OXIDATION DEGRADATION

Oxidation is a common pathway for drug degradation in formulations which can be catalyzed
by oxygen, heavy metals and light leading to formation of free radical. In pharmaceutical
dosage forms oxidation is mediated by reaction with atmospheric oxygen known as
autoxidation. Oxidative mechanism involve the elimination of electropositive atom, radical or
electron or addition of electronegative group. Alcohols , phenols, amines, sulfides and
unsaturated fats and oil are susceptible to oxidation
TYPES OF OXIDATION
OXIDATION-REDUCTION
 The oxidative decomposition of pharmaceuticals compounds is responsible for the
instability of a considerable number of pharmaceutical preparations. For example: steroids,
vitamins, antibiotics and epinephrine undergo oxidative degradation. These reaction are
mediated either by free radicals or by molecular oxygen.
 A substance is said to be oxidixed if electrons are removed from it. Oxidation often
involves the addition of oxygen or the removal of hydrogen.
 Heavy metals, particularly those possessing two or more valency state, with suitable
oxidation-reduction potential between them (copper, iron, cobalt and nickel) generally
catalyze oxidative deteriorations.
 These metals reduce the length of the induction period the time in which no measurable
oxidation occurs and increase the maximum rate of oxidation.
 Many oxidations are catalyzed by hydrogen and hydroxyl ions. Example: Quinone to
hydroquinone.
 Rancidity, which can affect nearly all oils and fats is a widely known formed by the auto-
oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids present in an oil or fat.
Auto-oxidation
This oxidation involves or occurs in the presence of air as O2. The reaction proceeds slowly
under the influence of atmospheric oxygen Photo-oxidation. This oxidation electron is
removed without the presence of O2. This reaction is less frequently observed, its mostly
occur in adrenaline and riboflavin Auto- oxidation Photo- oxidation
PROTECTION FROM OXIDATION
 Choice of suitable pharmaceutical dosage form which reduces the possibility of oxidation
process.
 Maintenance of PH by using buffers solution.
 Choice of suitable solvents.
 Storage in low temperature.
 Protection from air.
 Low oxygen contents.
ANTIOXIDANTS
 They are added to the drugs or the other pharmaceuticals to prevent their oxidation through
oxidative processes.
 Antioxidants undergo oxidation more readily than the drugs or other pharmaceuticals with
which they are present.
 Antioxidants are mainly used in pharmaceuticals preparation containing readily oxidizable
substances to prevent them in their original form.