International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology

Key words: Hippocampus, spatial memory, leptin, rat.

International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 3 (7), pp. 001-005, July, 2012. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Prevalence of Adverse drug events in the consultation centre of Ibn Sina

Agouzal M^1*, Benkirane R², Soulaymani A³, Benjelloun R², Soulaymani-Bencheikh R^{2, 4}, Quyou A¹

¹Laboratory of Biological Essays, Kenitra.

²Moroccan Pharmacovigilance Centre, Rabat, Morocco.

³Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Kenitra.

⁴Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Rabat, Morocco.

Accepted 12 March, 2012

Abstract

Incidence of adverse drug reactions [ADRs] leads to many conflicting discussions about patients safety in many countries. It has been shown that ADRs are more frequent in outpatient department rather than indoors. We wanted to find out if there is similar situation in Morocco as well. Due to lack of National data we investigated the incidence of ADRs in patients of teaching hospital Ibn Sina in Rabat. Out of the total number of patients who attended the above hospital during study period of 5 days in February. Sample size 644. 113[17.54%] patients developed at least one ADR [nearly 1.47ADR/per patient]. Out of these patients 4 patients were hospitalized as a direct result of ADR. ADRs were more common in female patients then males. Maximum ADRs occurred in the age bracket of 40- 49 years. Maximum cases were recorded from Pnumology service. Large size and longer study period is required to get answer to our question.

Key words: Adverse drug reaction, serious adverse drug reactions, rate prevalence, transversal study, outpatients.

International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 3 (6), pp. 001-007, June, 2012. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Depletion of parasitaemia by halofantrine Hydrochloride and artemether in rats infected with African trypanosomes

Adeyemi Oluyomi S.¹*, Ekanem Justine T.² and Sulyman Faoziyat³

¹Department of Chemical Sciences, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Nigeria.

²Department of Biochemistry, University of Uyo, Nigeria.

³Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.

Accepted 12 March, 2012

Abstract

Two antimalarial drugs; Halofantrine HCl and Artemether whose mechanism of action has been shown to depend on the disruption of the red blood cells during malarial infections were investigated for possible trypanocidal activity in vivo. Pre-treatment with Artemether before infection with the parasite had no effect on infected rat when compared to the control. Treatment at the early stage of infection extended the lifespan from 11 days for control to 13^th and 14^th days post infection for dose treatments at 4.6 and 2.3 mg/kg rat weight respectively. Similar results were obtained for late stage treatment. Pre-treatment with Halofantrine HCl extended the life span to 16 days at 7.1 mg/kg rat weight. Early stage treatment with 7.1 and 14.2 mg/kg rat weight extended life span to 14 and 13 days respectively even though parasitaemia kept decreasing until death of the animals. The late stage treatment however extended the life span to 18 days. A combination of both drugs maintained low parasitaemia and extended life span to 16 days for prophylactic treatment, 15 and 16 days for early stage treatment at 2.3 mg Artemether and 7.1 mg/Kg Halofantrine HCl; 4.6 and 14.2 mg/Kg rat weight respectively, and 19 days for late stage treatment. Results suggest that Halofantrine HCl and possibly Artemether could be useful in the management of trypanosomosis since both drugs were able to maintain low parasitaemia. Parasitaemia has been shown to correlates with the severity of infection.

Key words: Halofantrine, artemether, parasitaemia, trypanosomosis, red blood cells.

International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 3 (6), pp. 001-004, June, 2012. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Calcium channel blocking activities of Withania coagulans

Niaz Ali¹*, Bashir Ahmad², Shumaila Bashir³, Jehandar Shah⁴, Sadiq Azam² and Manzoor Ahmad⁵

¹Department of Pharmacy, University of Malakand, Chakdara, N. W .F. P. Pakistan.

²Center of Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Peshawar. N. W. F. P. Pakistan.

³Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar. N. W. F. P. Pakistan.

⁴Plant taxonomist and Ex-Vice Chancellor, University of Malakand, Chakdara, N. W. F. P. Pakistan.

⁵Department of Biotechnology, University of Malakand, Chakdara, N. W. F. P. Pakistan.

Accepted 26 February, 2012

Abstract

The effects of crude methanolic extract of Withania coagulans (Wc.cr) were studied for possible calcium channel blocking activities in rabbit’s jejunum preparations at different doses. Potassium chloride (KCl) induced contractions were also inhibited by the Wc.cr extract suggesting calcium channel blocking activity. Calcium channel blocking activity was confirmed by the right shift in the dose response curves of the tissues in calcium free tyrode’s solution. The dose response curves of the Wc.cr resemble the curves produced by verapamil, a standard calcium channel blocker. The results confirm the presence of calcium channel blocker(s) in the extract and the plant species could be a potential target for activity-guided isolation of the active moieties.

Key words: Withania coagulans, spasmolytic, verapamil, calcium channel-blocking activity.

International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 3 (6), pp. 001-006, June, 2012. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Comparative utilization of visual, potentiometric titrations and UV spectrophotometric methods in the determination of Ibuprofen

Benjamin U. Ebeshi*, Kehinde E. Oseni, Augustine A. Ahmadu and James O. Oluwadiya

Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Niger Delta University, P. M. B. 071, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Accepted 18 March, 2012

Abstract

The accuracy and reliability of the analytical results are critical in ensuring quality, safety, and efficacy of pharmaceutical products. However, to ensure these criteria, the choice of appropriate analytical method is required. This study sets out to compare the efficacy of visual, potentiometric titrations and UV spectrophotometric methods in the determination of the quality of Ibuprofen tablets in Nigeria. Eight different brands of Ibuprofen tablets were purchased from local pharmacies and drug stores. Visual, potentiometric titrations and UV spectrophotometric methods were utilized in the quantification of the different brands. The label claims of the various brands were assessed base on the different methods. The results obtained were compared with the official specification for uniformity. All the eight different brands of Ibuprofen tablets conform to the USP specification for the percent purity of the active principle using the visual titration, whilst one out of the eight brands did not conform to the USP specification with potentiometric titration as well as four out of the eight brands also, did not meet the official compendium specification using the UV spectrophotometric method. It can be inferred from this study that the choice of analytical method is critical in ascertaining the exact quality of pharmaceutical products.

Key words: Visual titration, potentiometric titration, UV spectrophotometry, analytical methods, Ibuprofen.

International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 3 (6), pp. 001-013, June, 2012. © International Scholars Journals

Review

The role of vaccines in elimination and global eradication of measles: A review of literature

I.  O. Okonko¹*, B. A. Onoja¹, A. O. Adedeji², A. A. Ogun³, A. O. Udeze⁴, J. Ejembi⁵, K. N. Garba¹, O. C. Egun⁶ and A. Fowotade⁷

¹Department of Virology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

²Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

³Department of Epidemiology, Medical Statistics and Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

⁴Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.

⁵Department of Clinical Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

⁶Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

⁷Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria.

Accepted 14 February, 2012

Abstract

This review summarizes the role of vaccines in elimination and global eradication of measles-a review of literature. Measles eradication is defined as the interruption of measles transmission worldwide as a result of deliberate efforts; intervention methods may no longer be needed. It represents the sum of successful elimination efforts in all countries. Indeed, measles transmission has been interrupted in several countries, reinforcing the view that measles eradication is technically feasible using existing vaccines, laboratory techniques and intervention strategies. However, measles still accounts for 10% of global mortality from all causes among children aged less than 5 years (That is, approximately 1 million deaths annually). Vaccination proper coverage is key indicator of campaign success and to predict control on measles. In Nigeria where there is perennial, low routine vaccination coverage and where the quality of the mass immunization campaign is not high enough, large and persistent measles outbreaks continue to occur with high morbidity and mortality. Immunization and vaccination remains one of the most cost effective strategies to prevent infectious diseases. However, the most effective and efficient way to protect the health of children is by immunization before the risk of disease arises. Vaccination has succeeded in eradicating small pox in the world, soon would be achieved with polio and measles will be next to reach the same degree of disease control (viz, worldwide eradication) as has occurred with smallpox. The efficacy of vaccination and immunization in reducing the incidences of several diseases is clearly shown by the success story of measles control in developed countries of the world. However, intensified efforts are necessary to implement appropriate control and elimination strategies, including supplementary vaccination campaigns, expansion of routine vaccination services, and surveillance.

Key words: Antibody, elimination, eradication, immunization, measles, measles virus, measles vaccine, vaccination.