Authors : Musoke David , Obua Celestino and Waako Paul John
Abstract: This study investigated the storage facilities and the quality of Co-formulation tablets containing stavudine, lamivudine and nevirapine at four treatment centers in Uganda. A cross-sectional survey of drug storage conditions at four distribution centers randomly selected from four regions of Uganda was done using a checklist developed from the guideline for good drug storage practices. Drug batches were sampled at the time of the survey and one month after storage and analyzed for quality using appearance, uniformity of weight, dissolution rate and drug content. All treatment centers had satisfactory storage design but lacked facilities for monitoring temperature and humidity. Air-conditioning facilities were also lacking. Batches investigated had average weight deviation of less than 5%; content of active pharmaceutical ingredients lay between 90-110% and the dissolution rate was greater than 80% in 45 min both on delivery and after one month of storage. The quality of co-formulation tablets containing stavudine, lamivudine and nevirapine was of good quality. However, the storage facilities at the HIV/Aids treatment centers were inadequate. They need to be provided with facilities to monitor temperature and humidity as the antiretroviral programme expands to cover a broader spectrum of drugs.
Musoke David , Obua Celestino and Waako Paul John , 2008. Assessment of the Drug Storage Facilities and Quality of Generic Co-Formulation Tablets (Stavudine, Lamivudine, Nevirapine) at HIV/AIDS Treatment Centers in Uganda. Research Journal of Medical Sciences, 2: 159-162.