Stability of extemporaneous sulfadiazine oral suspensions from commercially available tablets for treatment of congenital toxoplasmosis

Objectives To determine the physicochemical and microbiological stability of sulfadiazine suspensions (100 mg/mL) in simple syrup (A) and sorbitol (B) formulations prepared from commercially available tablets. Methods An ultra-performance liquid chromatographic assay was developed and validated to determine the chemical stability of sulfadiazine. Three samples were prepared and stored at 5 and 25 degrees C and assayed at 0, 7, 14 and 30 days. Physical parameters (appearance, pH, particle size and viscosity) were also monitored. Microbiological examination was performed through the suitable counting method. Results The formulations presented a sulfadiazine concentration of around 95% at the beginning at both temperatures. There was some variation in pH, viscosity and particle size distribution over time. The samples met the pharmacopoeia criteria of microbiological quality over 30 days, but only sulfadiazine formulated in syrup stored at 25 degrees C was suitable for use after one week. Conclusion The sulfadiazine suspension in simple syrup was chosen as the most suitable formulation because it demonstrated stability for 14 days at room temperature, providing an alternative liquid dosage form of sulfadiazine for congenital toxoplasmosis treatment.