Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Quantification of the Immunosuppressant Tacrolimus on Dried Blood Spots Using LC-MS/MS
Published on: November 8, 2015
Imaging Analysis Enables Differentiation of the Distribution of Pharmaceutical Ingredients in Tacrolimus Ointments
Mika Yoshimura Fujii1, Yoshihisa Yamamoto2, Tatsuo Koide3
1Milott Cosmetic Corporation, Yokohama, Japan.
Abstract:
We demonstrated the difference in the distribution state of pharmaceutical ingredients between tacrolimus (TCR) original ointment and six kinds of generic medicines. Two-dimensional imaging and depth analysis using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectroscopy and confocal Raman microscopy were used, in addition to the evaluation of pharmaceutical properties, including spreading properties, rheological properties, and amount of solvent. The solvents, such as propylene carbonate and triacetin, in TCR ointments formed liquid droplets and dispersed in hydrocarbon oils. Waxes, white beeswax and beeswax, formed other domains. Confocal Raman microscopy could detect liquid droplet size without coalescence of that on germanium or glass surfaces. The combination of ATR FT-IR and confocal Raman imaging would be a powerful tool to reveal the size and shape of liquid droplets of pharmaceutical ingredients in semisolid formulations.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Pharmaceutical Equivalents
Pharmaceutical Alternatives: Stability-Related Therapeutic Nonequivalence
Drug Distribution: Volume of Distribution
F Distribution
Factors Influencing Drug Absorption: Pharmaceutical Parameters
Pharmaceutical Alternatives: Excipients and Impurities-Related Therapeutic Nonequivalence

