title: Evaluation of total soluble solids content (TSSC) and endogenous pH in antimicrobials of pediatric use.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The use of liquid pharmaceutical preparations is a daily occurrence for some children. Evidences show a significant relation between the intake of oral sucrose based medicines and an increase incidence in dental caries.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This in vitro experimental study evaluated the Total Soluble Solids Content (TSSC) by means of Brix scale refractometry and the endogenous pH of antimicrobials of pediatric use presented as oral suspensions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nine medications (6 chemotherapics and 3 antibiotics) were evaluated by random experiment with 3 repetitions for each sample. The analysis of TSSC readings were performed by Brix refractometry using the Abbé refractometer, and the pH values were determined by potentiometry.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean TSS contents ranged from 11.73 (Keflaxina) to 63.83 (Azitromed). The minimum and maximum mean pH values were 4.12 (Keflaxina) and 10.97 (Zitroneo), respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The chemotherapic antimicrobials evaluated in this study presented the highest TSSC means, while the antibiotics showed pHs below the values considered as critical, which may contribute to the development of caries lesions in case of inadequate administration of these medications to children.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, State University of Paraiba, Campina Grande, PB, Brazil.
authors.forename: Alessandro Leite
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Cavalcanti
authors.forename: Klélia Forte
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: de Oliveira
authors.forename: Alidianne F C
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Xavier
authors.forename: Daiane S C
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Pinto
authors.forename: Fernando Fernandes
authors.initials: FF
authors.lastname: Vieira
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents