Content and characteristics of ivermectin in master formulations

Huerta León J.R.; Samaniego Joaquin J.W.; Guerrero J.B.; de la Cruz H.R.; Pillaca L.S.; Tito Quispe L.M.; Serrano G.C. · Revista Cubana de Medicina Militar (2024)

Resumen

Introduction: Following the declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic, the search for treatments intensified. In Peru, ivermectin was proposed as an initial treatment due to its supposed safety, with recommendations for its use to reduce viral load. Objective: To determine the content and characteristics of ivermectin in compounded formulas. Methods: Quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive study. Ivermectin drop formulas (6 mg/mL) were analyzed in Lima: 3 from specialized pharmacies (samples A, B, C), 2 from a private health institution (D, E), 1 from a state health institution (F), and 1 commercial product (G). Dosage was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography, and organoleptic characteristics and pH were also measured. Results: The dosage of commercial ivermectin was 97.5%. The dosages for samples A: 93.2% (5.59 mg/mL), B: 62.8% (3.77 mg/mL), C: 95.8% (5.75 mg/mL), D: 41.7% (2.50 mg/mL), E: 84.0% (5.04 mg/mL), and F: 36.2% (2.17 mg/mL). The pH ranged from 3.02 to 7.10, and the organoleptic characteristics varied across the samples. Conclusions: Several samples had insufficient concentrations, revealing deficiencies in the quality of ivermectin formulations from specialized pharmacies and public health institutions in Lima.

Instituciones: Universidad María Auxiliadora