Preservatives Flashcards
what are the consequences of microbial contamination of pharmaceutical products
- spoilage/ aesthetic effects/product changes
- toxic effects/health hazards
give examples of spoilage, aesthetic effects and product changes that can occur
- visible evidence of growth such as fungal colonies, turbidity or colour changes
- organoleptic properties affected as a result of microbial growth or breakdown of product
- audible effects- gas production, fizzing, explosions
- degradation of active constituents/excipients
- most ingredients are susceptible to microbial attack
give examples of toxic effects and health hazards that can occur
- production of toxins
- gram - bacteria contain lipopolysaccharides in their outer cell membranes - infections in patients and end users
- contamination by pathogens can result in infection
- in hospitals, contamination of multi dose products can serve as vehicles for spread of disease
what are the impacts of microbial contamination to the pharmaceutical industry
- product recalls
- loss of sales
- financial loss
- decreased customer confidence
- damage to company’s reputation
- legal proceedings
what are sources of contamination of pharmaceutical products
- raw materials
- environmental contamination
- manufacturing sources
- while in use
what are the different raw materials used
- mains/raw water
- purified water
- water for injections
- excipients and actives
what should be noted when using mains/raw water
- should be free from faecal coliforms
- eg. E coli - other microorganisms may be present
how is purified water achieved and what should be noted
- distillation, reverse osmosis, ion exchange
- Pharmacopoeias specific total viable counts
- pseudomonas aeruginosa grow in purified water
what is water for injections and what should be noted
- purified water sterilised by autoclaving
- water used as an ingredient of sterile medicines is often stored at temperatures greater than 80
- to prevent bacteria multiplying and increasing endotoxin load
give examples of genera of typical water borne bacteria
pseudomonas, klebsiella
what should be noted with the use of excipients and actives as raw materials
- synthetic compounds generally have low bioburdens
- raw materials of natural origin are at a greater risk
what is involved in environmental contamination
air and personnel
explain how air is a source of environmental contamination
- not a natural environment for microbial growth
- but untreated air contains bacteria, moulds and yeasts
- air contamination depends on the activity in the environment and the amount of dust which is disturbed
- handling of contaminated materials during dispensing, blending and their addition to formulations
- some packaging components contain moulds and bacteria, reflected in high counts around packaging machines
give examples of bacteria commonly isolated from air samples
spore forming bacteria
- bacillus
staphylococcus
give examples of sources of human contamination
- skin scales
- saliva
- gut bacteria