An antioxidants are molecules which acts as an reducing agents which are added to the pharmaceuticals or the drugs to prevent their oxidation through oxidative process. It is a molecule which stops , inhibit or prevents the oxidation of other molecule. The antioxidant in the pharmaceuticals prevents the oxidation of active compound and in place get oxidized itself.
Criteria for any substance which act as antioxidant:
- Antioxidants should not be toxic and harmful to the human body.
- Antioxidants must be physiologically and chemically compatible.
- Antioxidants should be chemically inert.
- Small amount of antioxidants must also protect the material and for prolong period of time.
Example of antioxidants.
- Hypo phosphorus acid
- Sulfur Dioxide
- Sodium metabisulphite
- Sodium Sulphite
- Nitrogen
- Carbon Dioxide
- Sodium Nitrite
- Sodium Thiosulphate