Prevalence of ethanol and other potentially harmful excipients in pediatric oral medicines: survey of community pharmacies in a Nigerian City
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Date
2019
Authors
Soremekun, R.O
Ogbuefi, I
Aderemi-Williams, R.I.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Springer Nature
Abstract
Objective: Excipients are needed in the formulation of oral liquid medicines intended for children; they have how‑ever been reported to trigger safety issues. This study evaluated the concentrations and prevalence of ethanol and other potentially harmful excipients in pediatric formulations marketed in South Eastern Nigeria in line with international labeling guidelines and allowable daily limits (ADL). The study sampled oral pediatric formulations offered for sale in registered pharmacies. Those with accessible information leaflets were assessed for the presence and quantity of previously fagged excipients with potential to harm the pediatric population. Result: Of the 380 oral pediatric medicines, 140 provided access to list/quantity of ingredients. 47.9% (67) of the formulations contain at least one of the fagged excipients while the remaining only listed the active ingredients. Ethanol had the highest occurrence (62.7%) and was more in cough/cold medicines. A homeopathic cough and cold remedy had concentration of 90% v/v. Ethanol and sucrose in some formulations exhibited concentrations with a potential of
crossing their approved daily intake (ADI) (1–90% v/v and 1.7 g–3.7 g/5 ml respectively). Ethanol use in studied pediatric formulations was quite high, with ethanol-containing formulations being prescribed for children 0–6 years and older. Only 26 (38.8%) completely satisfied the labelling requirements for ethanol containing formulations
Description
Scholarly article
Keywords
Pediatrics , Oral liquid medicines , Ethanol , Excipients , Community pharmacy , Research Subject Categories::PHARMACY
Citation
Soremekun R, Ogbuefi I and Aderemi-Williams R (2019) Prevalence of ethanol and other potentially harmful excipients in paediatric oral medicines: survey of community pharmacies in a Nigerian City. BMC Research Notes, 12:460.