Uterotonic drug quality: an assessment of the potency of injectable uterotonic drugs purchased by simulated clients in three districts in Ghana.

BMJ Open
Cynthia StantonSteve Brooke

Abstract

Given use of uterotonics for postpartum haemorrhage and other obstetric indications, the importance of potent uterotonics is indisputable. This study evaluated access to and potency of injectable uterotonics in Ghana. Study design involved research assistants simulating clients to purchase oxytocin and ergometrine from different sources. Drug potency was measured via chemical assay by the Ghana Food and Drugs Board. The study was conducted in three contrasting districts in Ghana. The per cent of active pharmaceutical ingredient was measured to assess the quality of oxytocin and ergometrine. 69 formal points of sale were visited, from which 55 ergometrine ampoules and 46 oxytocin ampoules were purchased. None of the ergometrine ampoules were within British Pharmacopoeia specification for active ingredient, none were expired and one showed 0% active ingredient, suggestive of a counterfeit drug. Among oxytocin ampoules purchased, only 11 (26%) were within British Pharmacopoeia specification for active ingredient and two (4%) were expired. The median percentages of active ingredients were 64% and 50% for oxytocin and ergometrine, respectively. The quality of injectable uterotonics in three contrasting districts in Ghana is a seriou...Continue Reading

Citations

Nov 14, 2014·BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·Cynthia StantonLuke C Mullany
Mar 20, 2014·BJOG : an International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·W R SheldonUNKNOWN WHO Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health Research Network
Mar 24, 2016·BJOG : an International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·M R TorloniM Widmer
Jul 7, 2017·Anesthesia and Analgesia·Hazel MumphanshaM Dylan Bould
Aug 10, 2019·The International Journal of Pharmacy Practice·Ingunn BjörnsdottirPauline Norris
Sep 13, 2019·The Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology·Finbarr DonnanKevin T Batty
May 30, 2020·Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice·Peter LambertHelen Petach
Apr 1, 2020·BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·Nhomsai HagenLutz Heide
Aug 5, 2020·The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·Nhomsai HagenLutz Heide
Dec 1, 2020·International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics : the Official Organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics·Ella Larissa de VriesS Guid Oei
Jan 9, 2021·PloS One·Thomas BizimanaLutz Heide

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
contraception
Assay

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