Preservative efficacy testing Flashcards
why are preservatives used
- to protect non sterile pharmaceutical products from microbiological growth
- to protect sterile products packaged in multi dose containers
name the classification of common preservatives
- acids and esters
- alcohols
- biguanides
- heavy metals
- phenols
- quaternary ammonium compounds
what are the properties of acids and esters as preservatives
active against bacteria and fungi
give an example of an acid and ester used as a preservative
methylparabens, sodium benzoate
what are the properties of alcohols used as a preservative
broad spectrum, poor penetration of organic matter, volatile
give an example of an alcohol used as a preservative
benzyl alcohol
what are the properties of biguanides used as a preservative
active against gram + bacteria
- inactivated by organic matter
- limited antifungal activity
- water insoluble
give an example of a biguanide used as a preservative
chlorhexidine
what are the properties of heavy metals used as a preservative
broad spectrum of antibacterial activity
- low capacity to organic matter
- toxicity issues
give an example of heavy metals used as a preservative
phenylmercurate salts
what are the properties of phenols used as a preservative
- cheap
- activity against fungi and gram + bacteria
- low water solubility
- absorbed by rubber
- volatile
- irritant
- pH dependent
give an example of phenols used as a preservative
dichlorophene
what are the properties of quaternary ammonium compounds used as a preservative
- activity against gram + bacteria
- organic matter affects activity
- pH dependent
- non toxic
give an example of quaternary ammonium compounds used as a preservative
benzalkonium chloride
give examples of common oral preservatives
methylparabens, sodium benzoate, benzoic acid
give examples of common parenteral preservatives
benzyl alcohol, chlorbutanol, methylparabens
give examples of common topical preservatives
benzalkonium chloride, benzoic acid, methylparabens
give examples of common ophthalmic preservatives
QACs such as benzalkonium chloride
benzoic acid
what is discouraged in oral and topical products
the use of phenols and organo mercurial
describe the mechanism of action of preservatives
- limited protection against viral contamination
- bactericides and fungicides target several cell targets
- cytotoxicity may also affect mammalian cells
- target cell wall, cell membrane or cytoplasm
explain how preservatives target the cell wall
cell wall activity may involve:
1. lysis due to enzyme inhibition
2. irreversible cross linking at cell wall
explain how preservatives target the cell membrane
- changes to membrane potential, enzymatic function and permeability
what does cetrimide, chlorhexidine, paragons and phenols affect
affect membrane permeability leading to leaking of cell constituents and cell death
what is the effect of sorbic acid targeting cell membrane
inhibits transport mechanisms across the membrane
what is the effect of chlorhexidine on targeting cell membranes
inhibits membrane ATPase
what is the effect of chelators such as EDTA on targeting cell membranes
compromise membrane integrity by chelating Ca2+ and Mg2+