Simple and sensitive methods are developed for microdetermination of drugs acting on the central nervous system. The assay employs the partially purified synaptosomal membrane isolated from rat brain. In the assay, ³H-Quinuclidinyl benzylate competes with drugs for binding to the receptor. The detection limit for scopolamine was 20 ng/ml. This method was applied for the measurement of other drugs acting on the central nervous system. The values of IC₅₀ were lower than 0.1μg/ml in biperiden, trihexyphenidyl, levomepromazine, and promethazine.
The method has been used to determine plasma levels in 9-week-old and 21-week-old rats after i. v. injection of 1 mg/kg scopolamine. The blood levels of scopolamine at each time after the administration are significantly different between 9-week-old and 21-week-old rats. The values of V_dss determined in 21-week-old rats were significantly increased as compared to the 9-week-old rats, whereas CL_tot were not changed.

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Eight patients with non-small cell lung cancer were given long-term oral therapy with lowdose etoposide (25mg to 5 patients and 50mg to 3), and the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety were evaluated to determine the optimal administration method.
Blood was collected 7-10 times on the day when treatment was initiated, and periodically thereafter for up to 60 days to measure the plasma etoposide concentration. The data obtained at each time on the initial day were analyzed and the pharmacokinetic parameters for each patient were calculated by the Bayesian method to estimate the plasma levels on day 2, 7, 14, 30, and 60 of treatment. The estimated levels conformed well to the actual measured data, and it was hence judged that no accumulation of the drug occurred during long-term therapy. No toxity (including hematological toxity) that required the discontinuation of treatment occurred, suggesting that the maximum tolerable dose (MTD) was not reached.
Administration of a daily dose of 25mg did not maintain a sufficient plasma concentration, and not less than 50mg/day seemed to be needed. In view of the necessity for increasing the duration of a plasma level of ≥1μg/ml, treatment with a daily dose of 75 mg divided into 3 portions appears to be worth considering.

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Accuracy of dividing weight of 11 drugs (5 powders, 3 fine glanules and 3 glanules) were tested on a automatic pre-packing machine, TOSHO BL-4W. The mean coefficient of variation (C. V.) was 3.9% for 30 subpacks of 1g in theoretical weight and sufficient accuracy of dividing weight was obtained. However, fine lactose, corn starch, and precipitated calcium carbonate showed relatively large C. V. values. The mean C. V. of 3 drugs (Gastropylore, heavy magnesium oxide and Marzulene S) were 3.0 and 5.5% obtained on 0.3 and 0.6g in theoretical weight, respectively, and these mean C.V. were regarded as sufficient. However, on 0.3g in theoretical weight, Gastropylore gave relatively large C. V., 8.5%. Gastropylore also gave relatively large C. V. on total weight of 30 subpacks. Angles of fall were highly correlated to C. V. values. It is suggested that angles of fall are especially useful for predict accuracy of dividing weight on a pre-packing machine.

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Dalteparin sodium injection (1000 international units/ml, Fragmin IV) was studied on its compatibility with various antibiotics, antineoplastics and other various injections. Turbidity occured or anti-factor Xa activity decreased in combinations with some drugs, which were also reported incompatible with heparin. In other combinations neither significant change in external appearance and pH nor significant decrease in anti-factor Xa activity were observed up to 24 hours after mixing. These results suggest that Fragmin IV is highly compatible with various antibiotics, antineoplastics and other various injections.

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We (i. e., the pharmacists) attempted the progressive clinical pharmacy services to the medical ward of the Department of Internal Medicine 1 in our hospital. For this purpose, we participated in the clinical conference with medical doctors for a year before the beginning of patient educations. In addition, we performed mainly the pharmacokinetic services in several disease states which altered the drug dispositions. Furthermore, we educated intensively the patients who were required much effort to improve their compliance for the prescribed drugs. As a result, we could make up a good communication with patients and medical staffs.

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A conference on narcotics was held at KKR Sannomaru in Nagoya on September 3 to 4. 1991, attended by personnels dealing with narcotics in the department of hospital pharmacy of all Japanese national university. In this meeting the present condition of management of narcotics in each hospital was reported and controversial points were taken up for discussion. This papar represents the results obtained from the meeting concerning the present condition of management of narcotics in national university hospital and topics for further discussion under the circumstances changing greatly.

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It seems to be useful for the pharmacists to educate the proper indication of disinfectants in view of preventing the nosocomial transmission. The present study has been carried out to clarify the real condition about disinfection at each hospital in Isinomaki and Kesennuma area. The results have shown that it is essential to identify its concentration, duration and temperature in case of using disinfectants. A guideline concerning disinfectants was drawn up to make use in the everyday medical business.

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