Aspects of microbial contamination of tablets dispensed in hospitals and community pharmacies in Benin City, Nigeria

Purpose: A research was carried out to investigate the incidence of microflora in tablets dispensed from large container packages used in hospitals and community pharmacies. It was designed to provide baseline data on the common biodegrading microorganisms associated with tablets in retail containers and to highlight the health implications of such observations and roles for pharmacists in self medication phenomenon in Nigeria.
Methods: The protocol for the study involved structured selection of representative named tablets from some public hospitals and community pharmacies within Benin metropolis. Constitutive microorganisms were elaborated and enumerated using standard microbiological protocols.
Results: Our results showed that all the tablets sampled had some form of microbial growth. However, aerobic mesophilic bacteria and fungi observed were within standard numerical limits. It was additionally observed that ascorbic acid and folic acid tablets, particularly from the community pharmacies failed the exclusive criteria for Enterobactereacea and Staphylococci. Tablets from public hospitals in general have lower incidence of exclusive microbial contamination, compared with community pharmacies.
Conclusion: Tablets packed in large containers in retail pharmacies in Benin City are often contaminated with microbial growth. This has possible adverse consequences for those who obtain drugs stored in large containers.