A Comparative Study of Quality on Conventional Paracetamol Tablets Available in Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is used as over the counter (OTC) medicine for relief of pain and fever. Paracetamol is available in different brands in Pakistani pharmaceutical market. Objective: To assure the quality control parameters of different brands of paracetamol in Pakistan. Methodology: The pharmaceutical and chemical equivalence of five brands of paracetamol were assessed. For ethical concerns, the brands were coded as PRC-1, PRC-2, PRC-3, PRC-4 and PRC-5. Study was conducted in quality control laboratory of Adamjee Pharmaceuticals during December 2015 to February2016. Identification, physical characteristics, thickness, diameter, weight variation, hardness, disintegration time, percent label claim (Assay) and dissolution rate were calculated for each brand using monographs of British Pharmacopeia and United States Pharmacopeia. Results: Identification, physical characteristics, thickness, diameter, weight variation, hardness, and disintegration time, percent label claim (Assay), and dissolution ratewere calculated for each brand and the results were within the specifications provided by British Pharmacopeia and United States Pharmacopeia. Conclusion: All the brands selected in the study showed results within the limits assuring quality standards of manufacturing.