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The Effects of Impurities in Pharmaceuticals

The Effects of Impurities in Pharmaceuticals

Using pure substances in pharmaceuticals is vital to the safety and efficacy of the drug. However, obtaining an entirely pure substance is often tricky for laboratories and manufacturers, especially since each chemical and substance has a different level of purity.   

Effects of Impurities in Pharmaceuticals  

Different types of impurities can affect pharmaceuticals in different ways. The following are some of the most common concerns that impurities in pharmaceuticals can create.

  • Impurities may be incompatible with other substances, taking away their therapeutic effects.
  • Impurities may lower the shelf life of a substance.  
  • Impurities may cause difficulties during formulation and use of the substance.
  • Impurities can change a substance’s physical and chemical properties, once again taking away its intended therapeutic effects.
  • Impurities can have toxic effect after a certain period.  
  • They can cause injury when present above certain limits. 
  • They can change the odor, color, or taste of a substance.

How To Control Impurities in Pharmaceuticals   

Impurity control is a challenging but essential process in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Understanding the formation of impurities is the first step in managing their presence in a pharmaceutical. Once the formation is understood, controls are set up at the point of entry or the point of formation to eliminate these impurities from entering the manufacturing process.   

The Importance of Identification  

Keeping all impurities out of a pharmaceutical substance is not always a possibility. However, to ensure the pharmaceutical is still safe for users, the specific impurities must be identified and categorized as one of the three types of contaminants. For example, if a class one residual solvent were present, the pharmaceutical would be deemed unsafe.   

The effects of impurities in pharmaceuticals are not to be overlooked. Impurities in pharmaceuticals can have incredibly negative effects on the substance’s intended use and safety, making them necessary details to control and identify.

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Tags: , Last modified: November 23, 2020