Comparative Determination of Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride Content in Multi-sourced Chlorpromazine Tablets in Nigeria

Purpose: Although different brands or unbranded chlorpromazine tablets from multiple sources are available in Nigeria today; they must all contain the same active principle and satisfy the standards of quality; efficacy and safety. This study is designed to check for possible faking and adulteration of chlorpromazine tablets and also establish the possibility of inter-brand substitution based on drug content (chemical equivalence). Method: The determination of the chlorpromazine hydrochloride content was carried using non-aqueous titrimetric and spectrophotometric methods. Glacial acetic acid and acetone were used as the non-aqueous solvent and equivalence points were determined using visual indicators and potentiometer. Results: The results obtained showed that all the brands analyzed met the specification of the British Pharmacopoeia and so contain acceptable amounts of chlorpromazine drug content thus enabling possible brand substitution. Statistical comparison showed no significant difference between the results obtained by determining end-point using visual indicators and the potentiometer. Conclusion: The use of the visual indicator method is recommended for fast and accurate routine laboratory analytical work especially in developing nations

Identification of Counterfeit Drugs by Community Pharmacists in Lagos State

PURPOSE : the problem of fake and counterfeit drugs is real and constitutes a major threat to the health and safety of the Nigerian population. A descriptive study was carried out to assess the methods of identification of counterfeit drugs by community pharmacists in Lagos State. METHODS : The research instrument was a 23-item questionnaire; which was administered to consenting community pharmacists in 17 out of the 20 Local Government Areas in Lagos State. A convenient sample of practicing community pharmacists both in retail and wholesale distribution of pharmaceutical products were recruited into the study using a list of registered pharmacists from the Association of Community Pharmacists in Lagos State. Effort was made to ensure adequate representation of Pharmacies in every local government area in Lagos State. RESULTS: All the respondents agreed that there is a fake and counterfeit drug problem in Nigeria; and (74 percent) considered this a major problem. The respondents commonly used visual security techniques before drug purchasing. These were: Seals/embossments (83 percent); character of print (77 percent); and Holograms (68 percent).The respondents'most likely action after a counterfeit drug encounter was to return the drug back to the supplier. CONCLUSION : The study showed that pharmacists sampled were aware of the prevalence of fake and counterfeit drugs and quite a number of them have had encounters with them. There is an indication that the respondents try to assure themselves of the quality of the drugs they purchase by use of several methods. However; no rigorous effort was taken to confirm as well as report suspected fake and counterfeit drugs to regulatory authorities