Calistus Dozie Nwakile, Uduma Eke Osonwa, Ogechukwu Calista Okechi, Christian Chibuzor Opurum, Christopher Ezeh Nwanyanwu

Abstract

The physical, chemical and microbiological qualities of nine brands of co-trimoxazole suspensions (C1…9) and eight brands of metronidazole syrups (M1…8) sourced from different locations in South-Eastern Nigeria were evaluated to determine their conformity with stipulated standards. The microbiological qualities of 87.5% of the metronidazole brands tested contain viable microbial load within acceptable limit while that of one brand (M1) fell below stipulated standard. Out of the nine brands of cotrimoxazole suspension tested, 66.7 % have bacteria loads within acceptable limit while those of C1, C3 and C4 are above acceptable limit. Only one brand out of the eight brands of the metronidazole syrup tested (M6) contained objectionable microbe; Salmonella sp, while only one brand out of the nine brands of the co-trimoxazole syrup (C1) tested contained an objectionable microbe; Escherichia coli. Brands M5, M6 and M7 of the metronidazole syrup contained moulds, but these are within acceptable limits. None of the brands of the co-trimoxazole contained moulds. The physical and chemical properties of the analyzed drug samples complied with BP standards.