Since the earlier of the 21st century, microbial contamination of non-sterile drugs has been one of the main problems for product recalls and production slowdowns. The presence of microbial contaminants was not only found to cause physicochemical changes that led to the spoilage of numerous products but was also proved to be a potential health hazard to the consumer. This study was designed to evaluate the microbial and physicochemical characteristics of commonly used syrups marketed in Syria between (2015-2019). Total 27 samples containing national brands were collected from pharmacies in Homs. All collected samples were subjected to microbial enumeration tests (bacterial and fungal), the absence of specified microorganisms was confirmed using selective media, physical parameters (appearance, density, pH and viscosity) and concentration of active ingredients were identified and assessed by standard techniques described in newest editions of US Pharmacopeia.The physical properties represented in the appearance, density, and pH of the analyzed samples complied with USP42 standards. The concentrations of the active pharmaceutical ingredient in all samples were within the accepted range according to USP42, except for samples (S1, S2, and S3) of sodium valproate 45% of analyzed syrup samples showed microbial contamination out of acceptable range according to USP42 specifications. While 48% of analyzed syrups showed fungal contamination out of acceptable range according to USP42. Neither E-coli nor Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from the studied samples. Based on these findings, we recommend implementing a strict analysis strategy to check the microbial and technological quality aspects of medicines priortheir release in the market by pharmaceutical companies and monitor these programs by authorized agencies
Homs University Journal.
2021.