Abstract: A blended powder sampling thief for sampling a powder includes an elongated rod that has an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion defines at least one cavity. A tubular sheath is disposed about the rod and is slidable between a lower position in which the tubular sheath exposes the at least one cavity and an upper position in which the at least one cavity is exposed. When the rod is inserted into the powder and the tubular sheath is in the upper position, the powder flows into the at least one cavity. When the tubular sheath is slid into the lower position, a sample of the powder is entrapped in the at least one cavity so that when the sampling thief is removed from the powder, the sample of the powder will remain in the at least one cavity.

Abstract: In a method of treating a pharmaceutical component, a reducing substance is added to a solution of water and a pharmaceutical excipient having at least one residual reactive impurity. The reducing substance is allowed to react with the residual reactive impurity, thereby generating an inert reaction product. The any remaining amount of the reducing substance is removed from the pharmaceutical excipient. The pharmaceutical excipient is dried after the removing step.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for use in relieving cold and cough symptoms in a mammal includes ibuprofen, hydrocodone bitartrate and an antihistamine (or a decongestant). The ibuprofen is in a therapeutically effective amount sufficient to act as an analgesic and an anti-inflammatory. The hydrocodone bitartrate is in a therapeutically effective amount sufficient to act as an antitussive and an analgesic. The antihistamine is in a therapeutically effective amount to act as an antihistamine. A fatty excipient may be added to the active ingredients to facilitate encapsulation. Multiple layers of the fatty excipient may be employed in varying release formulations and to facilitate identification of the composition.

Abstract: Thyroxine medications which include combinations of levothyroxine, and/or liothronine, or dextrothyroxine, or thyroid, and one or more iodine salts, or iodine donor compounds are described, which produce a stable thyroxine medication, with a long shelf life. A method for manufacturing the medications is also described.

Abstract: The invention discloses a medication which requires the combination of levothyroxine sodium and potassium iodide, with the potassium iodide acting as a stabilizing excipient, the presence of which results in a more stable levothyroxine sodium medication and provides for longer shelf life of the medication. A method for manufacturing the disclosed medication is also provided.