Abstract

This study evaluated the in vitro physico-chemical implication of co-presentation of ciprofloxacin with artesunate. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) and ultraviolet (UV) analysis was used to monitor the co-presentation of the two drugs. The in vitro dissolution profile of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablet in the presence of artesunate tablet was evaluated in buffer with pH 1.2 and water at 37± 0.5°C as well as the effect artesunate on the antibacterial activity of ciprofloxacin. Physico-chemical interaction was not observed between ciprofloxacin and artesunate. However, a significant reduction in the dissolution rate of ciprofloxacin was observed in buffer pH 1.2 solution when compared with water as the medium (p< 0.01). Furthermore, the rate of dissolution of ciprofloxacin was significantly reduced in the presence of 200 mg artesunate in both media (p = 0.0164). Similarly, the extent of drug release at 30 min (C₃₀) was generally reduced in the presence of 200 mg artesunate in both water and buffer pH 1.2 solution (p < 0.05). The reduction in antimicrobial activity of ciprofloxacin on clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was observed to be statistically insignificant in the presence of artesunate (p > 0.05). The results obtained in this study suggest that care should be taken during the co-administration of ciprofloxacin with the starting dose of artesunate.

Key words: Ciprofloxacin, artesunate, physico-chemical interaction, dissolution rate,Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.