Development and Evaluation of a Ready to Use Cefpodoxime Proxetil Suspension

Antibiotics are not chemically stable in water based oral pharmaceutical suspensions. Anhydrous liquid antibiotic suspension for oral administration provides a product having good shelf life and taste characteristics relative to conventional liquid formulations. A ready to use oil based cefpodoxime proxetil preparation which can be stored at room temperature was prepared and evaluated for its organoleptic properties, viscosity, flow behavior and accelerated physical and chemical stability. The formulation showed improved redispersibility, good taste masking of the bitter drug and allows the product to be stored longer preventing hydrolysis of the drug. INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study is to provide a ready to use oil based, liquid antibiotic suspension for oral administration having good shelf life and taste characteristics relative to conventional dry syrup formulation. Presently available water degradable antibiotic suspensions generally are packaged as dry powders which require reconstitution with a diluent and must be refrigerated after reconstitution to maintain the potency of the active ingredient over the recommended course of therapy. Storage problems with such antibiotic formulations result from their having a short shelf life. The unused portion is discarded after fourteen days. Non-aqueous suspensions 1 of orally-active medications can be produced which are extremely palatable, have a smooth consistency, and are "ready-to-use", i.e., do not require reconstitution, and need not be refrigerated to maintain the potency of the active ingredient. MATERIALS: Cefpodoxime proxetil was procured from FDC Ltd. Mumbai as a gift sample. Colloidal silicon dioxide (Aerosil 200), Butylated hydroxyl anisole, Butylated hydroxyl toluene, Methyl paraben, Propyl paraben, Anhydrous Citric acid, Menthol, Sodium saccharin, aspartame were of LR grade quality. Sunflower oil complied as per BP. Peppermint oil pure and Pineapple juicy flavors were obtained from Vital flavors.