Abstract: A vial, particularly a glass vial, having a diagonally disposed cut line which is defined by off-set indentations in the neck portion of the vial.

Abstract: A cefalexin preparation coated with a coating layer the solubility of which layer is pH-dependent and dissolves in the upper intestine is preferably administered concurrently with a normal (plain, quick-releasing) cefalexin. The coated preparation is preferably coated, in the particle form and when administered orally, exists in the particle form in the stomach. Preferably, the coating layer is made from a coating material having a dissolution pH of from 5.5 to 6.5, and the ratio in terms of potency of the coated cefalexin to the normal cefalexin is between 15:85 and 60:40. The coated cefalexin and the normal cefalexin can be formulated in a pharmaceutical preparation preferably in a unit-dosage form, e.g., capsules, tablets or particles or in strip-packages.

Abstract: The sugar-coated solid dosage forms have improved disintegrability even in a neutral medium after prolonged storage, with sugar-coating layers having excellent mechanical strengths. The coating layer that is in direct contact with the surface of the solid dosage form contains a water-insoluble hydroxypropyl cellulose with a relatively low content of hydroxypropoxy groups, say, from 4 to 16% by weight. The hydroxypropyl cellulose is used by being suspended in the coating syrup or mixed in the dusting powder for purposes of subcoating. It is also possible to use the hydroxypropyl cellulose in the form of suspension to form a smoothing coat.

Abstract: A diagnostic composition containing as a chromogen a diamino-biphenyl derivative in which at least one of the hydrogen atoms in the amino groups thereof is replaced by a lower alkyl group by reaction with an alkylating agent. The diagnosing instrument is prepared by impregnating a bibulous, porous support in a solution comprising the diagnostic composition and optionally a saccharide oxidase, peroxidase and a guaiac, and, if necessary, a buffer, a surfactant, a background adjusting dye and/or an agent for increasing the viscosity of the composition. This diagnosing instrument can be handled in a simple and convenient way and is used to identify semi-quantitatively a saccharide in body fluids or excrements of humans or animals with reliability.

Abstract: A diagnostic composition is prepared which contains as a chromogen a diamino-biphenyl derivative in which at least one of the hydrogen atoms in the amino groups thereof is replaced by a lower alkyl group by reaction with an alkylating agent. A diagnosing instrument is prepared by impregnating a bibulous, porous support in a solution comprising the diagnostic composition and optionally a saccharide oxidase, peroxidase and a guaiac, and, if necessary, a buffer, a surfactant, a background adjusting dye and/or an agent for increasing the viscosity of the composition. This diagnosing instrument can be handled in a simple and convenient way and is used to identify semi-quantitatively a saccharide in body fluids or excrements of humans or animals with reliability.