipropionate ethosomes were fabricated and then these were incorporated into the final gel containing salicylic acid. Betamethasone is an anti-inflammatory agent and salicylic acid acts as a keratolytic agent. The increased drug entrapment and permeation are caused by the high ethanol content of ethosomes. By changing the proportions of ethanol and lipoid S100 in a cold method, ethosomes were created. The concentration of ethanol utilized ranged from 30 to 40%, whereas the concentration of phospholipids ranged from 3 to 5%. The characteristics of ethosomes made with 40% ethanol and 3% Lipoid S100 were improved. The size, zeta potential, entrapment efficacy, in-vitro release profile, ex-vivo skin permeation study, plus in-vitro stability investigations of the prepared Betamethasone Dipropionate ethosomes were all assessed. With an average size of 220-240nm, entrapment efficiency was 81.42-91.65%%, zeta potential was -12.91 to -14.42, and its in-vitro cumulative drug release over 12 hours was 96%. The drug penetration from the ethosomes gel formulation through the rat skin was two times more than that of the Betamethasone control gel. Ethosomes gel's rheological behaviour was evaluated, and pseudo plastic flow behaviour suggested that the formulation was suitable for topical use. Moreover, the formulations were stable at 8 °C and the ethosomes formulation demonstrated improved drug penetration through the epidermal membrane, improving the medication's bioavailability.

The impact of medical malpractice on community

Tayyab Javed — 2024-06-30

Medical malpractice refers to mistakes made by medical providers in their treatment of patients. This study aimed to investigate the impact of substandard medical treatment on patients' legal rights. A qualitative research approach was chosen, using primary and secondary sources of information. The study revealed that medical malpractice significantly affects patients' rights, underscoring the need for a high-quality healthcare system that protects and enhances patient rights. It has been proven that medical errors cause medical providers to view their patients as potential plaintiffs and practice defensive medicine. This approach has negative consequences for patient care, leading to unnecessary and often harmful outcomes. Furthermore, it has been shown that medical malpractice has particularly adverse effects on patients, affecting them physically, mentally, socially, and financially.

A short review on poliomyelitis: types, transmission, diagnosis, prevention, treatment

Ayna Marzia — 2024-06-30

This research is focused on the impact of poliomyelitis in current era. It also explores strategies for its prevention and control. The study utilizes qualitative research methods to comprehensively explain and support interpretive goals. Secondary data sources are used for data collection. The disease is highly contagious and can spread rapidly, especially in areas with inadequate sanitation and low vaccination rates. The symptoms of polio vary from mild flu-like symptoms to severe paralysis, with some cases resulting in lifelong disability or death. Vaccination is the most effective means of preventing polio. The oral polio vaccine (OPV) and inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) have played a crucial role in reducing the global burden of the disease. Reinforcing healthcare systems: Polio eradication endeavors can contribute to the enhancement of overall healthcare systems, including surveillance, laboratory networks, and vaccine delivery systems. This can have broader benefits for other immunization programs and public health interventions. Collaboration and coordination: Continued cooperation among countries, international organizations, and stakeholders is essential in tackling the remaining challenges and ensuring a synchronized global response to polio eradication. Through united global efforts and unwavering dedication, the vision of a polio-free world can be achieved, safeguarding future generations from this devastating disease.

Microneedles drug delivery system: insights on its fabrication techniques and challenges

Abdul Rehman — 2024-06-30

In recent years, there has been significant interest in an innovative transdermal delivery technology. This technology has the ability to distribute therapeutics and cosmeceuticals for various applications, such as vaccines, drugs, and biomolecules for skin-related issues. The advantages of microneedle patch technology have been thoroughly assessed in recent literature, resulting in a substantial increase in academic publications on the topic. However, like any new technology, the application of microneedle patches has potential limitations. In this review, we will discuss these limitations and emphasize the areas that require improvement. Emphasising these concerns early on should help scientists and technologists to address the matters in a timely fashion and to use their resources wisely.