EVALUATION OF CAPTOPRIL CONTENT UNIFORMITY IN CAPSULES AND TABLETS SOLD IN PHARMACIES AND DRUGSTORES FROM VOTUPORANGA, SP, BRAZIL.

Abstract

Captopril is a drug indicated for the treatment of arterial hypertension (AH) and heart failure (HF), and the first drug developed from the synthesis of the venom of the snake Bothrops jararaca. It is used as a prototype for other substances for the control high blood pressure. In the Brazilian Health System (SUS), captopril is inserted in the National List of Essential Medicines (Rename); it is also quoted in almost all County Lists of Essential Medicines (Remumes). The aimof this study was to evaluate the content uniformity in tablets and capsules containing captopril at a concentration of 25mg. Samples were from industries (reference, generic and similar), and also manipulated in compounding pharmacies atVotuporanga, SP. The study was based on quality concept applied to obedience to the law. The results showed variationsin drug concentration when compared to the reference product (25 mg). The range was from 69 % (lower concentration)to 112 %. Thus, the results showed the evidence of the lack of quality control, uniformity of content for the evaluatedpharmaceutical dosage forms, which may compromise the effectiveness and safety for the patient.