A recent investigation has unveiled a concerning revelation that the majority of paracetamol tablets sold in Nigeria may be significantly underdosed, failing to meet the stipulated standards set by the British Pharmacopoeia and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The 2023 study, titled ‘Comparative Analysis of Five Different Brands of Paracetamol Sold in Nigeria with British Pharmacopoeia Standards,’ scrutinized samples from five paracetamol brands, each claiming a 500mg dosage, utilizing the spectrophotometric method.
Results revealed concentrations ranging from 185mg to 358mg, far below the recommended 500mg limit.
Expressing apprehension about potential treatment failure due to underdosed paracetamol tablets, the researchers highlighted the insufficient attention given to this issue, possibly stemming from the perception that the practice is harmless.
“Considering the current demands for cost-effective therapy, a prescribing and underdosing habit that could lead to treatment failure is of potential concern,” emphasized the researchers, noting the potential consequences like poor patient outcomes, polypharmacy, and increased healthcare expenses.
Widely used for its analgesic properties, paracetamol’s efficacy is now cast into doubt, given the insufficient amounts of the active ingredient found in the tested tablets.
Published in the journal Communication in Physical Sciences, the study advocates for heightened awareness and regulatory scrutiny to ensure the quality and effectiveness of pharmaceuticals, signaling broader health implications that extend beyond individual patients, impacting overall healthcare outcomes and incurring additional costs on the healthcare system.
