• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.267-279
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• 1992

Microencapsulations of amoxicillin and cephalexin, using Eudragit RS, RL, E, S and L were investigated. The microcapsules were prepared by the solvent evaporation process in liquid paraffin phase, which is based on dispersion of acetone/isopropanol containing the drug in liquid paraffin. Aluminium tristearate was used as an additive for the preparation of microcapsules. The size distribution, dissolution test and observation by SEM were examined. Good reproducibility in microcapsule preparation was observed. The microcapsules obtained were spherical and free-flowing particles. The dissolution rates of amoxicillin and cephalexin from the microcapsules were considerably decreased as compared with those from amoxicillin and cephalexin powder, respectively. As the dispersing agents (aluminium tristearate) increased, the particle size of microcapsules decreased and the dissolution rate increased. In order to control the release rate of drugs, microcapsules were prepared by mixing Eudragit RS/RL or Eudragit S/L. As Eudragit RL ratio in microcapsule of Eudragit RS/RL increased, the dissolution rate increased. As Eudragit L ratio in microcapsule of Eudragit S/L increased, the dissolution rate increased. Furthermore, the release rates of drugs from Eudragit RS/L or RS/polyelthylene glycol 1540 (PEG 1540) were examined. The dissolution rate of drugs increased with increasing of Eudragit L or PEG 1540 ratio. In conclusion, the release rates of drugs from Eudragit RS/RL or RS/PEG 1540 microcapsule could be controlled, and these microcapsules will be convenient for reducing frequency of administration.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.7-12
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• 2008

OLETF (Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty) rats are characterized by obesity-related insulin resistance, which is a phenotype of type 2 diabetes. Sulfonylurea drugs or benzoic acid derivatives as inhibitors of the ATP-sensitive potassium $(K_{ATP})$ channel are commercially available to treat diabetes. The present study compared sulfonylurea drugs (glimepiride and gliclazide) with one of benzoic acid derivatives (repaglinide) in regard to their long-term effect on ameliorating insulin sensitivity in OLETF rats. Each drug was dissolved and fed with drinking water from 29 weeks of age. On high glucose loading at 45 weeks of age, response of blood glucose recovery was the greatest in the group treated with glimepiride. On immunohistochemistry analysis for the Kir6.2 subunit of $K_{ATP}$ channels, insulin receptor ${\beta}$-subunits, and glucose transporters (GLUT) type 2 and 4 in liver, fat and skeletal muscle tissues, the sulfonylurea drugs (glimepiride and gliclazide) were more effective than repaglinide in recovery from their decreased expressions in OLETF rats. From these results, it seems to be plausible that $K_{ATP}$-channel inhibitors containing sulfonylurea moiety may be much more effective in reducing insulin resistance than those with benzoic acid moiety. In contrast to gliclazide, non-tissue selectivity of glimepiride on $K_{ATP}$ channel inhibition may further strengthen an amelioration of insulin sensitivity unless considering other side effects.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.168-177
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• 2023

Background & Objectives: Fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) offer advantages in adherence and cost-effectiveness compared to free combinations (FCs), but they can also complicate the prescribing process, potentially leading to therapeutic duplication (TD). This study aimed to identify the prescribing patterns of FDCs for dyslipidemia and investigate their associated risk of TD. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study involving drugs that included statins, using Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service-National Patient Sample (HIRA-NPS) data from 2018. The unit of analysis was a prescription claim. The primary outcome was TD. The risk ratio of TD was calculated and adjusted for patient, prescriber, and the number of cardiovascular drugs prescribed using a multivariable Poisson model. Results: Our study included 252,797 FDC prescriptions and 515,666 FC prescriptions. Of the FDC group, 46.52% were male patients and 56.21% were aged 41 to 65. Ezetimibe was included in 71.61% of the FDC group, but only 0.25% of the FC group. TD occurred in 0.18% of the FDC group, and the adjusted risk ratio of TD in FDC prescriptions compared to FC was 6. 44 (95% CI 5. 30-7. 82). Conclusions: Prescribing FDCs for dyslipidemia was associated with a higher risk of TD compared to free combinations. Despite the relatively low absolute prevalence of TD, the findings underline the necessity for strategies to mitigate this risk when prescribing FDCs for dyslipidemia. Our study suggests the potential utility of Clinical Decision Support Systems and standardizing nomenclature in reducing medication errors, providing valuable insights for clinical practice and future research.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.61-70
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• 2014

Objectives The purpose of this study is to report three cases of epileptic children who were treated by oriental medicine. Methods Three epileptic children were treated by Gwakhyangjeonggi-san and Kuibiondam-tang. Two children had took combination therapy; anti-epilepsy drugs and oriental medicines and the other one took only oriental medicines. We measured frequency and intensity of seizure, and observed general conditions. Results The oriental medicine treatment is not only reducing seizures, but also improving general condition like digestion, constipation and reducing frequency of common cold and symptom of rhinitis. Conclusions Epilepsy in childhood is induced by various factor like Fung (風), Dam (痰), Sik (食), Kyung (驚). We administrated oriental medicine and prevented seizures.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.188-195
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• 2013

Background: The separation of pharmaceutical prescription and dispensing law was implemented in July 1st of 2000. This law was initiated by government without a through consensus among related stakeholders in the process of policy decision, eventually raising contention about decision making process rather than the performance of the policy. Methods: Therefore, this study tries to identify the accomplishment of the policy goals; based on the last decade's research we assessed inhibition of unnecessary prescription, drug misuse and overuse prevention, prevention of drug-related sentinel events, reducing unnecessary drug utilization, and reducing nation's medical cost. Results: Assessment results represent that government-suggested goal of the policy lacks sufficient evidence to evaluate accomplishment. Conclusion: Unlike other studies that evaluate problems regarding drug dispensing policy in the policy decision process, this study is meaningful in that it evaluated the policy goal based on the last ten years of related study results.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.880-893
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• 2015

Taurine is an abundant amino acid in many animals, including humans. Relatively large amounts of taurine are found in leukocytes, heart, muscles, retinas, kidneys, bones, and liver. Taurine has antioxidant effects; it reacts with hydrogen peroxide to prevent oxidation of the cell membrane. Taurine enhances the effects of anticancer drugs, while also reducing side effects, and taurolidine, a taurine derivative, has been shown to exhibit anti-cancer effects without notable side effects in several types of cancer. Taurine aids in cholesterol metabolism by increasing the rate of synthesis of bile acids, and, thus, reduces triglyceride levels. In addition, taurine is involved in the growth and differentiation of nerve cells and is associated with some neurological disorders. Taurine aids in bone formation and prevents bone dissolution. Moreover, taurine prevents liver damage from a variety of drugs and, thus, protects the liver. Taurine is involved in the development and function of the retina and lens. It also has anti-atherosclerotic and anti-thrombotic effects that protect against cardiovascular disease. Taurine may have additional physiological functions, and warrants further investigation.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.337-346
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• 2008

Applications of nanotechnology in the medical field have provided the fundamentals of tremendous improvement in precise diagnosis and customized therapy. Recent advances in nanomedicine have led to establish a new concept of theragnosis, which utilizes nanomedicines as a therapeutic and diagnostic tool at the same time. The development of high affinity nanoparticles with large surface area and functional groups multiplies diagnostic and therapeutic capacities. Considering the specific conditions related to the disease of individual patient, customized therapy requires the identification of disease target at the cellular and molecular level for reducing side effects and enhancing therapeutic efficiency. Well-designed nanoparticles can minimize unnecessary exposure of cytotoxic drugs and maximize targeted localization of administrated drugs. This review will focus on major pharmaceutical nanomaterials and nanoparticles as key components of designing and surface engineering for targeted theragnostic drug development.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.427-433
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• 1995

A microscopic mass balance approach has hsown that the initial saturation (Is), absorption number (An), dose number (Do), and dissolution number (Dn) are four fundamental dimensionless parameters that can be used to estimate the fraction dose absorbed (F)l of suspensions of poorly soluble drugs in humans. The dissolution number of a drug increases with decreasing its particle size. The effect of micronization on F for suspensions was investigated in terms of Dn. About 90% of maximal F can be achieved at $Dn{\approx}2$. Increasing the solubility of a drug results in better oral absorption through increasing Dn and decreasing the solubility of a drug results in better oral absorption through increasing Dn and decreasing Do. The fractions dose absorbed of digoxin, griseofulvin, and benoxaprofen agree with predicted F values sorbed by reducing particle size, while absorption of drugs with high Do and low Dn is limited by solubility and requires higher solubility to enhance the fraction dose absorbed in addition to micronization. Solubility at the physiological pH should be used for the estimation of the fraction dose absorbed.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.208-213
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• 2023

Objectives: Orthognathic surgery is a corrective intervention for maxillofacial deformities. Bleeding is a major concern for oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Various agents, such as hemocoagulase, tranexamic acid, and aprotinin have been developed to reduce intraoperative bleeding and transfusion requirements. Therefore, in this study we aimed to investigate the effects of hemocoagulase and tranexamic acid, as well as their simultaneous use, to reduce bleeding during orthognathic surgery. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study included patients who had undergone simultaneous orthognathic surgery of the maxilla and mandible between January 2013 and September 2022 and were classified into three groups based on drugs administered: hemocoagulase (Botropase), tranexamic acid, and a combination of both drugs. We recorded patient age, sex, weight, blood loss, and duration of surgery. Red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet levels were measured before, immediately after, and one day after surgery. Results: No statistically significant differences were found in blood loss, RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, or platelet levels between any of the groups. There were no differences in the drug effects between Le Fort I and bilateral mandibular sagittal split osteotomies, with or without double genioplasty. However, there were significant reductions in RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet levels during genioplasty. Conclusion: Tranexamic acid, hemocoagulase, and their combination had similar efficacy in patients who underwent Le Fort I and bilateral mandibular sagittal split osteotomies with and without genioplasty.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.8 no.5
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• pp.544-549
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• 2014

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Obesity-associated insulin resistance is a strong risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of myricetin on adiposity, insulin resistance, and inflammatory markers in mice with diet-induced insulin resistance. MATERIALS/METHODS: Five-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were fed a basal diet, a high-fat, high-sucrose (HFHS) diet, or the HFHS diet containing 0.06% myricetin or 0.12% myricetin for 12 weeks after a 1-week adaptation, and body weight and food intake were monitored. After sacrifice, serum lipid profiles, glucose, insulin, adipocyte-derived hormones, and proinflammatory cytokines were measured. The homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was determined. RESULTS: Myricetin given at 0.12% of the total diet significantly reduced body weight, weight gain, and epidydimal white adipose tissue weight, and improved hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia without a significant influence on food intake in mice fed the HFHS diet. Serum glucose and insulin levels, as well as HOMA-IR values, decreased significantly by 0.12% myricetin supplementation in mice fed the HFHS diet. Myricetin given at 0.12% of the total diet significantly reduced serum levels of leptin, tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in mice fed the HFHS diet. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that myricetin may have a protective effect against diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance in mice fed HFHS diet, and that alleviation of insulin resistance could partly occur by improving obesity and reducing serum proinflammatory cytokine levels.