Evaluation of preservatives in eye-drop preparations.
A systematic study of commonly used commercial eye-drop preparations has been made by identification and assay of the added preservatives, i.e. benzalkonium chloride, parabens, phenylmercuric nitrate and thiomersal, in forty six samples. The commercial samples with known preservatives contain an amount, almost in agreement with the values stated on label. Twenty five samples with identified preservative (not stated on label), contain the added compound 50-150% w/v in excess of the recommended limits and thus may be harmful to the eyes. U.K., US.A. and many other countries have strict regulations regarding the use of preservatives in eye preparations, because of their potential toxicity. Similar regulations should be promulgated in Pakistan for locally manufactured products.
Ahmad
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Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan.
Chishti
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KA