Saudi Journal of Medicine (SJM)
Volume-3 | Issue-09 | 521-527
Original Research Article
Evaluation of the quality of oral pediatric antimalarials used for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in Douala, Coastal Region (Cameroon)
Dibong Siegfried Didier, Etame Loe Gisèle, Nya Linda, Tankeu Séverin Elisée, Okalla Ebongue Cécile, Yinyang Jacques, Nda Meffo Jean Pierre, Boudjeka Vanessa, Ngene Jean Pierre, Ngoule Charles Christian, Kidik Pouka Cathérine
Published : Sept. 30, 2018
Abstract
The study conducted was to evaluate the quality of oral pediatric antimalarials drugs found in the formal and informal sectors of the city of Douala: particular case of syrups and suspensions of quinine and some powders for oral suspension of artemether-luméfantrine. An analytical study was made on 100 samples selected at random sanitary formations, whole salers distributors and markets of illicit distribution found in the various districts of the city of Douala at which the takings were made. The labeling, the visual aspect, the pharmaco-technical parameters (pH, density, volume) and physic chemical parameters (identification, dosage and stability of actives ingredients) of the different samples were estimated. The results of the analyzes showed an global rate of non-compliance of 77%, the informal sector was the most represented with 92% of its samples non-compliant as compared to 62% in the formal sector. The pharmaco-technical non-compliance concerns the pH with 30%, then the density with 46.7% and the volume 46.7%. The physico-chemical non-compliance concerns the identification of the active substance with 2% and the dosage of active substances with 77%. As regard the stability of the reconstituted suspensions, the pH was stable during 14 days after the reconstitution whereas 22.7% of samples saw their concentration of artemether reduce more than 10% and 41.4% of samples for the lumefantrine. In view of all this, the WHO recommends instead the use of dispersible compressed forms for the treatment of simple malaria in children