THE SOLID STATE STABILITY OF ORAL REHYDRATION SALTS

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Abstract
The stability of rehydration salts (Electrolyte Powder B.P.C. [British Pharmaceutical Codex]) used in the treatment of infantile diarrhea and cholera, was investigated by examining the discoloration of the salts under different conditions. Colorimetric measurements were obtained with a reflectometer. Browning reactions in the electrolyte solutions were followed by absorbance at 284 nm and by the thiobarbituric acid reaction at 443 nm. The original white color of the mixture began to turn yellow during the 2nd wk of exposure at 50 .+-. 1.degree. C under humid conditions. Storage at room temperature caused discoloration only after 4 wk. Of the 3 Hunter''s values L [lightness value], a and b [chromaticity coordinates] the degree of b increased significantly. Discoloration of the mixture was accompanied by spectral changes. The peaks of the spectra shifted uniformly but did not reach 284 nm. The plot of Hunter''s L, a, b against time indicated that decomposition of glucose in the powder into early intermediates followed apparent zero order kinetics. Polymerization of the intermediates after prolonged storage under adverse conditions is a possibility. The rehydration salts should be prepared extemporaneously when required unless strict storage conditions are adhered to.

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