O-56 A preliminary assessment of counterfeit acetaminophencontaining painkillers in Kingston, Jamaica using high performance liquid chromatography

Methods: A cross sectional analytical study was conducted on acetaminophen containing painkillers purchased from licensed pharmacies, informal vendors, and street markets across selected areas of Kingston. Samples were categorized by brand, source, and labeling characteristics. Quantitative analysis of acetaminophen content was performed using a validated reverse-phase HPLC method with UV detection. Method validation included assessment of linearity, accuracy, precision, limit of detection, and limit of quantification. Measured acetaminophen concentrations were compared against labeled claims and pharmacopeial specifications.

Results: A total of 50 acetaminophen tablet samples representing three brands (Panadol, Cetamol, and Pharma Cold and Flu) were collected from wholesalers in the downtown metropolitan area. Panadol accounted for 50% of samples, Cetamol 36%, and Pharma Cold and Flu 6%, with Panadol Ultra being the most frequently purchased formulation. HPLC analysis revealed that 20 of the 50 samples (40%) fell outside acceptable pharmaceutical limits. Of the Panadol samples, 41.4% were outside specification, while 33.3% of Cetamol and 67.7% of Pharma Cold and Flu samples were below acceptable limits. The HPLC method demonstrated excellent precision, supporting confidence that the deviations observed were attributable to sample quality rather than analytical variability.

Conclusion: A substantial proportion of acetaminophen containing painkillers circulating in Kingston appears to be counterfeit or substandard, posing significant public health risks. The findings highlight the urgent need for strengthened drug quality surveillance, regulatory enforcement, and public awareness initiatives. HPLC remains a robust analytical tool for detecting counterfeit pharmaceuticals in resource limited settings.