Chloroquine Tablets Research Articles

Exploring clinical and laboratory findings and treatment outcomes in pregnant inpatients with COVID-19: a single-center experience

Aim: The literature seems to miss the clinical course of COVID-19 infection among the pregnant and its effects on the fetus. The present study aimed to evaluate a total of 21 pregnant inpatients in Ankara Training and Research Hospital with the diagnosis of COVID-19 in terms of symptoms, physical examination findings, laboratory findings, treatment results, and complications. Material and Method: A total of 21 pregnant patients diagnosed with COVID-19 by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in Ankara Training and Research Hospital between 22.04.2020 and 27.09.2021 were included in the study. The clinical symptoms, physical examination findings, laboratory findings, and treatment outcomes of the patients, and the health status of the pregnant and newborn were retrospectively evaluated. Results: Of the 21 pregnant patients, 10 were Turkish citizens, and 11 were foreign nationals. The patients were aged 20-41 years with a mean age of 28.76 years. All patients were unvaccinated. Considering underlying diseases among the patients, it was found that one patient had hypertension, and one patient had thyroid disease. In order of frequency, the symptoms in the patients were cough (n =10), fatigue (n=8), sore throat (n=6), dyspnea (n=5), fever (n=3), myalgia (n=3), joint pain (n=1), and diarrhea (n=1). Physical examinations of the patients yielded a fever of 37.4 °C above in 3 patients and rales in one patient. Although one patient with COVID-19 pneumonia was followed up in the intensive care unit, all were discharged upon recovery. Chloroquine tablets were started in 6 patients, a combination of ritonavir (50 mg) and lopinavir (200 mg) in 4 patients, and favipiravir in one patient. Cesarean section was performed in 9 patients, while 12 patients gave normal delivery. Conclusion: Overall, the clinical course of COVID-19 infection in the pregnant followed up in this study was mild, and all newborns were healthy except for one. It is thought that close follow-ups for the pregnant are needed to minimize complications that may develop in them and their fetuses due to COVID-19 infection. Finally, the COVID-19 vaccine seems to be a must for the pregnant to prevent all possible COVID-related complications.

A Brief Study on the Prevalence of Malaria in Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Objectives: Malaria has been a major public health problem in India, with cases therein contributing significantly to the overall malaria burden within South East Asia. Majority of malaria cases in India have occurred within the eastern and central regions of the country. Over 80% of the country’s total malaria cases have been reported from 10states. Statistics for the state of West Bengal had reported approximately 26,000 and 25,000 malaria cases in 2014 and 2018, respectively, with Kolkata still being considered the most malaria-prone district of West Bengal. Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed based on data collected from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation documents on Taltala area residents during the winter. Collected data included age, sex, malaria category, medicine intake history, and others. Outcomes following medication, such as chloroquine tablets, artemisinin-based combination therapies, and primaquine, were also assessed.

Pharmacokinetics of chloroquine and primaquine in healthy volunteers

BackgroundVivax malaria is a neglected disease. There is an irrefutable need for better treatments with higher acceptability and efficacy. The treatment efficacy is influenced by many factors, including bioavailability. Hence, a straightforward strategy to improve vivax malaria treatment efficacy is the deployment of good quality formulations of primaquine and chloroquine. As these treatments were developed more than 70 years ago, many of the available data on blood levels of both drugs are based on obsolete analytical methodologies or pharmaceutical formulations, which are not available anymore. Herein, the results of three bioequivalence studies are presented, providing individual pharmacokinetic data on chloroquine and primaquine of more than a hundred healthy volunteers and using up-to-date analytical methods.MethodsThree trials were designed as a single centre, randomized, single dose, open label, fasting, crossover bioequivalence studies comparing a new coated chloroquine tablet to the uncoated tablet, and 5 and 15 mg primaquine formulations to either an international reference product or the currently distributed tablets. Plasma concentrations of chloroquine and primaquine were measured using a validated HPLC–MS/MS method in accordance with current international regulatory requirements for bio-analytical methods.ResultsIn total, a hundred eleven healthy volunteers of both genders were included in the three studies (n = 32; 30 and 56 respectively). No serious adverse events occurred. Drugs levels were measured in 5,520 blood samples. The estimated ratio of the geometric means of Cmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-inf of test and reference drugs and their 90% CI for chloroquine 150 mg, primaquine 15 mg and primaquine 5 mg were: 95.33% (89.18; 101.90), 86. 85% (82.61; 91.31), and 84.45% (76.95; 92.67); 93.28% (81.76; 106.41), 94.52% (86.13; 103.73) and 93.93% (85.83; 102.79); 97.44% (90.60; 104.78), 93.70% (87.04; 100.87) and 91.36% (85.27; 97.89), respectively. As Cmax and AUC0-t 90% CI were within the acceptance interval of 80–125% in all cases, the formulations tested were bioequivalent.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the three studies provided detailed chloroquine and primaquine pharmacokinetic data in accordance with current regulatory standards. Together with other open data initiatives, this individual data may increase the accuracy of pharmacokinetic models guiding best dose, new combinations, regimens and formulations to optimize the current chloroquine and primaquine treatments for vivax malaria. The data presented here may support the deployment of high-quality drugs and evidence-based public health policies.

Identification of Falsified Chloroquine Tablets in Africa at the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

.Reports that chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine may be effective against COVID-19 have received worldwide attention, increasing the risk of the introduction of falsified versions of these medicines. Five different types of falsified chloroquine tablets were discovered between March 31, 2020 and April 4, 2020, in Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo by locally conducted thin layer chromatographic analysis. Subsequent investigation by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry in Germany proved the absence of detectable amounts of chloroquine and the presence of undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredients, that is, paracetamol and metronidazole, in four of the samples. The fifth sample contained chloroquine, but only 22% of the declared amount. Such products represent a serious risk to patients. Their occurrence exemplifies that once medicines or vaccines against COVID-19 may be developed, falsified products will enter the market immediately, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Timely preparations for the detection of such products are required, including the establishment of appropriate screening technologies in LMICs.

<p>Physicochemical Quality Assessment of Antimalarial Medicines: Chloroquine Phosphate and Quinine Sulfate Tablets from Drug Retail Outlets of South-West Ethiopia</p>

BackgroundMalaria is a complex disease and main community health problem in Africa and the top leading cause of outpatient visits, admissions, and deaths in Ethiopia. Its effective management is possible through early diagnosis and immediate treatment employing antimalarials. The quality of these drugs has to be good enough to attain their intended purpose. However, there are treatment failures resulted from the consumption of falsified and substandard antimalarials. Therefore, the current study was undertaken to evaluate the quality of two commonly used antimalarial drugs [chloroquine phosphate and quinine sulfate tablets] and to determine whether the quality of these drugs was affected by the origin, brand and sample collection sites in South-West Ethiopia.MethodsRandom sampling based on Ethiopian malaria eco-epidemiological strata map, with different levels of medicines outlets, was applied to select sampling sites.ResultsSixty samples were bought from 43 drug retails (pharmacy, drug store, and drug vendor) in twelve different geographical locations of South-West Ethiopia between June and July 2016. Visual inspection was done for all samples before the lab experiment. A 28.3%, 31.7%, and 6.8% of samples failed to comply with the Pharmacopoeial quality standards for visual inspection, hardness and weight variation tests, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that origin and geography from which samples were collected significantly affects the active pharmaceutical content of both drugs at P < 0.05 level. Significant variation was observed for chloroquine samples within batches of the same manufacturing and between origins.ConclusionThis study indicated that all the chloroquine and quinine tablets met the quality specification concerning friability, dissolution and assay. Out-of-specification results for weight variation, hardness and visual inspection tests for the chloroquine tablets are signs of substandard/spurious/falsely labeled/falsified/counterfeit actions that may compromise the quality of these drugs. Besides, within the acceptance limit, the origin of drugs and collection sites have found to determine the quality which raises good manufacturing practice and storage (drug supply chain system) issues to be evaluated.

An Easy and Rapid Spectrophotometric Method for Determination of Chloroquine Diphosphate in Tablets

Introduction: Malaria, an infectious disease caused by protozoa of the genus Plasmodium, is highly prevalent in the Brazilian Amazon. Chloroquine is the first-choice drug for the treatment of malaria caused by P. vivax and P. malariae. The humid and hot climate characteristic of the Brazilian endemic region favors drug degradation and modification of its biopharmaceutical properties, which may result in subtherapeutic dosage, formation of degradation products that can be toxic to humans and appearance of parasitic resistance. Thus, it is necessary to monitor the quality of chloroquine tablets. Materials and Methods: An analytical method was developed and validated to determine chloroquine content in tablets by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. The diluent consisted of 0.06 M monosodium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 and detection was performed at 343 nm. Results and Conclusion: The method proved to be linear in the range of 7.2 to 19.2 µg.mL-1, precise, accurate, selective, robust, and statistically equivalent to a liquid chromatographic method by the United States Pharmacopeia. The developed method was applied to determine chloroquine content in six batches of the drug. The evaluated batches were considered adequate for identification, assay, dissolution, disintegration and uniformity of dosage units, and were found to be inadequate in terms of friability.

FATAL SUICIDAL POISONING BY CHLOROQUINE IN PRESENCE OF ALCOHOL-AN INTERESTING CASE REPORT

Objectives: Suicidal and accidental poisoning due to drug overdose is one of the common reason of morbidity and mortality all over the world. Considering such statement, toxicological analysis becomes imperative in suicidal, accidental and also in homicidal deaths now-a-days. In current case dead body of a young male was found at waiting hall of New Delhi Railway station in a cold winter day with a suicide note indicating a failed love affair. Empty strip of chloroquine tablet was recovered from clothing of deceased. Methodology: Analytical and chemical methods used for toxicological investigation comprised of classical chemical tests, Thin Layer Chromatography, High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography & Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy. These techniques established the qualitative examination as well as confirmation of the drug in the visceral tissues and blood. Gas Chromatography –Head Space was used to quantify the amount of alcohol in blood. Results: The chloroquine drug was identified in the visceral tissue and blood sample of the deceased. The blood alcohol level in the sample was 30mg/100ml of blood. Conclusion: This study discusses various aspects of qualitative identification of chloroquine and quantification of alcohol with the intricacies involved in interpretation of result with special concern for forensic & legal implications

Role of optical coherence tomography in the early detection of macular thinning in rheumatoid arthritis patients with chloroquine retinopathy.

Background:Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are drugs that are primarily used for the treatment of malaria and are also recommended for treating connective tissue disorders, autoimmune diseases, and some dermatological and inflammatory diseases. Treatment with these drugs has potential risk for the development of retinopathy, clinically characterized by bilateral pigment changes in the macula, as one serious ocular complication. The aim of this research was to evaluate the parafoveal and perifoveal macular retinal thickness, as central foveal thickness in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on chloroquine therapy using optical coherence tomography (OCT).Materials and Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 56 RA patients (56 eyes) were included and examined. All patients were treated with chloroquine (tablets resochin or delagil) at a dose of 250 mg/day without treatment with steroids and other immunosuppressive drugs. Patients were divided into two groups, namely, Group I patients - no visible changes in the macula (26 patients) and Group II patients- with visible changes in the macula (30 patients). The central fovea thickness and parafoveal and perifoveal retinal thickness in all quadrants were measured by OCT and compared in both groups.Results:There are a significantly higher number of eyes without thinning of the macula in Group I patients than in Group II (P < 0.001) patients. There are a higher number of patients with recorded parafoveal thinning in Group II patients, especially in the inferior, nasal, and temporal sectors, respectively (P < 0.05).Conclusion:Maculopathy is the main side effect of chloroquine therapy in RA patients that can be detected by OCT in the early stages of the macular involvement.

A comprehensive stability-indicating HPLC method for determination of chloroquine in active pharmaceutical ingredient and tablets: Identification of oxidation impurities

Malaria is the most common parasitic disease in humans. It is estimated that 3 billion people live under the risk of contracting this disease in the world. Chloroquine (CQ) is the drug of choice to treat cases of non-complicated malaria. Forced degradation studies are important to know the drug’s potentials degradation products and to develop a stability indicating method. Thus, chloroquine active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), chloroquine tablets and placebo were submitted to a detailed forced degradation study, using several stressing agents. The results were used on the development of a stability indicating method, using high performance liquid chromatography. The method was validated showing selectivity, precision, accuracy, robustness and linearity in the range of 30–360μg/mL of chloroquine. Chloroquine API and tablets were susceptible to alkaline hydrolysis with NaOH 1mol/L, and to oxidation with H2O2 3.0%. Two degradation products were formed in oxidative test. Kinetics of chloroquine degradation in alkaline hydrolysis was performed for both API and tablets. The calculated decay constant (k1) was 0.223days−1 for API and 0.182days−1 for tablets, while the half-life (t1/2) was 3.1days for API and 3.8days for tablets. Chemical structures have been proposed for the two degradation products formed in the presence of H2O2, using an UHPLC-UV-MS/MS approach.

Evaluation of disintegration and dissolution of chloroquine tablets in some States in Northern Nigeria

The biological performance of tablets is commonly assessed by disintegration time and dissolution rates, which ascertains how much of the orally administered tablet may be bioavailable. This study seeks to assess the quality of chloroquine tablets in some States in Northern Nigeria by determining their disintegration and dissolution parameters. The Vanderkamp tablet disintegration tester was used to assess the disintegration time, while the dissolution rate test was carried out according to British Pharmacopoeia specifications. Five tablets of each coded sample were singly placed in a dry basket of the dissolution tester and the contents of which were immersed in a vessel containing one litre dissolution medium of de-aerated 0.1 HC1 at a constant temperature of 37±0.5°C. The stirring motor operated at 100 revolutions per minute for 45 minutes. The absorbance was measured in an UV spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 344 UM. Twenty-six (26), 36, 50 and 16 of the samples from states A, B, C and D respectively had normal disintegration times of less than 15 minutes. About 86% of the total samples from the 4 states disintegrated within 14 minutes thus conformed to the official requirement. States A (42.86%), B (67.57%), C (80.77%) and D (90.91%) samples had dissolution rate values above 70%. The disintegration time and dissolution rates of the sampled chloroquine tablets were assessed and found to have a good quality. However, quantitative drug assays need to be carried out that will measure the actual amount of active chloroquine in a tablet sample.Keywords: Chloroquine tablet, Disintegration, Dissolution

Development and evaluation of Pleurotus tuber-regium-cornstarch composite as a direct compression multifunctional excipient.

Aim:The aim was to develop a novel excipient from Pleurotus tuber-regium (PT)-cornstarch (CS) mixture and evaluate its multifunctional characteristics in tablet formulation.Materials and Methods:Composites were generated from dephytochemicalized PT and CS combined at 1:1 to 4:1 ratios and pregelatinized in a hot water bath at 65°C ± 2°C for 5 min. The paste was dried, pulverized, and screened through 150-μm sieve. PT-CS physical mixtures were prepared and their characteristics/functionalities in tableting chloroquine were compared to those of composites and microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel®).Results:PT ash value was 0.40 ± 0.09% and heavy metal contents were below official limits. PT's differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) thermogram depicted broad melting peak at 329.5°C; this peak was attenuated by the presence of CS. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra predicted compatibility between PT and CS. Composites consolidated better and also flowed better than physical mixtures and Avicel®. Increasing PT content enhanced the excipients’ swellabilities, and composites possessed significantly (P < 0.05) better swelling indices than Avicel®. The composites underwent fragmentation before plastic deformation with yield pressures significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of the physical mixtures, which exhibited only plastic deformation. The mechanical properties of chloroquine tablets were acceptable, with the 1:4 (PT:CS) imparting the best properties. Mean disintegration times for the commercial comparator and Avicel® -containing tablets were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of composites. Drug release from tablets formulated with composites were similar to the commercial comparator, but significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of Avicel®.Conclusion:The novel composites are excellent multifunctional excipients, the best (PT:CS 1:4) one showcasing potentially better mechanical functionality than Avicel®, a popular multifunctional excipient.

Quantitative analysis of some brands of chloroquine tablets marketed in Maiduguri using spectrophotometric and high performance liquid chromatographic methods

The experiment involves analysis of chloroquine using ultra violet spectrophotometer in the ultraviolet range (200- 400nm) and high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) in which the samples were dissolved in various solvents and their various absorbance, peak area at various wavelength were determined and compared with that of the standard, wavelength of maximum absorbance at 331nm for chloroquine. Percentage and milligram content for each sample was determined so as to note if it was within the acceptable range of (92.5-107.5%) for chloroquine. For those that passed the test or if it was below or above the range for samples that are substandard or highly concentrated. The samples’ absorbance and peak area was used along side with the standard absorbance and peak area to calculate the percentage content of each sample. It was observed that of the six samples of chloroquine tablet, none passed the test using UV spectrophotometer while Dana chloroquine with 98.7%, Evans chloroquine 107.3% and Palquine 106.4% passed using HPLC.Keywords: Chloroquine Tablet, UV, HPLC

The Compaction, Mechanical and Disintegration Properties of Modified Pennisetum glaucum (Poaceae) Starch in Directly Compressed Chloroquine Tablet Formulations

Pennisetum glaucum L (Millet) starch is a potential source of direct-compression excipient for use in tableting but has not been commercially explored. The aim of this study was to investigate the compaction properties of pregelatinized freeze (PFDMS) and oven-dried (PODMS) millet starch in directly compressed Chloroquine tablet formulation and compare with the native starch (NMS) and Avicel®. Tablets were directly compressed using the starch in drug-diluent ratios of 1:2, 1:4 and 1:9 and evaluated by compaction, mechanical and disintegration properties. The result showed that PFDMS and PODMS starch samples had higher flow properties in comparison to the native starch and PFDMS also gave the fastest onset of plastic deformation. Tablets formulated with PFDMS and PODMS showed acceptable mechanical and disintegration properties comparable with Avicel® in the order Avicel® > PFDMS > PODMS > NMS. The pregelatinized starch samples can be substituted for Avicel® for direct compression. Key words: Pennisetum glaucum starch, Pregelatinisation, Tablets, Direct compression

Monitoring Plasmodium vivax chloroquine sensitivity along China-Myanmar border of Yunnan Province, China during 2008-2013.

BackgroundPlasmodium vivax is the most widespread of the malaria parasites infecting human hosts. In malaria-eliminating settings, both imported and local malaria predominantly occurs in border areas, and most of them are P. vivax. Chloroquine (CQ) is the first-line drug for P. vivax treatment in China. To understand CQ sensitivity in P. vivax, in vivo monitoring of CQ resistance was conducted along the China-Myanmar border from 2008 to 2013.MethodsEligible patients with mono-infections of P. vivax were recruited to this study after obtaining full informed consent. CQ tablets for different categories of kg body weight ranges were given once a day for three days. Patients were followed up for 28 days. PCR was conducted to distinguish between re-infection and recrudescence, to confirm the Plasmodium species. The data were entered and analysed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Treatment outcome and sensitivity were classified according to the WHO recommended standards.Results603 patients were completed valid follow-up. The fever clearance time and asexual parasite clearance times were, respectively, 22.2 ± 10.2 and 38.1 ± 12.6 hours. 594 (98.5%) patients were adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR), and nine (1.5%) patients, who were late clinical failure (LCF) or resistant response level I (RI), were imported from the neighbouring districts of Myanmar.ConclusionIn terms of efficacy, CQ is still effective for vivax malaria treatment. Plasmodium vivax CQ sensitivity had not significantly changed along the China-Myanmar border of Yunnan Province, China.

The practice and clinical implications of tablet splitting in international health

ObjectiveTablet splitting is frequently performed to facilitate correct dosing, but the practice and implications in low-income settings have rarely been discussed.MethodsWe selected eight drugs, with narrow therapeutic indices or critical dosages, frequently divided in the Lao PDR (Laos). These were split, by common techniques used in Laos, by four nurses and four laypersons. The mean percentage deviation from the theoretical expected weight and weight loss of divided tablets/capsules were recorded.ResultsFive of eight study drugs failed, on splitting, to meet European Pharmacopoeia recommendations for tablet weight deviation from the expected weight of tablet/capsule halves with 10% deviating by more than 25%. There was a significant difference in splitting accuracy between nurses and laypersons (P = 0.027). Coated and unscored tablets were less accurately split than uncoated (P = 0.03 and 0.0019 for each half) and scored (0.0001 for both halves) tablets.ConclusionThese findings have potential clinical implications on treatment outcome and the development of antimicrobial resistance. Investment by drug companies in a wider range of dosage units, particularly for narrow therapeutic index and critical dosage medicines, is strongly recommended.

Selective Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Vivax Malaria: Reduction of Malaria Incidence in an Open Cohort Study in Brazilian Amazon

In children, the Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPTc), currently called Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC), was considered effective on malaria control due to the reduction of its incidence in Papua New Guinea and in some areas with seasonal malaria in Africa. However, the IPT has not been indicated because of its association with drug resistance and for hindering natural immunity development. Thus, we evaluated the alternative IPT impact on malaria incidence in three riverside communities on Madeira River, in the municipality of Porto Velho, RO. We denominate this scheme Selective Intermittent Preventive Treatment (SIPT). The SIPT consists in a weekly dose of two 150 mg chloroquine tablets for 12 weeks, for adults, and an equivalent dose for children, after complete supervised treatment for P. vivax infection. This scheme is recommend by Brazilian Health Ministry to avoid frequent relapses. The clinic parasitological and epidemiological surveillance showed a significant reduction on vivax malaria incidence. The results showed a reduction on relapses and recurrence of malaria after SIPT implementation. The SIPT can be effective on vivax malaria control in localities with high transmission risk in the Brazilian Amazon.

English

ABSTRACT: Chikungunya virus is no stranger to the Indian sub-continent. Since its first isolation in Calcutta[1] in 1963, there have been several reports of chikungunya virus infection in different parts of India[2], [3], [4]. The last outbreak of chikungunya virus infection occurred in India in 1971. Subsequently there has been no active or passive surveillance carried out in the country and therefore, it ‘seemed’ that the virus had ‘disappeared’ from the subcontinent[5] However, recent reports of large scale outbreaks of fever caused by chikungunya virus infection in several parts of Southern India have confirmed the re-emergence of this virus. It has been estimated that over 1,80,000 cases have occurred in India since December 2005 [6] Andhra Pradesh (AP) was the first state to report this disease in December 2005, and one of the worst affected (over 80,000 suspected cases) . Over 12% of patients who contract chikungunya virus infection develop chronic joint symptoms [7]. OBJECTIVE: To test the efficacy of chloroquine in reducing the pain of chikungunya induced arthritis as compared to paracetamol. METHODOLOGY: A Randomized Clinical Trial was carried out in a community attached to urban health centre of PESIMSR, Kuppam during August 2006. Among the 132 cases of arthritis, 86 persons were selected based on their availability and consent to participate. They were divided into two randomly assigned groups namely Category–1(Chloroquine group) and Category–2 ( Paracetamol group). Chloroquine tablet -155 mg and Paracetamol tablet 500 mg were administered as a single dose to the two groups respectively. The groups were followed up for 8 days and the results were analyzed. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Analysis was carried out by using S.P.S.S. package. Asymptoic test statistic and X2 MH (Chi square test ) were used to evaluate the effect of the drugs. RESULTS OF THE STUDY: The decrease of pain in chikungunya arthritis cases was significant in the mild and moderate pain categories with ‘p’ values of 0.0117 and 0.0129 respectively. Asymptoic test statistic was 1.70 for chloroquine group and χ2MH was 2.76 (’P’ value between 0.05 to 0.1).OR= 48.59.Incidence Risk Ratio for chloroquine was 1.52 with CI ; 1.14 – 1.90.The efficacy of chloroquine in reducing pain in arthritis was 51.83% ( effect size).The logistic equivalents of odds for chloroquine and paracetamol group were 0.41 and 0.02 respectively in logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Choloroquine is more efficient in reducing the pain of chikungunya arthritis as compared to paracetamol in both sexes and in all age groups.

Quality of chloroquine tablets available in Africa

Malaria is the biggest killer of African children, yet it is cheaply preventable and curable with insecticides spraying, impregnated bednets and effective drugs. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of Chloroquine (CQ) tablets available in selected African countries. Twenty-six samples of antimalarial CQ tablet of 100, 150 and 250 mg were collected from 12 African countries and evaluated for their quality in the Drugs Quality Control Laboratory of Rabat, Morocco. The identification and dosage of active pharmaceutical ingredients in the tablets, dissolution rate, hardness and the friability of CQ tablets were performed according to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and European Pharmacopoeia (Eur.Ph.) recommended methods. The results showed that 7·7% of the sampled CQ tablets available in Burkina Faso were of low quality. Failure in dissolution profile was found in 50% of CQ tablets sampled from Benin, Burkina Faso, Comoros Union, Mali and Senegal. The findings showed poor quality of CQ tablets available in the African market. This problem may affect the efforts to control malaria in Africa. Efficient regulatory systems of drugs quality control should be implemented.

Quality control of some brands of chloroquine tablets available in Nigeria

The aim of this study is to examine the quality of twenty brands of chloroquine tablets available in Nigeria. The identification, assay and in vitro studies of twenty (A-T) commercial brands of chloroquine tablets readily available in Nigeria were examined using official methods. All the brands passed the uniformity of weight test and the chemical identification tests. Their infra red (IR) spectra patterns were similar to that of reference sample. Brands F and H did not give any melting point. Only brand K failed the hardness test; 8 brands each out of twenty failed the friability and the assay test. The result of brands E and K did not comply with the specification for disintegration of tablet in the monograph. The dissolution test results for all the brands except F and H were in conformity with the specification in British Pharmacopoeia (BP). Only five brands out of twenty brands examined passed all the tests that were carried out. The results therefore indicated that most brands of Chloroquine tablets in the market are not of good quality

Quality control of some brands of chloroquine tablets available in Nigeria

Quality control of some brands of chloroquine tablets available in Nigeria