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Paracetamol tablets sold in Nigeria are below WHO standard – Research
A recent investigation in Nigeria has revealed worrying findings about the dosage of paracetamol tablets sold in the country.
The investigation uncovered that the paracetamol tablets did not meet the requirements set by the British Pharmacopoeia and the World Health Organization (WHO).
In the study titled ‘Comparative Analysis of Five Different Brands of Paracetamol Sold in Nigeria with British Pharmacopoeia Standards,’ samples from five brands claiming to contain 500mg were analysed using the spectrophotometric method. The concentrations ranged from 185mg to 358mg, significantly lower than the standard 500mg limit.
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Researchers expressed worry about the potential treatment failure due to underdosed paracetamol tablets and emphasised that this issue has been overlooked, possibly due to the misconception that the practice is safe.
Paracetamol is widely used in Nigeria for its pain-relieving properties, but the study’s findings cast doubts on its efficacy with the possibility of insufficient active ingredient in the tested tablets.
Published in the journal Communication in Physical Sciences, the study emphasised the need for increased awareness and regulatory oversight to ensure the quality and effectiveness of pharmaceuticals available to the public.
Moreover, the health implications of underdosed paracetamol tablets go beyond individual patients, impacting overall healthcare outcomes and imposing additional costs on the healthcare system.
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