Abstract

Ushie, P.O; Kamgba, F.A; Osahon, O.D; Edet, C.O

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study was faction out with the aim of determing the quality deterioration of some commonly used drugs (Vitamin C, Pracetamol, Panadol, Aspirin and Flagyl), using well known parameters like electrical conductivity, charge density and pH. Objectives: The use of medicine is often complex, the supply cycle needs to be well managed to prevent all types of wastage, including abuse and use of expired ones. This wastage reduces the quantity of medicines available to patients and therefore the quality of health care they receive. Materials and Method: The data obtained from the parameters (electrical conductivity, charge density and pH) were analysed and an equation developed using well known relations to establish a relationship between charge density, electrical conductivity, mass, time and charge. Result and Data Analysis: For the unexpired drugs (same drugs sample); a maximum and minimum value of (35.66 ± 0.35 and 17.29± 0.24) ?S/cm for conductivity, pH of (6.55 ± 0.17 and 7.80 ± 0.26) measured at a concentration of 0.5g/100cm3 and a maximum and minimum value of (3.202E-22 and 6.604E-22) C/m3 for Charge density. While the expired drugs samples, has maximum and minimum values of (13.38 ± 0.22 and 22.15 ± 0.17) ?S/cm, pH of (5.58 ± 0.24 and 11.15 ±0.17) measured at the same concentration and a maximum and minimum value of (2.509E-22 and 4.153E-22) C/m3 for Charge Density. Discussion and Conclusion: The relatively high conductivity value of the unexpired drugs shows the high number of ions available in the conduction process of absorption by the body fluid. While the relatively low conductivity values from the expired drugs shows that it will take longer time to be absorbed by the body cells. This is perfectly in agreement with the charge density obtained from the physical equation developed.