Spectrofluorimetric Estimation of Scopoletin in Evolvulus alsinoides Linn. and Convulvulus pluricaulis Choisy

A simple sensitive spectrofluorimetric method was developed for the analysis of total coumarins calculated as scopoletin in the plants Evolvulus alsinoides and Convulvulus pluricaulis. The fluorescent nature of scopoletin proved to be of immense value in the development of the spectrofluorimetric method. The excitation and emission wavelengths for scopoletin were 430 nm and 460 nm respectively and the instrument was Shimadzu RF 5301 PC spectrofluorophotometer. The method was validated in terms of linearity, accuracy and precision. The proposed spectrofluorimetric method provides a faster and cost effective qualitative and quantitative control for routine analysis of scopoletin in Evolvulus alsinoides and Convulvulus pluricaulis and their formulations.     

Syncope associated with concurrent amitriptyline and fluconazole therapy

OBJECTIVE: To report on a 12-year-old white male with prostatic rhabdomyosarcoma who experienced episodes of syncope attributed to concurrent amitriptyline and fluconazole therapy, confirmed by readministration. CASE REPORT: The patient began experiencing syncopal episodes periodically over a seven-month period. These repeated episodes occurred when fluconazole was administered for periodic mucositis secondary to chemotherapy. The patient had received fluconazole in the past with no difficulty and had been receiving a stable dose of amitriptyline for neuropathic pain. On discontinuation of amitriptyline, no further episodes were noted. DISCUSSION: Concurrent administration of fluconazole with amitriptyline likely resulted in the decreased metabolism of amitriptytine. Three case reports presented in the literature of adults receiving concurrent amitriptyline and fluconazole have shown an increase in serum amitriptyline concentrations with concurrent administration of fluconazole; however, none of these patients were rechallenged. Literature available on amitriptyline overdose confirms that syncope and the adverse events noted in the case studies may result from elevated amitriptyline plasma concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: The consistent presentation of syncope in our patient during readministration of amitriptytine and fluconazole strongly suggests a drug-drug interaction.     

Serum concentrations and adverse effects of chloramphenicol in pediatric patients

Chloramphenicol serum concentration is often monitored to assure efficacy and prevent toxicity. We studied the relationship between steady-state chloramphenicol serum concentration and hematologic adverse effects in 45 pediatric patients. The mean peak serum concentration of chloramphenicol in patients with and without toxicity were not different (p less than 0.01): 22.7 micrograms/ml in neutropenic patients versus 23.1 micrograms/ml in those without neutropenia; 18.2 micrograms/ml in leukopenic patients versus 23.3 micrograms/ml in those without leukopenia; 22.2 micrograms/ml in patients with eosinophilia versus 23.9 micrograms/ml in those without eosinophilia; 23.7 micrograms/ml in patients with anemia versus 22.1 micrograms/ml in those without anemia. None of the patients developed thrombocytopenia. These data clearly demonstrate that chloramphenicol toxicity may not be predictable by serum concentration in pediatric patients receiving therapeutic doses of chloramphenicol succinate. Thus, frequent monitoring of chloramphenicol serum concentration does not appear warranted unless a patient appears unresponsive to a therapeutic dose or has received an excessive dose.     

Variation in microbial survival and growth in intravenous fluids

The survival and growth of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, as well as a yeast, was studied in intravenous fluids over a 3-day period. Solutions were experimentally contaminated with pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacteroides fragilis and Candida albicans. Samples of these solutions were tested on each day up to 3 days for determining viable numbers of the organisms by a membrane filtration method. Each organism showed a different survival/growth pattern in various infusion fluids. In 5% dextrose, C. albicans multiplied but only 2-3% of the initial viable cells of E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus were detected after 3 days. In 0.9% sodium chloride, C. albicans and S. aureus showed growth and E. coli remained viable, but P. aeruginosa was not detected after 72 h. In lactated Ringer's solution, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans grew but E. coli and S. aureus were not detected after 72 h. In the amino acid solution, C. albicans, S. aureus and E. coli grew but P. aeruginosa and B. fragilis were not detected. Results indicate that the pattern of microbial survival and growth may be substantially different in various intravenous fluids.     

Efficacy and safety of atypical antipsychotics for behavioral symptoms of dementia among patients residing in long-term care

International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy - Background There are limited options for the treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Objective Evaluate the efficacy and...     

Effect of Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. Leaves on Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

The aim of the study was to evaluate the nephroprotective and nephrocurative effects of Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. leaves against gentamicin-induced acute renal injury in albino rats. The maximum free radical scavenging activity of the ethanolic extract was the basis for the selection of this extract for the in vivo study. Gentamicin (40 mg/kg, s.c.) was administered to induce toxicity in the toxic group and the ethanolic extract (200 mg/kg p.o.) was administered in all treated groups. Blood urea and serum creatinine levels were monitored to assess the effects. The antioxidant potential was also evaluated by the estimation of reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Gentamicin intoxication caused significant increases in blood urea and serum creatinine levels as compared to the normal control. In the preventive regimen, the extract (200 mg/kg, p.o.) showed significant reductions in the elevated blood urea and serum creatinine. Histopathological changes were in accordance with the biochemical findings. Also in the curative regimen, the blood urea and serum creatinine levels revealed significant curative effects. In our in vivo antioxidant activity, the GSH level was significantly (P< 0.05) increased in the extract-treated groups, whereas MDA was reduced significantly (P< 0.05). Further thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) led us to ascertain the presence of rutin and quercetin in the extract. We were able to isolate and characterize an isolate from the ethanolic extract and characterize it on the basis of chromatographic, melting point, FTIR, NMR, and mass spectroscopic studies. The findings suggest that the ethanol extract of Tephrosia purpurea leaves possesses marked nephroprotective and curative activities without any toxicity. The proposed mechanisms for the claimed activity are antioxidant activity and the inhibition of an overproduction of NO and Cox-2 expression. These activities may be attributed to the presence of phenolics and flavonoidal compounds like rutin and quercetin. Thus, it can be said that Tephrosia purpurea could offer a promising role in the treatment of acute renal injury caused by nephrotoxins like gentamicin.