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Antibiotics and Chemotherapy: Pharmacokinetics of Sulfonamides Revisited, vol. 34
procedures for use with a laminar flow hood, and comparison of limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) testing methods. The strongpoints of this book are in the completeness of the presentation of the testing methodologies, the emphasis placed on the practical aspects of each test, the precautions that should be observed, and the limitations of the test. While each subject area contains large segments from previous publications, each is well referenced and the author ties the material together in a logical, easy-to-follow manner. Each chapter is self-sufficient and contains numerous examples with all calculations well explained. The book was written for quality control personnel, hospital pharmacists, microbiologists, and laboratory technicians. To this list I would add that it would make an excellent text for all students of injectable manufacturing in that it can be easily understood by those unfamiliar with injectables as well as providing an update to the veteran. Thomas E. Needham New Product Development Drug Delivery Systems Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Morton Grove, IL 60053
lntroductlon to Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, 4th ed. By Howard C.Ansel. Lea and Febiger, 600 Washington Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. 1985. 405 + viii pp. 17.5 x 25 crn. ISBN 0-8121-0956-2. $29.75.
This is an updated revision of an established textbook for the instruction of pharmacy students in the physical aspects of dosage forms. The first 5 chapters contain supporting material from medicinal chemistry, law, pharmacology, biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics, and therapeutics. The remaining 10 chapters relate to dosage types and classes of delivery systems. The book is extensively illustrated with both finished dosage forms and aspects of their manufacture. Dean Ansel is the sole author and therefore has developed a text coherence that is, too often, lacking in multi-authored volumes. The provision of the background material is supportive but not extensively utilized in the dosage chapters. Too often the emphasis is on the physical dosage form rather than aspects of its utilization and comparative merits. No mention is made of any aspect of pharmacist advice to the patient in the effective use and administration of the product, regardless of dosage form or patient difficulty in self-administration. All forms of suppositories, oral inhalation products, ophthalmics, new transdermal delivery systems, as well as the more classic capsules, tablets, and suspensions need supportive information on the practical use of the dosage. In terms of the specific nature of the dosage form, recent developments in controlled-release (Pennkinetic and OROS systems) and transdermal delivery systems are described, but the recent introduction of a variety of spacers or chambers for oral inhalation is lacking. However this book is clearly more “current” than any other available book. Lacking is any anticipatory presentation of background for new technology such as liposomal based dosages. This is suitable as a dosage-oriented textbook but is not likely to serve any other audience. John H. Wood School of Pharmacy Medical College of Virginia Campus Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA 23298
By Michael J. Groves. Parenteral Technology Manual. lnterpharm Press Inc., Prairie View, IL. 1985. 132 pp. 14.5 x 22.5 crn. ISBN: 0-935184-04-X.
In the foreword and conclusion sections of the book, the author emphasizes the fact that the book is intended for individuals new to the field of parenterals. Indeed it is an introductory text, very brief and simple in presenting the basic principles and issues involved in the formulation and production of parenteral medications. A merit of the book lies in its simplicity and brevity. Not only will the novice scientist or technician benefit from reading the book, but it could also serve a useful function in educating the casually interested reader such as scientists in other pharmaceutical areas, hospital administrators, and other health care professionals who might enjoy learning something about parenterals without having to read deeper and more complex books on the subject. The book consists of 12 chapters: an introduction, a summary, 5 formulation-oriented, and 5 production-oriented sections. While the book is basic and the subject matter superficially covered, the material is current and much can be learned even if the reader has some background and training in the field. The book can serve as an overview of a subject. For example, if someone needed a quick education on hyperalimentation solutions, chapter 5 is a seven-page “outline” on the subject. The whole book reads extremely well, flows easily, and provides a good overview of the formulation and production issues related to parenteral products. A deficiency of the book directly relates to its simplicity. The reader may not receive an appropriate appreciation of the complexities involved in the formulation and manufacture of the various parenteral dosage forms. Also it probably would not be much use as a reference book for workers in the field. Overall, however, this reviewer highly recommends this book as a worthy addition to the library of students and professionals in the pharmaceutical, industrial, academic, and hospital environments. Michael J. Akers Dry Products Development Lilly Research Laboratories Indianapolis, IN 46285
Antibiotics and Chemotherapy: Pharmacokinetlcs of SulBy T. B. Vree and Y. A. fonamldes Revisited, vol. 34. Hekster. Edited by H. Schonfeld and F. E. Hahn. Krager, New York, NY. 1985. 203 pp. ISBN 3-80553949-5.
The title of the book leads one to expect a comprehensive review of the pharmacokinetics of sulfonamides. However, the authors have focused on only 30 sulfonamides without any explanation of why these were chosen. Many of the 30 are no longer used in clinical practices or in research. Noticeably absent were two sulfonamides which are important for clinicians and research scientists, sulfamethazine and sulfisoxazole. The first chapters of the book deal with metabolism and structure-activity relationships instead of strict pharmacokinetics. Since the title of this textbook leads the reader to expect a discussion of the pharmacokinetics of sulfonamides, it would be better to have such chapters at the beginning and not a t the end of the book. The first chapters deal effectively with the metabolism of sulfonamides, which includes acetylation, deacetylation, hydroxylation, and glucuronidation. The structural relationship of various sulfonamides is shown by changes in the side Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences / 103 Vol. 75, No. 1, January 1986
chains, and this effect on the half-lives is explained in great detail. The renal excretion patterns as affected by these ring substitutions are also explained in great detail. This textbook thoroughly explains theories involved with drug synthesis and how side chains affect drug metabolism and half-lives. However, the approach should have been expanded to include other pharmacokinetic parameters such as volume of distribution, bioavailability, and elimination rates. The authors gave examples of the half-lives and metabolism rates of sulfonamides in animal models. Their approach should also have taken into account other pharmacokinetic parameters which would be helpful in defining a suitable animal model as a corollary for applied human research. Robert L. Suber R & D Scientific Affairs Division R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Winston-Salem, NC 27102
Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, vol. 25. Edited by Robert George, Ronald Okun, and Arthur K. Cho. Annual Reviews, Palo Alto, CA 94306. 1985. 799 pp. $27.00. This volume consists of 18 major sections and begins with a
prefatory chapter by Welch, which traces the life and times of this outstanding scientist. His comments and personal reminiscences make this contribution particularly worth reading for old and new pharmacologists alike. In the chapter by Lasagna, who helped establish clinical pharmacy as an independent division, the history of the subject in the U S . was discussed. The outstanding industrial toxicologist Chenoweth gives insights into perspectives of toxicology from his vast knowledge of this important field. His comments on materials that are less obviously toxic are of prime importance to the readers of the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. The effect of drugs on respiration in humans, last reviewed in the Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology in 1971, considers comments on the effects of drugs in healthy subjects. Of particular importance are Keats’ comments on the limitations of techniques used in standardization and the failure to explore dose-response relationships. Extrapolation to the diseased patient, he states, are at best indicators of what to look for. Studies of drug actions in various disease states are virtually nonexistent. The lung is an organ that is involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics. Bend, Serabjit-Singh, and Philpot discuss the importance of the lung in regulating systemic concentrations of vasoactive polypeptides, prostaglandins, and amines. The pharmacokinetics of the pulmonary clearance of xenobiotics and the effects of drugs on pulmonary vasculature are competently discussed. Kang and Stull review the contributions to the understanding of how Ca2+ regulates the contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle, particularly following P-adrenergic receptor stimulation. Ignarro and Kadowitz discuss the role of cyclic guanosine 5’-monophosphate in the relaxation of vascular smooth muscle. These investigators discuss the complex biochemical mechanisms involved in the contraction of smooth muscle and how a variety of drugs impinge on this process. Membrane phospholipids mediate intracellular responses to drugs and other stimuli. Hirasawa and Nishizuka discuss the state of the art in phosphatidylinositol turnover in receptor mechanism and signal transduction. 104 /Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vol. 75, No. 1, January 1986
The attention to exercise and its effect on cardiovascular performance demand the review by Lowenthal and Kendrick. Drug-exercise intervention is a timely and worthwhile contribution to this volume. The emphasis in our culture on eating makes the review by Morley and Levine on “Pharmacology of Eating Behavior” most relevant. A variety of chemical messengers that can modulate eating are discussed in this chapter. Regulation of gene expression by steroid hormones, elucidated by the studies from the laboratories of Jensen, De Sombre, Gorski, and O’Malley, are the background for the review by Ringold. Of particular interest are Ringold‘s questions and prospects for the future in this rapidly developing field. The contribution of Yaksh and Noveihed on the “Physiology and Pharmacology of Spinal Opiates” explores current thinking on the mechanism of action of opioids, the characteristics of the analgesia produced by them, and the receptors mediating their effects on spinal sensory, autonomic, and somatomotor functions. The chapter by Manara and Bianchetti presents in greater detail the effects of opioids on the musculature of the GI tract. The review by Schleimer discusses the mechanisms of action of anti-inflammatory steroids in allergic immunoglobulin E-mediated diseases. The chapter focuses on the effects of steroids on in vivo manifestations of allergic disease and on in vitro models of allergic disease. The chapter by Westfall and Meldrum in the section on cardiovascular pharmacology examines alteration of the release of norepinephrine, its action on vascular smooth muscle, and its contribution to the pathophysiology of hypertension. Effective thrombolytic therapy in the treatment of acute pulmonary emboli, acute myocardial infarction, and deepvein thrombosis continues to be an essential clinical objective. Sherry and Gustaffson discuss the value and limitations of thrombolytic therapy in these and other clinical situations. Schrag and Dixon have contributed a section on toxicology which explores the effects of dibromochloropropane on the reproductive capacity of male workers exposed to this chemical, Star and Gibson review recent studies that explore the toxicology of formaldehyde, and Alarie discusses the effect of burning polymeric materials on humans breathing these fumes. Although much has been written about adverse drug reactions, Cluff and co-workers focus on drug interactions that are beneficial and clinically desirable. Noble laureate Guillemin and his laboratory review the exciting new compound somatocrinin and its capability as a growth hormone release factor. Way comments, in his “Review of Reviews,” on the expense of scientific volumes preventing easy accessibility to the average academician. Ira Weinstein Department of Pharmacology College of Medicine The University of Tennessee Center for the Health Sciences Memphis, TN 38163
Pharmacology of Intestinal Permeation I and II. Edited by Springer-Verlag, New York, Inc., 175 Fifth T. Z. Csaky. Avenue, New York, NY 10016. 1984 708 + 589 pp. ISBN 0-540-13100-0, 0-387-131 00-0. Pharmacology of Intestinal Permeation is the subject of the
seventieth volume in the Handbook of Experimental Phar-
lntroductlon to Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, 4th ed. By Howard C.Ansel. Lea and Febiger, 600 Washington Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. 1985. 405 + viii pp. 17.5 x 25 crn. ISBN 0-8121-0956-2. $29.75.
This is an updated revision of an established textbook for the instruction of pharmacy students in the physical aspects of dosage forms. The first 5 chapters contain supporting material from medicinal chemistry, law, pharmacology, biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics, and therapeutics. The remaining 10 chapters relate to dosage types and classes of delivery systems. The book is extensively illustrated with both finished dosage forms and aspects of their manufacture. Dean Ansel is the sole author and therefore has developed a text coherence that is, too often, lacking in multi-authored volumes. The provision of the background material is supportive but not extensively utilized in the dosage chapters. Too often the emphasis is on the physical dosage form rather than aspects of its utilization and comparative merits. No mention is made of any aspect of pharmacist advice to the patient in the effective use and administration of the product, regardless of dosage form or patient difficulty in self-administration. All forms of suppositories, oral inhalation products, ophthalmics, new transdermal delivery systems, as well as the more classic capsules, tablets, and suspensions need supportive information on the practical use of the dosage. In terms of the specific nature of the dosage form, recent developments in controlled-release (Pennkinetic and OROS systems) and transdermal delivery systems are described, but the recent introduction of a variety of spacers or chambers for oral inhalation is lacking. However this book is clearly more “current” than any other available book. Lacking is any anticipatory presentation of background for new technology such as liposomal based dosages. This is suitable as a dosage-oriented textbook but is not likely to serve any other audience. John H. Wood School of Pharmacy Medical College of Virginia Campus Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA 23298
By Michael J. Groves. Parenteral Technology Manual. lnterpharm Press Inc., Prairie View, IL. 1985. 132 pp. 14.5 x 22.5 crn. ISBN: 0-935184-04-X.
In the foreword and conclusion sections of the book, the author emphasizes the fact that the book is intended for individuals new to the field of parenterals. Indeed it is an introductory text, very brief and simple in presenting the basic principles and issues involved in the formulation and production of parenteral medications. A merit of the book lies in its simplicity and brevity. Not only will the novice scientist or technician benefit from reading the book, but it could also serve a useful function in educating the casually interested reader such as scientists in other pharmaceutical areas, hospital administrators, and other health care professionals who might enjoy learning something about parenterals without having to read deeper and more complex books on the subject. The book consists of 12 chapters: an introduction, a summary, 5 formulation-oriented, and 5 production-oriented sections. While the book is basic and the subject matter superficially covered, the material is current and much can be learned even if the reader has some background and training in the field. The book can serve as an overview of a subject. For example, if someone needed a quick education on hyperalimentation solutions, chapter 5 is a seven-page “outline” on the subject. The whole book reads extremely well, flows easily, and provides a good overview of the formulation and production issues related to parenteral products. A deficiency of the book directly relates to its simplicity. The reader may not receive an appropriate appreciation of the complexities involved in the formulation and manufacture of the various parenteral dosage forms. Also it probably would not be much use as a reference book for workers in the field. Overall, however, this reviewer highly recommends this book as a worthy addition to the library of students and professionals in the pharmaceutical, industrial, academic, and hospital environments. Michael J. Akers Dry Products Development Lilly Research Laboratories Indianapolis, IN 46285
Antibiotics and Chemotherapy: Pharmacokinetlcs of SulBy T. B. Vree and Y. A. fonamldes Revisited, vol. 34. Hekster. Edited by H. Schonfeld and F. E. Hahn. Krager, New York, NY. 1985. 203 pp. ISBN 3-80553949-5.
The title of the book leads one to expect a comprehensive review of the pharmacokinetics of sulfonamides. However, the authors have focused on only 30 sulfonamides without any explanation of why these were chosen. Many of the 30 are no longer used in clinical practices or in research. Noticeably absent were two sulfonamides which are important for clinicians and research scientists, sulfamethazine and sulfisoxazole. The first chapters of the book deal with metabolism and structure-activity relationships instead of strict pharmacokinetics. Since the title of this textbook leads the reader to expect a discussion of the pharmacokinetics of sulfonamides, it would be better to have such chapters at the beginning and not a t the end of the book. The first chapters deal effectively with the metabolism of sulfonamides, which includes acetylation, deacetylation, hydroxylation, and glucuronidation. The structural relationship of various sulfonamides is shown by changes in the side Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences / 103 Vol. 75, No. 1, January 1986
chains, and this effect on the half-lives is explained in great detail. The renal excretion patterns as affected by these ring substitutions are also explained in great detail. This textbook thoroughly explains theories involved with drug synthesis and how side chains affect drug metabolism and half-lives. However, the approach should have been expanded to include other pharmacokinetic parameters such as volume of distribution, bioavailability, and elimination rates. The authors gave examples of the half-lives and metabolism rates of sulfonamides in animal models. Their approach should also have taken into account other pharmacokinetic parameters which would be helpful in defining a suitable animal model as a corollary for applied human research. Robert L. Suber R & D Scientific Affairs Division R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Winston-Salem, NC 27102
Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, vol. 25. Edited by Robert George, Ronald Okun, and Arthur K. Cho. Annual Reviews, Palo Alto, CA 94306. 1985. 799 pp. $27.00. This volume consists of 18 major sections and begins with a
prefatory chapter by Welch, which traces the life and times of this outstanding scientist. His comments and personal reminiscences make this contribution particularly worth reading for old and new pharmacologists alike. In the chapter by Lasagna, who helped establish clinical pharmacy as an independent division, the history of the subject in the U S . was discussed. The outstanding industrial toxicologist Chenoweth gives insights into perspectives of toxicology from his vast knowledge of this important field. His comments on materials that are less obviously toxic are of prime importance to the readers of the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. The effect of drugs on respiration in humans, last reviewed in the Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology in 1971, considers comments on the effects of drugs in healthy subjects. Of particular importance are Keats’ comments on the limitations of techniques used in standardization and the failure to explore dose-response relationships. Extrapolation to the diseased patient, he states, are at best indicators of what to look for. Studies of drug actions in various disease states are virtually nonexistent. The lung is an organ that is involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics. Bend, Serabjit-Singh, and Philpot discuss the importance of the lung in regulating systemic concentrations of vasoactive polypeptides, prostaglandins, and amines. The pharmacokinetics of the pulmonary clearance of xenobiotics and the effects of drugs on pulmonary vasculature are competently discussed. Kang and Stull review the contributions to the understanding of how Ca2+ regulates the contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle, particularly following P-adrenergic receptor stimulation. Ignarro and Kadowitz discuss the role of cyclic guanosine 5’-monophosphate in the relaxation of vascular smooth muscle. These investigators discuss the complex biochemical mechanisms involved in the contraction of smooth muscle and how a variety of drugs impinge on this process. Membrane phospholipids mediate intracellular responses to drugs and other stimuli. Hirasawa and Nishizuka discuss the state of the art in phosphatidylinositol turnover in receptor mechanism and signal transduction. 104 /Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vol. 75, No. 1, January 1986
The attention to exercise and its effect on cardiovascular performance demand the review by Lowenthal and Kendrick. Drug-exercise intervention is a timely and worthwhile contribution to this volume. The emphasis in our culture on eating makes the review by Morley and Levine on “Pharmacology of Eating Behavior” most relevant. A variety of chemical messengers that can modulate eating are discussed in this chapter. Regulation of gene expression by steroid hormones, elucidated by the studies from the laboratories of Jensen, De Sombre, Gorski, and O’Malley, are the background for the review by Ringold. Of particular interest are Ringold‘s questions and prospects for the future in this rapidly developing field. The contribution of Yaksh and Noveihed on the “Physiology and Pharmacology of Spinal Opiates” explores current thinking on the mechanism of action of opioids, the characteristics of the analgesia produced by them, and the receptors mediating their effects on spinal sensory, autonomic, and somatomotor functions. The chapter by Manara and Bianchetti presents in greater detail the effects of opioids on the musculature of the GI tract. The review by Schleimer discusses the mechanisms of action of anti-inflammatory steroids in allergic immunoglobulin E-mediated diseases. The chapter focuses on the effects of steroids on in vivo manifestations of allergic disease and on in vitro models of allergic disease. The chapter by Westfall and Meldrum in the section on cardiovascular pharmacology examines alteration of the release of norepinephrine, its action on vascular smooth muscle, and its contribution to the pathophysiology of hypertension. Effective thrombolytic therapy in the treatment of acute pulmonary emboli, acute myocardial infarction, and deepvein thrombosis continues to be an essential clinical objective. Sherry and Gustaffson discuss the value and limitations of thrombolytic therapy in these and other clinical situations. Schrag and Dixon have contributed a section on toxicology which explores the effects of dibromochloropropane on the reproductive capacity of male workers exposed to this chemical, Star and Gibson review recent studies that explore the toxicology of formaldehyde, and Alarie discusses the effect of burning polymeric materials on humans breathing these fumes. Although much has been written about adverse drug reactions, Cluff and co-workers focus on drug interactions that are beneficial and clinically desirable. Noble laureate Guillemin and his laboratory review the exciting new compound somatocrinin and its capability as a growth hormone release factor. Way comments, in his “Review of Reviews,” on the expense of scientific volumes preventing easy accessibility to the average academician. Ira Weinstein Department of Pharmacology College of Medicine The University of Tennessee Center for the Health Sciences Memphis, TN 38163
Pharmacology of Intestinal Permeation I and II. Edited by Springer-Verlag, New York, Inc., 175 Fifth T. Z. Csaky. Avenue, New York, NY 10016. 1984 708 + 589 pp. ISBN 0-540-13100-0, 0-387-131 00-0. Pharmacology of Intestinal Permeation is the subject of the
seventieth volume in the Handbook of Experimental Phar-