Consideration and Suggestions on Dosage Labeling Issues in Chinese Patent Medicines Instructions
10.3870/j.issn.1004-0781.2025.05.008
- VernacularTitle:中成药说明书剂量标示问题的思考及建议
- Author:
Juan XU
1
;
Gaiping WANG
;
Yu ZHANG
;
Lingjun DONG
;
Junfei WANG
;
Hongfeng LIU
;
Weihong CHEN
Author Information
1. 山西白求恩医院(山西医学科学院)、山西医科大学第三医院、同济山西医院药学部,太原 030032
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Instructions of Chinese patent medicine;
Standardization;
Dosage labeling
- From:
Herald of Medicine
2025;44(5):720-726
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To explore a standardized approach for indicating dosages in Chinese patent medicines(CPM)instructions.Methods A review of 1 378 classic formulas of traditional Chinese medicine in the 2020 edition of the Pharmaco-poeia of the People's Republic of China(Chinese Pharmacopoeia)was conducted,focusing on three aspects:overdose,different dosage forms,and inclusion of toxic herbs.Approximately 50 representative formulas were selected,and their daily dosage of herbal pieces and the corresponding dosage of individual herbs were calculated.These results were then compared and analyzed against the dosages stipulated in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia.Results ①Overdose:Among the 1 378 reviewed formulas,146(10.60％)were found to involve overdose.Specifically,eight formulas were identified as having an overdose of approximately 3 to 5 times the recommended dose,including Duanxueliu tablets and Zhixue Fumai mixture.②Dosage variations across dosage forms:Based on the conversion of the Ming-Qing dynasty dosage of one liang(Chinese traditional weight unit)to 36 g,the estimated dai-ly dose per component of crude herbs in Yinqiao powder was close to the upper limit specified in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia.The total daily dose of crude herbs(75.60 g)was approximately five times that of the Yinqiao powder(15 g)listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and three times that of the Japanese Kampo Yinqiao powder(23.868 g).Significant differences in dosage were ob-served among Yinqiao Jiedu preparations of different dosage forms.In terms of total daily dose of crude herbs,granules(52.50 g)had the highest dose,approximately 3-5 times that of tablets/capsules(11.20 g),soft capsules(13.44 g),and powders(15.00 g),but still 30％ lower than the original prescription from ancient texts(75.6 g).Comparing the daily dose per compo-nent,granules fell within the Chinese Pharmacopoeia dose range,while tablets,capsules,soft capsules,and powders were all below the Chinese Pharmacopoeia dose.③Inclusion of toxic herbs:Among the 20 oral formulations containing Strychnos nux-vomica(Maqianzi)listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia,seven species exceeded the pharmacopoeial dose of 0.3-0.6 g per day.Notably,Shenjin Huoluo pill and Shufeng Dingtong pill exceeded the Chinese Pharmacopoeia dose by 1.5-2 times.The daily dose of strych-nosine in Shenjin Huoluo pill was 21.3 mg,exceeding the toxic dose range of 5-10 mg.Conclusions The dosage indications in CPM instructions must adhere to a unified format,clearly stating the daily dose per component of crude herbs,the total daily dose of crude herbs,and the total number of administrations under the"Dosage and Administration"section.For instance,"Yinqiao Jiedu granules,with a total daily dose equivalent to 60 g of crude herbs taken in four doses(including:Flos Lonicerae 10.71 g,Fructus Forsythiae 10.71 g,Radix Platycodi 6.43 g,Herba Menthae Haplocalycis 6.43 g,Fructus Arctii 6.43 g,Semen Sojae Preparatum 5.36 g,Radix Glycyrrhizae 5.36 g,Herba Lophatheri 4.29 g,Herba Schizonepetae 4.29 g)."For CPM containing tox-ic herbs,dosage indications are even more crucial,such as specifying the daily dose of Maqianzi powder/processed Maqianzi and strychnosine in formulations containing this herb.
