Microbial Control of Non-sterile Pharmaceuticals Flashcards
There are 2 types of pharmaceutical products available, what are they?
- sterile products which contain no viable micro-organisms
2. non-sterile products that may contain viable micro-organisms but these should not damage patient or product
Limited microbiological contamination tolerated in non sterile products such as what?
- inhalations
- tablets
- oral liquids
- creams
- ointments
(may require numbers or microbiological contaminants per unit volume or weight)
Microorganisms use the product as a ______ when formulations spoil
growth medium
How do tablets and powders limit microbial growth?
they do not have enough water to allow growth
Syrups contain high concentrations of ___ to resist growth owning to the lack of free water
syrups
Products containing more than _____ such as elixirs and spirits are usually self preserving
15% alcohol
What physical, chemical or aesthetic changes to a product may bacteria have that make it unfit for use?
- active drug constituents may be metabolized
- physical changes include:
- breakdown of emulsions
- visible surface growth on solids
- formation of slimes, pellicles or sediments in liquids
- production of gas, odours or unwanted flavours
Why is salmonella so dangerous in a medicine?
- represents a serious health hazard although it causes little to no visible damage
Risk of infection from a contamination depends on what?
- species and quantity of microorganisms
- route of administration
- susceptibility of the patient receiving the medication
What are the typical organisms that can cause infection that the USP indicates must be not present in the medicine?
Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E.coli and Salmonella spp
The majority of contaminant sin medications are what?
- bacteria, yeasts and filamentous fungi (mold)
Many of the ingredients in formulations can become growth substrates when what occurs?
- water activity, pH and temperature are suitable for infection
What are the most common sources of contamination?
- raw materials
- personnel
- equipment
- environment
What are raw materials?
- an active or inactive substance used in the manufacture of a pharmaceutical dosage form
What microorganisms have raw material been known to have?
- Clostridia sp, pseudomonas aeriginosa, Stap. aureus, Strep. feacalis, E. coli, Salmonella spp, Preteus, Citrobacter, and Kleibsiella sp
What is the high contamination level of raw material?
- unprocessed raw materials of animal, plant or mineral origin
- may contain high bioburden, gram negative, gram positive, told, microbial pathogens, and objectionable microorganisms with an ability to proliferate in or biodegrade the material
- high risk