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Physicochemical equivalence of chloroquine phosphate tablets
O A Bamiro1, M A Odeniyi, O B Idowu
1Dept. of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutics Technology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.
African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences
|June 28, 2005
Summary
Seven chloroquine phosphate tablet brands were analyzed for quality. Only one brand met all British Pharmacopoeia standards, indicating significant quality variations in the Nigerian market.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Drug Quality Control
- Medicinal Chemistry
Background:
- Chloroquine phosphate is a vital antimalarial drug.
- Ensuring the quality and equivalence of pharmaceutical products is crucial for public health.
- Market surveillance of drug quality is essential, especially in developing regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the physicochemical equivalence of seven chloroquine phosphate tablet brands available in South-West Nigeria.
- To determine if these brands meet British Pharmacopoeia (BP) quality standards.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of physicochemical properties including weight uniformity, friability, crushing strength, disintegration, dissolution, and chemical assay.
- Comparison of results against established British Pharmacopoeia specifications.
Main Results:
- All seven brands met BP standards for weight uniformity, disintegration, and dissolution.
- Only two brands met the minimum crushing strength requirement.
- Four brands passed the friability test.
- Two brands had active drug content exceeding the specified limits.
- Only one brand (Brand C) satisfied all BP quality specifications.
Conclusions:
- None of the seven analyzed chloroquine phosphate tablet brands were found to be physically and chemically equivalent.
- Significant variations in drug quality exist within the Nigerian market.
- Continuous market monitoring is essential to ensure the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products.
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