A comparative study of legal and illegal items of different commercial brands of mefenamic acid 500 mg tablets

Abstract EN

Mefenamic acid, N-(2, 3-Xylyl)-2-Aminobenzoic acid or N, 2, 3-Xylylanthranilic acid is an analgesic, antipyretic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

The aim of this study is to assess the quality and quantity of legal and illegal types of mefenamic acid (500 mg tablets) marketed in Yemen.

We have selected six legal types of mefenamic acid tablets, which are registered by the Supreme Board of Drugs and Medical Appliances and one illegal type of mefenamic acid which is a smuggling drug without name of brand (Welstan® forte 500 mg) (China).

We have applied the qualitative and quantitative analysis for evaluating the items.

The limit of the content of mefenamic acid tablets, according to B.

P is (95-105 % ).

The result of the analysis of these seven items of mefenamic acid were evaluated and showed that the qualitative analysis of six items were complied with B.

P requirements whereas the uniformity of weight of tablets smuggled (Welstan® forte 500 mg) (China) did not.

The quantitative analysis showed that the five types of mefenamic acid, (Ponstan® forte 500 mg) (Park-Devis) (Germany) (97.48 % ), Pangesic® forte 500 mg) (Ram Pharma) (Jordan) (101.34 % ), (Ponsten® forte 500 mg) (Birkl-Dove) (Turkey) (103.27 % ), (Ponstel® forte 500 mg) (Shin Poong Pharma) (Korea)(98.93 % ), (Omatan® forte 500 mg) ( NP) (Oman) (104.24) were complied with B.

P, whereas the two items- (Biostan® forte 500 mg) (Biopharm) (Yemen) (86.86 %) and (Welstan® forte 500 mg) (China) (84.45 % ), did not comply.