ABSTRACT
Introduction: Antacids are medicines commonly used by patients to obtain fast symptomatic relief from peptic ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux and dyspepsia. They are weak bases which neutralize excess gastric acid and subsequently raise the pH of the gastric contents. The potency of an antacids depends mainly on its acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) and buffering capacity (BC) and this can vary from one brand to another. Several dosage forms of antacids are available for use by patients. However, in Nigeria, there are numerous brands of antacid in the market and prescribers are therefore faced with the challenge of choosing brands which will be most effective.
Objectives of study: To assess the quality and effectiveness of antacid suspensions available in Nigeria using twenty randomly selected brand of antacid suspensions sold in pharmacies in Benin City, Edo State.
Method: The samples were coded “T1-T20” to avoid any bias in the study. The active acid neutralizing ingredients were recorded and the preliminary antacid test (PAT) determined with 0.5 N HCl after 10 min. The acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) was evaluated with 1 N HCl by neutralising the excess with 0.5 N NaOH after 15 min stirring. Buffering capacity (BC) was estimated with 0.1 N HCl and titrated with 0.1 N NaOH at 5 min interval up to 50 min. All determination were done at 37 ±3 °C using a standard pH meter.
Results/Discussion: From the result obtained from the study, sample ‘T17’ had the highest ANC of 23.18 ± 0.35mEq/dose while sample ‘T1’ had the lowest ANC of 5.12 ± 0.29mEq/dose. All brands of antacids analysed passed the ANC test (based on the USA-FDA criterion). Brand ‘T17’ had buffering capacity being maintained for 25minutes while sample ‘T1’, ‘T2’, ‘T7’, ‘T9’, ‘T11’,’T14’, ‘T15’, had buffering capacity maintained for 5 minutes.
Conclusion:All the brands of the antacid suspensions investigated met the required specification and will therefore be effective in the symptomatic relief and treatment of conditions associated with gastro-enteric hyperacidity.
