Abstract

INFLUENCE OF STORAGE CONDITIONS ON THE SHELF LIFE OF CEPHALEXIN TABLETS STORED IN HOSPITAL AND COMMUNITY PHARMACIES IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF KERALA.

Dr. Kiron.S.S*, Dr. Arun Shirwaikar, Mrs. Saritha M

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the influence of storage conditions on the shelf life of Cephalexin stored in Hospital and Community Pharmacies situated in different parts of Kerala.Methods: Different brands of Cephalexin tablets were selected for this study. Samples collected from different time intervals were suitably coded and analyzed.Results Study was observed that, Mean Maximum Temperature was recorded more in Kannur (33.350C) and Kozhikode (32.440C) city as compare to Cochin (31.450C). The Mean Relative Humidity was recorded more at Cochin (86.75%) as compared to Kannur (84.5%) and Kozhikode (84.58%). The study data show that percentage strength was least in samples collected from Cochin compared with those collected from Kozhikode and Kannur. Mean kinetic humidity was more in coastal area, which may have accelerated the degradation of samples from Cochin. A significant statistical difference (p= 0.0000) was observed across brands.Conclusions: The study identifies the importance of storage conditions of antibiotics in pharmacies for better pharmaceutical care. Hence the regulatory authorities and pharmaceutical organizations should highlight the importance of maintaining good storage conditions in hospital and community pharmacies.

Keywords: Shelf life, Storage, Regions.