ASSESSMENT OF SOME FRUSEMIDE TABLETS AVAILABLE IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The physico-chemical and pharmacclogical characteristics of frusemide will be discussed in Section One. Quality control test including the B.P. assay of drug content, the B.P. uniformity of weight test, B.P. uniformity of diameter and disintegration test were carried out on the six chosen brands of frusemide tablet marketed in Singapore. The generic products were manufactured locally, whereas another four proprietary products were imported from Malaysia, Germany and Australia. All the six products tested met the B.P. weight uniformity test and disintegration test. Only Diurin '40' failed the uniformity of diameter test, nevertheless, it is the only product that passed B.P. assay of drug content. A wide range of hardness and friability values were observed among these products. Statistical evaluation of result were carried out and it was shown that the six brands were not chemical equivalent although they have the same label-claimed fruscmide content.