Abstract:

Introduction: Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole drug which is effective in treating anaerobic bacteria, protozoa, trichomonasis, and giardiasis infections. Metronidazole is among essential drugs used in Tanzania and its availability is widely and is sold at cheap price. As there is manufacture’s competition of many brands in Mwanza city. It is estimated that 30-60% of medicines in developing countries are counterfeit which may result in therapeutic failure and thus contributing to drug resistance.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of different registered unexpired six brands of metronidazole tablets randomly purchased from registered pharmacies of Nyamagana and Ilemela in Mwanza city.

Methodology: The in vitro parameters employed were dissolution test, assay test, hardness test, friability test, and weight variation test carried out at TFDA laboratories headquarters.

Results: The results obtained showed that all brands complied with USP 38 NF 33 specifications except for hardness test which only two brands complied while other four did not comply and for friability test which only one brand did not comply while other five brands complied with the USP 38 NF 33 specifications.

Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that overall quality of brands tested was satisfactory but TFDA should ensure that quality of metronidazole products in the market are regularly monitored and adhere to the requirements of USP 38 NF 33 and Manufacturers all should be advised on making sure that their products are of required quality for all parameters before releasing it to the market.