Comparative in Vitro Equivalence Evaluation of Naproxen Available in Karachi, Pakistan

Naproxen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug which affect the activity of cyclooxygenase enzyme. It worked by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins by decreasing the activity of the enzyme, cyclooxygenase, resulted in decrease formation of prostaglandin precursors. It had been indicated in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute gout and acute mucoskeletal disorders. The main objective of this study was to identify the best bioequivalent brands available in Karachi, by observing their results in order to make the treatment cost-effective. Three different brands of Naproxen (500mg) were taken in the study that were observed under six quality control parameters i.e. weight variation test, hardness test, thickness test, friability test, disintegration test, and dissolution test as per specified by British and US Pharmacopeia BP/USP. All the test requirements were compiled by all three brands of naproxen. Disintegration time for all three brands was within 15 minutes that follows BP/USP standards. All the brands showed more than 80% drug release within 30 minutes. The study showed that almost all the brands of Naproxen available in Karachi had met the specification for quality control analysis.