Spectrophotometric stability-indicating methods for the determination of leflunomide in the presence of its degradates

Five simple and sensitive methods were developed for the determination of leflunomide (I) in the presence of its degradates 4-trifluoromethyl aniline (II) and 3-methyl-4-carboxy isoxazole (III). Method A was based on differential derivative spectrophotometry by measuring the delta(1)D value at 279.5 nm. Beer's law was obeyed in the concentration range of 2.00-20.00 microg/mL with mean percentage accuracy of 100.07 +/- 1.32. Method B depended on first-derivative spectrophotometry and measuring the amplitude at 253.4 nm. Beer's law was obeyed in the concentration range of 2.00-16.00 microg/mL with mean percentage accuracy of 98.42 +/- 1.61. Method C was based on the reaction of degradate (II) with 2,6-dichloroquinone-4-chloroimide (Gibbs reagent). The colored product was measured at 469 nm. Method D depended on the reaction of degradate (II) with para-dimethyl aminocinnamaldehyde (p-DAC). The absorbance of the colored product was measured at 533.4 nm. Method E utilized 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinone hydrazone in the presence of cerric ammonium sulfate with degradate (II). The green colored product was measured at 605.5 nm. The linearity range was 40.00-280.00, 2.40-24.00, and 30-250 microg/mL with mean percentage accuracy of 100.75 +/- 1.21, 100.13 +/- 1.45, and 99.74 +/- 1.39 for Methods C-E, respectively. All variables were studied to optimize the reaction conditions. The proposed methods have been successfully applied to the analysis of leflunomide in pharmaceutical dosage forms and the results were statistically compared with that previously reported.     

Application of prominent spectral lines in the 125-180 nm range for inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry

A new axially viewed ICP optical emission spectrometer featuring an argon-filled optic and CCD detectors was evaluated for the application of prominent spectral lines in the 125-180 nm range. This wavelength range was investigated for several analytical applications of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). There are different advantages for the application of spectral lines below 180 nm. A number of elements, such as Al, Br, Cl, Ga, Ge, I, In, N, P, Pb, Pt, S and Te, were found to have the most intense spectral lines in the wavelength range from 125-180 nm. Compared with lines above 180 nm higher signal-to-background ratios were found. Low limits of detection using pneumatic nebulization of aqueous solutions for sample introduction were calculated for Al II 167.080 nm (0.04 microg L(-1)), Br I 154.065 nm (9 microg L(-1)), Cl I 134.724 nm (19 microg L(-1)), Ga II 141.444 nm (0.8 microg L(-1)), Ge II 164.919 nm (1.3 microg L(-1)), II 142.549 nm (13 microg L(-1)), In II 158.583 nm (0.2 microg L(-1)), P I 177.500 nm (0.9 microg L(-1)), Pb II 168.215 nm (1.5 microg L(-1)), Pt II 177.709 nm (2.6 microg L(-1)), S I 180.731 nm (1.9 microg L(-1)) and Te I 170.00 nm (4.6 microg L(-1)). Numerous application examples for the use of those lines and other important spectral lines below 180 nm are given. Because of fewer emission lines from transition elements, such as Fe, Co, Cr, lines below 180 nm often offer freedom from spectral interferences. Additional lines of lower intensity for the determination of higher elemental concentrations are also available in the vacuum ultraviolet spectral range. This is specially useful when the concentrations are not in the linear range of calibration curves obtained with commonly used lines.     

Determination of folic acid in tablets by microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography

A microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography (MEEKC) method has been developed and validated for the determination of folic acid, a water-soluble vitamin, in a commercial tablet formulation. The analysis was performed using a microemulsion containing 0.5% (w/w) ethyl acetate, 1.2% (w/w) butan-1-ol, 0.6% (w/w) sodium dodecyl sulfate, 15% (v/v) 2-propanol and 82.7% (w/w) 10 mmol L(-1) sodium tetraborate aqueous buffer at pH 9.2. Direct UV detection at 214nm led to an adequate sensitivity without interference from sample excipients. For quantitative purposes, niacin was used as internal standard. Acceptable precision (<1.2% relative standard deviation (R.S.D.)), linearity (r = 0.9992; range from 160.0 to 240.0 microg/mL), sensitivity (limit of detection (LOD) = 2.98 microg/mL; limit of quantification (LOQ) = 9.05 microg/mL) and recovery (99.8 +/- 1.8% at three concentration levels) were obtained. Based on the performance characteristics, the proposed methodology was found suitable for the determination of folic acid in tablet formulations.     

Development and validation of a micellar high-performance liquid chromatographic method for determination of risedronate in raw material and in a pharmaceutical formulation: application to stability studies

A micellar HPLC method was developed for analysis of the antiosteoporosis drug risedronate. The analysis was carried out using a 250 x 4.6 mm id, 5 microm particle size C18 Waters Symmetry column. The mobile phase consisted of 0.02 M sodium dodecyl sulfate + 0.3% triethylamine + 10% n-propanol, prepared in 0.02 M orthophosphoric acid. The pH of the mobile phase was adjusted to pH 6.0, and it was pumped at a flow rate of 0.7 mL/min with UV detection at 262 nm. The method showed good linearity in the range of 2-80 microg/mL, with an LOD of 0.40 microg/mL (1.31 x 10(-6) M) and an LOQ of 1.21 microg/mL. The suggested method was successfully applied for the analysis of risedronate in raw material and a tablet formulation, with average recoveries of 99.91 +/- 1.30 and 101.52 +/- 0.30%, respectively. The stability-indicating capability of the proposed method was proved using forced degradation. By changing the pH of the mobile phase to 4.0, the oxidative degradation product could be separated from risedronate.     

Spectrophotometric and spectrodensitometric determination of Clopidogrel Bisulfate with kinetic study of its alkaline degradation

Four sensitive, selective and precise stability-indicating methods for the determination of Clopidogrel Bisulfate (CLP) in presence of its alkaline degradate and in pharmaceutical formulations were developed and validated. Method A is a second derivative (D²) spectrophotometric one, which allows the determination of CLP in presence of its alkaline degradate at 219.6, 270.6, 274.2 and 278.4 nm (corresponding to zero-crossing of the degradate) over a concentration range of 4-37 μg mL⁻¹ with mean percentage recoveries 99.81 ± 0.893, 99.72 ± 0.668, 99.88 ± 0.526 and 100.46 ± 0.646, respectively. CLP can be determined in the presence of up to 65% of its degradate. D² method was used to study the kinetic of CLP alkaline degradation that was found to follow a first-order reaction. The t_1/2 was 6.42 h while K (reaction rate constant) was 0.1080 mol/h. Method B is the first derivative of the ratio spectra (DD¹) spectrophotometric method, by measuring the peak amplitude at 217.6 and 229.4 nm using acetonitrile and CLP can be determined in the presence of up to 70% of its degradate. The linearity range was 5-38 μg mL⁻¹ with mean percentage recoveries 99.88 ± 0.909 and 99.70 ± 0.952, respectively. Method C based on the determination of CLP by the bivariate calibration depending on simple mathematic algorithm which provides simplicity and rapidity. The method depends on quantitative evaluation of the absorbance at 210 and 225 nm over a concentration range 5-38 μg mL⁻¹ with mean percentage recovery 99.27 ± 1.115. CLP can be determined in the presence of up to 70% of its degradate. Method D is a TLC-densitometric one, where CLP was separated from its degradate on silica gel plates using hexane:methanol:ethyl acetate (8.7:1:0.3, v/v/v) as a developing system. This method depends on quantitative densitometric evaluation of thin layer chromatogram of CLP at 248 nm over a concentration range of 0.6-3 μg/band with mean percentage recovery 99.97 ± 1.161. CLP can be determined in the presence of up to 90% of its alkaline degradate. The selectivity of the proposed methods was checked using laboratory prepared mixtures. The proposed methods have been successfully applied to the analysis of CLP in pharmaceutical dosage forms without interference from other dosage form additives and the results were statistically compared with the official method.     

Highly sensitive and selective spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric methods for the determination of ropinirole hydrochloride in tablets

Three sensitive, selective, accurate spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric methods have been developed for the determination of ropinirole hydrochloride in tablets. The first method was based on measuring the absorbance of drug solution in methanol at 250 nm. The Beer's law was obeyed in the concentration range 2.5-24 microg ml(-1). The second method was based on the charge transfer reaction of drug, as n-electron donor with 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), as pi-acceptor in acetonitrile to give radical anions that are measured at 842 nm. The Beer's law was obeyed in the concentration range 0.6-8 microg ml(-1). The third method was based on derivatization reaction with 4-chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazan (NBD-Cl) in borate buffer of pH 8.5 followed by measuring the fluorescence intensity at 525 nm with excitation at 464 nm in chloroform. Beer's law was obeyed in the concentration range 0.01-1.3 microg ml(-1). The derivatization reaction product of drug with NBD-Cl was characterized by IR, 1H NMR and mass spectroscopy. The developed methods were validated. The following analytical parameters were investigated: the molar absorptivity (epsilon), limit of detection (LOD, microg ml(-1)) and limit of quantitation (LOQ, microg ml(-1)), precision, accuracy, recovery, and Sandell's sensitivity. Selectivity was validated by subjecting stock solution of ropinirole to acidic, basic, oxidative, and thermal degradation. No interference was observed from common excipients present in formulations. The proposed methods were successfully applied for determination of drug in tablets. The results of these proposed methods were compared with each other statistically.     

高效液相色谱-质谱法测定比格犬血浆中的艾普拉唑及其药代动力学

运用高效液相色谱-电喷雾质谱(HPLC-ESI-MS)技术,建立了快速、简单、灵敏的比格犬静脉滴注艾普拉唑钠盐后血药浓度的检测方法。血浆样品采用蛋白沉淀法,以丁螺环酮作为内标,色谱柱为Teknokroma Kromasil C18(100 mm×2.1 mm, 5 μm),流动相为水-甲醇-乙腈(69:8:23, v/v/v)(含0.1%的甲酸),流速0.2 mL/min,采用电喷雾(ESI)离子源以正离子方式检测。绘制血药浓度-时间曲线,并采用DAS 2.0计算药代动力学参数。方法学实验结果表明内源性杂质不干扰艾普拉唑和内标的测定,线性范围为5～10000 μg/L (r=0.994),最低定量限为5 μg/L,精密度和准确度均符合生物样品测定的要求。低、中、高3个浓度的绝对回收率在106%左右,基质效应小于142.0%,表明该方法适合比格犬血浆中艾普拉唑浓度的测定及药代动力学研究。比格犬静脉滴注艾普拉唑钠盐3个剂量(0.2 mg/kg、0.8 mg/kg和3.2 mg/kg)后的药-时曲线下面积(AUC(0~∞))分别为(2.4×104±3×103)、(8.8×104±1.6×104)和(5.4×105±8×104) μg/L•min,呈线性药物代谢动力学过程。     

A comparative study of first-derivative spectrophotometry and column high-performance liquid chromatography applied to the determination of repaglinide in tablets and for dissolution testing

A fast and reliable method for the determination of repaglinide is highly desirable to support formulation screening and quality control. A first-derivative UV spectroscopic method was developed for the determination of repaglinide in tablet dosage form and for dissolution testing. First-derivative UV absorbance was measured at 253 nm. The developed method was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantitation (LOQ) in comparison to the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) column high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method. The first-derivative UV spectrophotometric method showed excellent linearity [correlation coefficient (r) = 0.9999] in the concentration range of 1-35 microg/mL and precision (relative standard deviation < 1.5%). The LOD and LOQ were 0.23 and 0.72 microg/mL, respectively, and good recoveries were achieved (98-101.8%). Statistical comparison of results of the first-derivative UV spectrophotometric and the USP HPLC methods using the t-test showed that there was no significant difference between the 2 methods. Additionally, the method was successfully used for the dissolution test of repaglinide and was found to be reliable, simple, fast, and inexpensive.     

Determination of albendazole metabolites by direct injection of bovine plasma and multidimensional achiral-chiral high performance liquid chromatography

The development and validation of a fully automated achiral-chiral high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the simultaneous determination of albendazole metabolites: enantiomers of albendazole sulphoxide (ABZ-SO), albendazole sulphone (ABZ-SO(2)) and albendazole 2-aminosulphone (ABZ-SO(2)NH(2)) in bovine plasma are described. This method involves an octyl restricted access media bovine serum albumin column (C(8)-RAM-BSA) (50 mm x 4.6 mm I.D.) for sample clean-up, followed by enantioselective analysis on a column containing an amylose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) stationary phase (150 mm x 4.6 mm I.D.). The chromatographic separations of all target compounds were performed at 30 degrees C using a mobile phase composed of phosphate buffer (10 mmol L(-1); pH 7.5):acetonitrile (60:40, v/v), flow rate of 0.5 mL min(-1) and fluorescence detection at 290 nm and 320 nm, excitation and emission, respectively. The influence of different organic modifiers and chiral selector of the stationary phase on enantioseparation of ABZ-SO was investigated. The method developed was fully validated. The calibration curves were linear in the concentration range of 40.00-1280 ng mL(-1) for each albendazole sulphoxide enantiomer, 10.0-320 ng mL(-1) for albendazole sulphone and 20.0-320 ng mL(-1) for albendazole 2-aminosulphone. The inter- and intra-day precision ranged from 0.760% to 7.79% relative standard deviation (R.S.D.), and the accuracy ranged 101% from 114% of the nominal values while the transfer efficiency was in the range of 84.4-103%. The method showed good linearity, precision, accuracy, sensitivity and selectivity allowing it to be appropriate for further pharmacokinetics and metabolism studies of albendazole.     

Quantitative analysis of urinary glycerol levels for doping control purposes using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

The administration of glycerol to endurance athletes results in an increased fluid retention and improved performance, particularly under hot and humid conditions. Consequently, glycerol is considered relevant for sports drug testing and methods for its detection in urine specimens are required. A major issue in this regard is the natural occurrence of trace amounts of glycerol in human urine, which necessitates a quantitative analysis and the determination of normal urinary glycerol levels under various sporting conditions. A quantitative method was established using a gas chromatography/isotope-dilution mass spectrometry-based approach that was validated with regard to lower limit of detection (0.3 microg mL(-1)), lower limit of quantification (0.9 microg mL(-1)), specificity, linearity (1.0-98.0 microg mL(-1)), intraday and interday precision (<20% at 2.4, 24.1 and 48.2 microg mL(-1)) as well as accuracy (92-110%). Sample aliquots of 20 microL were enriched with five-fold deuterated glycerol, dried and derivatised using N-methyl-trimethylsilyltrifluoroacetamide (MSTFA) before analysis. The established method was applied to a total of 1039 doping control samples covering various sport disciplines (349 endurance samples, 286 strength sport samples, 325 game sport samples and 79 other samples) in- and out-of-competition, which provided quantitative information about the glycerol content commonly observed in elite athletes' urine samples. About 85% of all specimens yielded glycerol concentrations < 20.0 microg mL(-1) and few reached values up to 132.6 microg mL(-1). One further sample, however, was found to contain 2690 microg mL(-1), which might indicate the misuse of glycerol, but no threshold for urinary glycerol concentrations has been established yet due to the lack of substantial data. Based on the results obtained from the studied reference population, a threshold for glycerol levels in urine set at 200 microg mL(-1) is suggested, which provides a tool to doping control laboratories to test for the misuse of this agent in elite and amateur sport.     

A simple HPLC method for the quantification of mizoribine in human serum: pharmacokinetic applications

A simple high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was developed and validated for the quantification of mizoribine in human serum. After the addition of 70% perchloric acid and 3-methylxanthine (50 microg/mL, internal standard) to human serum, the samples were mixed and centrifuged at 12,000 rpm (1432 g) for 10 min. The supernatant was injected onto a C(18) column eluted with a mobile phase of 20 mm Na2HPO4 and methanol (93:7, v/v, pH 3) containing 0.04% octanesulfonic acid and detected utilizing an ultraviolet detector at 275 nm. The linear calibration curve was obtained in the concentration range of 0.1-4.0 microg/mL and the lower limit of quantification was 0.1 microg/mL. This method was validated with selectivity, linearity, precision and accuracy. In addition, the method was successfully applied to estimate the pharmacokinetic parameters of mizoribine in Korean subjects following an oral administration of 100 mg mizoribine (two Bredinine 50 mg tablets). The maximum serum concentration (C(max)) of 2.30 +/- 0.83 microg/mL was reached 2.27 +/- 0.66 h after an oral dose. The mean AUC(0-12 h) and the elimination half-life (t(1/2)) were 13.2 +/- 4.79 microg h/mL and 3.10 +/- 0.74 h, respectively.     

The voltammetric behaviour of lead at a microband screen-printed carbon electrode and its determination in acetate leachates from glazed ceramic plates

Stability-indicative determination of raubasine (RAB) in the presence of its degradate and its binary mixture with almitrine dismesylate (ALM) was investigated. The degradation product had been isolated, via acid-degradation, characterized and confirmed. Selective quantification of RAB and ALM in bulk form, pharmaceutical formulations and/or in the presence of RAB degradate was demonstrated. The analytical technique adopted for quantification was high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Separation was performed using a ZORBAX ODS column with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile + phosphate buffer pH 3.4 80:20 (v/v) with UV detection at 254 nm. The method showed high sensitivity with good linearity over the concentration range of 5-120 and 5-60 μg mL⁻¹ for RAB and ALM respectively. The HPLC method was used to study the kinetics of RAB acid degradation that was found to follow a first-order reaction. The activation energy could be estimated from the Arrhenius plot and it was found to be 18.152 kcal mol⁻¹.     

Simultaneous determination of paracetamol and caffeine by flow injection-solid phase spectrometry using C18 silica gel as a sensing support.

A continuous and simple UV-photometric flow-through biparameter-sensing device has been developed for the simultaneous determination of paracetamol and caffeine at 275 nm. The sensor is based on temporary sequentiation in the arrival of the analytes to the sensing zone by on-line separation using C18 bonded phase beads (the same as that used in the sensing zone) placed into a minicolumn just before the flow cell. The sample containing these compounds is injected into the carrier solution; paracetamol is determined first because it passes through the minicolumn, while caffeine is strongly retained in it. Then, caffeine is conveniently eluted from the precolumn and develops its transitory signal. Using 200 microl of a sample and deionized water as a carrier, the analytical signal showed a very good linearity in the ranges of 10-160 microg ml(-1) and 3.5-50 microg ml(-1) with detection limits of 0.75 and 0.56 microg ml(-1) for paracetamol and caffeine, respectively. If deionized water with the pH adjusted at 12 was used as a carrier solution, these parameters were 25-400 and 4-55 microg ml(-1) with 2.0 and 0.50 microg ml(-1) as the detection limits, respectively. The biparameter optosensor was satisfactorily applied to the simultaneous determination of these two analytes in pharmaceuticals.     

Stability indicating method for famotidine in pharmaceuticals using porous graphitic carbon column

A simple, sensitive and rapid HPLC method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of famotidine (FMT) and related impurities in pharmaceuticals. Chromatographic separation was accomplished within 10 min on a porous graphitic carbon (PGC) column using 50:50 v/v ACN-water containing 0.5% pentane sulphonic acid (PSA) as the mobile phase. Separation was achieved with a flow rate of 1 mL/min and a detection wavelength of 265 nm. The calibration curves were linear over a concentration range of 1.5-100 microg/mL. The intra- and interday RSDs (n = 5) for the retention times and peak area were all less than 2%. The method was sensitive with an LOD (S/N = 3) of 0.1 microg/mL for FMT, imp. C and 0.05 microg/mL for imp. 2, A and D. All recoveries were greater than 98%. The method was demonstrated to be precise, accurate and specific with no interference from the tablet ingredients and separation of the drug peak from the peaks of the degradation products (oxidative degradation and acid and base degradation). The results indicated that the proposed method could be used for the determination of FMT in commercial dosage forms and as a stability-indicating assay.     

Precolumn derivatization liquid chromatography method for analysis of dietary supplements for glucosamine: single laboratory validation study

A precolumn derivatization liquid chromatography (LC) method was developed for the analysis of various dietary supplement formulations and raw materials for glucosamine. A 1 mL sample or standard water solution (containing about 0.05 mg glucosamine) was mixed with 1 mL pH 8.3 buffer, 1 mL 5% phenylisothiocyanate methanolic solution, and derivatized at 80 degrees C in a water bath for 30 min. After derivatization, the solution was cooled in a cold water bath and centrifuged at 3000-5000 rpm. The clear upper layer was ready for injection. The LC system was equipped with a C18 reversed-phase column and an ultraviolet detector set at 240 nm. The column was developed with a linear gradient composed of 0.1% phosphoric acid in deionized water and 0.1% phosphoric acid in methanol. The method was subjected to Single Laboratory Validation. The method precision was 0.50% relative standard deviation, accuracy was less than +/-1.5%, method linearity in the range 0-2 mg glucosamine/mL was 1.00, the detection limit was 0.0705 microg/mL, and the quantitation limit was 0.235 microg/mL. Chondroitin sulfate, amino acids, and excipients did not interfere with glucosamine testing. After derivatization, both standard and sample preparations were stable for at least 48 h. Due to its high sensitivity, this method can be used to assay glucosamine in functional foods and pet foods. The validation data will be published separately.     

Development and validation of an analytical method for metformin hydrochloride and its related compound (1-cyanoguanidine) in tablet formulations by HPLC-UV

A simple, and stability-indicating liquid chromatographic method was developed and validated for the analysis of metformin hydrochloride and its related compound (1-cyanoguanidine) in tablet formulations. Liquid chromatography with a UV detector at a wavelength of 232 nm using a Nova-Pak silica column was employed in this study. Isocratic elution was employed using a mixture of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate buffer and methanol (21:79, v/v). This new method was validated in accordance with USP requirements for new methods for assay determination, which include accuracy, precision, specificity, linearity and range. The current method demonstrates good linearity over the range of 0.01-0.03 mg mL⁻¹ of metformin hydrochloride. The accuracy of the method is 100.4%. The precision of this method reflected by relative standard deviation of replicates is 0.30%. Validation of the same method for 1-cyanoguanidine determination was also performed according to USP requirements for quantitative determination of impurities which include accuracy, precision, linearity and range, selectivity, and limit of quantification (LOQ). Low LOQ of 1-cyanoguanidine using this method enables the detection and quantification of this impurity at low concentration.     

Application of CE with novel dynamic coatings and field-amplified sample injection to the sensitive determination of isomeric benzoic acids in atmospheric aerosols and vehicular emission

A simple and reliable CE method with direct UV detection has been developed to separate eight isomeric benzoic acids in atmospheric aerosols and vehicular emission without complex sample pretreatment. Optimal electrophoretic conditions, with migration times under 5 min, were obtained by using a 50 mM acetate buffer (pH 4.7) containing a dynamic surface coating EOTrol LN (0.005% w/v). The separations were carried out in a cathode to anode direction (-30 kV) allowing the low cathodal EOF ( approximately 1 x 10(-9) m(2)V(-1)s(-1)) to extend the effective separation by slowing the movement of the studied aromatic acids. Moreover, the sensitivity of the method at 200 nm was enhanced by using a field-amplified sample injection (FASI) with electrokinetic (EK) sample injection (-2 kV, 60 s). Prior to sample injection, a short water plug (3 s at 0.5 psi) was introduced. Under these conditions, the method was capable of detecting the analytes in deionized water with LODs (S/N = 3) as low as 0.1 microg/L for most of the studied acids. In the presence of 10 mg/L of sulphate (added to simulate a sample matrix), LODs ranged from 0.26 to 0.62 microg/L. The validation of the method has proven an excellent separation performance and accuracy for the determination of isomeric benzoic acids in the studied matrices.     

Simultaneous determination of atorvastatin calcium, ezetimibe, and fenofibrate in a tablet formulation by HPLC

An accurate, simple, reproducible, and sensitive HPLC method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of atorvastatin calcium, ezetimibe, and fenofibrate in a tablet formulation. The analyses were performed on an RP C18 column, 150 x 4.60 mm id, 5 pm particle size. The mobile phase methanol-acetonitrile-water (76 + 13 + 11, v/v/v), was pumped at a constant flow rate of 1 mL/min. UV detection was performed at 253 nm. Retention times of atorvastatin calcium, ezetimibe, and fenofibrate were found to be 2.25, 3.68, and 6.41 min, respectively. The method was validated in terms of linearity, precision, accuracy, LOD, LOQ, and robustness. The response was linear in the range 2-10 microg/mL (r2 = 0.998) for atorvastatin calcium, 2-10 microg/mL (r2 = 0.998) for ezetimibe, and 40-120 microg/mL (r2 = 0.998) for fenofibrate. The developed method can be used for routine quality analysis of the drugs in the tablet formulation.     

Nevirapine quantification in human plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. Application to bioequivalence study

A rapid, sensitive and specific method to quantify nevirapine in human plasma using dibenzepine as the internal standard (IS) was developed and validated. The method employed a liquid-liquid extraction. The analyte and the IS were chromatographed on a C(18) analytical column, (150 x 4.6 mm i.d. 4 microm) and analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry in the multiple reaction monitoring mode. The method had a chromatographic run time of 5.0 min and a linear calibration curve over the range 10-5000 ng ml(-1) (r(2) > 0.9970). The between-run precision, based on the relative standard deviation for replicate quality controls was 1.3% (30 ng ml(-1)), 2.8% (300 ng ml(-1)) and 3.6% (3000 ng ml(-1)). The between-run accuracy was 4.0, 7.0 and 6.2% for the above-mentioned concentrations, respectively. This method was employed in a bioequivalence study of two nevirapine tablet formulations (Nevirapina from Far-Manguinhos, Brazil, as a test formulation, and Viramune from Boehringer Ingelheim do Brasil Química e Farmacêutica, as a reference formulation) in 25 healthy volunteers of both sexes who received a single 200 mg dose of each formulation. The study was conducted using an open, randomized, two-period crossover design with a 3 week washout interval. The 90% confidence interval (CI) of the individual ratio geometric mean for Nevirapina/Viramune was 96.4-104.5% for AUC((0-last)), 91.4-105.1% for AUC((0-infinity)) and 95.3-111.6% for C(max) (AUC = area under the curve; C(max) = peak plasma concentration). Since both 90% CI for AUC((0-last)) and AUC((0-infinity)) and C(max) were included in the 80-125% interval proposed by the US Food and Drug Administration, Nevirapina was considered bioequivalent to Viramune according to both the rate and extent of absorption.