Testing the Uniformity of Weight

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 65 views

Background

Deksamethasone, a very potent glucocorticoid, is often used in the treatment of various medical conditions such as inflammation, allergies, and immune system disorders. This drug is effective in anti-inflammatory therapy needed in many diseases, including preventing organs after tissue transplantation. In addition, glucocorticoids also play an important role in reducing the production of immune cells in patients suffering from leukemia and certain lymphoma. With the increasing use of dexamethasone, it is essential to ensure that tablets circulating in the market meet the required quality standards. The quality of the drug is very influential on the effectiveness of treatment, so it is necessary to test to ensure its quality.

Research Purposes

This study aims to evaluate the quality of tablets containing dexamethasone available at pharmacies in the city of Medan. The quality of the drug is very influential on the effectiveness of treatment, so it is necessary to test to ensure its quality. The purpose of this study is to provide information on the quality of dexamethasone tablets circulating in Medan City Pharmacy, which can be used as a reference for the public and health professionals.

Method

In this study, four types of dexamethasone tablets from one of the pharmacies in Medan were taken to be tested. The tablet tested consisted of Dexaharsen (PT. Harsen), Kalmetasone (Kalbe), Diometa, and Carbidu (PT. Sampharindo). Quality testing is carried out with several parameters, including:

Level Test: use UV-VIS spectrophotometry to determine the concentration of dexamethasone in a tablet.
Dissolution Test: performed using a dissolution tester to assess how quickly and efficiently the drug dissolves in fluids.
Testing the Uniformity of Weight: using analytical balance to ensure that each tablet has a consistent weight.
Friability Test: Using Strong Cobb Hardness Tester to assess the physical strength of the tablet.
Destroyed Time Test: Using a dissolution tester to assess the time it takes for the tablet to dissolve in fluids.
Violence Test: Using Strong Cobb Hardness Tester to assess the physical strength of the tablet.

Test Results

The results of the test showed good variations in quality parameters, with the following details:

Level Test: Results ranged from 99.71% to 101.68%, showing that all tablets meet the specified level requirements.
Dissolution Test: obtained a range of 80.67% to 86%, which shows good soluble ability in the digestive system.
Weight Uniformity Test: results range from 3.37 to 8.85, showing variations of weight that are still within tolerance.
Friability Test: results range from 0.5 to 0.82, showing tablets have good resistance to damage.
Destroyed Time Test: Destroyed time ranges from 1 minute 6 seconds to 3 minutes 16 seconds, reflecting the reactivity of the tablet in the body.
Violence Test: results ranging from 4.79 to 8.91, showing tablets have adequate strength.

Conclusion

Based on the results of the research conducted, it can be concluded that all dexamethasone tablets circulating in Medan City Pharmacy meet the established quality standards. Good tablet quality is very important to ensure the effectiveness of treatment, so routine testing of drugs such as dexamethasone needs to be done regularly. This is to provide guarantees to the public that the drugs they consume are safe and effective in the therapy undertaken. Good quality drugs not only support patient healing but also increase public confidence in health services.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Regular Quality Testing: Regular quality testing of dexamethasone tablets should be done to ensure that they meet the established quality standards.
Improvement of Manufacturing Process: The manufacturing process of dexamethasone tablets should be improved to ensure that the tablets meet the required quality standards.
Public Education: The public should be educated on the importance of quality drugs and the need for regular quality testing.
Collaboration with Health Professionals: Collaboration with health professionals is necessary to ensure that the results of this study are used to improve the quality of dexamethasone tablets.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Limited Sample Size: The sample size of this study is limited to four types of dexamethasone tablets.
Limited Testing Parameters: The testing parameters used in this study are limited to six parameters.
Limited Geographic Area: The study was conducted in Medan City Pharmacy, which may not be representative of other pharmacies in the region.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions include:

Expansion of Sample Size: The sample size of this study should be expanded to include more types of dexamethasone tablets.
Inclusion of Additional Testing Parameters: Additional testing parameters should be included to ensure that the tablets meet the required quality standards.
Conducting Studies in Other Geographic Areas: Studies should be conducted in other geographic areas to ensure that the results of this study are representative of other pharmacies in the region.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study has shown that all dexamethasone tablets circulating in Medan City Pharmacy meet the established quality standards. Good tablet quality is very important to ensure the effectiveness of treatment, so routine testing of drugs such as dexamethasone needs to be done regularly. This is to provide guarantees to the public that the drugs they consume are safe and effective in the therapy undertaken. Good quality drugs not only support patient healing but also increase public confidence in health services.

Q: What is dexamethasone?

A: Dexamethasone is a very potent glucocorticoid that is often used in the treatment of various medical conditions such as inflammation, allergies, and immune system disorders.

Q: What are the common uses of dexamethasone?

A: Dexamethasone is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

Inflammation and allergies
Immune system disorders
Leukemia and certain lymphoma
Preventing organs after tissue transplantation

Q: How is dexamethasone administered?

A: Dexamethasone can be administered orally, intravenously, or intramuscularly, depending on the specific condition being treated.

Q: What are the potential side effects of dexamethasone?

A: The potential side effects of dexamethasone include:

Increased risk of infection
Osteoporosis
Glaucoma
Cataracts
Mood changes
Insomnia
Weight gain

Q: How is the quality of dexamethasone tablets tested?

A: The quality of dexamethasone tablets is tested using several parameters, including:

Level test: to determine the concentration of dexamethasone in a tablet
Dissolution test: to assess how quickly and efficiently the drug dissolves in fluids
Weight uniformity test: to ensure that each tablet has a consistent weight
Friability test: to assess the physical strength of the tablet
Destroyed time test: to assess the time it takes for the tablet to dissolve in fluids
Violence test: to assess the physical strength of the tablet

Q: What are the benefits of regular quality testing of dexamethasone tablets?

A: Regular quality testing of dexamethasone tablets ensures that the tablets meet the established quality standards, which is essential for ensuring the effectiveness of treatment and patient safety.

Q: How can I ensure that the dexamethasone tablets I am taking are of good quality?

A: You can ensure that the dexamethasone tablets you are taking are of good quality by:

Checking the expiration date of the tablets
Verifying the authenticity of the tablets with the manufacturer or pharmacist
Following the recommended dosage and administration instructions
Monitoring your body's response to the medication and reporting any adverse effects to your healthcare provider

Q: What should I do if I suspect that the dexamethasone tablets I am taking are of poor quality?

A: If you suspect that the dexamethasone tablets you are taking are of poor quality, you should:

Contact your healthcare provider immediately
Report any adverse effects or concerns to your healthcare provider
Do not take any further doses of the medication until the issue is resolved

Q: Can I take dexamethasone tablets if I have a history of allergies or sensitivities?

A: It is essential to consult with your healthcare provider before taking dexamethasone tablets if you have a history of allergies or sensitivities. Your healthcare provider will assess your individual situation and provide guidance on whether it is safe for you to take the medication.

Q: Can I take dexamethasone tablets if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

A: It is essential to consult with your healthcare provider before taking dexamethasone tablets if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your healthcare provider will assess your individual situation and provide guidance on whether it is safe for you to take the medication.

Q: How long does it take for dexamethasone tablets to start working?

A: The time it takes for dexamethasone tablets to start working can vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the individual's response to the medication. It is essential to follow the recommended dosage and administration instructions and to monitor your body's response to the medication.

Q: Can I take dexamethasone tablets with other medications?

A: It is essential to consult with your healthcare provider before taking dexamethasone tablets with other medications. Your healthcare provider will assess your individual situation and provide guidance on whether it is safe for you to take the medication with other medications.

Q: What are the storage requirements for dexamethasone tablets?

A: Dexamethasone tablets should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. The tablets should be kept in their original packaging and should not be exposed to extreme temperatures.

Q: How long are dexamethasone tablets effective?

A: The effectiveness of dexamethasone tablets can vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the individual's response to the medication. It is essential to follow the recommended dosage and administration instructions and to monitor your body's response to the medication.

Q: Can I take dexamethasone tablets if I have a history of kidney or liver disease?

A: It is essential to consult with your healthcare provider before taking dexamethasone tablets if you have a history of kidney or liver disease. Your healthcare provider will assess your individual situation and provide guidance on whether it is safe for you to take the medication.

Q: What are the potential interactions between dexamethasone tablets and other medications?

A: The potential interactions between dexamethasone tablets and other medications can include:

Increased risk of infection
Osteoporosis
Glaucoma
Cataracts
Mood changes
Insomnia
Weight gain

It is essential to consult with your healthcare provider before taking dexamethasone tablets with other medications to ensure that you are not at risk for any potential interactions.