Abstract

IN VITRO EVALUATION OF QUALITY CONTROL PARAMETERS OF PARACETAMOL TABLETS IN NIGERIA

*Awemu G.A., Anowi F., Ramos G.F. and Tejano G.I.

ABSTRACT

Paracetamol is an over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic medicine that is used all over the world. The aim of the present study was to assess the in vitro quality control parameters through the evaluation of weight uniformity, hardness, friability, disintegration time, dissolution rate and the content of active ingredient of 20 brands of paracetamol tablets (BP 500 mg) purchased from registered pharmacies in three major Nigerian cities of Abuja, Benin and Onitsha. Qualitative identification tests for the presence of active ingredient was carried out and the organoleptic properties of all the 20 brands of paracetamol were also assessed. Results obtained revealed that all the samples had uniform organoleptic properties and contained the active ingredient as indicated by the positive colour reaction test and Passed the weight uniformity, hardness and dissolution test in phosphate buffer (pH 5.8) at 37o C. However, 30, 25 and 10 % of the drug samples failed tests for disintegration, friability and content of active ingredient respectively probably due to poor storage and / or inappropriate in process quality control assessment.

Keywords: In Vitro, Quality, Paracetamol, Tablets, Nigeria