Stability of Metronidazole Suspensions

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Clinical Pharmacy

Background:

• Metronidazole is a crucial antiprotozoal agent for treating anaerobic bacterial and protozoal infections.
• Developing stable, cost-effective, and easily prepared metronidazole suspensions is essential for clinical use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop inexpensive and easily prepared concentrated metronidazole suspensions.
• To determine the stability of these suspensions under various storage conditions.

Main Methods:

• Metronidazole suspensions (50 mg/mL) were prepared using Ora-Blend or simple syrup.
• Stability was assessed over 93 days at room temperature (23°C) and refrigeration (5°C).
• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for quantitative analysis, alongside monitoring of physical appearance and pH.

Main Results:

• No significant changes in color or physical appearance were observed.
• pH values remained stable, with less than 0.20 units change over 93 days.
• Metronidazole suspensions demonstrated stability for 93 days under both storage conditions.

Conclusions:

• Concentrated metronidazole suspensions compounded with Ora-Blend or simple syrup are stable for 93 days.
• These preparations are suitable for storage in amber polyvinyl chloride bottles at room temperature or under refrigeration.
• The findings support the use of these suspensions as a viable, cost-effective option for treating anaerobic infections.