Medications: Properties, Uses, and Storage
Fluconazole
Fluconazole, commonly known as Diflucan, is an antifungal drug used for the treatment of both systemic and superficial fungal infections in a variety of tissues. It was initially approved by the FDA in 1990. This drug is an azole antifungal, in the same drug family as ketoconazole and itraconazole. Fluconazole has many advantages over the other antifungal drugs, including the option of oral administration. The side effect profile of this drug is minimal. It has been demonstrated as an efficacious treatment for vaginal yeast infections in one single dose.
Physicochemical Properties
It is a white crystalline powder. It is poorly soluble in water but can be dissolved in organic solvents such as chloroform and propylene glycol.
Uses
Fluconazole shows fungistatic activity against the majority of strains of the following microorganisms, curing fungal infections like Candida albicans, Candida glabrata (many strains are intermediately susceptible), Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, and Cryptococcus neoformans.
Stability and Storage Conditions
It should be stored in tightly closed containers at a temperature less than 30°C.
Popular Brand Names
- Fumycin
- Diflucan
- Wycon
Naftifine Hydrochloride
Naftifine is a synthetic, broad-spectrum, antifungal agent and allylamine derivative.
Physicochemical Properties
It is a white to slightly pale yellow crystalline powder. It is soluble in ethanol.
Ibuprofen
It is a propionic acid derivative of the non-selective COX inhibitor class. It produces analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects. It inhibits the activity of both COX-I and COX-II, resulting in decreased formation of prostaglandins and thromboxanes.
Physicochemical Properties
It is a colorless, crystalline solid with a characteristic odor. It is insoluble in water and readily soluble in most organic solvents.
Uses
Ibuprofen is used to relieve pain from various conditions such as headache, dental pain, muscle aches, and arthritis.
Stability and Storage Conditions
It is stored in a well-closed, light-resistant container at 15-30°C.
Popular Brand Names
- Advil
- Genpril
- Ibular
- Motrin
Piroxicam
It is an oxicam derivative of the non-selective COX inhibitor class. It works by preventing the production of prostaglandins, which are involved in the mediation of pain, stiffness, tenderness, and swelling.
Physicochemical Properties
It is a white or slightly yellow, odorless powder. It is poorly soluble in water and is soluble in organic solvents such as DMSO and dimethylformamide.
Uses
It is used to reduce pain, swelling, tenderness, and joint stiffness caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Stability and Storage Conditions
It is stored in a closed container in a dry place below 25°C and is kept away from light, heat, and moisture.
Popular Brand Names
- Axicam
- Feldene
- Piroflam
Dopamine
Molecular Formula: C8H11NO2
Chemical Name: 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzene-1,2-diol
Physical Properties
It is a white, crystalline solid. Freely soluble in water, methanol, and hot 95% ethanol, but is practically insoluble in ether, petroleum ether, chloroform, benzene, and toluene.
Chemical Properties
Dopamine is a monoamine compound with positive inotropic activity. Dopamine is a naturally occurring catecholamine formed by decarboxylation of dihydroxyphenylalanine and a precursor of norepinephrine and epinephrine.
Uses
For the treatment of hypotension, low cardiac output, and poor perfusion of vital organs. Used to increase mean arterial pressure in septic shock patients. It improves blood flow to the kidneys.
Storage and Stability
Dopamine hydrochloride 0.5 mg/ml in isotonic glucose solution is stable when protected from light for 1 week at 25% relative humidity and for 3 months at 4°C/ambient humidity in Codan and Braun syringes.
Terbutaline
Molecular Formula: C12H19NO3
Chemical Name: 5-(2-(t-butylamino)-1-hydroxyethyl) benzene-1,3-diol
Physical Properties
It is a crystalline powder, white to gray-white in color, with a slightly bitter taste. One gram is soluble in 4 ml of water, slightly soluble in alcohol (ethanol) and methanol, and practically insoluble in chloroform and ether.
Chemical Properties
One gram of Terbutaline is soluble in 4 ml of water, slightly soluble in alcohol (ethanol) and methanol, and practically insoluble in chloroform and ether.
Uses
- It is used to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness caused by asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
- It works by relaxing and opening the airways, making it easier to breathe.
Storage and Stability
Keep in a tightly closed container and out of reach of children at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture. Injection must be packed in disposable plastic syringes and stored for a 60-day period under one of three conditions: dark at 4°C, dark, and light at 25°C.
Salbutamol (Albuterol)
Molecular Formula: C13H21NO3
Chemical Name: 4-((N-t-butylamino)hydroxylmethyl)-2-(hydroxymethyl)phenol
Physical Properties
It is an almost white, crystalline powder. It is soluble in methanol and water, soluble in ethanol (96%), and slightly soluble in ether.
Chemical Properties
Salbutamol is formulated as a racemic mixture of the R and S-isomers. The R-isomer has 150 times greater affinity for the beta2-receptor than the S-isomer, and the S-isomer has been associated with toxicity.
Uses
- Used for the symptomatic relief and avoidance of bronchospasm owing to bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, reversible obstructive airway ailment, and other chronic bronchopulmonary disorders.
- Used to reduce symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) such as coughing, wheezing, and feeling breathless.
Storage and Stability
Store at room temperature (15-30°C) away from light and moisture. Keep in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. It is best to store the inhaler with the mouthpiece down. Do not puncture the canister or expose it to high heat or open flame, and do not freeze it.
Paroxetine
Molecular Formula: C19H20FNO
Chemical Properties
It is soluble in water and alcohol.
Uses
Paroxetine is used to treat depression, panic disorder (sudden, unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks), and social anxiety disorder (extreme fear of interacting with others or performing in front of others).
Storage and Stability
It should be kept at room temperature, 15°C-30°C.
Ibuprofen
It is a propionic acid derivative of the non-selective COX inhibitor class. It produces analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects. It inhibits the activity of both COX-I and COX-II, resulting in decreased formation of prostaglandins and thromboxanes.
Physicochemical Properties
It is a colorless, crystalline solid with a characteristic odor. It is insoluble in water and readily soluble in most organic solvents.
Chemical Name: (RS)-2-(4-(2-methylpropyl) phenyl) propanoic acid
Uses
Ibuprofen is used to relieve pain from various conditions such as headache, dental pain, muscle aches, and arthritis.
Stability and Storage Conditions
It is stored in a well-closed, light-resistant container at 15-30°C.
Piroxicam
It is an oxicam derivative of the non-selective COX inhibitor class. It works by preventing the production of prostaglandins, which are involved in the mediation of pain, stiffness, tenderness, and swelling.
Physicochemical Properties
It is a white or slightly yellow, odorless powder. It is poorly soluble in water and is soluble in organic solvents such as DMSO and dimethylformamide.
Chemical Name: 4-hydroxyl-2-methyl-N-2- pyridinyl-2H-1,2,-benzothiazine-3-carboxamide-1,1-dioxide
Uses
It is used to reduce pain, swelling, tenderness, and joint stiffness caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Stability and Storage Conditions
It is stored in a closed container in a dry place below 25°C and is kept away from light, heat, and moisture.
Ofloxacin
It is a synthetic fluoroquinolone antibiotic useful for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections.
Physicochemical Properties
Ofloxacin is a pale yellow or bright yellow crystalline powder, slightly soluble in water and methanol, and soluble in glacial acetic acid and methylene chloride.
Chemical Name: 7-fluoro-2-methyl-6-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-10-oxo-4-oxa-1- azatricyclo[7.3.1.05,13] trideca-5(13),6,8,11-tetraene-11-carboxylic acid
Uses
It is one of the most promising newer members of the fluoroquinolone family. In this product, the N-ethyl moiety has been made rigid by incorporation into a heterocyclic ring. It is useful in the treatment of genitourinary, respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin, soft tissue infections, peritonitis, and gonorrhea.
Stability and Storage Conditions
It should be stored at room temperature between 15-25°C. It should be kept away from light and moisture.
Moxifloxacin
It is a synthetic fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It is used to treat various types of bacterial infections.
Physicochemical Properties
It is a slightly yellow crystalline powder or crystalline solid. It is soluble in water.
Chemical Name: 7-[(4a5,705)-1,2,3,4,40,5,7,7a-octahydropyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridin-6-yl]-1- cyclopropyl-6-fluoro-8-methoxy-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid
Mode of Action
The bactericidal action of moxifloxacin results from inhibition of the enzymes topoisomerase II (DNA gyrase) and topoisomerase IV. DNA gyrase is an essential enzyme that is involved in the replication, transcription, and repair of bacterial DNA. Topoisomerase IV is an enzyme known to play a key role in the partitioning of the chromosomal DNA during bacterial cell division.
Uses
Used for the treatment of pneumonia, conjunctivitis, endocarditis, tuberculosis, and sinusitis.
Stability and Storage Conditions
It should be stored in a closed container at room temperature. It should be kept away from heat, moisture, and light.
Venlafaxine
Molecular Formula: C17H27NO2
Chemical Name: 1-[2-(dimethylamino)-1-(4 methoxyphenyl)ethyl]cyclohexanol
Physical Properties
It is a white to off-white crystalline solid.
Chemical Properties
Venlafaxine is metabolized into its major active metabolite. It is soluble in water and methanol.
Uses
Venlafaxine is used to treat depression. It may improve your mood and energy level and may help restore your interest in daily living. Venlafaxine is known as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).
Storage and Stability
Store at controlled room temperature, 20° to 25°C. The unit-of-use package is intended to be dispensed as a unit.