EFFECT OF STORAGE CONDITIONS ON THE STABILITY OF ALBENDAZOLE AND OXYTETRACYCLINE VETERINARY PRODUCTS MARKETED IN SUDAN

The effect of storage conditions on the stability of albendazole and oxytetracycline
veterinary products marketed in Sudan was evaluated.
Stability of Albendazole suspension and Oxytetracycline injectable solution has been
investigated under two different storage conditions, according to the ICH guidelines for the
drug stability testing.
The change in colour (using visual inspection), pH value (using pH meter) and the
degradation process by an HPLC method, was monitored at different time points. Investigated
drugs were stored in two different stores. The first one (A) is equipped with controlled
temperature and humidity control systems. The second one (B) was a veterinary pharmacy
selected randomly from East Nile locality. The temperature and humidity in the stores A and B
were monitored and recorded daily using hygrometer for I year.
At the beginning of the study all products were proved to be compatible with the
recommendations of the manufacturers. There was no change in the colour of albendazole
during the nine months at both stores. The pH values in the first store expressed noticeable
reduction, although it is still within the recommended range. Following nine months storage the
drug content of albendazole was reduced below the recommended level. In the second store (B),
there was no change in the colour of both albendazole products tested. There was considerable
change in pH value during the nine months storage, but still it is within the recommended level.
The active pharmaceutical ingredient concentration (assay %), of albendazole fell below the
recommended level (USP) following storage for nine months.
In the first store (A), the two oxytetracycline products expressed no change in colour and
there was slight reduction in pH level (but still within the recommended level) within the six
months storage period. The experiment was terminated just after six months due to the
reduction of the active ingredient concentration (assay %) below the recommended level. In the
second store (B), there is only change in the colour in one of the products following six months
storage. pH level also here expressed moderate reduction, but still in the recommended range.
The concentration (assay %), of oxytetracycline expressed prominent reduction following
storage for six months.
The obtained results are of interest for stability studies and/or quality control purposes of
Albendazole and Oxytetracycline commercial products. Here we could conclude that, the two
veterinary drugs evaluated in this study (albendazole and oxytetracycline) proved to be unstable
under environmental conditions in veterinary pharmacies in Khartoum state, Sudan.