european pharmacopoeia 5 with all supplements 1

Preface

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

I. PREFACE
The European Pharmacopoeia was inaugurated in 1964
through the Convention on the Elaboration of a European
Pharmacopoeia. The present Fifth Edition of the European
Pharmacopoeia is therefore published at the time where the
40th Anniversary of the Pharmacopoeia can be celebrated.
The work on the Pharmacopoeia has gone through a
remarkable development since the first difficult years.
Elaboration and approval of monographs and other texts
proceed by an effective and smoothly running process
producing public quality standards that keep pace with
scientific progresses. The work is remarkable because of its
volume - the Fifth Edition presents close to 2000 monographs
and other texts - and because all technical requirements
have to be adopted by the European Pharmacopoeia
Commission by unanimous decision. The monographs of
the Pharmacopoeia are legally enforced in the countries
being signatories to the Convention on the Elaboration of a
European Pharmacopoeia. In addition to the 31 European
countries and the European Union now being parties to the
Convention, the work on the Pharmacopoeia is followed
by 16 European and non-European countries and the
WHO as observers. The quality standards of the European
Pharmacopoeia have, therefore, an impact on the quality of
medicines, which goes far beyond the European region.
The Fifth Edition of the European Pharmacopoeia will
become effective on 1st January 2005. Like the Fourth

Edition, the present main volumes will be added to by three
annual supplements implementing the decisions of each of
the three annual Sessions of the European Pharmacopoeia
Commission. The presentation of the Pharmacopoeia in a
main volume and three annual supplements was initiated by
the publication of the Fourth Edition. The intention was
to increase the flexibility of the publication scheme and,
in particular, to shorten the time span between adoption
and enforcement. The shortening of the time span, which
has indeed been successful, is possible only thanks to a
very flexible attitude by those countries that make national
translations of the European Pharmacopoeia monographs. A
very low number of rapid revisions implemented in the past
three years is another result of the new publication scheme.
The Fourth Edition is completed with the publication of
Supplement 4.8 since it is impracticable to work with more
than the eight supplements. The Commission decided
therefore to proceed to the Fifth Edition by consolidation
of the Fourth Edition after three years, only. The change
from First to Second Edition was caused by major changes
in the general methods, while the change from Second to
Third Edition was due to the wish to consolidate the work
achieved and to change the form of presentation from a
loose-leaf format into a main volume followed by annual
supplements. The change from Fourth Edition to Fifth
Edition continues the work of making the publication of the
Pharmacopoeia as user-friendly as possible. It is assumed
that the publication of this Fifth Edition will proceed by
publication of supplements over the next three years.
The eight founder countries of the Convention realised in

1964 that manufacturing and quality control standards
for medicinal products on the European market had to be
harmonised for reasons of public health and to facilitate
the free movement of medicines. Since 1964 the world
has changed and the market for medicinal products has
become global. Accordingly, international harmonisation
among the three major pharmacopoeias of the world, the
European Pharmacopoeia, the Japanese Pharmacopoeia and
the United States Pharmacopeia, has been in progress since

1990 when the Pharmacopoeial Discussion Group was set up
to co-ordinate the harmonisation work. In the first years, the
work was focused on the harmonisation of monographs on
widely used excipients. In the absence of harmonised general
methods this was a difficult work, which has now been
speeded up by ‘harmonisation by attribute’ meaning that
there may be tests that cannot be fully harmonised before
the concerned general method is harmonised. At the stage
where the monographs are harmonised, detailed information
will be provided in the monograph and in a chapter of the
Pharmacopoeia devoted to information on international
harmonisation. In recent years, harmonisation of a wide
range of general methods has been in progress, partly
because of an impact from the International Conference on
Harmonisation (ICH). Implementation in the Pharmacopoeia
of harmonised general methods, for example for a dosage
form specification, needs careful consideration because the
specification must be met by products already on the market
as well as new products submitted to the regulatory process.
The European Pharmacopoeia Commission supports

strongly the international harmonisation. It is not the
harmonisation work itself that gives rise to the greatest
problems, rather the implementation, which has to
be decided in mutual agreement with the registration
authorities. The links between the European Pharmacopoeia
Commission and European regulators have been steadily
strengthened during the years, as have the links with the
pharmaceutical manufacturers and their associations.
The new European Directives 2001/82/EC and 2001/83/EC
on medicines for human use and veterinary use maintain
the mandatory character of the European Pharmacopoeia
monographs in the preparation of dossiers for marketing
authorisation of medicines, which was instituted in the
first directive 75/318/EEC in 1975. It means that the
monographs of the European Pharmacopoeia must therefore
be updated to keep pace with products on the market, with
scientific progress, and with regulatory developments. In
the field of active pharmaceutical substances, the European
Pharmacopoeia Commission decided at its March 2002
Session that the principles and terminology of the revised
ICH Q3A impurity testing guideline Impurities in new drug
substances should as far as possible be implemented in the
monographs on active substances, both new and already
published. A change in terminology has been introduced
in the Impurities section of monographs published in
Supplement 4.6 and later where the term ‘specified
impurities’ is used for impurities that have a defined
individual acceptance criterion. A revision of the general
monograph Substances for pharmaceutical use (2034) was
also presented in Supplement 4.6 to implement the threshold

values for reporting, identification and qualification of
organic impurities in active substances of the revised ICH
guideline. For the Fifth Edition a new chapter, 5.10. Control
of impurities in substances for pharmaceutical use has been
developed with great assistance by the chairs of the chemical
Groups of Experts and other experts from the Commission,
and by consultations of the Groups of Experts. The next step
will be revision of monographs to ensure that they contain
related substances tests and lists on specified and other
detectable impurities. Monographs containing a related
substances test based on TLC will be considered for revision.
Major revision work will thus proceed during the coming
years. Hopefully, these revisions can be completed with the
publication of the Sixth Edition. In the meantime, users
of the Pharmacopoeia must consult the new Chapter 5.10
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these characteristics. The section does not necessarily give
acceptance criteria for the concerned properties ; this is
usually left as an option for labelling by the manufacturers
and where specified, the values are indicative only. This is
a new development which is in agreement with the policy
of the European Pharmacopoeia Commission to make
monographs and other texts appropriate to the needs
The aim of the revision is to ensure that the related

of regulatory authorities and manufacturers of starting
substances test and impurity lists reflect the purity of
materials and medicinal products. The intention is to provide
pharmaceutical substances being authorised for the
manufacturers of excipient materials and manufacturers
European market. The goal cannot be met without
of medicinal products a ’common language’, to facilitate
close collaboration with the registration authorities and
the establishment of product-specific specifications, and to
consultations regarding the specifications for impurities.
provide regulators with data generated by methods that have
A procedure for co-operation with the CPMP/CVMP
been independently assessed.
Quality Working Party has been established. It will
It is the intention of the European Pharmacopoeia
certainly contribute to ensure the validity of the European
Pharmacopoeia monographs. The Certification of Suitability Commission to continue the work by drafting sections
on functionality-related characteristics in monographs
of Monographs of the European Pharmacopoeia might
on excipients available in more than one physical grade.
be a valuable source of information on the purity of
Introduction of the concept of functionality-related
pharmaceutical substances. The procedure is, however,
characteristics presupposes that the relevant general
confidential and will be kept so. In cases where a new
impurity is present and calls for revision of the monograph, methods are available in the Pharmacopoeia. The European
Pharmacopoeia Commission has therefore established a
this can be done only when the manufacturer provides the
Working Party on synthetic polymers to investigate the
concerned Group of Experts with the information required

need for general methods for polymers and a Working
for updating.
Party on powder characterisation methods. The provision
The growing number of monographs on pharmaceutical
of the needed general methods, for example in the field of
substances and the need to keep them updated means
powder characterisation, is also included in international
a great workload on the Groups of Experts. In 2001,
harmonisation among the pharmacopoeias.
the number of chemical groups was increased and some
The achievements of the European Pharmacopoeia
reallocations of experts between the groups took place.
Commission during the past three years would not have
There is, however, still a need for more experts with access
been possible without the participation of the great number
to experimental facilities as permanent members of the
of experts from industry, academia and national authorities,
Groups of Experts or as members on an ad hoc basis. In
who have given their time and expertise to the work of
addition to the reorganisation of the system of Groups of
Groups of Experts and Working Parties. The Commission
Experts and Working Parties the working procedures for
is indebted to all these experts whose work is given on a
the elaboration of monographs have been expanded. In
voluntary basis. The Commission is equally indebted to the
addition to Procedure 1, the traditional elaboration by a
Chairs of the Groups and Working Parties who have the
Group of Experts, and Procedure 2, adaptation of national
responsibility of guiding the work through and bringing it to
monographs, which is now considered almost complete,

term according to tight time limits. The Chairs are thanked
Procedures 3 and 4 have been established in recent years.
for their contributions within the Groups and also for their
Procedure 3 applies to substances produced by only one
advice and counsel to the Commission itself.
manufacturer and which are close to patent expiry. The
manufacturer and the national pharmacopoeia authority
The work of the European Pharmacopoeia Commission is
of the country where the substance is produced carry out
strongly dependent on an effective Secretariat. The role of
the preliminary drafting stages and check the requirements the Secretariat is to obtain and process all the information
experimentally. The draft is reviewed by the working party
and reports needed for the Groups of Experts, Working
also responsible for the adaptation procedure and then
Parties and for the Commission, to undertake laboratory
processed in the usual way by public inquiry. Procedure 3
work to support the experts and to ensure the availability of
has proved successful. The Commission decided in 2002 to all the reference standards needed to allow the requirements
establish a modified version, Procedure 4. This procedure
in the monographs to be tested. The prompt publication of
implies collaboration between the manufacturer of the
the Pharmacopoeia main volumes and Supplements and
substance and the EDQM on the draft monograph and
the on-line electronic version is possible, only, because of
experimental checking by the EDQM laboratory and
dedicated and hard work by the staff at the Secretariat.
laboratories of national pharmacopoeia authorities before
Along with the growing volume of the European
publication for public inquiry. At present, Procedure 4 is run
Pharmacopoeia and its adjustment to the regulatory process,

as a pilot project supervised by members of the European
the use of the Pharmacopoeia and its interpretation has
Pharmacopoeia Commission. It is the aim of the Commission
become rather complex. The journal of the European
to have a full coverage of monographs on substances no
Pharmacopoeia, Pharmeuropa, is a valuable source of
longer subject to a patent and being present on more than
information. General chapters for information will appear
one European market. It requires the collaboration with the
in the Pharmacopoeia during the publication of the Fifth
innovators and manufacturers of active substances, which
Edition as a result of the international harmonisation, and
has been established during recent years.
because the European Pharmacopoeia Commission has
agreed on the elaboration of other chapters for information.
The Fifth Edition of the European Pharmacopoeia
During the past two years, the staff at the EDQM have
has a number of excipient monographs containing
offered training courses to users of the Pharmacopoeia.
a non-mandatory section on functionality-related
The Commission is grateful to the EDQM for having
characteristics. The aim is to provide users with a list
taken this initiative, which also strengthens the role of
of physical and physicochemical characteristics that are
the Pharmacopoeia and the links to its users. The links
critical to the typical uses of the concerned excipient,
to users of the Pharmacopoeia are also strengthened by
and to provide the general methods required to assess
on impurity control for the interpretation of monographs
published in the past and therefore adapted to a style that

has now been changed as described above. Users can in
addition find information on representative chromatograms,
reagents and columns used in drafting the monographs on
the EDQM web site.

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EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

the frequent workshops and conferences organised by the
EDQM. This activity is highly valued by the Commission as it
gives the opportunity to Commission members to exchange
viewpoints and to discuss new developments with experts
from authorities, industry and academia. The EDQM web
site is another valuable source for information on the work
programme and other activities of the Commission, its
Groups and the EDQM.
During the past three years I have had the honour to
serve the European Pharmacopoeia Commission as its
elected chair. The task has been challenging but, certainly,
rewarding because of the insight it has given me into the
many quality aspects of the development, manufacture and
marketing of medicinal products. I wish to thank members of
the European Pharmacopoeia Commission for their support
and collaborative spirit within and in between the Sessions of

the Commission. The two vice-chairs of the Commission are

thanked for good collaboration and support during the years
we have joined the Presidium. I will also thank the staff at
the EDQM, in particular the secretaries to the Groups, for
their kindness, enthusiasm and hard work for the benefit of
the Pharmacopoeia. Finally, I wish to express warm thanks
to the Director of EDQM, Dr. Agnes Artiges, and her deputy
as secretary to the European Pharmacopoeia Commission,
Mr. Peter Castle. I have appreciated our collaboration during
the three years and wish to express heartfelt thanks to both
for their support to the chair and for the tremendous work
they are doing to develop the European Pharmacopoeia and
its role in the European regulatory system.
Professor, Dr. Henning G. Kristensen
Chair of the European Pharmacopoeia Commission

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Introduction

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

II. INTRODUCTION
The European Pharmacopoeia is prepared under the
auspices of the Council of Europe in accordance with
the terms of the Convention on the elaboration of a
European Pharmacopoeia (European Treaty Series No. 50)
as amended by the Protocol to the Convention (European
Treaty Series No. 134), signed by the Governments of
Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus,

the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania,
Serbia and Montenegro, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland, “the Former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia”, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and by the
European Community.

European Pharmacopoeia monographs and other texts are
designed to be appropriate to the needs of:
— regulatory authorities ;
— those engaged in the control of quality ;
— manufacturers of starting materials and medicinal
products.
The European Pharmacopoeia is widely used internationally.
It is the intention of the Commission to work closely with
users of the Pharmacopoeia in order to satisfy better their
needs and facilitate their co-operation. To this end improved
procedures are being developed for obtaining advice on
priorities for elaborating new monographs and enhancing
the quality of the Pharmacopoeia.

The preparation of the Pharmacopoeia is the responsibility
of the European Pharmacopoeia Commission (“the
Commission”), appointed in accordance with Article 5
of the above-mentioned Convention. It is composed of
delegations appointed by the Contracting Parties. Each
delegation consists of not more than 3 members chosen for
their competence in matters within the functions of the
Commission.

TECHNICAL SECRETARIAT AND LABORATORY
The European Pharmacopoeia Commission has a Technical
Secretariat with scientific and administrative staff, situated
in Strasbourg. The European Pharmacopoeia Laboratory is
situated within the Secretariat and, amongst other duties,
is in charge of the establishment and monitoring of all
reference substances, preparations and spectra needed for
the monographs of the Pharmacopoeia. The Technical
Secretariat is an administrative division of the European
Directorate for the Quality of Medicines (EDQM) of the
Council of Europe.

Observers from non-Member States and international
organisations are admitted to Sessions of the Commission
in accordance with the Rules of Procedures. Observers
are at present admitted from : Albania, Algeria, Australia,
Bulgaria, Canada, China, Georgia, Lithuania, Malaysia,
Malta, Morocco, Poland, Senegal, Syria, Tunisia, Ukraine,
and the World Health Organisation.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES
General rules for interpretation of the texts of the
Pharmacopoeia are given in the General Notices. The
The functions of the Commission established by Article 6 of following information should also be noted.
the Convention as amended by the Protocol are :
The general principles applied in the elaboration of
monographs of the European Pharmacopoeia are laid
Article 6
down in technical guides. The Technical Guide for the

“Subject to the provision of Article 4 of the present
Elaboration of Monographs, which deals mainly with
Convention, the functions of the Commission shall be :
monographs on chemical substances, is available as a special
issue of Pharmeuropa (see below under Publications).
(a) to determine the general principles applicable to the
Other technical guides are being prepared to deal with
elaboration of the European Pharmacopoeia ;
aspects specific to monographs on other groups of
(b) to decide upon methods of analysis for that purpose ;
products. The principles applied are revised from time to
(c) to arrange for the preparation of and to adopt monographs time without complete retrospective application so that
to be included in the European Pharmacopoeia and ;
monographs published already may not always follow the
(d) to recommend the fixing of the time limits within which latest recommendations, but wherever an issue with impact
on public health is identified, monographs are revised.
its decisions of a technical character relating to the
The procedures for the tests and assays published in the
European Pharmacopoeia shall be implemented within
individual monographs have been validated, according to
the territories of the Contracting Parties.”
current practice at the time of their elaboration, for the
In accordance with the terms of the Convention, the
purpose for which they are intended.
Contracting Parties undertake to take the necessary
It is recognised that general chapters are used elsewhere
measures to ensure that the monographs of the European
than in the monographs of the Pharmacopoeia ; in these
Pharmacopoeia shall become the official standards
circumstances users are recommended to consult the

applicable within their respective territories.
Technical Guide which gives extensive information on the
PURPOSE OF THE EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA
application of many of the methods.
The purpose of the European Pharmacopoeia is to promote General monographs. The standards of the European
Pharmacopoeia are represented by general and specific
public health by the provision of recognised common
monographs. The use of general monographs has developed
standards for use by health-care professionals and others
in recent years to provide standards that best fulfil the
concerned with the quality of medicines. Such standards
are to be of appropriate quality as a basis for the safe use of aims stated above and meet the needs of users. It is
now usually necessary to apply one or more general
medicines by patients and consumers. Their existence :
monographs along with any specific monograph. Since
— facilitates the free movement of medicinal products in
it is not practically possible to include in each specific
Europe ;
monograph a cross-reference to applicable or potientially
— ensures the quality of medicinal products exported from applicable general monographs, cross-referencing has been
Europe.
discontinued except where it is necessary to avoid ambiguity.
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Introduction

A list of general monographs is included in each new edition
and supplement to aid users in identifying those that are
needed for use with a specific monograph.

Use of animals. In accordance with the European
Convention on the protection of animals used for
experimental and other scientific purposes (1986), the
Commission is committed to the reduction of animal
usage, wherever possible, in pharmacopoeia testing and
encourages those associated with its work to seek alternative
procedures. An alternative or modified method is adopted by
the Commission once it has been clearly demonstrated that
it offers satisfactory control for pharmacopoeial purposes.
Considerable progress was made in this area while the
4th Edition was in force and while the 5th Edition was being
prepared.
Hydrates. With the publication of the 4th Edition, the policy
on monograph titles for hydrated forms was changed. For
all monographs published for the first time in the 4th Edition
or subsequent editions, the degree of hydration, where
applicable, is indicated in the monograph title. In previous
editions, the policy was to indicate the degree of hydration
only where several forms exist. If a monograph on both an
anhydrous and a hydrated form of a given substance are
published, then “anhydrous” will be included in the title of
the relevant form. In order to avoid placing an unnecessary
burden on manufacturers for relabelling, this policy will not
be applied retrospectively to monographs published already,
unless there is reason to believe that this is justified as a
public health measure, notably for safety reasons where the
substance contains a large proportion of water.
Chiral substances. Monographs on chiral substances that
describe a particular enantiomer have a test to confirm
enantiomeric purity, usually by measurement of optical

rotation. Monographs that describe racemates are, in this
respect, heterogeneous because of changes of policy during
the 3rd Edition. Older monographs do not always have
a test to show racemic character. During the course of
the 3rd Edition, a test for racemic character was included
in all new and revised monographs on racemates, using
measurement of optical rotation. When it was shown that
in many cases a test for optical rotation, even with narrow
limits around zero rotation, was not necessarily sufficiently
discriminating because of the low specific optical rotation
of the enantiomers, the Commission modified the policy
applied. A test for racemic character using optical rotation
is now included only if there is information on the specific
optical rotation of the enantiomers that indicates that such
a test would be discriminating in terms of enantiomeric
purity. If other techniques, such as circular dichroism, can
serve the intended purpose, they will be prescribed instead
of optical rotation.
Polymorphism. Where a substance shows polymorphism,
this is usually stated under Characters. In general, no
particular crystalline form is required in monographs ;
exceptionally, in a few monographs, the crystalline form
required is specified, for example, via an infrared absorption
spectrophotometric identification test where the spectrum is
required to be recorded using the substance in the solid state
without recrystallisation, the chemical reference substance
provided being of the required crystalline form. However, for
substances other than these exceptional cases, depending
on the use of a given substance in a dosage form, it may be
necessary for a manufacturer to ensure that a particular

crystalline form is used. The information given under
Characters is intended to alert users to the need to evaluate
this aspect during the development of a dosage form. The
monograph on Substances for pharmaceutical use (2034)
and 5.9. Polymorphism should also be consulted.
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EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

Specificity of assays. For the elaboration of monographs on
chemical substances, the approach generally preferred by
the Commission is to provide control of impurities via a well
designed Tests section rather than by the inclusion of an
assay that is specific for the active moiety. It is therefore the
full set of requirements of a monograph that is designed to
ensure that the product is of suitable quality.
Impurities. Following a review of policy on control of
impurities, a new general chapter 5.10. Control of impurities
in substances for pharmaceutical use has been included
in the 5th Edition. Together with the general monograph
Substances for pharmaceutical use (2034), it describes
the policy of controlling impurities in specific monographs
and provides explanations on how the limits in the related
substances test should be understood. Currently the test is
a limit test (comparison of peaks areas). In the future (next
Edition) and in order to be in line with licensing practice
and international collaboration, this test will progressively
be changed to utilise a quantitative acceptance criterion. At
present, some of the current monographs already satisfy this
approach.

Except where required for the application of the monograph,
in which case the name is followed by “CRS”, impurities
are not provided as reference substances nor can they be
provided for experimental purposes.
Chromatographic columns. As an aid to users, information
is made available via the web site www.pheur.org on
chromatographic columns that have been found satisfactory
during development of monographs and general methods.
Information is also given on other equipment and reagents
where this is considered useful. This information is given
without warranty and does not imply that other columns,
equipment or reagents than those specified are not suitable.
Residual solvents. The requirements for residual solvents
are given in the monograph Substances for pharmaceutical
use (2034) together with the general chapters 2.4.24.
Identification and control of residual solvents and 5.4.
Residual solvents. Thus all active substances and excipients
are subject to relevant control of residual solvents, even
where no test is specified in the individual monograph. The
requirements have been aligned with the ICH guideline on
this topic.
Reference substances, reference preparations and
reference spectra. Where necessary for application of a
monograph, reference substances, reference preparations
and reference spectra are established and provided to users.
They are chosen for their suitability for the purposes stated
in the monograph and are not necessarily suitable for other
uses. Any necessary information for proper use is given, for
example a declared content, but no complete certificate of
analysis is provided since this is not relevant for the intended

use. No expiry date is attributed to reference substances
and preparations, which are subjected to regular periodic
monitoring to ensure their continued suitability. Where an
assigned value for a given attribute, for example chemical
content, is provided, no uncertainty for the assigned value
is indicated. The reference substances, preparations and
spectra are provided to enable the analyst to determine
compliance or otherwise with a monograph. The uncertainty
of an assigned value is not to be taken into account when
judging compliance, since the uncertainty is already allowed
for in the prescribed limits.
Medical devices. All editions of the Pharmacopoeia have
contained monographs on articles that are regarded as
medical devices. For Member States of the European Union,
a unified framework for standardisation of medical devices
is now provided by a Directive (93/42/EEC). Following


EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

an agreement between the various parties involved, the
Commission has decided that the monographs on medical
devices will be deleted once standards have been developed
as foreseen by the Directive. Specifications included in the
section on containers will be adapted to take account of
future standards developed within the framework of the
Directive. The monographs on surgical sutures remain in
the Pharmacopoeia but they have been modified to conform
to the requirements of the Directive and are now to be seen
as standards of the type foreseen there. This adaptation of

the monographs has involved deletion of some monographs
on specific types of sutures in favour of a more general
approach.
Homoeopathic preparations. A general monograph on
homoeopathic preparations was added to the Pharmacopoeia
during the 2nd Edition. A number of monographs on
substances used in homoeopathic preparations are now also
included and further monographs are in preparation. All of
these texts have been grouped in a separate section. It is
understood that when the same substance is used in both
homoeopathic and other preparations then the monograph
in the main body of the Pharmacopoeia applies.
Patents. The description in the Pharmacopoeia of articles
subject to protection by patent does not confer or imply any
right to the use of such patents by any person or persons
other than the proprietors of the patents concerned.
Protected species. Monographs, notably those on herbal
drugs, may cover material obtained from protected species.
Inclusion of these monographs is without prejudice to the
provisions for protection of these species by national and
international law.
CERTIFICATION PROCEDURE
A procedure for the certification of suitability of monographs
of the Pharmacopoeia with respect to control of the purity
of a product from a given source has been established
[see Public Health Committee (Partial Agreement)
Resolution AP-CSP (99) 4 or any subsequent revision
available from EDQM and on the web site (www.pheur.org)]
as an aid to the use of monographs in applications for
marketing authorisation. The certification procedure

also applies to herbal drugs, herbal drug preparations
and transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) risk.
Certificates may be granted with respect to published
monographs. Details of the operation of this scheme are

Introduction

available from the Secretariat and on the EDQM web site. A
daily updated list of certificates granted is available on-line
on the EDQM web site. A list of voided or suspended
certificates is also published in Pharmeuropa.
PUBLICATIONS
The European Pharmacopoeia is available in English and
French versions in the form of a book with 3 supplements
per year, and in electronic form (internet and CD-ROM).
Pharmeuropa, the European Pharmacopoeia Forum, is
published 4 times per year as an aid in the elaboration
of monographs and as a vehicle for information on
pharmacopoeial and related matters. It is available on
subscription from EDQM.
Web site. Information on activities and many other aspects
of the European Pharmacopoeia is to be found on the EDQM
web site (www.pheur.org).
Implementation. The date on which monographs are to be
implemented is fixed by a resolution of the Public Health
Committee (Partial Agreement) of the Council of Europe,
following a recommendation by the Commission. This
date is usually about 6 months after publication. Where a
monograph is to be implemented at a date earlier than the
next publication date of the Pharmacopoeia or a supplement,

a Resolution of the Public Health Committee gives the
full text to be implemented. The text is also published in
Pharmeuropa for information and posted on the web site as
part of the Resolution.
Revision programme. Monographs and other texts of the
Pharmacopoeia are revised as necessary following a decision
of the Commission. Revision proposals are published in
Pharmeuropa.
INTERNATIONAL HARMONISATION
The European Pharmacopoeia is engaged in a process of
harmonisation with the Japanese Pharmacopoeia and the
United States Pharmacopeia, within an informal structure
referred to as the Pharmacopoeial Discussion Group (PDG).
The activities are developed in co-ordination with those
of the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH).
Information on the status of harmonised texts is given in
chapter 5.8. Pharmacopoeial harmonisation. Harmonised
general chapters have a preliminary statement indicating
interchangeability with the other two pharmacopoeias.

vii


Members of the Commission

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

III. EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA
COMMISSION
COMPOSITION OF THE COMMISSION, LIST OF EXPERTS

AND OF THE SECRETARIAT AS OF 30 NOVEMBER 2003
CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIRS
OF THE COMMISSION
Chair

Henning G.

KRISTENSEN

Vice-chairs

Dries
Liisa

DE KASTE
TURAKKA

Hungary

Hilda
Jozsef J.

KÖSZEGI-SZALAI
LIPTAK

Iceland

Gudrun
Ingolf J.

BALDURSDOTTIR
PETERSEN

Ireland

T.A.
Michael
Joan

McGUINN
MORRIS
O’RIORDAN

MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION
Austria

Kristof
Andreas
Christian

LISZKA
MAYRHOFER
NOE

Italy

CIGNITTI
FARINA
OREFICI

Belgium

Luc
Jos
Paule

ANGENOT
HOOGMARTENS
JACQMAIN

Maurizio
Anna
Graziella

Latvia

Janis

OZOLINS

Aida

MEHMEDAGIC

Luxembourg

Bosnia and
Herzegovina

Jacqueline

Jean-Louis

GENOUX-HAMES
ROBERT

Croatia

Dragica
Ivana
Laila

BEGIC
STARESINIC-SERNHORST
STEFANINI ORESIC

Netherlands

Dries
Jan Willem
Pieter H.

DE KASTE
DORPEMA
VREE

Norway

Cyprus

Louis

PANAYI

Gunhild
Valborg
Randi

BRUGAARD
HOLTEN
WINSNES

Portugal

José Manuel CORREIA NEVES SOUSA LOBO
Rui
MORGADO

Romania

Daniele

ENACHE

Marija
Stana

MASKOVIC
MICIC

Czech Republic Jiri

M.
Denmark

PORTYCH
TRAVNICKOVA

Kirsten
BRØNNUM-HANSEN
Steen Honoré HANSEN
Eva
SANDBERG

Estonia

Signe

LEITO

Serbia and
Montenegro

Finland

Jussi
Kaarina
Liisa

HOLMALAHTI
SINIVUO
TURAKKA

Slovak Republic N.
Ruzena
J.

France

Jean-Paul
An
Alain

FOURNIER
LÊ
NICOLAS

Slovenia

Martina
Evgen
Uros

CVELBAR
TOMAZIN
URLEB

Germany

Ulrike
Dietrich
D.

HOLZGRABE
KRÜGER
SCHNÄDELBACH

Spain

Franco
Jordi
Alexandra

FERNANDEZ GONZALEZ
RUIZ COMBALIA
VARDULAKI

Greece

Michael A.
Alexandra

KOUPPARIS
TSOKA

Sweden

Lennart
Marianne
Christina

AKERBLOM

EK
GRAFFNER

CHALABALA
MARTINCOVA
SLANY

ix


Alternate Members

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

Switzerland

Werner
Silvia
Helena

ERNI
WEBER BRUNNER
WINDEMANN

The Former
Yugoslav
Republic of
Macedonia

Aneta

Tatjana

DIMITROVSKA
PERUSEVSKA

Turkey

Orhan
Yilmaz
Hayriye

Slovak Republic Daniel
Ladislav

GRANCAI
SOVIK

Slovenia

Maja
Barbara
Ales

LUSIN
RAZINGER-MIHOVEC
ROTAR

Sweden

Torbjửrn

ARVIDSSON

CANBOLAT
CAPAN
MIHCAK

Switzerland

Andreas
Uwe
Eugen

BRUTSCHE
VệLKER
WACHBERGER

United Kingdom Derek H.
Gerard
A.David

CALAM
LEE
WOOLFSON

United Kingdom Aileen M.T.
John M.

European
Commission

Nicolas

ROSSIGNOL

EMEA

Emer

COOKE

ALTERNATE MEMBERS
Austria

J.
Josef

KURZ
TRENKER

Belgium

Jacques
Luc
Arnold J.

DE BEER
DELATTRE
VLIETINCK

Denmark

Sven
Lars J
Lene

FRỉKJAER
HUSAGER
THOMSEN

Estonia

Juhan

RUUT

Finland

Hannele

SALOMIES

France

BOURQUIN
Thierry
Hendrick Jan DE JONG
VILAIN
Caroline

Germany

Gerhard
Rainer
Rainer

FRANZ
MOHR
SEITZ

Greece

Evangelos
A.

PETRODASKALAKIS
TSANTILI-KAKOULIDOU

Hungary

Tamas L.

PAL

Ireland

Edward

BOURKE

Italy

Massimo
Agostino
Loredana

DI MUZIO
MACRI
NICOLETTI

Luxembourg

Mariette

BACKES-LIES

Netherlands

DE ROOIJ-LAMME
Ellen
Peter M.J.M. JONGEN
Jan-Anton
NORDER

x

LEE
MIDGLEY

EXPERTS

Susan
Maqbool
Jean-Marc
Lennart
Ferhan
Concepcion
Hansruedy
Julio
Hanspeter
Cyrille
Luc
Gunnar
Astrid
Jean-Claude
Torbjửrn
Wilfried
Nataliya Nikolaevna
Jộrụme
Sylvie
Paolo
Teresa
Kenneth
Elizabeth Ann
K. Hỹsnỹ Can
Michel
Alain
Franỗoise
Denis
Leandro
David N.

Brita
Kathrin
Serge
Pietro
Jean-Pierre
Hanno
Mikael
Johannes
Giovanni
Colin
Nicole
Thierry
Bernard

AGERHOLM
AHMED
AIACHE
AKERBLOM
AKTAN
ALONSO VERDURAS
ALTORFER
ALVAREZ-BUILLA
AMSTUTZ
ANDRES
ANGENOT
ANTONI
ARBIN
ARGOUD
ARVIDSSON
ARZ

ASMOLOVA
AUCOUTURIER
AUDOLY
AURELI
AZCONA LLANEZA
BCKSTRệM
BAKER
BASER
BAUER
BAYOL
BEAUJEAN
BELLENOT
BELLENTANI
BENTLEY
BERGH
BERNARD-SUMMERMATTER
BESSET
BIANCHINI
BINDER
BINDER
BISRAT
BLĩMEL
BOCCARDI
BOOTH
BORNSTEIN
BOURQUIN
BOUYSSIERE


Experts

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

Brigitte
Harald
Per O.
Einar M.
Adrian F.
Kirsten
Lukas
Peter
Volker
Marian
Rosario
Jörg
Roger
Peter R.
Derek H.
Kandemir
Salvador
François
Gunnar
Sergio
A.J.
Richard
Pierre
Xavier
Vivienne
Maurizio
Klaus

Juan
Giovanni
Laurence
Pierre-Albert
Stéphane
Giordano Bruno
Klaus
Gérard
Jacques-Christian
Alastair
Jacqueline
Jacques
Josep M.
Hendrick Jan
Dries
Carmen
Anna
Ellen
Paul
Clemens
Louis H.T.
Luc
Reto
Joseph
Jan
S.
Jan J.
Roland
Johannes
Eric

Erik
Milada
Thomas
Jan Willem

BRAKE
BREIVIK
BREMER
BREVIK
BRISTOW
BRØNNUM-HANSEN
BRUCKNER
BRUEGGER
BUEHLER
BUKOVSKY
BULLIDO
BUND
BURGENER
BYRON
CALAM
CANEFE
CANIGUERAL
CANO
CARLIN
CAROLI
CAWS
CAWTHORNE
CHAMINADE
CHENIVESSE
CHRIST

CIANFRIGLIA
CICHUTEK
CLARAMUNT CAMPANA
COLLI
COLLIERE
COMPAGNON
CORNEN
CORSI
CUSSLER
DAMIEN
DARBORD
DAVIDSON
DAYAN-KENIGSBERG
DE BEER
DE CIURANA i GAY
DE JONG
DE KASTE
DE LA MORENA CRIADO
DE PASQUALE
DE ROOIJ-LAMME
DECLERCK
DECRISTOFORO
DEDEREN
DELATTRE
DELLA CASA
DEMEESTER
DEN HARTIGH
DENYER
DIJKSTERHUIS
DOBBELAER

DODT
DOELKER
DOEVENDANS
DOLEZALOVA
DOLL
DORPEMA

Maria Helena
Robert
Anil
Siegfried
Erling
Marianne
Torben
Ulrich
Magnus
Bengt
Jean-Pierre
Øystein
Bernard M.
Charles J.
Gemma L.M.
Peter
Rainer
V’Iain
Øystein
Ton
Ulf
Lucien
Isabelle

Jean-Paul
Bruno
Gerhard
Florence
Nicola
Rose E.
Maria Cristina
Andreas
Jesus
Didier
Andrea
Olga
Nicole
Michel
Chris T.
Marcel
Christina
Tatjana
Daniel
Marta
Norbert
Gerhard
Peter
Kjell-Olov
Jean Louis
Emanuel
Giuseppe
Michèle
Robert
Sylvie

Klaus
Lilian
Franz-Josef
Steen Honoré
Paul
Goetz
Vassiliki
Kaare

DOS ANJOS RODRIGUES AMARAL
DRILLIEN
DUDANI
EBEL
EHRIN
EK
ELHAUGE
ENGEL
ERICKSON
ERLANDSSON
ETCHEGARAY
EVENSEN
EVERETT
FALLAIS
FEENSTRA-BIELDERS
FEIGENWINTER
FENDT
FENTON-MAY
FODSTAD
FÖRCH
FORSMAN

FOSSE
FOURASTÉ
FOURNIER
FRANK
FRANZ
FUCHS
FUZZATI
GAINES DAS
GALLI
GARDI
GARICANO AISA
GARONNAT
GAZZANIGA
GELDOF
GIBELIN
GIRARD
GODDARD
GOVERDE
GRAFFNER
GRAFNETTEROVA
GRANCAI
GRANSTRÖM
GREIDZIAK
GROHMANN
GRONSKI
GRÖNVIK
GROSSIORD
GUADAGNINO
GUALANDI
GUITTET

GURNY
GUYOMARD-DEVANLAY
HABERER
HAMILTON
HAMMERSCHMIDT
HANSEN
HARGREAVES
HARNISCHFEGER
HARTOFYLAX
HASLOV

xi


Experts

Heribert
Mary Alice
Ingrid
Irmtraud
Keith
Peter
Jaakko-Juhani
B.
François
Rikke
Valborg
Ulrike
Ronald
Ernö

Rolf
Anthony R.
Ronny
Lars J
Herwig
Marianne
Miia
M.B.
Jana
Christa
Mats E.
Edgar
Robert
Peter M.J.M.
Karl-Henrik
Juan Ignacio
Mats
Jan
Hans
Ernst
Lawrence
Isabelle
Damien
Marylène
Claus
Brigitte
Frans
Hilda
Katjusa
Henning G.

Nikolaus G.
Burt H.
M.
Michael
Ursula
Harry V.
Francesco
Fritz
Reinhard
Mervi
Christophe
Daniel
Annie
Maria Grazia
John
Joyce
An

xii

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

HÄUSLER
HEFFORD
HEGGER
HELD
HELLIWELL
HENRYS
HIMBERG
HINSCH

HIRSCH
HOFF-JØRGENSEN
HOLTEN
HOLZGRABE
HOOGERBRUGGE
HORVATH
HOVIK
HUBBARD
HÜBINETTE
HUSAGER
IGEL
INZELT-KOVACS
JAKAVA-VILJANEN
JAMES
JERABKOVA
JERSCH
JOHANSSON
JOHN
JOHNSON
JONGEN
JÖNSSON
JORQUERA NIETO
JOSEFSON
KARLSEN
KEEGSTRA
KELLER
KELLY
KEMPF
KERLOC’H
KOBISCH

KOCH
KOPP
KORSE
KÖSZEGI-SZALAI
KREFT
KRISTENSEN
KRIZ
KROES
KROON
KRÜGER
KUKRAL
KUPPERS
LA TORRE
LACKNER
LANGE
LANKINEN
LAROCHE
LARZUL
LASSERRE
LAVAGGI
LAVDIOTIS
LAWRENCE
LÊ

Marie-Frédérique
Aileen M.T.
Eva
Ulla
Franck
Silvano

Céline
Patrick
Heiner
Bruce
Antonio
Warren C.
Georges
Carla
Ana Maria
Andreas
Alessandro
D.L.
Jos H.A.
Andreas
Bernard
Geerd J.
Jacques
John M.
Giovanni
Marianne
Michael
Miquel
Tony
Birgitte
Thomas
Patrick
Manfred
Jacques
Laurence
Carl

Zdenka
B.W.
Hartwig
Michael
Vera
Philip S.
Ria
Robin A.J.
Steven C.
Alain
Loredana
Vittorio
Jochen
Dagmar
Ningur
Werner
Hok Liang
Edgar
Rose-Marie
Bo
Graziella
Carsten
Inge
R.A.
A.

LE POTIER
LEE
LEMBERKOVICS
LENNMARKER

LEVEILLER
LONARDI
LORTEAU-SOURGEN
LOUIS
LUDWIG
MADSEN
MANES ARMENGOL
MANN
MANSVELD
MARCHIORO
MARQUES GONCALVES
MARTI
MARTINI
MASSART
MATHÔT
MAYRHOFER
MAZIERE
MEYER
MICHAUD
MIDGLEY
MIGLIACCIO
MIKAELSSON
MILCHARD
MIR
MOFFAT
MØLLGAARD
MONTAG-LESSING
MONTENOISE
MOOS
MOREL

MOUILLOT
MROZ
MRVOVA
MÜLLER
MÜLLER
MUTZ
MYSLIVCOVA
NEWLANDS
NIBBELING
NICHOLAS
NICHOLS
NICOLAS
NICOLETTI
NISTRIO
NORWIG
NOVA
NOYANALPAN
OBEXER
OEI
OHST
ÖLANDER
OLSSON
OREFICI
OVERBALLE-PETERSEN
OVERBY JENSEN
PACKER
PADILLA


Experts

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

Béatrice
Roya
Berit Smestad
Maurice
Teresa Caroline
J.M.
Skevos
Geoffrey F.
Jean-Paul
Roger D.
Aude
Wolfgang
Bertrand
Gilles
Stephen
Poly
Agustín
Juhani
Roberto
Brian
Bernard
Miluse
Ivan
Martin
Ain
Jean
Alain

H.H.T.
Alessandro
Eike
Franz
Ascensao Maria
Markus
Valérie
Therese
Hans Peter
Jean-Louis
Yves
Eugène
Joachim
Véronique
Michael
Ales
D.
Maria-Sol
Jordi
Christoph
Alain
Michael
Corinne
Piero A.
Eva
Magali
Gabriele
Marjolijn
J.J.C.
Jeannot

Martin
Ernst
Heinz
D.

PANTERNE
PARKER
PAULSEN
PENSAERT
PEPPER
PERSON
PHILIANOS
PHILLIPS
PICAULT
PICKETT
PLANTEFEVE
POHLER
POIRIER
PONCHEL
POOLE
POPOVA
PORTELA MOREIRA
POSTI
POZZI
PRIESTLY
PRILLEUX
PSEIDLOVA
PSIKAL
PUNZENGRUBER
RAAL

RABIANT
RAGON
RAYMAKERS
REGOLA
REICH
REIGEL
RIBEIRO FARINHA
RICHTER
RIDOUX
RINGBOM
RINIKER
ROBERT
ROCHÉ
ROETS
RÖHMEL
ROSILIO
RÖSSLER
ROTAR
RUDD
RUIZ
RUIZ COMBALIA
SAAL
SABOURAUD
SAENGER
SAINT-REQUIER
SALVADORI
SANDBERG
SAUTEL
SCHÄFFNER
SCHALK

SCHEFFER
SCHELCHER
SCHIESTL
SCHLÄFLI
SCHMITTER
SCHNÄDELBACH

Theres
Henrik
Dieter
Harald
Volker
Michael
Roland
Gerhard
Rainer
Carlo
Dorothea
Carlo
Hanfried
Ekrem
François
Kaarina
Carl Einar
Wenche
Mikael
Jan W.H.
William Henry
Glenn
Robert

Axel
Juerg
Roland
Otto
Borut
Rainer
Adriana
Maryse
Karl Gustav
Lennart
Pierre-Cyril
Robin C.
Maria
Keith G.
Liisa
Michael
Peter
Michel
Uros
Miguel Angel
Lars
Luisa
Anja
F.J.
Willem G.
Heim
Cees
Hans
Hans P.
Bernard M.M.

Daniel
Jos
Philippe
Alexandra
Paul
Michel
Alfons
Geert

SCHNEIDER
SCHULTZ
SCHULZ
SCHULZ
SCHULZE
SCHWANIG
SEGONDS
SEIPKE
SEITZ
SERAFINI
SESARDIC
SESSA
SEYFARTH
SEZIK
SIMONDET
SINIVUO
SJØGREN
SKARE
SKOOG
SMEETS
SMITH

SMITH
SOUSSAIN
STAHLBOM
STALDER
STERN
STICHER
STRUKELJ
SUCHI
SUPPA
SURGOT
SVENSSON
SVENSSON
TCHORELOFF
THORPE
TOLLIS
TRUMAN
TURAKKA
TÜRCK
TURECEK
ULMSCHNEIDER
URLEB
USERA
VAELDS FREDERIKSEN
VALVO
VAN ARKENS
VAN DE VAART
VAN DER SLUIS
VAN DER VELDE
VAN DER VLIES
VAN DOORNE

VAN EGMOND
VAN GENUGTEN
VAN GYSEGEM
VAN ROMPAY
VANNIER
VARDULAKI
VARLEY
VEILLARD
VERBRUGGEN
VERDONK

xiii


Secretariat of the European Pharmacopoeia Commission

Christopher H.
Michel
Peep
Philippe
Eva
Arnold J.
Pieter H.
Claude
Stephen
Silvia
Marjolein
Volker
A.J.
Elisabeth M.

Randi
Maria
Bengt
Bernhard
David
A.David
Kaskashan
Giorgio
Max
Tatjana
Stéphan
Ange

VERMAAT
VERT
VESKI
VILLATTE
VITKOVA
VLIETINCK
VREE
WASTIEL
WATERS
WEBER BRUNNER
WEDA
WESSELY
WEST
WILLIAMSON
WINSNES
WIRZ
WITTGREN

WOLF
WOOD
WOOLFSON
ZAIDI
ZANNI
ZELLER
ZEUGIN MISEV
ZIENTARA
ZOLA

SECRETARIAT OF THE EUROPEAN
PHARMACOPOEIA COMMISSION
Director (European Directorate for the Quality of
Medicines)
Agnès

ARTIGES

Scientific Officers (Technical Secretariat, Laboratory and
Biological Standardisation):
Peter
John
Jean-Marc
Stefan
Anne-Sophie
Karl-Heinz
Catherine
Emmanuelle
Arnold
Marie-Emmanuelle

xiv

CASTLE (Secretary to the Commission)
MILLER
SPIESER
ALMELING
BOUIN
BUCHHEIT
CHAMBERLIN
CHARTON
DAAS
BEHR-GROSS

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

Brigitte
Andrea
Isabelle
Catherine
Ellen
Pascale
Guy
Ulrich
Monica
Laure
Michael

JACQUEL
LODI

MERCIER
MILNE
PEL
POUKENS-RENWART
RAUTMANN
ROSE
SORINAS-JIMENO
TACONET
WIERER

Publication
Claude
Hans-Joachim
Stephan
Lynne
Valérie
Catherine
Alice
Rachel

COUNE
BIGALKE
BREHIN
HENDERSON
MÉAU-BOUDES
NICOLAS
ROBERTS
TURNER

Quality Assurance

Vincent
Pierre

EGLOFF
LEVEAU

Translation
Michelle
Benoît
Rex

BACQUE
BERNARD
HUISH

Public relations
Caroline

LARSEN-LE TARNEC

Expert consultants
Syed Laik
Raymond

ALI
BOUDET-DALBIN

The European Pharmacopoeia Commission and the
European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines also
wishes to thank the Secretariat for their contribution

towards the publication:
BYLINSKI
Isabelle
Anne
ESPIN
FROMWEILER
Sandra
KNAUP
Carole


Contents of the 5th Edition

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

IV. CONTENTS OF THE 5th EDITION
The 5th Edition consists of all texts published in the
4th Edition, which may subsequently have been revised or
corrected, and new texts.
For the information of the reader, lists are given below of
monographs and general chapters that are new, or that have
been revised, corrected or deleted, and texts whose title has
been changed for the 5th Edition.
The version date (01/2005 for volume 5.0) and the
reference number (four digits for monographs and five
digits for general chapters) are specified above the title
of each text (monographs and general chapters). The
version date makes it possible to identify the successive
versions of revised texts in different volumes of the 5th
Edition. Corrections that are indicated by the word

“corrected” under the version date are to be taken into
account from the publication date of the volume.
For the 5th Edition, the following systematic
modifications have been made to the texts of the
Pharmacopoeia.
-

The term “specified impurities” has replaced “qualified
impurities” in the Impurities section of monographs

-

-

-

-

in accordance with the texts on Substances for
pharmaceutical use (2034) and 5.10. Control of
impurities in substances for pharmaceutical use. This
term, which is compliant with the ICH guidelines,
applies to impurities for which a specific acceptance
criterion has been defined.
In cases covered by the general monograph on
Substances for pharmaceutical use (2034), the test
for sterility and the corresponding information in the
Labelling section are no longer included in specific
monographs.
Chromatograms published for information no longer

appear in the Pharmacopoeia; they are now available
on the Internet site: www.pheur.org.
A reference to available biological reference
preparations has been added to the monographs
concerned.
The solubility in ether has been deleted from the
Characters section and from the reagent descriptions.
The reference to storage in a cool place has
been deleted from the monographs and reagent
descriptions.

A vertical line in the margin indicates where part of a text has been revised or corrected. A horizontal line in the
margin indicates where part of a text has been deleted. It is to be emphasized that these indications, which are not
necessarily exhaustive, are given for information and do not form an official part of the texts. Editorial changes are
not indicated.
Individual copies of texts will not be supplied.

NEW TEXTS INCLUDED IN THE 5th EDITION
Clofazimine (2054)
Closantel sodium dihydrate for veterinary use (1716)
2.4.30. Ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol in
ethoxylated substances
Colestyramine (1775)
2.6.24. Avian viral vaccines: tests for extraneous agents in Coriander oil (1820)
seed lots (previously texts 2.6.3, 2.6.4, 2.6.5 and
Dipivefrine hydrochloride (1719)
2.6.6)
Dodecyl gallate (2078)
2.6.25. Avian live virus vaccines: tests for extraneous
agents in batches of finished product (previously Edrophonium chloride (2106)

texts 2.6.3, 2.6.4, 2.6.5 and 2.6.6)
Formoterol fumarate dihydrate (1724)
5.9.
Polymorphism
Human coagulation factor VIII (rDNA) (1643)
5.10. Control of impurities in substances for
Hydromorphone hydrochloride (2099)
pharmaceutical use
Insulin aspart (2084)
5.11. Characters section in monographs
Insulin lispro (2085)
Isradipine (2110)
MONOGRAPHS
The monographs below appear for the first time in the Lactobionic acid (1647)
European Pharmacopoeia. They will be implemented on Lysine acetate (2114)
1 January 2005 at the latest.
Mitomycin (1655)
Monographs
Octyl gallate (2057)
Botulinum toxin type A for injection (2113)
Oleyl alcohol (2073)
Ciprofibrate (2013)
Oxeladin hydrogen citrate (1761)
Propylene glycol dicaprylocaprate (2122)
Clioquinol (2111)
GENERAL CHAPTERS

xv

Contents of the 5th Edition

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

Pyrantel embonate (1680)
Ribavirin (2109)
Salmon oil, farmed (1910)
Tiamulin for veterinary use (1660)
Tiamulin hydrogen fumarate for veterinary use (1659)
Vinorelbine tartrate (2107)

Vaccines for veterinary use

Vaccines for human use

Sodium fluoride (18F) injection (2100)

Meningococcal group C conjugate vaccine (2112)

Sodium iodide (131I) solution for radiolabelling (2121)

Avian viral tenosynovitis vaccine (live) (1956)
Bovine leptospirosis vaccine (inactivated) (1939)
Infectious chicken anaemia vaccine (live) (2038)
Radiopharmaceutical preparations

REVISED TEXTS IN THE 5th EDITION
GENERAL CHAPTERS

Etilefrine hydrochloride (1205)

1.

General notices

Eucalyptus oil (0390)

2.2.1.

Clarity and degree of opalescence of liquids

Famotidine (1012)

2.2.3.

Potentiometric determination of pH

Goserelin (1636)

2.2.5.

Relative density

Human anti-D immunoglobulin (0557)

2.2.24. Absorption spectrophotometry, infrared

Hyoscine butylbromide (0737)

2.2.34. Thermal analysis

Hyoscine hydrobromide (0106)

2.2.40. Near-infrared spectrophotometry

Hyoscyamine sulphate (0501)

2.2.46. Chromatographic separation techniques

Insulin, human (0838)

2.4.8.

Heavy metals

Iohexol (1114)

2.6.9.

Abnormal toxicity

Iopamidol (1115)

2.6.14. Bacterial endotoxins

Josamycin propionate (1982)

2.7.16. Assay of pertussis vaccine (acellular)

Ketoprofen (0922)

2.9.11. Test for methanol and 2-propanol

Lactose, anhydrous (1061)

3.2.1.

Glass containers for pharmaceutical use

Lactose monohydrate (0187)

4.

Reagents

Lavender oil (1338)

5.2.8.

Minimising the risk of transmitting animal
spongiform encephalopathy agents via human
and veterinary medicinal products

Paraffin, light liquid (0240)
Paraffin, liquid (0239)
Penbutolol sulphate (1461)

MONOGRAPHS

Povidone, iodinated (1142)

The monographs below have been technically revised Primidone (0584)
since their last publication. They will be implemented on
Propyl gallate (1039)
1 January 2005.
Propylene glycol (0430)
General monographs
Protirelin (1144)
Substances for pharmaceutical use (2034)
Risperidone (1559)
Monographs
Sulfamethoxazole (0108)
Adrenaline tartrate (0254)
Ammonium glycyrrhizate (1772)
Bitter-fennel fruit oil (1826)
Buserelin (1077)
Cefapirin sodium (1650)
Codergocrine mesilate (2060)
Dexpanthenol (0761)
Doxycycline hyclate (0272)
Epirubicin hydrochloride (1590)
Estradiol benzoate (0139)

xvi

Thiamazole (1706)
Vaccines for human use
BCG for immunotherapy (1929)
BCG vaccine, freeze-dried (0163)
Diphtheria and tetanus vaccine (adsorbed) (0444)
Diphtheria and tetanus vaccine (adsorbed) for adults and

adolescents (0647)
Diphtheria, tetanus and hepatitis B (rDNA) vaccine
(adsorbed) (2062)
Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine (adsorbed) (0445)


Contents of the 5th Edition

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and poliomyelitis
(inactivated) vaccine (adsorbed) (2061)
Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis (inactivated)
and haemophilus type b conjugate vaccine
(adsorbed) (2066)

Vaccines for veterinary use

Diphtheria vaccine (adsorbed) (0443)

Avian infectious laryngotracheitis vaccine (live) (1068)

Diphtheria vaccine (adsorbed) for adults and
adolescents (0646)
Haemophilus type b conjugate vaccine (1219)

Avian infectious bronchitis vaccine (live) (0442)
Avian infectious bursal disease vaccine (live) (0587)
Avian infectious encephalomyelitis vaccine (live) (0588)
Canine leptospirosis vaccine (inactivated) (0447)

Duck viral hepatitis type I vaccine (live) (1315)

Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (0250)

Fowl-pox vaccine (live) (0649)

Tetanus vaccine (adsorbed) (0452)

Marek’s disease vaccine (live) (0589)

Typhoid polysaccharide vaccine (1160)

Newcastle disease vaccine (live) (0450)

CORRECTED TEXTS IN THE 5th EDITION
The texts below from the 4th Edition have been modified and specify “01/2005:XXXX-corrected” above the title. These
modifications are to be taken into account from the publication date of the 5th Edition.
GENERAL CHAPTERS

Azithromycin (1649)

2.4.18. Free formaldehyde

Benfluorex hydrochloride (1601)

2.4.24. Identification and control of residual solvents

Benzyl alcohol (0256)

2.5.34. Acetic acid in synthetic peptides

Calcium hydrogen phosphate, anhydrous (0981)

2.6.15. Prekallikrein activator

Calcium hydroxide (1078)

2.6.21. Nucleic acid amplification techniques

Carbidopa (0755)

2.7.6.

Castor oil, hydrogenated (1497)

Assay of diphtheria vaccine (adsorbed)

2.7.11. Assay of human coagulation factor IX

Castor oil, virgin (0051)

2.7.14. Assay of hepatitis A vaccine

Cefaclor (0986)

2.7.15. Assay of hepatitis B vaccine (rDNA)

Cefadroxil monohydrate (0813)

5.3.

Cefamandole nafate (1402)

Statistical analysis of results of biological assays
and tests

MONOGRAPHS
General monographs
Vaccines for veterinary use (0062)

Cefixime (1188)
Cefotaxime sodium (0989)
Cefradine (0814)
Chlorhexidine digluconate solution (0658)
Ciclosporin (0994)

Monographs

Cilazapril (1499)

Acetylcholine chloride (1485)

Ciprofloxacin (1089)

Acetylcystein (0967)

Clarithromycin (1651)

Acitretin (1385)

Clobazam (1974)

Air, medicinal (1238)

Clobetasone butyrate (1090)

Almagate (2010)

Detomidine hydrochloride for veterinary use (1414)

Alteplase for injection (1170)

Dihydralazine sulphate, hydrated (1310)

Amantadine hydrochloride (0463)

Diphenhydramine hydrochloride (0023)

Amikacin sulphate (1290)

Disodium phosphate, anhydrous (1509)

Amoxicillin sodium (0577)

Domperidone maleate (1008)

Ampicillin sodium (0578)

Doxepin hydrochloride (1096)

Anise oil (0804)

Ebastine (2015)

Aspartame (0973)

Econazole (2049)

Azelastine hydrochloride (1633)

Econazole nitrate (0665)

xvii


Contents of the 5th Edition

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

Eleutherococcus (1419)

Papaverine hydrochloride (0102)

Erythropoietin concentrated solution (1316)

Pefloxacin mesilate dihydrate (1460)

Fibrin sealant kit (0903)

Pepsin powder (0682)

Fish oil, rich in omega-3-acids (1912)

Phenoxymethylpenicillin (0148)

Foscarnet sodium hexahydrate (1520)

Phenoxymethylpenicillin potassium (0149)

Framycetin sulphate (0180)

Piroxicam (0944)

Gentamicin sulphate (0331)

Polymyxin B sulphate (0203)

Glycerol (0496)

Polysorbate 20 (0426)

Glycerol (85 per cent) (0497)

Potassium acetate (1139)

Glycine (0614)

Potassium clavulanate, diluted (1653)

Goldenrod (1892)

Povidone (0685)

Goldenrod, European (1893)

Pravastatin sodium (2059)

Gonadorelin acetate (0827)

Primaquine diphosphate (0635)

Guaifenesin (0615)

Propanol (2036)

Halofantrine hydrochloride (1979)

Propranolol hydrochloride (0568)

Heparins, low-molecular-mass (0828)

Propylene glycol dilaurate (2087)

Heptaminol hydrochloride (1980)

Propylene glycol monolaurate (1915)

Human anti-D immunoglobulin for intravenous
administration (1527)

Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (1367)

Human plasma for fractionation (0853)
Human plasma (pooled and treated for virus
inactivation) (1646)

Rifabutin (1657)
Sodium alendronate (1564)
Sodium hyaluronate (1472)

Hyaluronidase (0912)

Sodium polystyrene sulphonate (1909)

Hydroxycarbamide (1616)

Somatropin (0951)

Ifosfamide (1529)

Somatropin bulk solution (0950)

Imipramine hydrochloride (0029)

Somatropin for injection (0952)

Insulin, bovine (1637)

Sorbitol, liquid (crystallising) (0436)

Insulin, porcine (1638)

Sorbitol, liquid (non-crystallising) (0437)

Interferon alfa-2 concentrated solution (1110)

Spiramycin (0293)

Interferon gamma-1b concentrated solution (1440)

Star anise oil (2108)

Ioxaglic acid (2009)

Sucrose (0204)

Isoflurane (1673)

Tamoxifen citrate (1046)

Ivermectin (1336)

Thiamine hydrochloride (0303)

Lemon oil (0620)

Ticlopidine hydrochloride (1050)

Lisinopril dihydrate (1120)

DL-α-Tocopheryl

Lobeline hydrochloride (1988)

RRR-α-Tocopheryl hydrogen succinate (1259)

Lomustine (0928)

Tramazoline hydrochloride monohydrate (1597)

Magaldrate (1539)

Triacetin (1106)

Maltitol, liquid (1236)

Vancomycin hydrochloride (1058)

Methylprednisolone hydrogen succinate (1131)

Vinblastine sulphate (0748)

Methylthioninium chloride (1132)

Vincristine sulphate (0749)

Minoxidil (0937)

Water for injections (0169)

Mometasone furoate (1449)

Water, highly purified (1927)

Netilmicin sulphate (1351)

Water, purified (0008)

Nifedipine (0627)

Willow bark (1583)

Nifuroxazide (1999)

Xylose (1278)

Omega-3-acid ethyl esters 60 (2063)

Zopiclone (1060)

xviii

hydrogen succinate (1258)


Contents of the 5th Edition

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

Vaccines for human use

Equine influenza vaccine (inactivated) (0249)

Measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (live) (1057)

Foot-and-mouth disease (ruminants) vaccine
(inactivated) (0063)

Measles vaccine (live) (0213)
Mumps vaccine (live) (0538)

Swine erysipelas vaccine (inactivated) (0064)

Pertussis vaccine (acellular, co-purified, adsorbed) (1595)

Tetanus vaccine for veterinary use (0697)

Rubella vaccine (live) (0162)

Radiopharmaceutical preparations

Vaccines for veterinary use

Iobenguane (123I) injection (1113)

Clostridium novyi (type B) vaccine for veterinary use (0362)

L-Methionine

Clostridium perfringens vaccine for veterinary use (0363)

Homoeopathic preparations

Clostridium septicum vaccine for veterinary use (0364)

Iron for homoeopathic preparations (2026)

([11C]methyl) injection (1617)

TEXTS WHOSE TITLE HAS CHANGED FOR THE 5th EDITION
The titles of the following texts have been changed in the 5th Edition.
MONOGRAPHS

GENERAL CHAPTERS

2.2.34. Thermal analysis (previously Thermogravimetry) Monographs
Amfetamine sulphate (0368) (previously Amphetamine
2.7.4. Assay of human coagulation factor VIII (previously sulphate)
Assay of blood coagulation factor VIII)
Riboflavin (0292) (previously Riboflavine)
Riboflavin sodium phosphate (0786) (previously
3.1.4. Polyethylene without additives for containers
Riboflavine sodium phosphate)
for parenteral preparations and for ophthalmic
Tosylchloramide sodium (0381) (previously Chloramine)
preparations (previously Polyethylene without
Triacetin (1106) (previously Glycerol triacetate)
additives for containers for preparations for
parenteral use and for ophthalmic preparations)
Vaccines for veterinary use

3.1.5. Polyethylene with additives for containers for
Avian infectious bronchitis vaccine (live) (0442)
parenteral preparations and for ophthalmic
(previously Avian infectious bronchitis vaccine (live),
freeze-dried)
preparations (previously Polyethylene with
additives for containers for preparations for
Avian infectious bursal disease vaccine (live) (0587)
parenteral use and for ophthalmic preparations) (previously Avian infectious bursal disease (Gumboro
disease) vaccine (live), freeze-dried)
3.1.6. Polypropylene for containers and closures
Avian infectious laryngotracheitis vaccine (live) (1068)
for parenteral preparations and ophthalmic
(previously Avian infectious laryngotracheitis vaccine
preparations (previously Polypropylene for
(live) for chickens)
containers and closures for preparations for
Canine leptospirosis vaccine (inactivated) (0447)
parenteral and ophthalmic use)
(previously Leptospira vaccine for veterinary use)
Duck viral hepatitis type I vaccine (live) (1315)
5.2.8. Minimising the risk of transmitting animal
(previously Duck viral hepatitis vaccine (live))
spongiform encephalopathy agents via human
and veterinary medicinal products
Fowl-pox vaccine (live) (0649) (previously Fowl-pox
vaccine (live), freeze-dried)
(previously Minimising the risk of transmitting
animal spongiform encephalopathy agents via
Newcastle disease vaccine (live) (0450) (previously

medicinal products)
Newcastle disease vaccine (live), freeze-dried)

TEXTS DELETED FOR THE 5th EDITION
The following texts were deleted on 1 January 2005.
GENERAL CHAPTERS
2.6.3. Tests for extraneous viruses using fertilised eggs
2.6.4. Test for leucosis viruses
2.6.5. Test for extraneous viruses using cell cultures
2.6.6. Test for extraneous agents using chicks

MONOGRAPHS
Carbenicillin sodium (0812)

xix


CONTENTS
VOLUME 1
I.

PREFACE

i

II. INTRODUCTION

v

III. EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA COMMISSION

ix

IV. CONTENTS OF THE FIFTH EDITION

xv

GENERAL CHAPTERS
1.

General Notices

1

2.

Methods of Analysis

13

2.1. Apparatus

15

2.2. Physical and physicochemical methods

21

2.3. Identification

93

2.4. Limit tests

101

2.5. Assays

125

2.6. Biological tests

143

2.7. Biological assays

185

2.8. Methods in Pharmacognosy

213

2.9. Pharmaceutical technical procedures

223

Materials for Containers, and Containers

265

3.1. Materials used for the manufacture of containers

267

3.2. Containers

301

4.

Reagents

319

5.

General Texts

441

3.

GENERAL MONOGRAPHS

567

MONOGRAPHS ON DOSAGE FORMS

597

MONOGRAPHS ON VACCINES FOR HUMAN USE

633

MONOGRAPHS ON VACCINES FOR VETERINARY USE

713

MONOGRAPHS ON IMMUNOSERA FOR HUMAN USE

799

MONOGRAPHS ON IMMUNOSERA FOR VETERINARY USE

807

MONOGRAPHS ON RADIOPHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS

815

MONOGRAPHS ON SUTURES FOR HUMAN USE

871

MONOGRAPHS ON SUTURES FOR VETERINARY USE

883

MONOGRAPHS ON HOMOEOPATHIC PREPARATIONS

891

VOLUME 2
MONOGRAPHS
INDEX
Note : on the first page of each chapter/section there is a list of contents.

903
2739


EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

1. General notices

01/2005:10100 functionality-related characteristics that are important for the
use of the substance may be appended to the monograph for
information. Test methods for determination of one or more
1.1. GENERAL STATEMENTS
of these characteristics may be given, also for information.
The General Notices apply to all monographs and other texts
General monographs. Substances and preparations that are
of the European Pharmacopoeia.
the subject of an individual monograph are also required
The official texts of the European Pharmacopoeia are
to comply with relevant, applicable general monographs.
published in English and French. Translations in other
Cross-references to applicable general monographs are not
languages may be prepared by the signatory States of the
normally given in individual monographs.

European Pharmacopoeia Convention. In case of doubt
General monographs apply to all substances and preparations
or dispute, the English and French versions are alone
within the scope of the Definition section of the general
authoritative.
monograph, except where a preamble limits the application,
In the texts of the European Pharmacopoeia, the word
for example to substances and preparations that are the
“Pharmacopoeia” without qualification means the European subject of a monograph of the Pharmacopoeia.
Pharmacopoeia. The official abbreviation Ph. Eur. may be
General monographs on dosage forms apply to all
used to indicate the European Pharmacopoeia.
preparations of the type defined. The requirements are not
The use of the title or the subtitle of a monograph implies
necessarily comprehensive for a given specific preparation
that the article complies with the requirements of the
and requirements additional to those prescribed in the
relevant monograph. Such references to monographs in the general monograph may be imposed by the competent
texts of the Pharmacopoeia are shown using the monograph authority.
title and reference number in italics.
Conventional terms. The term “competent authority”
A preparation must comply throughout its period of validity ; means the national, supranational or international body or
a distinct period of validity and/or specifications for opened organisation vested with the authority for making decisions
or broached containers may be decided by the competent
concerning the issue in question. It may, for example, be a
authority. The subject of any other monograph must comply national pharmacopoeia authority, a licensing authority or
throughout its period of use. The period of validity that is
an official control laboratory.
assigned to any given article and the time from which that
The expression “unless otherwise justified and authorised”

period is to be calculated are decided by the competent
means that the requirements have to be met, unless the
authority in the light of experimental results of stability
competent authority authorises a modification or an
studies.
exemption where justified in a particular case.
Unless otherwise indicated in the General Notices or in
Statements containing the word “should” are informative or
the monographs, statements in monographs constitute
advisory.
mandatory requirements. General chapters become
In certain monographs or other texts, the terms “suitable”
mandatory when referred to in a monograph, unless such
and “appropriate” are used to describe a reagent,
reference is made in a way that indicates that it is not the
intention to make the text referred to mandatory but rather micro-organism, test method etc. ; if criteria for suitability are
not described in the monograph, suitability is demonstrated
to cite it for information.
to the satisfaction of the competent authority.
The active ingredients (medicinal substances), excipients
(auxiliary substances), pharmaceutical preparations and
Interchangeable methods. Certain general chapters contain
other articles described in the monographs are intended
a statement that the text in question is harmonised with
for human and veterinary use (unless explicitly restricted
the corresponding text of the Japanese Pharmacopoeia
to one of these uses). An article is not of Pharmacopoeia
and/or the United States Pharmacopeia and that these texts
quality unless it complies with all the requirements
are interchangeable. This implies that if a substance or

stated in the monograph. This does not imply that
preparation is found to comply with a requirement using an
performance of all the tests in a monograph is necessarily
interchangeable method from one of these pharmacopoeias
a prerequisite for a manufacturer in assessing compliance
it complies with the requirements of the European
with the Pharmacopoeia before release of a product. The
Pharmacopoeia. In the event of doubt or dispute, the text of
manufacturer may obtain assurance that a product is of
the European Pharmacopoeia is alone authoritative.
Pharmacopoeia quality from data derived, for example, from
validation studies of the manufacturing process and from
01/2005:10200
in-process controls. Parametric release in circumstances
deemed appropriate by the competent authority is thus not
1.2. OTHER PROVISIONS APPLYING
precluded by the need to comply with the Pharmacopoeia.
TO GENERAL CHAPTERS AND
The tests and assays described are the official methods
upon which the standards of the Pharmacopoeia are based. MONOGRAPHS
With the agreement of the competent authority, alternative
Quantities. In tests with numerical limits and assays, the
methods of analysis may be used for control purposes,
quantity stated to be taken for examination is approximate.
provided that the methods used enable an unequivocal
The amount actually used, which may deviate by not more
decision to be made as to whether compliance with the
than 10 per cent from that stated, is accurately weighed
standards of the monographs would be achieved if the
official methods were used. In the event of doubt or dispute, or measured and the result is calculated from this exact

quantity. In tests where the limit is not numerical, but usually
the methods of analysis of the Pharmacopoeia are alone
depends upon comparison with the behaviour of a reference
authoritative.
in the same conditions, the stated quantity is taken for
Certain materials that are the subject of a pharmacopoeial
monograph may exist in different grades suitable for different examination. Reagents are used in the prescribed amounts.
purposes. Unless otherwise indicated in the monograph,
Quantities are weighed or measured with an accuracy
the requirements apply to all grades of the material. In
commensurate with the indicated degree of precision. For
some monographs, particularly those on excipients, a list of weighings, the precision corresponds to plus or minus 5 units
General Notices (1) apply to all monographs and other texts

5


1. General notices

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

after the last figure stated (for example, 0.25 g is to be
interpreted as 0.245 g to 0.255 g). For the measurement of
volumes, if the figure after the decimal point is a zero or ends
in a zero (for example, 10.0 ml or 0.50 ml), the volume is
measured using a pipette, a volumetric flask or a burette, as
appropriate ; otherwise, a graduated measuring cylinder or a
graduated pipette may be used. Volumes stated in microlitres
are measured using a micropipette or microsyringe.
It is recognised, however, that in certain cases the precision

with which quantities are stated does not correspond to the
number of significant figures stated in a specified numerical
limit. The weighings and measurements are then carried out
with a sufficiently improved accuracy.
Apparatus and procedures. Volumetric glassware complies
with Class A requirements of the appropriate International
Standard issued by the International Organisation for
Standardisation.
Unless otherwise prescribed, analytical procedures are
carried out at a temperature between 15 °C and 25 °C.
Unless otherwise prescribed, comparative tests are carried
out using identical tubes of colourless, transparent, neutral
glass with a flat base ; the volumes of liquid prescribed are
for use with tubes having an internal diameter of 16 mm but
tubes with a larger internal diameter may be used provided
the volume of liquid used is adjusted (2.1.5). Equal volumes
of the liquids to be compared are examined down the vertical
axis of the tubes against a white background, or if necessary
against a black background. The examination is carried out
in diffuse light.

contamination (Purified water in containers) are not
relevant. The term “distilled water” indicates purified water
prepared by distillation.
The term “ethanol” without qualification means anhydrous
ethanol. The term “alcohol” without qualification means
ethanol (96 per cent). Other dilutions of ethanol are
indicated by the term “ethanol” or “alcohol” followed by a
statement of the percentage by volume of ethanol (C2H6O)
required.

EXPRESSION OF CONTENT
In defining content, the expression “per cent” is used
according to circumstances with one of two meanings :
— per cent m/m (percentage, mass in mass) expresses the
number of grams of substance in 100 grams of final
product,
— per cent V/V (percentage, volume in volume) expresses
the number of millilitres of substance in 100 millilitres
of final product.
The expression “parts per million (ppm)” refers to mass in
mass, unless otherwise specified.

TEMPERATURE
Where an analytical procedure describes temperature
without a figure, the general terms used have the following
meaning :
— in a deep-freeze : below − 15 °C,
— in a refrigerator : 2 °C to 8 °C,
Any solvent required in a test or assay in which an indicator — cold or cool : 8 °C to 15 °C,
is to be used is previously neutralised to the indicator, unless — room temperature : 15 °C to 25 °C.
a blank test is prescribed.
Water-bath. The term “water-bath” means a bath of boiling
water unless water at another temperature is indicated.
Other methods of heating may be substituted provided the
01/2005:10300
temperature is near to but not higher than 100 °C or the
indicated temperature.
1.3. GENERAL CHAPTERS
Drying and ignition to constant mass. The terms “dried to
constant mass” and “ignited to constant mass” mean that

CONTAINERS
2 consecutive weighings do not differ by more than 0.5 mg,
the second weighing following an additional period of drying Materials used for containers are described in general
chapter 3.1. General names used for materials, particularly
or of ignition respectively appropriate to the nature and
plastic materials, each cover a range of products varying not
quantity of the residue.
only in the properties of the principal constituent but also in
Where drying is prescribed using one of the expressions
the additives used. The test methods and limits for materials
“in a desiccator” or “in vacuo”, it is carried out using the
depend on the formulation and are therefore applicable only
conditions described under 2.2.32. Loss on drying.
for materials whose formulation is covered by the preamble
to the specification. The use of materials with different
formulations, and the test methods and limits applied to
REAGENTS
them, are subject to agreement by the competent authority.
The proper conduct of the analytical procedures described in
the Pharmacopoeia and the reliability of the results depend, The specifications for containers in general chapter 3.2
in part, upon the quality of the reagents used. The reagents have been developed for general application to containers
of the stated category but in view of the wide variety of
are described in general chapter 4. It is assumed that
reagents of analytical grade are used ; for some reagents, tests containers available and possible new developments, the
publication of a specification does not exclude the use, in
to determine suitability are included in the specifications.
justified circumstances, of containers that comply with
other specifications, subject to agreement by the competent
SOLVENTS
authority.

Where the name of the solvent is not stated, the term
Reference may be made within the monographs of the
“solution” implies a solution in water.
Pharmacopoeia to the definitions and specifications for
containers provided in chapter 3.2. Containers. The general
Where the use of water is specified or implied in the
monographs for pharmaceutical dosage forms may, under
analytical procedures described in the Pharmacopoeia or
the heading Definition/Production, require the use of
for the preparation of reagents, water complying with the
requirements of the monograph on Purified water (0008) is certain types of container ; certain other monographs may,
under the heading Storage, indicate the type of container
used, except that for many purposes the requirements for
bacterial endotoxins (Purified water in bulk) and microbial that is recommended for use.

6

See the information section on general monographs (cover pages)


1. General notices

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

1.4. MONOGRAPHS

01/2005:10400 Solubility. In statements of solubility in the section headed
Characters, the terms used have the following significance
referred to a temperature between 15 °C and 25 °C.

TITLES
Monograph titles are in English and French in the respective
versions and there is a Latin subtitle.
RELATIVE ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR MASSES
The relative atomic mass (Ar) or the relative molecular
mass (Mr) is shown, as and where appropriate, at the
beginning of each monograph. The relative atomic and
molecular masses and the molecular and graphic formulae
do not constitute analytical standards for the substances
described.
DEFINITION
Statements under the heading Definition constitute an
official definition of the substance, preparation or other
article that is the subject of the monograph.
Limits of content. Where limits of content are prescribed,
they are those determined by the method described under
Assay.
Vegetable drugs. In monographs on vegetable drugs, the
definition indicates whether the subject of the monograph is,
for example, the whole drug or the drug in powdered form.
Where a monograph applies to the drug in several states, for
example both to the whole drug and the drug in powdered
form, the definition states this.
PRODUCTION
Statements under the heading Production draw attention
to particular aspects of the manufacturing process but are
not necessarily comprehensive. They constitute instructions
to manufacturers. They may relate, for example, to source
materials, to the manufacturing process itself and its
validation and control, to in-process testing or to testing

that is to be carried out by the manufacturer on the final
article either on selected batches or on each batch prior to
release. These statements cannot necessarily be verified on
a sample of the final article by an independent analyst. The
competent authority may establish that the instructions have
been followed, for example, by examination of data received
from the manufacturer, by inspection of manufacture or by
testing appropriate samples.

Descriptive term

Approximate volume of solvent in millilitres
per gram of solute

Very soluble

less than

1

Freely soluble

from

1

to

10

Soluble

from

10

to

30

Sparingly soluble

from

30

to

100
1000
10 000

Slightly soluble

from

100

to

Very slightly soluble

from

1000

to

Practically insoluble

more than

10 000

The term “partly soluble” is used to describe a mixture where
only some of the components dissolve. The term “miscible”
is used to describe a liquid that is miscible in all proportions
with the stated solvent.
IDENTIFICATION
The tests given in the identification section are not designed
to give a full confirmation of the chemical structure or
composition of the product ; they are intended to give
confirmation, with an acceptable degree of assurance, that
the article conforms to the description on the label.
Certain monographs have subdivisions entitled “First
identification” and “Second identification”. The test or
tests that constitute the “First identification” may be used
for identification in all circumstances. The test or tests
that constitute the “Second identification” may be used
for identification provided it can be demonstrated that the

substance or preparation is fully traceable to a batch certified
to comply with all the other requirements of the monograph.

TESTS AND ASSAYS
Scope. The requirements are not framed to take account
of all possible impurities. It is not to be presumed, for
example, that an impurity that is not detectable by means of
the prescribed tests is tolerated if common sense and good
pharmaceutical practice require that it be absent. See also
below under Impurities.
Calculation. Where the result of a test or assay is
required to be calculated with reference to the dried or
anhydrous substance or on some other specified basis, the
determination of loss on drying, water content or other
property is carried out by the method prescribed in the
relevant test in the monograph. The words “dried substance”
The absence of a section on Production does not imply
or “anhydrous substance” etc. appear in parenthesis after
that attention to features such as those referred to above
the result.
is not required. A product described in a monograph of
Limits. The limits prescribed are based on data obtained
the Pharmacopoeia is manufactured in accordance with
in normal analytical practice ; they take account of normal
a suitable quality system in accordance with relevant
analytical errors, of acceptable variations in manufacture and
international agreements and supranational and national
compounding and of deterioration to an extent considered
regulations governing medicinal products for human or
acceptable. No further tolerances are to be applied to the

veterinary use.
limits prescribed to determine whether the article being
Where in the section under the heading Production a
examined complies with the requirements of the monograph.
monograph on a vaccine defines the characteristics of
In determining compliance with a numerical limit, the
the vaccine strain to be used, any test methods given for
calculated result of a test or assay is first rounded to the
confirming these characteristics are provided for information number of significant figures stated, unless otherwise
as examples of suitable methods. Similarly, test methods for prescribed. The last figure is increased by one when the part
choice of vaccine composition are provided for information
rejected is equal to or exceeds one half-unit, whereas it is not
as examples of suitable methods.
modified when the part rejected is less than a half-unit.
Indication of permitted limit of impurities. For comparative
CHARACTERS
tests, the approximate content of impurity tolerated, or
The statements under the heading Characters are not to be the sum of impurities, may be indicated for information
interpreted in a strict sense and are not requirements.
only. Acceptance or rejection is determined on the basis
General Notices (1) apply to all monographs and other texts

7


1. General notices

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

of compliance or non-compliance with the stated test. If

the use of a reference substance for the named impurity is
not prescribed, this content may be expressed as a nominal
concentration of the substance used to prepare the reference
solution specified in the monograph, unless otherwise
described.
Vegetable drugs. For vegetable drugs, the sulphated ash,
total ash, water-soluble matter, alcohol-soluble matter,
water content, content of essential oil and content of active
principle are calculated with reference to the drug that has
not been specially dried, unless otherwise prescribed in the
monograph.
Equivalents. Where an equivalent is given, for the purposes
of the Pharmacopoeia only the figures shown are to be used
in applying the requirements of the monograph.

IMPURITIES
A list of all known and potential impurities that have been
shown to be detected by the tests in a monograph may be
given for information. See also 5.10. Control of impurities
in substances for pharmaceutical use.
FUNCTIONALITY-RELATED CHARACTERISTICS
A list of functionality-related characteristics that are not the
subject of official requirements but which are nevertheless
important for the use of a substance may be appended to a
monograph, for information (see also above 1.1. General
statements).

REFERENCE SUBSTANCES, REFERENCE
PREPARATIONS AND REFERENCE SPECTRA
Certain monographs require the use of a reference substance,

a reference preparation or a reference spectrum. These
STORAGE
are chosen with regard to their intended use as prescribed
The information and recommendations given under the
in the monographs of the Pharmacopoeia and are not
heading Storage do not constitute a pharmacopoeial
necessarily suitable in other circumstances. The European
requirement but the competent authority may specify
Pharmacopoeia Commission does not accept responsibility
particular storage conditions that must be met.
for any errors arising from use other than as prescribed.
The articles described in the Pharmacopoeia are stored
The reference substances, the reference preparations and
in such a way as to prevent contamination and, as far as
the reference spectra are established by the European
possible, deterioration. Where special conditions of storage Pharmacopoeia Commission and may be obtained from the
are recommended, including the type of container (see 1.3.
Technical Secretariat. They are the official standards to be
General chapters) and limits of temperature, they are stated used in cases of arbitration. A list of reference substances,
in the monograph.
reference preparations and reference spectra may be
obtained from the Technical Secretariat.
The following expressions are used in monographs under
Storage with the meaning shown.
Local standards may be used for routine analysis, provided
they are calibrated against the standards established by the
In an airtight container means that the product is stored
European Pharmacopoeia Commission.
in an airtight container (3.2). Care is to be taken when the
container is opened in a damp atmosphere. A low moisture Any information necessary for proper use of the reference

content may be maintained, if necessary, by the use of a
substance or reference preparation is given on the label
desiccant in the container provided that direct contact with or in the accompanying leaflet or brochure. Where no
the product is avoided.
drying conditions are stated in the leaflet or on the label,
Protected from light means that the product is stored either the substance is to be used as received. No certificate of
analysis or other data not relevant to the prescribed use
in a container made of a material that absorbs actinic light
sufficiently to protect the contents from change induced by of the product are provided. No expiry date is indicated :
such light or in a container enclosed in an outer cover that the products are guaranteed to be suitable for use when
provides such protection or stored in a place from which all dispatched. The stability of the contents of opened
containers cannot be guaranteed.
such light is excluded.
Chemical Reference Substances. The abbreviation CRS
LABELLING
indicates a Chemical Reference Substance established by
In general, labelling of medicines is subject to supranational the European Pharmacopoeia Commission. Some Chemical
Reference Substances are used for the microbiological assay
and national regulation and to international agreements.
of antibiotics and their activity is stated, in International
The statements under the heading Labelling therefore are
Units, on the label or on the accompanying leaflet and
not comprehensive and, moreover, for the purposes of the
defined in the same manner as for Biological Reference
Pharmacopoeia only those statements that are necessary
Preparations.
to demonstrate compliance or non-compliance with the
monograph are mandatory. Any other labelling statements
Biological Reference Preparations. The majority of the
are included as recommendations. When the term “label” is primary biological reference preparations referred to in the

used in the Pharmacopoeia, the labelling statements may
European Pharmacopoeia are the appropriate International
appear on the container, the package, a leaflet accompanying Standards and Reference Preparations established by
the package or a certificate of analysis accompanying the
the World Health Organisation. Because these reference
article, as decided by the competent authority.
materials are usually available only in limited quantities,
the Commission has established Biological Reference
Preparations (indicated by the abbreviation BRP) where
WARNINGS
appropriate. Where applicable, the potency of the Biological
Materials described in monographs and reagents specified
Reference Preparations is expressed in International Units.
for use in the Pharmacopoeia may be injurious to health
For some Biological Reference Preparations, where an
unless adequate precautions are taken. The principles of
international standard or reference preparation does not
good quality control laboratory practice and the provisions
exist, the potency is expressed in European Pharmacopoeia
of any appropriate regulations are to be observed at all
Units.
times. Attention is drawn to particular hazards in certain
monographs by means of a warning statement ; absence of
Reference spectra. The reference spectrum is accompanied
such a statement is not to be taken to mean that no hazard by information concerning the conditions used for sample
exists.
preparation and recording the spectrum.
8

See the information section on general monographs (cover pages)

1.5. Abbreviations and symbols

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

01/2005:10500

Lp/10 dose

PFU

The smallest quantity of toxin that, in the
conditions of the test, when mixed with
0.1 IU of antitoxin and administered by the
specified route, causes paralysis in the test
animals within a given period
The largest quantity of a toxin that, in the
conditions of the test, when mixed with
0.1 IU of antitoxin and administered by the
specified route, does not cause symptoms
of toxicity in the test animals within a given
period
The quantity of toxin or toxoid that
flocculates in the shortest time with 1 IU
of antitoxin
The statistically determined quantity of
virus that may be expected to infect 50 per
cent of the cell cultures to which it is added
The statistically determined quantity of

virus that may be expected to infect 50 per
cent of fertilised eggs into which it is
inoculated
The statistically determined quantity of
a virus that may be expected to infect
50 per cent of the animals into which it is
inoculated
The statistically determined dose of a
vaccine that, in the conditions of the tests,
may be expected to protect 50 per cent of
the animals against a challenge dose of the
micro-organisms or toxins against which
it is active
The statistically determined dose of a
vaccine that, in the conditions of the
tests, may be expected to induce specific
antibodies in 50 per cent of the animals for
the relevant vaccine antigens
Pock-forming units or plaque-forming units

SPF

Specified-pathogen-free.

1.5. ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS
A

Absorbance

Lo/10 dose

Specific absorbance
Ar

Relative atomic mass
Specific optical rotation

bp
BRP

Boiling point

CRS

Chemical Reference Substance

Lf dose

Biological Reference Preparation
Relative density

IU

International Unit

λ
M

Wavelength

Mr
mp

Relative molecular mass

CCID50
EID50

Molarity
Melting point

ID50

Refractive index
Ph. Eur. U.
ppm

European Pharmacopoeia Unit

R

Substance or solution defined under
4. Reagents
Used in chromatography to indicate
the ratio of the distance travelled by a
substance to the distance travelled by the
solvent front
Used in chromatography to indicate
the ratio of the distance travelled by a
substance to the distance travelled by a

reference substance
Substance used as a primary standard in
volumetric analysis (chapter 4.2.1)

Rf

Rst

RV

Parts per million

Abbreviations used in the monographs on
immunoglobulins, immunosera and vaccines
LD50
The statistically determined quantity of a
substance that, when administered by the
specified route, may be expected to cause
the death of 50 per cent of the test animals
within a given period
MLD
Minimum lethal dose
L+/10 dose

L+ dose

lr/100 dose

The smallest quantity of a toxin that, in the
conditions of the test, when mixed with

0.1 IU of antitoxin and administered by the
specified route, causes the death of the test
animals within a given period
The smallest quantity of a toxin that, in the
conditions of the test, when mixed with
1 IU of antitoxin and administered by the
specified route, causes the death of the test
animals within a given period
The smallest quantity of a toxin that, in
the conditions of the test, when mixed
with 0.01 IU of antitoxin and injected
intracutaneously causes a characteristic
reaction at the site of injection within a
given period

General Notices (1) apply to all monographs and other texts

PD50

ED50

Collections of micro-organisms
ATCC
American Type Culture Collection
10801 University Boulevard
Manassas, Virginia 20110-2209, USA
C.I.P.
Collection de Bactéries de l’Institut Pasteur
B.P. 52, 25 rue du Docteur Roux
75724 Paris Cedex 15, France

IMI
International Mycological Institute
Bakeham Lane
Surrey TW20 9TY, Great Britain
I.P.
Collection Nationale de Culture de
Microorganismes (C.N.C.M.)
Institut Pasteur
25, rue du Docteur Roux
75724 Paris Cedex 15, France
NCIMB
National Collection of Industrial and
Marine Bacteria Ltd
23 St Machar Drive
Aberdeen AB2 1RY, Great Britain

9


1.6. Units (SI) used in the Pharmacopoeia

NCPF

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

The derived units may be formed by combining the
base units according to the algebraic relationships linking
the corresponding quantities. Some of these derived units
have special names and symbols. The SI units used in the
European Pharmacopoeia are shown in Table 1.6-2.

National Collection of Pathogenic Fungi
London School of Hygiene and Tropical
Medicine
Keppel Street
London WC1E 7HT, Great Britain
National Collection of Type Cultures
Central Public Health Laboratory
Colindale Avenue
London NW9 5HT, Great Britain
National Collection of Yeast Cultures
AFRC Food Research Institute
Colney Lane
Norwich NR4 7UA, Great Britain
Statens Serum Institut
80 Amager Boulevard, Copenhagen,
Denmark

NCTC

NCYC

S.S.I.

Some important and widely used units outside the
International System are shown in Table 1.6-3.
The prefixes shown in Table 1.6-4 are used to form the names
and symbols of the decimal multiples and submultiples of
SI units.
NOTES

1. In the Pharmacopoeia, the Celsius temperature is used
(symbol t). This is defined by the equation :

where T0 = 273.15 K by definition. The Celsius or
centigrade temperature is expressed in degree Celsius
(symbol °C). The unit “degree Celsius” is equal to the unit
“kelvin”.
2. The practical expressions of concentrations used in the
Pharmacopoeia are defined in the General Notices.

01/2005:10600

1.6. UNITS OF THE INTERNATIONAL
SYSTEM (SI) USED IN THE
PHARMACOPOEIA AND
EQUIVALENCE WITH OTHER UNITS
INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM OF UNITS (SI)
The International System of Units comprises 3 classes of units,
namely base units, derived units and supplementary units(1).
The base units and their definitions are set out in Table 1.6-1.

3. The radian is the plane angle between two radii of a circle
which cut off on the circumference an arc equal in length
to the radius.
4. In the Pharmacopoeia, conditions of centrifugation are
defined by reference to the acceleration due to gravity (g) :

5. Certain quantities without dimensions are used in the
Pharmacopoeia : relative density (2.2.5), absorbance
(2.2.25), specific absorbance (2.2.25) and refractive index

(2.2.6).
6. The microkatal is defined as the enzymic activity which,
under defined conditions, produces the transformation
(e.g. hydrolysis) of 1 micromole of the substrate per
second.

Table 1.6.-1. – SI base units
Unit

Quantity

Definition

Name

Symbol

Name

Symbol

Length

l

metre

m

The metre is the length of the path travelled by light in a vacuum during a time

interval of 1/299 792 458 of a second.

Mass

m

kilogram

kg

The kilogram is equal to the mass of the international prototype of the kilogram.

Time

t

second

s

Electric current

I

ampere

A

The ampere is that constant current which, maintained in two straight parallel
conductors of infinite length, of negligible circular cross-section and placed

1 metre apart in vacuum would produce between these conductors a force equal to
2 × 10− 7 newton per metre of length.

Thermodynamic
temperature

T

kelvin

K

The kelvin is the fraction 1/273.16 of the thermodynamic temperature of the
triple point of water.

Amount of substance

n

mole

mol

The mole is the amount of substance of a system containing as many elementary
entities as there are atoms in 0.012 kilogram of carbon-12*.

Luminous intensity

Iv

candela

cd

The candela is the luminous intensity in a given direction of a source emitting
monochromatic radiation with a frequency of 540 × 1012 hertz and whose energy
intensity in that direction is 1/683 watt per steradian.

The second is the duration of 9 192 631 770 periods of the radiation corresponding
to the transition between the two hyperfine levels of the ground state of the
caesium-133 atom.

* When the mole is used, the elementary entities must be specified and may be atoms, molecules, ions, electrons, other particles or specified groups of
such particles.
(1) The definitions of the units used in the International System are given in the booklet “ Le Système International d’Unités (SI) ” published by the Bureau International des Poids et
Mesures, Pavillon de Breteuil, F-92310 Sèvres.

10

See the information section on general monographs (cover pages)


1.6. Units (SI) used in the Pharmacopoeia

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

Table 1.6.-2. – SI units used in the European Pharmacopoeia and equivalence with other units
Unit

Quantity

Expression in SI Expression in other Conversion of other units into SI units
base units
SI units
m− 1

Name

Symbol

Name

Symbol

Wave number

ν

one per metre

1/m

Wavelength

λ

µm
nm

Area

A, S

micrometre
nanometre
square metre

m2

10− 6m
10− 9m
m2

Volume

V

cubic metre

m3

m3

Frequency

ν

hertz

Hz

s− 1

Density

ρ

kilogram per cubic
metre

kg/m3

kg·m− 3

Velocity

v

metre per second

m/s

m·s− 1

Force

F

newton

N

m·kg·s− 2

Pressure

p

pascal

Pa

m− 1·kg·s− 2

N·m− 2

1 dyne/cm2 = 10− 1 Pa = 10− 1 N·m− 2
1 atm = 101 325 Pa = 101.325 kPa
1 bar = 105 Pa = 0.1 MPa
1 mm Hg = 133.322 387 Pa
1 Torr = 133.322 368 Pa
1 psi = 6.894 757 kPa

Dynamic
viscosity

η

pascal second

Pa·s

m− 1·kg·s− 1

N·s·m− 2

1 P = 10− 1 Pa·s = 10− 1 N·s·m− 2
1 cP = 1 mPa·s

Kinematic
viscosity

ν

square metre per
second

m2/s

m2·s− 1

Pa·s·m3·kg− 1
N·m·s·kg− 1

1 St = 1 cm2·s− 1 = 10− 4 m2·s− 1

Energy

W

joule

J

m2·kg·s− 2

N·m

Power
Radiant flux

P

watt

W

m2·kg·s− 3

N·m·s− 1
J·s− 1

1 erg/s = 1 dyne·cm·s− 1 =
10− 7 W = 10− 7 N·m·s− 1 =
10− 7 J·s− 1

Absorbed dose
(of radiant
energy)

D

gray

Gy

m2·s− 2

J·kg− 1

1 rad = 10− 2 Gy

Electric
potential,
electromotive
force

U

volt

V

m2· kg·s− 3·A− 1

W·A− 1

Electric
resistance

R

ohm

Ω

m2· kg·s− 3·A− 2

V·A− 1

Quantity of
electricity

Q

coulomb

C

A·s

Activity of a
radionuclide

A

becquerel

Bq

s− 1

Concentration
(of amount of
substance),
molar
concentration

c

mole per cubic
metre

mol/m3

mol·m− 3

1 mol/l = 1M = 1 mol/dm3 = 103 mol·m− 3

Mass
concentration

ρ

kilogram per cubic
metre

kg/m3

kg·m− 3

1 g/l = 1 g/dm3 = 1 kg·m− 3

Table 1.6.-3. – Units used with the International System
Unit

Quantity

Value in SI units

Time

Symbol

minute

min

1 min = 60 s

hour

h

1 h = 60 min = 3600 s

day

d

1 d = 24 h = 86 400 s

Plan angle

degree

°

1° = (π/180) rad

Volume

litre

l

1 l = 1 dm3 = 10− 3 m3

Mass

tonne

t

1 t = 103 kg

Rotational
frequency

revolution

per minute

r/min

1 r/min = (1/60) s− 1

Time

General Notices (1) apply to all monographs and other texts

1 ml = 1 cm3 = 10− 6 m3

1 g/ml = 1 g/cm3 = 103 kg·m− 3

1 dyne = 1 g·cm·s− 2 = 10− 5 N
1 kp = 9.806 65 N

1 erg = 1 cm2·g·s− 2 =
1 dyne·cm = 10− 7 J
1 cal = 4.1868 J

1 Ci = 37·109 Bq = 37·109 s− 1

Table 1.6.-4. – Decimal multiples and sub-multiples of units
Factor

Prefix

Prefix

Symbol

10

deci

d

P

10

−2

centi

c

T

10− 3

milli

m

10

−6

micro

µ

−9

nano

n

exa

E

15

peta

1012

tera

10
10

Factor
−1

Symbol

18

10

9

giga

G

10

6

mega

M

10

10

3

kilo

k

10− 12

pico

p

hecto

h

10− 15

femto

f

atto

a

102
10

1

deca

da

10

− 18

11