title: Generic selection criteria for safety and patient benefit [V]: Comparing the pharmaceutical properties and patient usability of original and generic nasal spray containing ketotifen fumarate.
abstract: The pH, osmotic pressure (cryoscopy), viscosity, squeeze force, spray angle, and spraying frequency of nasal spray containing ketotifen fumarate (1 brand-name product and 8 generic products) were measured. Based on the results of pH measurement, all products were weakly acidic (4.0 to 5.1). For all products, the osmotic pressure ratio to physiological saline was approximately 1. The viscosity of various products ranged from approximately 1.0 to 1.5 mPa·s. The spray angle of drug solution differed among the products: minimum, 46 degrees (Sawai and Fusachol); and maximum, 68.7 degrees (Sekiton). In particular, TOA, Sawai, Fusachol, and TYK showed significantly smaller angles compared to Zaditen (brand-name product). Container properties varied among the products: minimum squeeze force, 19.0 N (Sekiton); and maximum squeeze force, 43.1 N (Sawai). Based on these results, although all the above products are identical in dosage form and active ingredient, the differences in pharmaceutical properties, such as container operations and drug-solution spraying/attachment, may markedly influence patients' subjective opinions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Meiji Pharmaceutical University.
authors.forename: Yuko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wada
authors.forename: Shyoko
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ami
authors.forename: Mitsuru
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nozawa
authors.forename: Miho
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Goto
authors.forename: Ken-Ichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Shimokawa
authors.forename: Fumiyoshi
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ishii
mesh_terms: D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D004349:Drug Packaging; D016568:Drugs, Generic; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007665:Ketotifen / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D059085:Nasal Sprays; D009997:Osmotic Pressure; D018579:Patient Selection; D014783:Viscosity
chemical_list: D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D016568:Drugs, Generic; D059085:Nasal Sprays; D007665:Ketotifen