Drugs are reduced in space

Astronauts participate in long-term missions in space that cannot use paracetamol to treat headaches or antibiotics to fight inflammation, according to a new study published by the scientists. belonging to Johnson Space Center (USA).

The team tested pharmaceuticals by introducing them into space during different time periods. Photo: SPL.

The BBC's News Agency reported that scientists from the Space Center Johnson found that the effects of the medicines were quickly reduced in space. The cause was identified by the research team as radioactive substances in the spacecraft.

On the ground, medicines have a history of use for many years from the date of manufacture. These medications often need to be stored under certain conditions to ensure their effects such as: avoid direct sunlight from the sun, stay in a dry place and have a low temperature.

Meanwhile, the researchers found that the environment in the space is very harsh, with the presence of radioactive substances from the spacecraft, strong vibrations, micro-gravity, high CO ₂ concentrations. , . reduced the therapeutic effect of drugs.

The team conducted the experiment by introducing four pill boxes containing 35 different types of drugs to the International Space Station (ISS) . 4 similar containers are stored in the Johnson Space Center laboratory according to the environmental conditions listed on the packaging of the product.

Pill boxes on the ISS station are then transported to Earth at different times. One box was returned to Earth after 13 days, while other boxes were kept on the ISS station for 28 months.

'The results of our experiments show that the longer the drug is stored in the space, the less their effect will be reduced. Many medicine boxes stored on the ISS station did not meet the standards of the US Pharmaceutical Agency after being brought to Earth , 'the research team revealed.