Studies on the development of taste-masked suspension of chloroquine.

A non-bitter chloroquine suspension formulation for pediatric use was prepared in the form of an ion-pair of chloroquine with pamoic acid. Various parameters involved in the formulation of a stable and palatable suspension have been optimized. The suspension was characterized for particle size analysis, viscosity, physical and chemical stability and taste. Release of chloroquine from the ion-pair conducted as dissolution rate studies in simulated gastric media showed near to 100% release instantaneously. In-vivo bioavailability study conducted in albino rats indicated comparable bioavailability of chloroquine from the suspension with that of chloroquine phosphate syrup taken as standard. Stability study conducted over a period of 3 months showed the intactness of the ion-pair and the tasteless behavior of the suspension throughout the period of storage.