A Descriptive Survey Of The Packaging Characteristics Of Oral Liquid Paediatric Medication Available In Retail Medicine Outlets In Kaduna, Nigeria
Keywords:
Measuring device, Nigeria, Oral Liquids, Packaging, PaediatricAbstract
Background: Accurate & well-presented information on product packaging, and proper selection of medication measuring devices by manufacturers are all important in ensuring safe and rational use of medications. The aim of this study was to describe the general characteristics and presentation of information on the packaging of oral liquid paediatric medicati ons, available in retail medicine outlets located in Kaduna state.
Methods: A cross-secti onal survey was carried out between June and September 2018, in sixty pharmacies and patent medicine shops selected through multistage sampling. All medications that were marketed for use in children, encountered during the survey were included in the study. Data was collected on the formulation type, country of manufacture, type of measuring device included and presence of expiry dates & National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration. Information was also collected on the wording and presentation of instructions on drug packaging. Data collected was then coded and entered into a MicrosoŌ Excel 2013 sheet for analysis, and descriptive statistics used to report the data collected.
Results: Two hundred drugs were encountered-81 suspensions and 119 solutions. Most of the suspensions were anti-infectives, while majority of solutions were cold and cough medication and multivitamins. Majority of the drugs had NAFDAC registration numbers (94%) and expiry dates (99%), although up to 24% did not have leaflets. Over half (59%) of the drugs were manufactured in Nigeria. Eighty-two percent of the drugs contained a medication-measuring device-the most common of which was a measuring cup. Dosing instructions allowing teaspoons/tablespoons to be used to measure out doses were frequently encountered (45%). Only five (26.3%) out of 19 paracetamol- containing drugs them had instructions that they not be used concurrently with other paracetamol-containing products. While seventy-one (87.6%) of the suspensions had instructions to shake before use, the instruction was the same size and colour as surrounding text in majority of cases.
Conclusion: While some of the observed characteristics were adequate, quite a few potentially problematic ones were identified. There is a need for NAFDAC to develop more comprehensive guidelines on drug packaging within the country.
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