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Kinetics of Degradation of Levothyroxine in Aqueous Solution and in Solid State

Pharmaceutical Research volume 9, pages 131–137 (1992)Cite this article

Abstract

The kinetics of the deiodination of levothyroxine in aqueous solution were studied over the pH range 1 to 12. Temperature dependence of the reaction was also studied. The log k − pH profile indicated that the kinetics of deiodination include proton attack on the anion and dianion in acidic solution and water attack on the anion and dianion in alkaline solution. A possible mechanism of the deiodination was discussed. The solid-state stability of levothyroxine sodium was studied at elevated temperatures; and the compound was found to undergo deamination on heating. The decomposition follows biphasic first-order kinetics, with the most rapid decomposition occurring at the beginning of heating.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Analytical and Physical Chemistry Department, Rhône-Poulenc Rorer Central Research, 500 Virginia Drive, Building No. 5, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, 19034

    Chong Min Won

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  1. Chong Min Won
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Won, C.M. Kinetics of Degradation of Levothyroxine in Aqueous Solution and in Solid State. Pharm Res 9, 131–137 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018952415732

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