Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Quality Control of Drugs: A Case of Erythromycin Tablets in Chemist Shops of Meru Town. Kenya
by Kei Robert M. and Mutuma Kenneth

Abstract:
Erythromycin stearate has been used for long in treatment of infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated organisms in many diseases. Because of this widespread use of the drug, there is an equally increased demand for cheaper generic erythromycin stearate tablets, of which their potency remains uncertain and hence compromise health. Therefore, there is need to determine quality of drugs sold to the public. Chemist shops selling human medicine in Meru Town. Fifty (50) chemist shops selling human medicine in Meru Town. The objective is to analyze erythromycin tablets for their quality performance by determining their potency through microbiological assay, disintegration time test and friability test. This was analytical study design. The samples of erythromycin tablets from selected manufacturers were bought from sampled chemists in Meru Town and analysed in the laboratory in order to determine their quality. All the samples examined passed the disintegration time test; friability test except microbiological assay. Perhaps, this may be due to faulty quality assurance and control during the process of manufacture and storage. There is need for sustained market surveillance of erythromycin tablets to ensure quality standards are maintained. Also further research should be done in order to establish the quality of other drugs in the market.

Keywords: quality control; microbiological assay: disintegration time test; friability test.

Download full paper