A reappraisal of herbal medicinal products.

Complementary and alternative medicine is increasingly popular, and encompasses a number of systems and therapies based on diverse theories and practices, such as homoeopathy, traditional herbalism, reiki, ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. While many are based on metaphysical concepts for which there is no sound evidence, for herbal medicines there is a rational, scientific basis and increasing clinical evidence. This article suggests herbal medicines should no longer be considered part of CAM, but instead sit alongside conventional medicines.

Compatibility and stability of dexamethasone sodium phosphate and ketamine hydrochloride subcutaneous infusions in polypropylene syringes.

The stability of ketamine hydrochloride injection and dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection, when mixed and stored in polypropylene syringes, was studied. Formulations containing ketamine hydrochloride (50 mg or 600 mg) and dexamethasone sodium phosphate (1 mg) in 0.9% sodium chloride injection (to 14 ml) were prepared and stored at 4 degrees C, 23 degrees C, and 37 degrees C, under normal fluorescent light conditions, for 192 hours.