Formulation development and stability studies of aqueous metronidazole benzoate suspensions containing various suspending agents.

Metronidazole is a synthetic antibacterial and antiprotozoan agent. Crystallization occurs in aqueous metronidazole benzoate suspensions caused by an anhydrate to monohydrate conversion. This study aimed to develop an aqueous metronidazole benzoate suspension that does not exhibit this hydration and the accompanying crystal growth. Four suspending agent systems were evaluated. Xanthan gum and Avicel RC-591 (a combination of microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose sodium) were found to be the suspending agents that resulted in optimal formulation properties. Monohydrate formation did not occur in product containing Avicel RC-591, indicating that suspending agents may exert a positive effect on metronidazole benzoate suspension stability.