DETERMINATION OF THE ACTUAL CONTENT OF ACETAMINOPHEN IN DIFFERENT BRANDS OF PARACETAMOL TABLETS AND SYRUPS

Abstract

This research deals with the quantitative analysis of selected brands of paracetamol tablets and syrups. Five brands of paracetamol tablets and five syrups were analyzed for their percentage content of acetaminophen (active pharmaceutical product), using a UV/Vis Spectrophotometer and the results obtained from the spectrophotometric analysis were compared with the British Pharmacopeia’s (B.P.) permissible range of percentage content (95%-105%). The result for the tablets shows that sample B, C, and E have all passed the test and are within the percentage range of the British Pharmacopoeia (B.P.), while sample A and D are below the required specifications, hence cannot perform the required therapeutic action. The result for the syrups shows that sample V, Y, and Z are within the specified percentage range of the British Pharmacopoeia (B.P.), while sample X and W failed the percentage test. Sample X is below the required specifications and as a result will not perform the desired therapeutic action. Sample W is above the required specification which may lead to overdosing.