E-DRUG: Shelf life of proprietary liquid preparation after opening (4)
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Dear e-druggers,
I have beend following the issue of co-trimoxazole suspension stability after the container is opened for use and differnent opinions have been raised from the team with different recommendations.It is not only co-trimoxazole but also Nevirapine and Zidovudine liquid formulations are supposed to be dispensed for patients for a month in ART care,and in general practice some liquid preparations are prescribed for longer period of time e.g. Antacid suspensions prescribed PRN. The official monographs(pharmacopoeas) do recommend certain time period for a specific semisolide and liquide preparation based on either it is produced extemporanously or at industrial level. Is it not wise to follow their recommendation? I am also eager to see researches done on this area so that it will put all of us on the same page.
[The moderator is puzzled by the extensive exchange on this issue. What will happen after opening? It is not sterile from producer and it is not like an injections that might have been produced under inert gas and so may become exposed to oxygen after opening. Liquid preparations for oral use are not sterile and hopefully contain a preservative. If one considers there is a risk of microbial contamination, that is the only risk that limits stability].
Seyfu Abebe(BPHARM)
Lesotho-Maseru
seyfuabebe@yahoo.com