Injections, Cephaeline

Authentic alkaloids, emetine, cephaeline and protoemetine, were dissolved in an appropriate volume of methanol and injected onto a TSK gel ODS-120A column, the elution parameters such as the type of counter ion. Fig. (7), the pH of the mobile phase. Fig. (8), and column temperature. Fig. (9), were examined to find an optimal condition employing a flow-rate of 1.0 ml/min and UV detection at 285 nm. 

Cephaeline (2), psychotrine (3), O-methylpsychotrine (4), emetamine (5), and rubremetine (126) (7) were found as decomposition products from emetine hydrochloride injection solutions stored in a light stability cabinet at room temperature, 8°C, and 37 C 107). Teshima et al. 101) investigated the stabilizing effects of /3-, y-, and 2,6-dimethyl-/3-cyclodextrins against the photodegradation and thermal degradation of cephaeline (2) in aqueous solution. 

O-methylpsychotrine, and emetamine [7], Fig. (2), emetine and cephaeline being the principal active ingredients. Emetine having a more expectorant and less emetic action than cephaeline is the most commonly used alkaloid in medicine [8], Emetine hydrochloride is used in the treatment of amoebic dysentery by injection. Strong emetic action of the alkaloids characterizes an ipecac syrup that is the first choice of drug in the case of infant intoxication [9]. 

Catechol and hydroquinol are also attacked by nitrous acid, but the reducible products of this reaction were not identified. Nevertheless, the two waves resulting from the reaction of the catechol grouping in rutin with nitrous acid can be used for analytical purposes. Similarly quecitrin can also be determined. In a similar manner and by following the procedure given for morphine, cephaeline was determined, although the structure of the reducible compound has not been proved. In the determination, a 100-foId excess of emetine does not interfere and it can be applied to tinctura ipecacuanhae and injections. 

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