EVALUATION OF METRONIDAZOLE TABLETS SOLD IN ABEOKUTA METROPOLIS DRUG MARKET

This study was designed to assess some quality parameters of some brands of metronidazole tablets sold in Abeokuta using UV-visible spectrophotometry assay method. Six (6) brands (Brands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) of Metronidazole 400mg tablets were purchased from different Patent Chemist Store in Abeokuta, Ogun state. The friability, weight variation, hardness and content uniformity (using UV-visible spectrophotometric method) of the tablet were investigated for all the drug brands. The results showed that Brand 3 has the highest average weight of 558.0 mg while Brand 2 has the least average weight of 476.6 mg. The friability tests results also revealed that Brand 5 has highest percentage friability values of 0.44% and Brand 4 has 0.18%. Two of the brands, Brands 3 and 6 failed the friability test. The hardness test value of the sample brands showed that Brand 5 with 9.4 N being the hardest while Brand 6 with 3.0 N making it the softest tablets. The assay of the chemical content of the tablets showed that Brand 1 contained 375 mg of the active pharmaceutical ingredient while Brand 6 has 80 mg. These findings suggest that Brands 1 and 3 met the requirements in terms of API contents, while Brands 1, 2, 4 and 5 met friability testing standard. All the sample brands passed the weight variation analysis. However, the ANOVA statistical analysis showed that there is a significant different in the weight of the sample tablets. The implication of which is that the brands may not be bioequivalent. The result underscored the need for strict regulatory oversight and routine quality control to ensure the safety, efficacy, and consistency of metronidazole tablets available in the market.