Abstract

CHLOROQUINE CONTENT IN TABLETS, SYRUPS AND INJECTIONS OF SOME COMMON BRANDS IN NIGERIA

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

ABSTRACT

Counterfeit and poor quality antimalarial drugs pose a serious threat towards the eradication of malaria, the greatest public health problem in subsaharan Africa. The high cost of Artemisinin Combination Therapy (ACT) is creating a huge market for counterfeit antimalarials which has lead to a dramatic rise in poor quality and counterfeit chloroquine dosage forms in subsaharan Africa. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the percentage drug content in three dosage forms of chloroquine, viz: tablets, syrups and injections of some common brands in Nigeria. The organoleptic properties, identity of the drugs, weight uniformity, friability, dissolution and disintegration of the drug samples were also evaluated using official methods. Results obtained revealed that all the drug samples qualitatively contained the active ingredient. Also, all the tablet samples passed the uniformity of weight, dissolution and disintegration tests; and had uniform organoleptic properties. However all the injection samples did not contain the active ingredient in the required amount as stated in official compendia. The result of this study has shown that despite the efforts of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), fake and substandard anti malarials are still in circulation in Nigeria.

Keywords: Chloroquine, content, tablets, syrups, injections, Nigeria.