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Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: derek0o0 on March 15, 2009, 03:01:56 PM

Title: What additives may be used to prevent acid catalysed hydrolysis of drugs?
Post by: derek0o0 on March 15, 2009, 03:01:56 PM
What additives may be used to prevent acid catalysed hydrolysis of drugs containing ester moieties in drug formulations?
thx
Title: Re: What additives may be used to prevent acid catalysed hydrolysis of drugs?
Post by: Arkcon on March 15, 2009, 03:11:45 PM
I don't know of specific reagent meant to shield functional groups on specific medicines.  But, if acid of any type, can react with something, do you have a general idea of the classes of compounds that would be used to provide protection?  As well, can you find out what common excipients are used in medical formulations?  A quick check of any medicine bottle, prescription or over-the -counter, will give you a big hint.
Title: Re: What additives may be used to prevent acid catalysed hydrolysis of drugs?
Post by: derek0o0 on March 15, 2009, 05:40:24 PM
I don't know of specific reagent meant to shield functional groups on specific medicines.  But, if acid of any type, can react with something, do you have a general idea of the classes of compounds that would be used to provide protection?  As well, can you find out what common excipients are used in medical formulations?  A quick check of any medicine bottle, prescription or over-the -counter, will give you a big hint.
i found out some common excipients are cornstarch, lactose, talc, magnesium stearate, sucrose, gelatin, calcium stearate, silicon dioxide, shellac and glaze...
but how can i know which one of them can be used to prevent the hydrolysis of drugs?
Title: Re: What additives may be used to prevent acid catalysed hydrolysis of drugs?
Post by: Arkcon on March 15, 2009, 08:10:13 PM
Well, you're confused because you've missed one.  Many pills use calcium and magnesium carbonates, when mixed in the pill with calcium and magnesium stearates (which are also molding lubricants,) they form a pH buffer.  And that's how you shield just about anything from acid, right?
Title: Re: What additives may be used to prevent acid catalysed hydrolysis of drugs?
Post by: derek0o0 on March 16, 2009, 05:43:41 PM
Well, you're confused because you've missed one.  Many pills use calcium and magnesium carbonates, when mixed in the pill with calcium and magnesium stearates (which are also molding lubricants,) they form a pH buffer.  And that's how you shield just about anything from acid, right?
o rite..so i can say the additives will be calcium and magnesium carbonates, and calcium and magnesium stearates?
Title: Re: What additives may be used to prevent acid catalysed hydrolysis of drugs?
Post by: Arkcon on March 16, 2009, 06:20:59 PM
A good summary.  I don't know of other reagents that inhibit acid cleavage of esters, but whatever you can think of, you'll have to be sure they're safe to consume.