Comparative evaluation of the physicochemical properties of ibuprofen tablets commercially available in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

High quality of a pharmaceutical product is essential to ensure the safety of the patients, the effective delivery of the product to its site(s) of action  and to optimally achieve its clinical response when administered. Different parameters of quality control of pharmaceutical products can guarantee  the quality, bioavailability and optimal therapeutic activity. Hence the aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of some commercially available  brands of ibuprofen tablets in two states of Nigeria, Edo and Ondo. The organoleptic and physicochemical properties of these brands were assessed according to British pharmacopoeial and unofficial standards. The parameters assessed were weight variation, diameter/thickness, hardness,  friability, disintegration time and dissolution rate. The results indicate that of the ten (10) brands evaluated, eight (8) passed the weight variation  test, 9 passed the disintegration test and all brands passed the dissolution test. All the brands passed the thickness/diameter, hardness and friability  tests. Thus, ibuprofen tablets dispense  in the selected states of Nigeria vary in their total pharmaceutical quality, calling for strict checks by regulatory agencies before brands are allowed into the Nation’s drug market. Manufacturers are also advised to adhere to standards of quality  laid down for the production of their drugs.

Keywords: ibuprofen, tablets, quality assurance, assay, physicochemical properties.