Comparative assessment of the physicochemical properties of antacid suspensions available in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region of Ghana

• Published in: Scientific African Vol. 13; p. e00955
• Main Authors: Amekyeh, Hilda, Mensah, Adelaide, Saaka, Yussif, Orman, Emmanuel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01-09-2021; Elsevier
• Subjects: Acid-neutralizing capacity; Antacid suspension; Physicochemical properties; Quality assessment; Acid-neutralizing capacity; Quality assessment; Antacid suspension; Physicochemical properties
• ISSN: 2468-2276; 2468-2276
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2021.e00955

Antacids are over-the-counter medications that neutralize stomach acid and inhibit pepsin activity. They are used to relieve symptoms associated with some upper gastrointestinal disorders. Several antacids are available in Ghana; therefore, comparative data on dose volume, efficacy, and cost are needed. This study investigated the properties of antacid suspensions sold in Ghana. Fourteen antacid suspensions (A−N) were randomly selected from community pharmacies in the Ho Municipality of Ghana and visually inspected. Density, pH, flow time, viscosity, sedimentation rate over 12 days, and acid-neutralizing capacity (ANC) were determined. The minimum adult dose range for the products was 5−15 mL. The samples were produced in Italy (7.1%), the United Kingdom (14.3%), India (28.6%), and Ghana (50.0%). Five samples (36%) lacked dosing devices. The pH, relative density, flow time, viscosity, and sedimentation volume and rate ranges were 7.77 ± 0.03−10.78 ± 0.00, 1.05−1.21, 6.09 ± 0.15−131.00 ± 6.04 seconds, 36.33 ± 1.15−971.67 ± 0.58 cPs, 0.40−1, and 0.00−1.10 mL/day, respectively. Sediments were formed in magnesium trisilicate mixtures. No sediment was formed in four products (29%). ANCs ranged from 12.42 ± 0.33 mEq (product E) to 38.82 ± 2.46 mEq (product J). H and J contained the same active ingredients; however, H had an ANC of 38.25 ± 0.67 mEq at a lower volume and cost per dose, and contained more doses. Product E (imported) was the most expensive antacid (GH¢ 42.00/150 mL), whereas samples K, L, M, and N (locally manufactured) were the least expensive (GH¢ 3.00/200 mL). All ANCs were greater than the minimum recommended value. Product F had the best value for money. There was no link between ANC and product cost or origin. Expensive products were not necessarily better in the tests performed. Therefore, there is no justification for selecting expensive/imported liquid antacids over locally produced/cheaper ones.