EVALUATION OF HEAVY METALS IN SOME LOCAL LIQUID PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS

ABSTRACT The study evaluates heavy metals contamination in some local liquid pharmaceutical products commonly used in Nigeria. Six (6) sample's of pediatric syrups of various brands of pharmaceuticals from three pharmacological classes were purchased from pharmaceutical shops and patent medicine stores in Kano metropolitan in Kano State, Nigeria. The samples were manufactured in Nigeria,. None of the sample have expired and are all registered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria. Two grams (2g) of sample was accurately weighed on electronic balance into an Elenmeyer Flask. 2ml of perchloric acid and 12ml of concentrated nitric acid are added into the flask. The bi-acid digested mixture was heated on a hot plate in a fume cupboard and the temperature maintained at 122°C until dense white fumes appear. And analyzed using the Atomic Absorption spectrometer (AAS) for the presence of lead, chromium, cadmium, Mercury. The result reveals low contamination levels by all the metals investigated . The contamination may be attributed to wear and tear of manufacturing machinery, contamination from water, packaging and raw materials. It is recommended that machinery used for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals should be well maintained and replaced were necessary and strict adherence to good manufacturing practice (GMP) as required by regulatory agencies.