Magnesium Trisilicate Research Articles

Ultrasound bleaching and quality evaluation of rice bran oil

AbstractRice bran oil (RBO) contains rich nutrients that are beneficial to the human body, but RBO suffers from severe nutrient loss due to bleaching difficulties. This article investigates low‐power ultrasound‐assisted bleaching as a new method for RBO during the bleaching process, which could potentially reduce nutrient loss and lipid oxidation. First, florisil (FL), magnesium trisilicate (MAT), and activated blending earth (ABE) were selected to use a mixture design for formula optimization from six adsorbent types, and then, central composite design was employed to optimize the parameters of the bleaching process for the ultrasound‐assisted adsorbent formula. The results showed that the optimal formula was 66% FL, 10% MAT, and 24% ABE, the highest L* value and the lowest a* value is obtained at ultrasound power of 50 W for 9 min. The various parameters of RBO were subjected to comparison before and after ultrasound‐assisted bleaching. Following this bleaching procedure, the color and quality of RBO experienced notable enhancements, all the while maintaining micronutrient and fatty acid compositions within acceptable ranges. The characterization analysis of the adsorbent by FT‐IR spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy confirmed its adsorption of pigments and other substances. The results indicate that the low‐power ultrasound‐assisted bleaching is effective for RBO bleaching and may provide a promising alternative to the adsorption‐based bleaching method.Practical ApplicationsRBO is made from pressed rice bran and has high nutritional value, such as fatty acids, vitamin E, sterols, and oryzanol, with over 90% absorption by the body. The dark color of RBO makes it difficult to produce clear, transparent, and light‐colored rice bran oil, and even if bleaching is achieved, it results in significant nutrient losses. Conventional bleaching methods are commonly inefficient while emerging technologies cannot be applied industrially. Three adsorbents were selected for formulation optimization based on the fact that the bleaching effect of a single adsorbent is not obvious. Low‐power ultrasound‐assisted bleaching was performed to reduce nutrient loss and lipid oxidation. The aim is to find new bleaching methods that achieve bleaching results with acceptable nutrient losses.

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF SOLID-SUPERSATURABLE-SNEDDS OF IBRUTINIB

Objective: The aim of current research is to develop a solid supersaturable self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (S-SNEDDS) of ibrutinib for enhancing the solubility and Bioavailability. Methods: Crossential O 94–Croduret 40SS–carbitol are chosen based on the maximum solubility of ibrutinib and were used to construct ternary phase diagrams with Smix in 3:1 ratio and 70 mg drug loading was done and evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, entrapment efficiency, drug content and in vitro drug release. Final optimised one is characterised for FTIR, DSC, stability studies and in-vivo studies in rats. To choose a precipitation inhibitor, in vitro precipitation studies were carried out, and supersaturable SNEDDS were made the prepared formulations were evaluated for micromertitic properties and the final optimised one is characterized for FTIR, DSC, SEM and stability studies. Results: Out of all formulations, F15 exhibited good results with the highest drug release of 98.25% in 60 min. LSS9 with 3% HPMC E4M as the best precipitation inhibitor (PPI) exhibited the smallest droplet size of 65.4 nm, a zeta potential of-17.7 mV, and a PDI of 0.453. SSS1 with magnesium trisilicate as an adsorbent showed best flow characteristics and the highest drug content of 99.72%. The DSC, FT-IR and stability studies confirmed the complexation of ibrutinib and amorphous state of the drug and formulation to be stable for 3 mo. Cmax of the solid supersaturable SNEDDS 139.42±2.16 mg/l was significant (p<0.05) as compared to the pure drug suspension formulation 38.15±1.46 mg/l. Tmax of solid supersaturable SNEDDS formulation and pure drug suspension was 1.00±0.06 h and 1.50±0.02h, respectively. Statistically, AUC of the solid supersaturable SNEDDS formulation was significantly higher (p<0.05) as compared to pure drug suspension formulation. Conclusion: Thus, this study indicated that the solid SNEDDS could be used as a potential drug carrier for ibrutinib with improved solubility and and bioavailability.

Development of Acid-Neutralization and In Vitro Dissolution to Evaluate the Overall Quality of Compound Aluminum Hydroxide Tablets

Background: Compound Aluminum Hydroxide Tablets (CAHTs) are widely used in the Chinese domestic market, and strict quality control is required to ensure their clinical efficacy. Purpose: In this study, we established a comprehensive strategy of acid-neutralization, in vitro dissolution and an assay of magnesium trisilicate to evaluate the overall quality and monitor the consistency of CAHTs. Methods: The acid-neutralization profiles of 38 batches of CAHTs were generated using the dissolution and release method III (the cup method, the Chinese pharmacopeia) combined with potentiometric titration. To directly reflect the disintegration and release process of the preparation, we optimized the sample pretreatment method by omitting the grinding step to determine the profiles of complete tablets. In addition, in vitro dissolution was conducted in the hydrochloric acid medium at pH 1.0 by using the assay of magnesium trisilicate through a validated approach of Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (FAAS) to evaluate the similarity of the dissolution profiles. Results: Acid-neutralization tests showed that the quality of the samples from manufacturers B and F was poor. In vitro dissolution experiments showed that the samples from manufacturer A had the highest similarity with the reference preparation, which indicated their good quality consistency. Besides, the optimized acid-neutralization method had the advantage of simple operation and enabled direct characterization of pharmacodynamics in the quality consistency evaluation of antacids. Conclusion: A successful synthetic evaluation strategy was established to assess the overall quality of CAHTs, which demonstrated that the improvement in the quality of this formulation is imperative.

A novel, simple, and quick plate assay to screen silicolytic bacteria and silicase production using different substrates

Silicase helps in dissolving silica by catalyzing the cleavage of SiO and SiC bonds to form silicic acid. It belongs to carbonic anhydrases owing to its highest structural homology. Potential applications of silicase are wide and diverse ranging from e-waste remediation to tailoring nanochips and bio-desilication of rice straw for its utilization as substrate for biofuels production. Herein, a soil bacterium was isolated and screened for its ability to produce silicase. A simple and quick screening method for silicolytic bacteria was established. Different agro-residues including rice straw, wheat straw and bagasse along with silicon dioxide and magnesium trisilicate were investigated for their use as substrate. Silicase activity was found to be the highest for rice straw as a substrate since it has the highest silica content among other agro-residues. FTIR analysis of all production media showed silica dissolution before and after inoculation.

Comparative assessment of the physicochemical properties of antacid suspensions available in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region of Ghana

Antacids are over-the-counter medications that neutralize stomach acid and inhibit pepsin activity. They are used to relieve symptoms associated with some upper gastrointestinal disorders. Several antacids are available in Ghana; therefore, comparative data on dose volume, efficacy, and cost are needed. This study investigated the properties of antacid suspensions sold in Ghana. Fourteen antacid suspensions (A−N) were randomly selected from community pharmacies in the Ho Municipality of Ghana and visually inspected. Density, pH, flow time, viscosity, sedimentation rate over 12 days, and acid-neutralizing capacity (ANC) were determined. The minimum adult dose range for the products was 5−15 mL. The samples were produced in Italy (7.1%), the United Kingdom (14.3%), India (28.6%), and Ghana (50.0%). Five samples (36%) lacked dosing devices. The pH, relative density, flow time, viscosity, and sedimentation volume and rate ranges were 7.77 ± 0.03−10.78 ± 0.00, 1.05−1.21, 6.09 ± 0.15−131.00 ± 6.04 seconds, 36.33 ± 1.15−971.67 ± 0.58 cPs, 0.40−1, and 0.00−1.10 mL/day, respectively. Sediments were formed in magnesium trisilicate mixtures. No sediment was formed in four products (29%). ANCs ranged from 12.42 ± 0.33 mEq (product E) to 38.82 ± 2.46 mEq (product J). H and J contained the same active ingredients; however, H had an ANC of 38.25 ± 0.67 mEq at a lower volume and cost per dose, and contained more doses. Product E (imported) was the most expensive antacid (GH¢ 42.00/150 mL), whereas samples K, L, M, and N (locally manufactured) were the least expensive (GH¢ 3.00/200 mL). All ANCs were greater than the minimum recommended value. Product F had the best value for money. There was no link between ANC and product cost or origin. Expensive products were not necessarily better in the tests performed. Therefore, there is no justification for selecting expensive/imported liquid antacids over locally produced/cheaper ones.

Enhanced solubilization of insoluble silicate from quartz and zeolite minerals by selected Aspergillus and Trichoderma species

Silicon (Si) is a major component of sand, silt and clay particles of soils. Available silica as silicic acid (H4SiO4) present in soil solution is considerably low, only in the range of 3.5–40.0 mg Si L-1. To improve plant-available Si in the soil, silicate-solubilizing fungi (SSF) are potentially important in solubilizing insoluble forms of silicate (SiO2). The objectives of this study were to determine silicate solubilizing capacity and organic acid produced by seven SSF isolates on Bunt and Rovira media by using 0.25% (w/v) magnesium trisilicate (Mg2O8Si3), quartz, and zeolite as a silica source. Determination of SSF isolates potential in Si solubilization was carried out in a completely randomized design with three silica sources and three replicates. The results indicated that all SSF were capable of producing acetic, citrate, and oxalic acids and enhancing the solubilization of insoluble silicates. Trichoderma polysporum and Aspergillus niger BCCF194 were the best isolates of SSF. Furthermore, there was significantly (p<0.05) positive correlation between solubilizing silicate capacity by using quartz or zeolite as a silica source on Bunt and Rovira media with incubation time (R2 = 0.79-0.99) and citric acid production (R2= 0.97-0.99) from T. polysporum and A. niger BCCF194

Silicate solubilizing bacteria UPMSSB7, a potential biocontrol agent against white root rot disease pathogen of rubber tree

Rigidoporus microporus is a causal agent of white root rot disease of rubber trees. Chemical control is commonly used against this disease but it is expensive, causes environmental pollution and fungal resistance. Silicon is a beneficial element which enhances plant growth and disease resistance but mostly present in insoluble forms. Silicate solubilizing bacteria (SSB) can solubilize the insoluble forms of silicates. This study aimed to screen and evaluate potential SSB with solubilizing activity, plant growth promoting traits and antagonistic activity against R. microporus. Bacteria were isolated from healthy rubber plantation area. Five out of 26 bacterial isolates which showed the ability to solubilize silicate on magnesium trisilicate media were screened in vitro for growth promoting traits and production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), siderophores and hydrolytic enzymes. The investigation of antagonistic activity against R. microporus was conducted using dual culture test. The potential SSB isolates were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolate UPMSSB7 showed the highest solubilization of silicate, phosphate (P) and potassium (K) (solubilizing index 4.67, 2.52 and 2.61, respectively). It also showed highest silicate solubilization at 5 and 10 days (9.76 and 11.55 mg L−1, respectively) in liquid assay. It strongly inhibited the growth of R. microporus with percent inhibition of radial growth of 57.24% and produced highest IAA (19.96 µg mL−1). All the isolates produced siderophores. Two isolates, UPMSSB7 and UPMSSB10, were able to secrete cellulase enzyme, but pectinase was produced by UPMSSB7 only. The isolate UPMSSB7 was identified as Enterobacter sp. This isolate was found to be the most potent antagonistic isolate against R. microporus and simultaneously the most efficient one in solubilizing insoluble silicates, as well as P and K.

Design and characterization of spring water hydrogels with natural inorganic excipients

An essential first step to deep into the knowledge of the mechanisms of action that underlie the use of clay-based spring water gels is their design and development according to standardized protocols and procedures. Hydrogels with two spring waters and two clay excipients, sepiolite (PS9) and palygorskite (G30), were studied. The excipients were fully characterized as regards their identity, purity and richness, as well as their textural features, cation exchange capacities and zeta-potential. Conductivity, pH and ionic composition of spring waters were also assessed. Rheological and thermal properties of hydrogels were monitored through time. PS9 complied with identity, richness and purity descriptions of “Magnesium silicate” (or “Magnesium trisilicate”) United States and European Pharmacopoeia monographs', whereas G30 satisfied “Attapulgite” monograph. Cooling rates of 10% w/w spring water hydrogels were adequate for topical application as thermotherapic agents. Gel-like systems obtained with PS9 showed higher viscosities and yield values than G30 hydrogels, the type of spring water not exerting significant influence. The properties remained almost constant during a period of 2 months, ensuring quality standards. Longer periods resulted in unforeseeable changes in properties ascribed to water losses.

Decolourisation efficiency of immobilized silica nanoparticles synthesized by actinomycetes

The present study investigates the adsorption and decolourisation efficacy of silica nanoparticles in textile effluent treatment. Silica nanoparticles synthesis was mediated by the indigenous actinomycetes species isolated from the effluent contaminated site using magnesium trisilicate hydrate as a substrate of silica. The presence of functional groups and morphological features of silica nanoparticles were confirmed by characterization techniques. The synthesized nanoparticles were further evaluated by encapsulating methods to study their viability and stability for treating effluents. The solids and toxic compounds concentrations were decreased in the effluents due to the immobilized silica nanoparticles treatment. The studies revealed 80% decolourisation efficiency for encapsulated native silica nanoparticles. Thus the present study suggests the use of immobilized silica nanoparticles in the form of encapsulation as a suitable technique to decolourise textile effluent by its adsorbent and decolourisation properties.

Magnesium Trisilicate Coated Fe₃O₄ Nanoparticles as Prompt and Efficient Lactic Acid Removers Potential for Exercise-Induce Fatigue Prevention.

Exercise-induced fatigue is accumulated when lactic acid cannot be timely eliminated after intensive exercise, resulting in sport injuries. Traditional lactic acid removal methods are limited in timeliness, metabolic burden, and potential toxicity. To solve the thorny problems, in this study, nanomedicine was introduced for lactic acid removal. Magnesium trisilicate was coated on the surface of magnetic nanoparticles. These nanoparticles exhibited a prompt and efficient lactic acid adsorbing behavior. Moreover, they have favorable magnetic properties and good biocompatibility. The results showed that the prepared nanoparticles hold great potential in the removal of lactic acid for preventing exercise-induced fatigue.

Effect of a Combination Oral Formulation of Hyaluronic Acid, Chondroitin Sulphate and Magnesium Trisilicate in Patients With Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease Not Fully Satisfied With Their Treatment

Effect of a Combination Oral Formulation of Hyaluronic Acid, Chondroitin Sulphate and Magnesium Trisilicate in Patients With Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease Not Fully Satisfied With Their Treatment

Re-evaluation of calcium silicate (E552), magnesium silicate (E553a(i)), magnesium trisilicate (E553a(ii)) and talc (E553b) as food additives.

The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) provides a scientific opinion re‐evaluating the safety of calcium silicate (E 552), magnesium silicate (E 553a) and talc (E 553b) when used as food additives. In 1991, the Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) established a group acceptable daily intake (ADI) ‘not specified’ for silicon dioxide and silicates. The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) recently provided a scientific opinion re‐evaluating the safety of silicon dioxide (E 551) when used as a food additive. The Panel noted that the absorption of silicates and talc was very low; there was no indication for genotoxicity or developmental toxicity for calcium and magnesium silicate and talc; and no confirmed cases of kidney effects have been found in the EudraVigilance database despite the wide and long‐term use of high doses of magnesium trisilicate up to 4 g/person per day over decades. However, the Panel considered that accumulation of silicon from calcium silicate in the kidney and liver was reported in rats, and reliable data on subchronic and chronic toxicity, carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity of silicates and talc were lacking. Therefore, the Panel concluded that the safety of calcium silicate (E 552), magnesium silicate (E 553a(i)), magnesium trisilicate (E 553a(ii)) and talc (E 553b) when used as food additives cannot be assessed. The Panel considered that there is no mechanistic rationale for a group ADI for silicates and silicon dioxide and the group ADI established by the SCF is obsolete. Based on the food supplement scenario considered as the most representative for risk characterisation, exposure to silicates (E 552–553) for all population groups was below the maximum daily dose of magnesium trisilicate used as an antacid (4 g/person per day). The Panel noted that there were a number of approaches, which could decrease the uncertainties in the current toxicological database. These approaches include – but are not limited to – toxicological studies as recommended for a Tier 1 approach as described in the EFSA Guidance for the submission of food additives and conducted with an adequately characterised material. Some recommendations for the revision of the EU specifications were proposed by the Panel.

<i> In vitro</i> interaction between artemether and some antacids and edible clay

In vitro interaction between artemether and some antacids and edible clay was investigated. Adsorption studies using three antacids namely, magnesium trisilicate, aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide as well as edible clay were carried out to determine extent of adsorption of artemether onto the adsorptive materials. A commercial artemether tablet brand was evaluated for some tablet properties and used to determine the effects of the adsorptive materials on tablet disintegration time and dissolution. Adsorption of artemether by the adsorbents followed the rank order; magnesium trisilicate (79.98%) > magnesium hydroxide (74.21%) > aluminium hydroxide (70.90%) > edible clay (37.10%). The adsorption of the drug onto the adsorptive materials was proportional to the drug concentration. The tablet parameters (weight, hardness, friability and content of active) of the commercial tablets met official BP specifications. There was significant increase ( p = 0.0012) in the disintegration times of the tablets in the presence of the antacids, edible clay and a commercial antacid suspension Emtrisil ® , however there was retardation of dissolution in the presence of the adsorptive materials. The percentage amount of artemether dissolved in 60 min and the order of dissolution retardation was as follows: Emtrisil ® (49.58%) > magnesium trisilicate (52.20%) > magnesium hydroxide (58.92%) > aluminium hydroxide (62.67%) > edible clay (67.42%) as against 88.86% in 0.1 N HCl solution. Co-administration of artemether with adsorptive antacid formulations and concomitant consumption of edible clay with artemether should be strongly discouraged. Keywords : artemether, adsorption, antacids, edible clay, dissolution

Infrared Spectroscopy for Analysis of Co-processed Ibuprofen and Magnesium Trisilicate at Milling and Freeze Drying.

Assessment of interactions of ibuprofen and magnesium trisilicate after co-processing has been carried out by infrared spectroscopy. Dry-state ball-milling and, aqueous state kneading and freeze-drying were performed. FTIR spectroscopy of co-processed materials described acid-base reaction between the carboxylic acid containing ibuprofen to a significant extent. Increased absorbance of carboxylate peak accompanied by a consistently reduced absorbance of the carbonyl acid peak was evident. Absorbance of carboxylate peak was more in freeze-dried sample compared to milled product. Intermolecular hydrogen bonding between ibuprofen and magnesium trisilicate in the co-processed material has been suggested. Inhibition of crystal morphology has been noticed in the photomicrographs of both the products. DSC report has shown absence or significantly decreased melting endotherm representing almost complete amorphization of ibuprofen. Release of drug increased greatly after co-processing in comparison to crystalline ibuprofen. Freeze-dried samples have improved drug release more significantly compared to ball-milled samples.

Preparation and Evaluation of Combination Tablets of Diclofenac Sodium and Antacid Mixture

In this present study combination tablets containing diclofenac sodium, dried aluminium hydroxide gel and magnesium trisilicate were prepared using customized formula and common properties of tablets like hardness, thickness, diameter, weight and disintegration time along with the flow properties of granules were determined. Our results showed that most properties of the tablets complied with the official limit of acceptance. The pH, water absorption index, dissolution behavior and organoleptic property of tablets were also checked. Results showed that pH of combination tablets was 8.27 ± 0.04 when dissolved in purified water. Water absorption index varied from 0.1% to 0.2%. Tablets were undergone dissolution by 85% and 96% in 45 and 90 minutes respectively. In the study the organoleptic properties of the tablets remained the same over a period of 60 days.

Silicate calculi, a rare cause of kidney stones in children

Urinary silicate calculi in humans are extremely rare. Reported cases of silicate calculi are mostly documented in adults and are commonly related to an excessive intake of magnesium trisilicate in food or drugs. Published studies on the presence of silicate calculi in children are scarce. Three cases of silicate kidney stones without prior silicate intake are reported. Two patients underwent surgical treatment, and the third patient was treated using conservative methods. Urinalysis revealed no underlying metabolic abnormalities. Analyses revealed that silicate was the major component of the stones. Siliceous deposits in urinary stones may be more common than anticipated, and the underlying pathophysiology remains to be clarified.

Measurement uncertainty assessment of magnesium trisilicate column for determination of Sudan colorants in food by HPLC using C8 column.

This study aimed to conduct measurement uncertainty assessment of a new method for determination of Sudan colorants (Sudan I, II, III and IV) in food by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Samples were extracted with organic solvents (hexane, 20% acetone) and first purified by magnesium trisilicate (2MgO·3SiO2). The Sudan colorants (Sudan I-IV) were also initially separated on C8 by gradient elution using acetonitrile and 0.1% (v/v) formic acid aqueous solution as the mobile phases and detected with diode-array detector (DAD). The uncertainty of mathematical model of Sudan I, II, III and IV is based on EURACHEM guidelines. The sources and components of uncertainty were calculated. The experiment gave a good linear relationship over the concentration from 0.4 to 4.0 μg/mL and spiked recoveries were from 74.0% to 97.5%. The limits of determination (LOD) were 48, 61, 36, 58 μg/kg for the four analytes, respectively. The total uncertainty of Sudan colorants (Sudan I, II, III and IV) was 810±30.8, 790±28.4, 750±27.0, 730±50.0 μg/kg, respectively. The recovery uncertainty was the most significant factor contributing to the total uncertainty. The developed method is simple, rapid, and highly sensitive. It can be used for the determination of trace Sudan dyes in food samples. The sources of uncertainty have been identified and uncertainty components have been simplified and considered.

SMEDDS TABLET: COMPATABILITY OF SOLID SMEDDS USING VARIOUS PHARMACEUTICAL TABLET EXCIPIENTS

<p><strong>Objective: </strong>There are many successful products on the market which are the culmination of the self-micro-emulsification lipid technology applications. Despite the importance of lipid-based formulations, these systems have some limitations including; stability, complexity during large scale manufacturing process and limited dosage forms to such as soft gelatin capsule. In order to overcome these limitations, the prospect of converting self-micro-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS) into tablet dosage form was investigated in this study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A self-micro-emulsifying oil formulation representing type III A lipid class composed of glycerox 767HC/croduret 40 ss at ratios of (80/20) was converted into solid SMEDDS using solid carrier adsorption method. Powder blends containing magnesium trisilicate hydrate (MTSH) or magnesium lluminum silicate (MAS) at various oil loading factors were mixed with MCC with and without various binders and compressed into tablets using a fixed loading force of approximately of 5 KN. Hardness profiles of these oil loaded tablets were then analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Powder compacts which contained MTSH with and without SMEDDS oil had shown relatively better compaction properties than MAS. Adding SMEDDS oil solution to either MTSH or MAS at ratios of 1:9 has relatively reduced tablets hardness by almost 2 or 4 folds, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Progressive inclusion of increasing amounts of SMEDDS oil solution adsorbed unto the solid carrier has incurred a further reduction in the hardness of SMEDDS tablets. It appears that manufacturing of tablet SMEDDS can only be attainable for highly potent drugs as minimal amounts of oil solution added to the powder blends can adversely affect the mechanical strength of compressed tablet.</p>

Silica Solubilization Potential of Certain Bacterial Species in the Presence of Different Silicate Minerals

Silicate solubilisng bacteria (SSB) are distributed in soil, water, aquatic sediments and in silicate minerals but their population is smaller than the total bacteria indicating their uniqueness. Pond sediment showed a higher SSB with 40×104 g−1 while sugarcane field soil recorded 31×104 g−1 dry weight. SSB population in silicate minerals varied with the highest in phyto-sil followed by muscovite but very low in quartz and illite. The silicate solubilisation potential of the six isolates tested on eight minerals varied with the isolates and mineral. Magnesium trisilicate was more easily solubilised than, quartz, or muscovite. Four of the elite isolates were characterized by 16S r RNA sequencing and were found to be Bacillus flexus, B. mucilaginosus, B. megaterium and Pseudomonas fluorescens. The GC/MS analysis of organic acids produced in the medium containing feldspar and quartz by Bacillus flexus and B. muicilaginosus showed variation with the minerals. The release of silica in solution serves as a nutrient for life forms.

Pharmacoepidemiology: Pattern of some commonly reported diseases and drugs utilized in a tertiary health institution

Purpose: Due to a wide variation of diseases reported and drugs utilized in different regions, It became necessary to assess the pattern of diseases commonly reported and drugs utilized prior to and after visiting the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Patients who reported with various diseases at the first point of visit were randomly selected after obtaining ethical consent from the health institution. Results: Out of 4253 patients who were assessed, the male to female ratio was 0.92:1. The age range was 56 ± 26.02 [mean ± standard deviation (SD)] years. The diseases reported were classified; the most common was trauma (open wounds: 62.69%) followed by infection (malaria: 62.51%), gastrointestinal disease (upset stomach: 65.06%), respiratory disease (cough: 69.79%), cardiovascular disease (hypertension: 68.51%), central nervous system disease (headache: 63.97%), endocrine disease (diabetes: 81.66%), musculoskeletal disorder (pain: 91.40%), and dermal disease (rash: 63.15%). The commonly utilized classes of drugs prior/post visits were analgesics (acetaminophen 44.87%/diclofenac 24.24%), antiallergic (chlorpheniramine 1.01%/loratadine 0.16%), anti-infective (ampicillin-cloxacilline 12.16%/ciprofloxacine 18.75%), antidiarrhea (oral rehydration salt 0.6%/zinc sulfate 0.25%), antifungal (clotrimazole 1.42%/fluconazole 3.12%), antihypertensive (Moduretic 10.02%/amlodipine 7.02%) antimalarial (artemether-lumefantrine 24.42%/artemether-lumefantrine 41.51%), antiulcer (mist magnesium trisilicate 1.08%/omeprazole 2.40%), anxiolytic (diazepam 0.42%/bromazepam 0.55%), and minerals/vitamins (ascorbic acid 4.00%/ferrous sulfate 1.48%). There was a significant difference in the pattern of disease among the ages (P 0.05). Conclusion: Essential drugs were being prescribed and utilized prior to and after hospital visits. It is therefore, recommended that an enhanced adequate stocking and prescribing be encouraged in accordance with the reported diseases.