RAMALHO, I. C.; http://lattes.cnpq.br/5435619620302394; RAMALHO, Igor da Cruz.
Resumo:
Hypertension is a Noncommunicable Chronic Disease (NCD) characterized by the persistent
elevation of systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure. Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to the class
of thiazide diuretics, one of the main choices for initial hypertension therapy. Its primary action
is the blockage of the NaCl cotransporter in the distal convoluted tubule, reducing extracellular
volume and cardiac output, and decreasing peripheral vascular resistance, thus promoting a
reduction in blood pressure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical quality
of hydrochlorothiazide tablets obtained from private community pharmacies, including the
brand-name, similar, and generic presentations. Parameters such as visual appearance, average
weight, friability, hardness, disintegration, and drug content were analyzed according to the
methodologies described in the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia (2019). Five samples were analyzed:
one brand-name, one similar, and three generic samples. All samples were intact tablets,
circular in shape, white in color, with a diameter ranging from 6 to 6.5 mm and a thickness of
2 to 4 mm. In terms of average weight, all samples were within the recommended limits. The
hardness of the tablets varied from 24 N to 45.6 N, while friability ranged from 0.04% to 0.43%.
The disintegration time ranged from 15 seconds to 2 minutes and 49 seconds, and the active
ingredient content varied from 95.51% to 103.41%. Therefore, all samples met the proposed
parameters, demonstrating the pharmaceutical equivalence between the different presentations
of hydrochlorothiazide tablets. Thus, quality control of medications is essential, as it ensures
the efficacy and safety of the products.
