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International Journal of Infectious... May 2021We examined whether existing licensed pharmacotherapies could reduce the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
We examined whether existing licensed pharmacotherapies could reduce the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
METHODS
An open-label parallel randomized controlled trial was performed among healthy migrant workers quarantined in a large multi-storey dormitory in Singapore. Forty clusters (each defined as individual floors of the dormitory) were randomly assigned to receive a 42-day prophylaxis regimen of either oral hydroxychloroquine (400 mg once, followed by 200 mg/day), oral ivermectin (12 mg once), povidone-iodine throat spray (3 times/day, 270 μg/day), oral zinc (80 mg/day)/vitamin C (500 mg/day) combination, or oral vitamin C, 500 mg/day. The primary outcome was laboratory evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection as shown by either: (1) a positive serologic test for SARS-CoV-2 antibody on day 42, or (2) a positive PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 at any time between baseline and day 42.
RESULTS
A total of 3037 asymptomatic participants (mean age, 33.0 years; all men) who were seronegative to SARS-CoV-2 at baseline were included in the primary analysis. Follow-up was nearly complete (99.6%). Compared with vitamin C, significant absolute risk reductions (%, 98.75% confidence interval) were observed for oral hydroxychloroquine (21%, 2-42%) and povidone-iodine throat spray (24%, 7-39%). No statistically significant differences were observed with oral zinc/vitamin C combination (23%, -5 to +41%) and ivermectin (5%, -10 to +22%). Interruptions due to side effects were highest among participants who received zinc/vitamin C combination (6.9%), followed by vitamin C (4.7%), povidone-iodine (2.0%), and hydroxychloroquine (0.7%).
CONCLUSIONS
Chemoprophylaxis with either oral hydroxychloroquine or povidone-iodine throat spray was superior to oral vitamin C in reducing SARS-CoV-2 infection in young and healthy men.
Topics: Adult; COVID-19; Humans; Hydroxychloroquine; Male; Middle Aged; Pharynx; Povidone-Iodine; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 33864917
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.04.035 -
Cureus Feb 2023A chronic, recurring illness, known as nicotine addiction and dependence, is defined by a person's dependence on the substance up to the extent that their normal... (Review)
Review
A chronic, recurring illness, known as nicotine addiction and dependence, is defined by a person's dependence on the substance up to the extent that their normal day-to-day activities are compromised in the absence of the substance. This paper will highlight first-line smoking cessation treatments, such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion, and varenicline, and second-line medications, such as clonidine, nortriptyline, anxiolytics, mecamylamine, naltrexone, and NicVAX (Nabi Biopharmaceuticals, Rockville, MD, USA). NRT offers many options for nicotine delivery methods, comprising nicotine gum, rapid-release gum, lozenges, transdermal patches, high-dose nicotine patches, oral inhalers, nasal sprays, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), and sublingual tablets. Pharmacotherapies for quitting tobacco should lessen withdrawal symptoms and stop nicotine's reinforcing effects without having too many side effects.
PubMed: 36938244
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.35086 -
Future Science OA Apr 2022To assess the efficacy of vitamin E oral spray in pregnancy.
AIM
To assess the efficacy of vitamin E oral spray in pregnancy.
MATERIALS & METHODS
This was a retrospective study aimed to evaluate efficacy of vitamin E oral spray (vitamin E acetate in a medium chain tryglicerides vehicle - patented formulation) starting from the first trimester of pregnancy, with a control group.
RESULTS
A total of 100 women were included in the study and were compared with a matched control group. Only 25/200 women reported to have at least one teeth cleaning during pregnancy. Women who received the oral spray had a significantly lower risk of preterm birth compared with the control group, and lower risk of periodontal diseases.
CONCLUSION
Use of oil-based vitamin E oral spray in pregnancy is associated with a decreased risk of periodontal diseases and therefore preterm birth.
PubMed: 35369278
DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2021-0095 -
In Vivo (Athens, Greece) 2023A prospective randomized, open-label, single-blinded clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of AFree on the symptoms and course of moderate and severe... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND/AIM
A prospective randomized, open-label, single-blinded clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of AFree on the symptoms and course of moderate and severe COVID-19 in the field hospital.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Two hundred hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were enrolled. The patients were randomized into 100 patients in the interventional AFree group and 100 in the control group. The AFree group patients were treated with AFree oral spray in conjunction with the standard COVID-19 treatment protocol, while the control group of patients were treated with only standard care.
RESULTS
Patients of the AFree group demonstrated a remarkedly faster improvement in all COVID-19-related symptoms, resulting in a shorter time for complete recovery than the control group. More importantly, they showed a shorter time for complete viral clearance. Adding AFree to the standard of care protocol also significantly improved the restoration of taste and smell and reduced lung infiltration. Additionally, the patients in the AFree group also exhibited fewer adverse effects related to treatment.
CONCLUSION
AFree oral spray is a simple-to-use, safe, and effective adjunctive treatment for moderate and severe COVID-19 cases. AFree oral spray was demonstrated to potentially be effective for COVID-19 prevention.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Oral Sprays; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19 Drug Treatment; Prospective Studies; Mobile Health Units; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37369463
DOI: 10.21873/invivo.13262 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) May 2023Bioactive peptides derived from enzymatic hydrolysis are gaining attention for the production of supplements, pharmaceutical compounds, and functional foods. However,... (Review)
Review
Bioactive peptides derived from enzymatic hydrolysis are gaining attention for the production of supplements, pharmaceutical compounds, and functional foods. However, their inclusion in oral delivery systems is constrained by their high susceptibility to degradation during human gastrointestinal digestion. Encapsulating techniques can be used to stabilize functional ingredients, helping to maintain their activity after processing, storage, and digestion, thus improving their bioaccessibility. Monoaxial spray-drying and electrospraying are common and economical techniques used for the encapsulation of nutrients and bioactive compounds in both the pharmaceutical and food industries. Although less studied, the coaxial configuration of both techniques could potentially improve the stabilization of protein-based bioactives via the formation of shell-core structures. This article reviews the application of these techniques, both monoaxial and coaxial configurations, for the encapsulation of bioactive peptides and protein hydrolysates, focusing on the factors affecting the properties of the encapsulates, such as the formulation of the feed solution, selection of carrier and solvent, as well as the processing conditions used. Furthermore, this review covers the release, retention of bioactivity, and stability of peptide-loaded encapsulates after processing and digestion.
PubMed: 37238822
DOI: 10.3390/foods12102005 -
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Oct 2017Spray drying is a promising method for the stabilization of vaccines, which are usually formulated as liquids. Usually, vaccine stability is improved by spray drying in... (Review)
Review
Spray drying is a promising method for the stabilization of vaccines, which are usually formulated as liquids. Usually, vaccine stability is improved by spray drying in the presence of a range of excipients. Unlike freeze drying, there is no freezing step involved, thus the damage related to this step is avoided. The edge of spray drying resides in its ability for particles to be engineered to desired requirements, which can be used in various vaccine delivery methods and routes. Although several spray dried vaccines have shown encouraging preclinical results, the number of vaccines that have been tested in clinical trials is limited, indicating a relatively new area of vaccine stabilization and delivery. This article reviews the current status of spray dried vaccine formulations and delivery methods. In particular it discusses the impact of process stresses on vaccine integrity, the application of excipients in spray drying of vaccines, process and formulation optimization strategies based on Design of Experiment approaches as well as opportunities for future application of spray dried vaccine powders for vaccine delivery.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Desiccation; Drug Compounding; Humans; Influenza Vaccines; Mice; Nasal Sprays; Particle Size; Powders; Vaccine Potency; Vaccines
PubMed: 28925794
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2017.1356952 -
Pharmaceutical Development and... Jun 2020To improve the solubility and oral bioavailability of a novel antimalarial agent ELQ-331(a prodrug of ELQ-300), spray-dried dispersions (SDD) and a self-emulsifying drug...
To improve the solubility and oral bioavailability of a novel antimalarial agent ELQ-331(a prodrug of ELQ-300), spray-dried dispersions (SDD) and a self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) were developed. SDD were prepared with polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer (Soluplus) polymer carrier and Aeroperl 300 Pharma and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, powder X-ray diffraction. For SEDDS, solubility in oils, surfactants, and co-surfactants was determined and ternary phase diagram was constructed to show self-emulsifying area. SEDDS were characterized for spontaneous emulsification and droplet size distribution. The amorphous ELQ-331 SDD improved the solubility to 10× in fast-state simulated intestinal fluid and addition of sodium lauryl sulphate externally to SDDs further improved the solubility to ∼28.5× versus non-formulated drug. SEDDS had good self-emulsifying characteristics with small emulsion droplet sizes and narrow particle distribution. Oral pharmacokinetic studies for SDD and SEDDS formulations were performed in rats. The ELQ-331 rapidly converted to ELQ-300 soon after oral administration in rats. Exposure levels of ELQ-300 were about 1.4-fold higher (based on AUC) in SEDDS than SDD formulations. Poorly soluble drugs like ELQ-331 can be formulated using SDD or SEDDS to improve solubility and oral bioavailability.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Antimalarials; Biological Availability; Drug Compounding; Drug Delivery Systems; Drug Stability; Emulsions; Excipients; Male; Molecular Structure; Polyethylene Glycols; Polyvinyls; Prodrugs; Quinolones; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Solubility
PubMed: 32031478
DOI: 10.1080/10837450.2020.1725893 -
Materia Socio-medica Dec 2016Tonsillopharyngitis (sore throat) is a common disease mainly related to the seasonal common cold. To relieve unpleasant symptoms and discomfort of acute...
INTRODUCTION
Tonsillopharyngitis (sore throat) is a common disease mainly related to the seasonal common cold. To relieve unpleasant symptoms and discomfort of acute tonsillopharyngitis associated with common cold, patients usually take some non-prescription drugs.
THE AIM
The primary aim of this study was to assess subjective determinations of the efficacy and the safety/tolerability of an oral spray comprising a combination of lysozyme chloride and cetylpyridinium chloride in those patients.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The study involved 1727 patients with tonsillopharyngitis associated with common cold and treated with the studied drug, in the period from December 2014 through March 2015.
RESULTS
In total, 95% of patients rated the studied drug to be well, very well and excellently effective. In 32% of patients, the symptoms were relieved 10 minutes after the application of the spray. Significant correlations were found between the two subjective assessments of the drug efficiency with the total of 74.11% (95% CI: 73.41, 77.47%) of patients who said that the feeling of pain in the throat completely disappeared after the drug administration, evaluated the impact/effect of the drug was very good or good (Pearson Chi Square=391.401, p<0.001). The effectiveness was significantly better in patients with up to two episodes of common cold a year (Pearson Chi Square=6.101; p=0.014). The studied drug was rated to be well, very well and excellently tolerated by 97% of patients.
CONCLUSION
According to patients' subjective assessment, the combination of lysozyme chloride and cetylpyridinium chloride in a formulation of spray can quickly, efficiently and safely resolve the symptoms of acute tonsillopharyngitis associated with common cold.
PubMed: 28144200
DOI: 10.5455/msm.2016.28.459-463 -
Journal of Smoking Cessation 2021The pharmacological therapy for smoking cessation recommended by National Institute for Health and care Excellence (NICE) guidelines is nicotine replacement therapy such... (Review)
Review
The pharmacological therapy for smoking cessation recommended by National Institute for Health and care Excellence (NICE) guidelines is nicotine replacement therapy such as gum, inhalator, lozenge, nasal spray, oral spray, sublingual tablet, and transdermal patch. Medications such as bupropion and varenicline are also used. Varenicline is the only established drug used to alleviate symptoms of craving as it acts as a partial nicotine agonist. Galantamine has a similar mechanism of action where it is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and nicotinic receptor agonist. However, varenicline is the only recommended drug. There are not many studies to illustrate the effectiveness of galantamine for smoking cessation. This article explores the possibility of potential use of galantamine in alleviating the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
PubMed: 34471432
DOI: 10.1155/2021/9975811 -
American Journal of Otolaryngology 2021To study the outcome of fluticasone nasal sprays in smell disorders and triamcinolone paste in taste dysfunction in a population of laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2...
BACKGROUND
To study the outcome of fluticasone nasal sprays in smell disorders and triamcinolone paste in taste dysfunction in a population of laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 patients as the test group. The control group will not be given any intervention and only monitoring of these symptoms will be done to compare the recovery time.
METHODS
This prospective interventional study was conducted from June to Nov 2020 at, Datta Meghe University during the COVID-19 outbreak. The 120 enrolled patients were tested at days 1 and 5 after proven infection by RT-PCR test.
RESULT
The mean age for all cases is 50.88 ± 15.93 years, whereas for the controls mean age is 51.2 ± 14.89. 2. Among cases 45 (75%) were males and 15 (25%) were females, among controls 43 (71.66%) were males and 17 (28.33%) were females. Among the case group, after the use of fluticasone spray in the nose and triamcinolone paste in the mouth there was a statistically significant improvement in recognizing all the odours and taste on day 5 compared to day 1. On comparing the smell and taste of cases and control group, either there is no improvement or worsening in smell or taste on day 5 in the control group.
CONCLUSION
The use of fluticasone nasal spray and triamcinolone paste had immensely influenced the basic senses such as smell and taste. Our study showed that olfactory and taste function significantly improved in patients with COVID-19. For all anosmia and dysgeusia cases who received fluticasone nasal spray and triamcinolone medications the recovery of smell senses and the taste was within a week.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Anosmia; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; COVID-19; Case-Control Studies; Dysgeusia; Female; Fluticasone; Humans; India; Male; Middle Aged; Nasal Sprays; Prospective Studies; Triamcinolone
PubMed: 33493729
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2020.102892