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Which Pain Reliever Has a Faster Dissolution Time:
Brand or Generic?
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Researched by Ashleigh
R.
2001-02 |
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PURPOSE
The purpose of this experiment was to determine the dissolution times of
three different pain relievers, comparing brand names to generic names.
I became interested in this idea when my family is always suffering
from headaches, and dont know which pain reliever works fastest.
The information gained from this experiment would benefit society; by
informing them which pain reliever is more easily dissolved.
HYPOTHESIS
My first hypothesis was that Ibuprofen would dissolve fastest of all pain
relievers.
I base my hypothesis on the fact that many brand and generic forms of
pain relievers have different sugar coatings on them, and Ibuprofen doesn't
have very much of a coating.
My second hypothesis was that there would be a difference between generic
ibuprofen and brand name Advil.
I base my hypothesis on the fact again that Ibuprofen has a soft sugar
coating, but Advil has a hard gel coating, thus meaning it will take longer
to get through Advils coating, to get to the actual pain reliever itself.
EXPERIMENT DESIGN
The constants in this study were:
* The amount of water (125 ml)
* The temperature of the water (36-37 degrees Celsius)
* Amount of Hydrochloric acid (100 ml)
* The temperature of Hydrochloric acid (36-37 degrees Celsius)
* Place the experiment was conducted
* Strength of pain relievers (regular strength)
* pH of simulated stomach acid
* Test procedures
* Stirring method
The first manipulated variable was the types of pain relievers used.
The second manipulated variable was the brand name verses the generic
form of each drug.
The responding variable was the time it took for each pain reliever
to dissolve.
To measure the responding variable I timed how long it takes for each
pain reliever to dissolve in seconds, by a digital timer (stop watch).
MATERIALS
| Quantity |
Item Description |
| 1 |
Stopwatch |
| 2 |
200 mL beakers |
| 8 |
Tablets of Acetaminophen |
| 8 |
Tablets of Tylenol |
| 8 |
Tablets of Aspirin |
| 8 |
Tablets of Bayer |
| 8 |
Tablets of Ibuprofen |
| 8 |
Tablets of Advil |
| 1 |
Pair of Latex gloves |
| 1 |
Microwave |
| 2 |
Magnetic stirrers |
| 1 |
Celsius thermometer |
| 1 |
Liter of simulated stomach acid (0.01 molar of simulated stomach acid,
0.10 grams per liter of amylase, and 0.05 grams per liter of pepsin) |
| -- |
Distilled Water |
| 1 |
Roll of paper towels |
| 1 |
Apron |
| 1 |
Pair of goggles |
| 1 |
1000 mL beaker |
| 1 |
Pen or Pencil |
| 1 |
Notebook to record results |
PROCEDURES
PREPARATION
1. Put on apron.
2. Put on goggles.
3. Put on one pair of latex gloves.
4. Gather 1 Liter of simulated stomach acid.
5. Heat to 37* Celsius.
6. Gather 1 Liter of water.
7. Heat to 37* Celsius.
CONDUCTING THE EXPERIMENT
8. Fill each beaker.
9. Then gather two 200 ml beakers, and fill with simulated stomach
acid to the 150 ml mark.
10. Place each beaker (that is filled with simulated stomach acid)
on its own magnetic stirrer.
11. Set magnetic stirrer dial to the middle of the dials range of movement.
12. Drop the first tablet into one 200 ml beaker simulated stomach
acid and immediately start the stopwatch.
13. Once a tablet is totally dissolved stop the stop watch in which
was timing it.
14. Record results right away.
15. Leave the magnetic stirrer on.
16. Empty out both beakers of the simulated stomach acid and the dissolved
tablets.
17. Wash all materials in water.
18. Dry with paper towels.
19. Repeat steps 10 through 18 three more times.
20. Then repeat steps 10 through 23 except using water instead of simulated
stomach acid.
RESULTS
The original purpose of this experiment was to determine the dissolution
times of three different pain relievers, comparing brand names and their
generic names.
The results of the experiment were that all of the pills dissolved faster
in distilled water than in gastric stomach acid. Bayer dissolved fastest,
followed by Acetaminophen then Tylenol, then Advil, next by Ibuprofen,
and finally Aspirin.
View My Data and Graphs Below.
CONCLUSION
My first hypothesis was that Ibuprofen would dissolve fastest of all pain
relievers.
My second hypothesis was that there would be a difference between generic
ibuprofen and brand name Advil.
The results indicate that the first hypothesis should be rejected.
The results indicate that the first hypothesis should be accepted.
Because of the results of this experiment, I wonder if water temperature
or the speed of the magnetic stirrers could have been a factor to lead
to these results.
If I were to conduct this experiment again I would have the weight of
the magnets be the same, the magnetic stirrers be at exactly the same spot
on the speed dial, I would keep a better log of my experiment, I would
have more samples of my experiment, I would also make sure the liquid being
used stayed at the same temperature for the experiment.
RESEARCH REPORT
Introduction
Pain relievers play a major roll for people all over the world. Whether
it is taking medication for headaches or for a cold they work to get rid
of pain. To be effective, pain relievers must dissolve quickly so the body
can absorb them.
Medicine
Medicine is used to treat illnesses. The goal of medicine is to save
lives, improve health, and relieve suffering. In the mid 1800s people
lived to the average age of fifty years old. Now with the new advances
in medicine people live to about 75 years old and many are still living
10 to 20 years past that age.
Pain Relievers
Pain relievers are taken regularly by many Americans. Pain relievers
are drugs taken to relieve pain and discomfort. The most commonly taken
drugs are aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen. These drugs are classified
as analgesics, drugs that relieve pain without causing loss of consciousness.
Aspirin
Aspirin also known as acetylsalicylic acid. The formula is C9H8O4,
is a white odorless medication with a bitter taste. Aspirin relieves pains
such as headaches, arthritis, and fever from infections. Today, aspirin
is the most commonly used drug in the world, though it does have some cautions.
Aspirin can cause irritation to the stomach lining, thus may lead to stomach
bleeding. Also, aspirin should not be given to children who have chicken
pox or influenza, the child could develop Reyes Syndrome, which is an
illness that could cause serious damage to humans who are affected by it.
Aspirin is also sold under a various trade names (name that has the same
ingredients only sold by a different company) of Bayer. Bayer has the same
cautioning and relieves the same common pains.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen reduces inflammation, fever, and other pains. Ibuprofen
works by blocking the formation of prostaglandins (hormone like chemicals
found throughout the body.) Ibuprofen has fewer side effects than Aspirin,
though Ibuprofen can cause stomach irritation, which may lead to minor
stomach bleeding. Ibuprofen was developed in the 1960s and 1970s. Strangely,
if youre allergic to Aspirin then you're most likely allergic to Ibuprofen.
In the past, Ibuprofen was doctor prescribed but now is sold over-the-counter.
Prolonged use of Ibuprofen can cause ulcers and stomach bleeding. Ibuprofen
is not recommended for pregnant women. If Ibuprofen is taken excessively
it may cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, or rapid heart beat,
also it should be avoided when drinking alcoholic beverages. A common
trade name for Ibuprofen is Advil. Advil is the same medicine, just under
a different name.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is a commonly used drug around the world. It relieves
mild pain and fever, but does not irritate the stomach, or interfere with
blood clotting. Acetaminophen is good when taken with a sensitive stomach,
but not when taken to reduce inflammation. Acetaminophen can cause liver
damage if taken in large amounts, and death may occur. Acetaminophen is
also sold under the name Tylenol. It was first introduced in 1893 under
the name "Phenacetin," but became a widespread drug in 1949.
Acid
The word "Acid" comes from the Latin name "acetum," which means
"vinegar." Acids are a large group of important chemicals that are usually
corrosive, and have a sour taste. Acids are categorized into two groups,
organic acids and mineral acids. Common organic acids are things such as
citrus juices, from fruits like oranges, and lemons. Mineral acids are
acids such as Hydrochloric, sulfuric, and nitric acids. Mineral acids are
the strong acids, the strong acids dissociate almost totally when dissolving
in water.
Hydrochloric Acid
Hydrochloric acid is a highly corrosive, colorless, non-flammable
gas. It has a suffocating odor, and fumes strongly in moist air. Hydrochloric
acid is made by molecules of hydrogen chloride ionize, becoming positively
charged hydrogen ions and negatively charged chloride ions.
Hydrochloric acid is found close to the sight of erupting volcanoes,
and is used for cleaning steel, and used to make common plastics, such
as vinyl and PVC. Hydrochloric acid is also known as "Muriatic acid" or
"HCl." HCl can cause serious burns.
Gastric Fluid
Gastric fluid is also known as gastric juices. There are small amounts
of hydrochloric acid in our stomach linings, it is one of the main acids
that breakdown food in our stomachs. Gastric fluid is made of hydrochloric
acid and an enzyme called Pepsin.
Water
Water is the fluid of our lives. In fact it is the most common substance
on Earth. Water covers more than seventy percent of the Earth, although
only three percent of it is fresh water. The chemical name of water is
H2O, because it is one part hydrogen and two parts oxygen.
Solubility
When dissolving, the largest quantity is the solvent, and the smallest
quantity is the solute. The solvent is called the aqueous solution; the
solute can be gas, liquid, or a solid.
In microscopes, solutions look homogenous. Homogenous means of
the same or similar kind of nature, or being the same throughout.
Conclusion
Pain relievers have played a more important roll in society ever
since they have been discovered. Water and hydrochloric acid in the stomach
fluids help dissolve medications. |
BIBLIOGRAPHY
"Acetaminophen" Encarta 2000
"Analgesic." Encarta 2001
"Aspirin." Encarta 2000
Carter, Joseph L. et al. "Solutions" Physical Science. Massachusetts.
Ginn and Co. 1971.
"Hydrochloric Acid." Encarta 2000
"Hydrogen Chloride." Encarta online. November 2, 2001 http://www.encarta.msn.com.
"Ibuprofen" Encarta 2001.
Johnson, Eugene M. "Acetaminophen." The World Book Encyclopedia. 2001
Johnson, Eugene M. "Ibuprofen." The World Book Encyclopedia. 1999.
Johnson, Leonard R., et al., Eds. Physiology of the Intestinal Tract.
Raven Press. 1994
Keinath, Thomas M. "Water." The World Book Encyclopedia 1999. P. 116.
Knapp, Brian. "Acids." Hydrogen and Other Noble Gases. Connecticut
Grolier Education/ Sherman Turnpike 1997. P. 18-19.
Knapp, Brian. "Hydrochloric Acid." Hydrogen and Other Noble Gases.
Connecticut. Grolier Educational/ Sherman Turnpike 1997. P. 22 - 23
"Life Expectancy" January 2002 http://www.gilbertling.org/Ikp4.htm
"Medicine" The World Book Encyclopedia 1999. P. 363
"Pain Relievers." October 2001 http://encarta.msn.com.
Robbins, Keith. "Aspirin." The World Book Encyclopedia. 1999. P. 816.
Sladeck, N.E. "Aspirin." The World Book Encyclopedia. November 2001
http://www.aolsvc.worldbook.aol.com/wbol/wbpage/ha/ar/co/033800.
Smith, Carolyn J. "Hydrochloric Acid." The World Book Encyclopedia.
1999. P. 465.
"Solutions, Solubility, Physical Properties." Encarta 2001. |
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank many people for helping me complete this project.
It would not have been possible without them.
* First of all I would like to thank my mom and my grandma for buying
me tablets to complete my project.
* Next I would like to thank my dad for picking me up everyday possible
for after school sessions.
* I would like to thank family friends for picking me up when my dad
couldnt make it to my after school sessions.
* I would like to thank Mr. Newkirk for helping me conduct my whole
project, for staying late everyday after school to do my testing, also
for helping me correct my project over and over again until it was correct.
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