G.E. AGHAYERE

In recent times, there have been worry over the emergence of substandard drugs in Nigeria. Tetracycline is a common POM (prescription-only medication) drug with diverse clinical and veterinary use. It is often preferred due to its low cost, comparable efficacy and ease of access. This research seeks to improve clinical decision-making, contribute to quality assurance measures and support regulatory endeavors within Benin City. Visual inspection was performed on each brand of tetracycline capsules using the World Health Organization Visual Inspection of Medicines Template. In-vitro release study was performed as outlined in the United States Pharmacopeia, 2023. A modified method of Ahmed et al., 2018 was used with absorbance read at 384nm. Visual inspection of different brands of tetracycline capsules revealed that 90% of the brand analyzed met the required standard. All brands analyzed had dissolution rate in the range of 91.31 to 99.57%, 92.62 to 99.57% and 95.23 to 99.57% at 20, 40 and 60 minutes respectively. Result from spectrophotometric analysis showed that all the brands analyzed had tetracycline
hydrochloride content between 91.17% and 98.58% of the label claim, with sample D7 having the least amount of tetracycline hydrochloride 91.1%. From the results above, the various brands of tetracycline available in Benin City are of good quality. However, there are concerns that the brand coded D7 may soon be substandard having failed the visual inspection test. Therefore, periodic checks need to be performed to ensure drug products available for use are of the highest quality so as to safeguard lives and ensure efficacy.