Effect of Different Storage Conditions on the Stability and Efficacy of Some Reconstituted Oral Antibiotic Suspensions Sold in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Antibiotics for pediatric use are commonly available as dry powders for reconstitution into oral suspensions. Once reconstituted, these oral suspensions should be refrigerated to preserve their potency and deliver optimal benefit to the patient. However, for reasons ranging from lack of refrigerator and irregular power supply to lack of information and ignorance, these storage instructions are not always adhered to resulting in varying degrees of degradation of the reconstituted product. In spite of these constraints, Pharmacists have to ensure that patients receive optimum benefit from whatever drug they dispense in the course of rendering pharmaceutical care. This study examined the stability of three frequently prescribed pediatric reconstituted Cefuroxime axetil, Amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium and Azithromycin oral suspensions under different storage conditions. The reconstituted suspensions were stored in three different conditions with temperature ranging from 2°C to 29°C over a period of 5 days. Samples were assayed periodically using a validated UV/Vis spectroscopic method. Percentage concentrations were within 90 ± 5% up to the fifth day at condition A (refrigerated at 2 - 8°c). Under condition C (submerging in water at room temperature) the suspensions were preserved for at least 3 days. However, under condition B (storing in a cupboard at room temperature), extensive degradation was observed. In both conditions B and C, concentrations had fallen below 80% by the fifth day due to extensive degradation that occurred. Reconstituted oral suspensions should be used within 5 days if refrigerated or within 3 days if submerged in water and stored at room temperature in the absence of better alternatives.