ASSESSMENT OF SELECTED HEAVY METALS IN ANTACIDS SUSPENSION AVAILABLE IN PHARMACIES IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE
Godfrey Eghosa Aghayere* and David E. Eighemhenrio
ABSTRACT
Background: Raw materials are major sources of heavy metals contaminants in pharmaceutical products. Previously reported study showed that Kaolin liquid formulations available in Pharmacies in Benin City, Nigeria contain light magnesium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate which possess acid neutralizing properties, have lead and cadmium concentrations above the limit established by International Conference on Harmonization (ICH).
Objective: This study was carried out to determine the content of lead, cadmium, nickel in some brands of antacid suspension and to assess their concentration present in the maximum recommended daily dose approved by the manufacturers of the brands being investigated.
Method: Twenty brands of antacid suspension were investigated by elemental analysis for presence of lead, cadmium and nickel. The samples were analyzed for heavy metals using atomic absorption spectrophotometer Model-Buck scientific 210VGP.
Result: Lead was detected in six (30%) brands, while cadmium and nickel were in three (15%) brands. The lead, cadmium, and nickel concentration were within the ranges of 10 - 20 μg/L, 10 - 23 μg/L and 10 - 20 μg/L respectively. The maximum intake of lead, cadmium and nickel were within the range of 0.40 - 0.68 μg/day, 0.40 - 0.92 μg/day and 0.40 - 0.80 μg/day respectively.
Conclusion: The concentrations of lead, nickel and cadmium in the antacids suspension investigated were below the exposure limit established by the International Conference on Harmonization. Hence, it is safe to be administered for treatment of acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion.
Keywords: Heavy metals, antacid, atomic absorption spectrophotometry, International Conference on Harmonization (ICH).
[Full Text Article]
[Download Certificate]
Impact Factor : 8.181 
