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The Use of Heavy Ion Radiation as an Analog for Space Radiation Environment and Its Effects on Drug StabilityWhile it is common knowledge that electromagnetic radiation such as x-rays and gamma rays affect physical-chemical characteristics (PC) of compounds in addition to their toxic and mutagenic effects on biological systems, there are no reports on the effects of cosmic radiation encountered during space missions on stability of pharmaceuticals. Alterations in PC of drug formulations can adversely affect treatment with medications in space. Preliminary evaluation of stability and shelf-life of select pharmaceuticals (12) flown on space missions revealed that 37% and 40% of the formulations failed to meet USP requirements after shuttle and ISS flights, respectively. Based on these results, the current investigation is designed to examine the effect of proton (P) and heavy ion (Fe) radiation on 20 pharmaceutical preparations flown aboard the shuttle and ISS. The objectives of this project are: 1) Examine susceptibility of pharmaceuticals to short acute bouts of high intensity ionizing radiation species encountered during space flights; 2) Estimate extent of degradation of susceptible formulations as a function of intensity of each beam (P & Fe); and 3) compare and contrast the effects of single beam irradiation to that of a combined beam (P + Fe) that simulates space craft environment on drug stability. Irradiations were conducted at the Brookhaven National Laboratories (BNL) with beam strengths of 10 cGy, 10 or 50Gy of P and Fe beams separately. Preliminary evaluation of results revealed a reduction in the chemical content of label claim ranging 12-55 % for Augmentin, 7% for promethzine tablets and 9% for ciprofloxacin ointment. These results are in agreement, although less in magnitude than those observed during space flight and after gamma irradiation.
Document ID
20070006730
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Vaksman, Z.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Du, B.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Daniels, V.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Putcha, L.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2007
Subject Category
Space Radiation
Meeting Information
Meeting: HRP Investigators Workshop
Location: League City, TX
Country: United States
Start Date: February 12, 2007
End Date: February 14, 2007
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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