Ethical Observations on the Choice of Parenteral Solvents

Abstract

The parenteral administration of insoluble drugs leads to the use of biologically active solvents inducing effects associated with ethical cause of concern including pain and pharmacological interactions. Selected vehicles currently used were ethically and scientifically reviewed. Our investigations allowed reinforcing the formulation decision tree with an ethical point of view. The last generation of cyclodextrin appears to be the safest solvent. Second choice could be lipidic emulsions, third choice being co-solvents, and finally non-ionic surfactants because of their hypersensitivity reactions. Screening tests including pH, osmolality measurements, cytotoxicity, and hemotoxicity, should allow to check the formulation tolerance before the animals' administration.

Keywords:

• solvents
• toxicology
• parenteral administration
• adverse effects
• ethical considerations

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The author thanks Catherine Maisonneuve and Anne Sayes for the comments and help during the preparation of the first manuscript.