Background: The use of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to evaluate the quality of co-trimoxazole formulations is relatively expensive, and First Derivative UV Spectroscopic (FDS) technique may be alternatively used. There are no studies evaluating the quality of locally manufactured sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim (SMX/TMP) dosage forms procured from Lagos, Nigeria. The aim of the work was to evaluate the quality attributes of selected co-trimoxazole tablets and suspensions marketed in Lagos, Nigeria, and determine their API content using first derivative UV spectroscopy and HPLC. Methods: Ten samples each of Co-trimoxazole tablets and suspensions were procured and their quality attributes were evaluated using standard pharmacopeial methods while their drug content was quantified using FDS and HPLC methods. Results: 70 % of the tested tablet as well as all the suspension samples exhibited satisfactory quality attributes. In terms of the drug content assay, 60 % of the studied tablets and 40 % of the suspension brands were USP-compliant. The SMX and TMP content of the suspension formulations using FDS technique was generally less than that obtained using the HPLC method, suggesting that the active ingredients might have degraded. Conversely, there was good correlation in the drug content of the tablets using FDS and HPLC. Conclusion: First Derivative UV spectroscopy may be suitable to quantify the drug content of co-trimoxazole tablets while HPLC technique may be preferable for co-trimoxazole suspensions. Furthermore, stringent regulatory monitoring of the marketed co-trimoxazole products is required to assure the quality, safety and efficacy of marketed co-trimoxazole products, thereby safeguarding public health.
Background: The quality and stability of castor oil emulsions may be influenced by the type and amount of its constituent emulsifiers. To our knowledge, the emulsifying potential of single, double, and triple-emulsifier systems comprising of Tween 20, acacia gum and methyl cellulose have never been compared. The aim of the work was to formulate castor oil emulsions stabilized using natural and/or synthetic emulsifying agents and evaluate their organoleptic, physicochemical, and stability profiles. Methods: Six types of emulsions were prepared using the spontaneous emulsification method, and characterised in terms of their physical properties; centrifugation analysis, and real-time stability profile at 25 ℃ and 40 ℃ for 90 days. Results: FT-IR analysis suggested that castor oil was compatible with all the studied emulsifiers. Tween 20-stabilised formulation (F2) and acacia gum/methyl cellulose-based samples (F5) exhibited unacceptable organoleptic attributes and/or physical properties. The physical properties of the remaining castor oil macroemulsions were satisfactory: pH (6.2 to 7.0); electrical conductivity (2253-4557 µS/cm); spreadability (0.7-2.1 cm); oil globule size (2.73-3.74 µm), and creaming index (9-18 %). The emulsions exhibited varying degree of instability over time and with elevated temperatures. The most promising emulsion was acacia gum/methyl cellulose/tween 20-stabilised sample F7: pH: 6.9, electrical conductivity: 4557 µS/cm, spreadability: 1.37 cm, oil globule size: 3.74 µm, creaming index: 9 %, and satisfactory stability profile at 25 °C and 40 °C. Conclusion: Sample F7 may serve as cream base for dermal and transdermal delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients intended to treat various local skin problems and systemic diseases.
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