DETERMINATION OF SALICYLIC ACID RESIDUE IN ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID TABLETS

Abstract

The pharmacological indications for acetyl salicylic acid have been on the increase over the years. It was initially indicated for the management of inflammation but its use as a cardioprotective agent  is now more prominent. However, one of the major drawbacks of this drug is gastric irritation and bleeding which could lead to ulcer, anemia and several medical complications. These drawbacks are attributable to salicylic acid residue in acetyl salicylic acid.  The determination of salicylic acid residue in acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) tablets was carried out using a spectrophotometric method.

Twenty one formulations of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) tablets were assayed. From the results, 71.43%   of   the   formulations   failed   to   meet   up   the   British pharmacopoeia standard of 0.75% limit of free salicylic acid in acetylsalicylic acid tablets. This work highlights the need for regulatory agencies to routinely determine the level of free salicylic acid   in acetylsalicylic acid formulations to ensure that they conform to pharmacopoeia standard