Effect of moisture on the stability of packaged paracetamol tablet formulations.

The stability of four commercial brands of packaged paracetamol tablet formulations stored at 25 +/- 1 degrees C and 75 +/- 2% RH for a period of six months has been studied and the effect of moisture on the degradation of paracetamol has been evaluated. PVC/PVDC/Al foil and polycoated paper packagings offer maximum protection to paracetamol tablets against moisture induced degradation. Moisture transmission of polymeric material appears to decrease with an increase in drug concentration and hence a relatively slow rate of degradation under controlled conditions.