Evaluation of the pharmaceutical quality of some quinine preparations sold in Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmaceutical quality of quinine preparations sold in Nigerian markets.

Materials and methods: The organoleptic and physicochemical properties of quinine tablets, as well as oral liquids and parenteral quinine preparations, were assessed according to British Pharmacopoeia (BP) and unofficial standards as recommended by the manufacturers.

Results: Of the 6 brands of tablets assessed, 4 passed the uniformity of content test and 5 the disintegration test, but only 2 the dissolution test. The pH of 2 of the 6 brands of oral liquid preparations met BP standards, while only 1 oral liquid met the BP standard for percentage content. The assay further demonstrated that 4 brands of the parenteral preparations met BP standards for quinine content. All the parenteral preparations were found to be sterile.

Conclusion: Quinine preparations sold in Nigeria varied considerably in their pharmaceutical quality. A strict check of the quality of brands of quinine by regulatory agencies and distributors before they are sold to the public is therefore recommended.