Formulation development and stability studies of aqueous metronidazole benzoate suspensions containing various suspending agents.
Metronidazole is a synthetic antibacterial and antiprotozoan agent. Crystallization occurs in aqueous metronidazole benzoate suspensions caused by an anhydrate to monohydrate conversion. This study aimed to develop an aqueous metronidazole benzoate suspension that does not exhibit this hydration and the accompanying crystal growth. Four suspending agent systems were evaluated. Xanthan gum and Avicel RC-591 (a combination of microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose sodium) were found to be the suspending agents that resulted in optimal formulation properties. Monohydrate formation did not occur in product containing Avicel RC-591, indicating that suspending agents may exert a positive effect on metronidazole benzoate suspension stability.
Zietsman
Sharon
S
Department of Pharmacy, PO Box 77000, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
Kilian
Gareth
G
Worthington
Matthew
M
Stubbs
Chris
C
D017607:Aluminum Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D001565:Benzoates / Q000737:chemistry; D002152:Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; D002482:Cellulose / Q000737:chemistry; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods*; D004355:Drug Stability; D005079:Excipients / Q000737:chemistry*; D005590:Fractional Precipitation; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D017616:Magnesium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000737:chemistry*; D010316:Particle Size; D017640:Silicates / Q000737:chemistry; D012995:Solubility; D013535:Suspensions; D013997:Time Factors; D044366:Transition Temperature; D014867:Water
D017607:Aluminum Compounds; D001565:Benzoates; D005079:Excipients; D017616:Magnesium Compounds; D017640:Silicates; D013535:Suspensions; D014867:Water; D008795:Metronidazole; C033065:aluminum magnesium silicate; D002482:Cellulose