Stability study of losartan/hydrochlorothiazide tablets

The purpose of stability testing is to investigate how the quality of a drug product changes with time under the influence of environmental factors, to establish a shelf life for the product and to recommend storage conditions. Stability study of losartan/hydrochlorothiazide tablets is presented in this paper. Losartan (angiotensin II receptor antagonist) and hydrochlorothiazide (diuretic) are successfully used in association in the treatment of hypertension. Stability study of losartan/hydrochlorothiazide tablets consisted of three steps: stress test (forced degradation study), preliminary testing (selection of packaging) and formal stability testing. The results of stress test suggested that losartan/hydrochlorothiazide tablets are sensitive to moisture. It was demonstrated that the developed analytical methods are stability indicating. Additional preliminary testing was performed in order to select appropriate packaging for losartan/hydrochlorothiazide tablets. OPA/Al/PVC//Al blisters were found to provide adequate protection for the product. Based on the first 12 months of the formal stability study, a shelf life of 24 months was proposed. Losartan/hydrochlorothiazide tablets in OPA/Al/PVC//Al blisters are demonstrated to be chemically, physically and microbiologically stable.