PHYSICOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF SOME CIPROFLOXACINBRANDSMARKETED IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT Introduction/ Aim: Ciprofloxacin a second-generation fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent isone of the most prescribed fluoroquinolones with several brands in the Nigerian market today. The need for post- marketing surveillance has become imperative to ascertain the pharmaceutical equivalence of the brands vis-à-vis the Pharmacoeconomics. The aim of this studywastoevaluate the physicochemical properties of eight brands of ciprofloxacin tablets marketedinDelta state, Nigeria. Methods: Eight (8) brands of ciprofloxacin were evaluated for uniformity of weight, disintegration test, friability test, hardness and dissolution test. Result: The results of the evaluation showed that all the brands A to H complied withtheBPspecification for weight uniformity. Six brands out of the eight brands passed theBPspecification for disintegration of uncoated tablets. Brand G had the best disintegrationtimeof1.12 min while brands A and C did not comply with the BP specification for disintegrationasthey did not disintegrate within 15 minutes. All the brands A to H passed the friabilitytest andwould be able to withstand handling and transportation. Three brands out of the eight brandsfailed the hardness test. Brand F had a suboptimal hardness of 2.98kg/f, Brand Aand Ehadbothhad hardness greater than the maximum limit on the Monsanto tester while Brand Bhadthehighest value being 11.3kg/f. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study will help in the identification of potential qualityissuesand ensure the availability of safe and effective ciprofloxacin tablets for patients in Nigeria.