A TOTAL OF 34 INDIGENOUSLY MANUFACTURED PHARMACEUTICAL ORAL LIQUIDS WERE PURCHASED FROM DIFFERENT POTENT MEDICINE STORES IN OWERRI MAIN MARKET FROM AUGUST TO OCTOBER

ABSTRACT
A total of 34 indigenously manufactured pharmaceutical oral liquids were purchased from different potent medicine stores in Owerri main market from August to October. They were examined microbiologically to ascertain the common contaminants associated with them. The result of analysis showed that Staphylococcus species, Escherichia Coli and Pseudomonas are the main contaminants of these oral liquids.
While Bacillus spp and klebsiella were also identify, paracetamol syrup and emcap were found to meet the standard of B.P while bonagyl and parkalin did not meet the standard, and hence not safe for use in any treatment.

INTRODUCTION
ENUMERATION OF MICROORGANISMS IN PHARMACEUTICAL ORAL LIQUIDS.
Pharmaceutical oral liquids — syrups or suspensions are among the numerous pharmaceutical products and have different compositions and diversity of contaminating microorganisms, each with its specific application and problems, some products are however more imperiled to be contaminated with microorganisms and they are more hazardous than other ones.

We have seen a number of problems associated with the microbiological contamination of tropical drug products, nasal solutions and inhalation products (U. S. F. D. A, 2006).
Pharmaceutical products such as liquids (syrups) are generally required to be sterile; however, it is desirable that, they contain low level of microbial contamination in the biodegradation of the products which in essence, constitute a health hazard to its consumers. The most important component of the living matter is water. Multiplication and survival of microorganisms in drugs. This reports emphasized the need to monitor the microbiological quality on non-sterile pharmaceutical products, dispensed and sold in the public hospitals, pharmacies and potent medicine stores Taylor, R. B; Behrens, and low, A. S (2001).

ORAL LIQUIDS: They are homogenous liquids preparations, usually consisting of a solution, a suspension or emulsion of suitable vehicle which are more active to be swallowed either undiluted or after dilution. Oral liquids may contain auxiliary substance such as suitable antimicrobial preservatives dispensing, suspending, emulsifying, stabilizing, flavouring, colouring and sweeten agents. The vehicle for any particular oral liquid should be chosen having regard to be nature of the active ingredients and to produce organoleptic characteristics appropriate to the intended se of the preparation.

ORAL SUSPENSION: Are oral liquids containing one or more active ingredients suspended in suitable vehicle.
Suspended solid may slowly separate on standing but are easily redispened.
ORAL DROP: Are oral liquid that are intended to be administered in small volume in the aid of a suitable measuring device.

MIXTURE: Are oral liquids containing one or more active ingredient dissolved, suspended or dispersed in a suitable
vehicle. Suspended solids may separate slowly on standing but easily redispersed on shaking.
ORAL SOLUTIONS: Are oral liquids containing one or more active ingredients dissolved in a suitable vehicle.

ELIXIRS: Are oral liquids that contains one or more active ingredients dissolved in a vehicle that usually contains a high proportion of sucrose or a suitable polyhydric alcohol or alcohols and may also contains ethanol (96%) or a dilute ethanol.

LINCTUSES: Are viscous oral liquids that may contain one or more active ingredients in solution.

The vehicle usually contain large amount of sucrose or alcohols. Linctuses are intended for use in the treatment or relief of cough being sipped and swallowed slowly count and addition of water.