Stability of essential drugs during shipment to the tropics.

摘要: OBJECTIVE--To determine whether present methods of international transport essential drugs by sea adversely affect their quality. DESIGN--Controlled longitudinal study drug shipments sent from Unicef in Copenhagen to Lagos; Mombasa and land Kampala; Bangkok. 11 were stored four locations on board the ships. SETTING--Main shipping routes Unicef, Copenhagen, tropical countries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Temperature relative humidity test packs during journey. Amount active ingredient before after shipment. RESULTS--Temperatures recorded within range -3.5 degrees C 42.4 3-12 higher than ambient temperature. Relative ranged 20% 88%. Differences between negligible. Ergometrine injection, methylergometrine retinol capsules lost 1.5-5.8% activity. Ampoules ergometrine showed a large variation amount shipment, with three 80 samples having concentrations 60% below those stated. Ampicillin, benzylpenicillin, phenoxymethylpenicillin, tetracycline not affected transport. CONCLUSIONS--Drugs exposed much temperature is recommended manufacturer, especially harbours inland Except for would clinical effectiveness.