title: Effect of sterilization by autoclaving on the stability of eye drops of pilocarpine hydrochloride and physostigmine sulphate.
abstract: A high-performance liquid chromatographic assay is described for the simultaneous assay of pilocarpine and physostigmine in the presence of their decomposition products. This assay method was used to quantitatively determine these medicaments in an eye drop formulation which had been sterilized by autoclaving at 115 degrees C for 30 min and at 121 degrees C for 15 min. There was no significant loss of pilocarpine whereas physostigmine was degraded. The major decomposition product is shown to be eseroline.
mesh_terms: D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004355:Drug Stability; D006868:Hydrolysis; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000032:analysis; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D010830:Physostigmine / Q000032:analysis*; D010862:Pilocarpine / Q000032:analysis*; D013242:Sterilization
chemical_list: D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D010862:Pilocarpine; D010830:Physostigmine