Stability of cilazapril in pediatric oral suspensions prepared from commercially available tablet dosage forms.

Abstract: Cilazapril is a drug commonly used in management of heart failure in pediatric population. On pharmaceutical market it is available only in inconvenient for pediatric use tablet dosage forms. Until now, no oral liquid formulation containing cilazapril has been evaluated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to prepare easy to made and palatable 1 mg/mL oral liquid formulation with cilazapril (with consideration of original and generic cilazapril tablet and different packages) and subsequent investigation of physicochemical stability of these suspensions. Formulations were compounded using cilazapril obtained from original or generic cilazapril marketed tablet formulations and Ora-Blend" suspending agent. Stability of prepared suspensions stored in closed amber glass or amber plastic PET bottles in the temperature of 298 K was estimated throughout 28 day shelf-life period. Chemical stability was assessed by HPLC cilazapril stability indicating method. Physical stability was evaluated by appearance, taste, smell, pH and theological assessments. Cilazapril oral suspensions at concentration of 1 mg/mL demonstrated satisfactory stability over 28 day long storage at room temperature. Cilazapril concentrations remained within acceptable limit (+/- 10%) stored in closed amber bottles made of glass or PET material. Moreover, suspensions physical properties remained unaffected. Cilazapril - Ora-Blend* pediatric oral liquid is easy to made, palatable and stable when stored at room temperature for 28 days. Stability of cilazapril oral liquid remains unchanged while using cilazapril tablets produced by different manufacturers and bottles made of amber glass or PET material.