Micellar Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Penicillins in Pharmaceuticals

A new, simple, rapid and specific micellar liquid chromatographic (MLC) method was developed and validated for the determination of amoxicillin, ampicillin, cloxacillin and dicloxacillin in pharmaceutical formulations. Separation was achieved isocratically on an Ultra C₁₈ column (150 mm × 4.6 mm) utilizing a mobile phase of 25 mM SDS–2% (v/v) 1-butanol in phosphate buffer (pH 5.0) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL min^?1 with UV detection at 200 nm. Validation experiments were performed to demonstrate linear ranges, accuracy, precision, robustness, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ). The method was applied to the determination of these penicillins in various pharmaceutical formulations. The results compared favorably with those obtained by the official methods, and were in agreement with the declared compositions. The method can be used for quality control assay of the studied penicillins.     

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.     

A Novel Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography Method for the Determination of Erdosteine,Related Impurities and Degradation Products in New Effervescent Tablets

A novel and automated, stability-indicating, reversed phase ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method was developed and validated for the quantitative determination of erdosteine, its known impurities and two novel degradation products in a new pharmaceutical dosage form (effervescent tablets). The chromatographic separations were performed on a Waters Acquity UPLC HSS T3, 1.8 µm (2.1 mm?×?150 mm, I.D.) stainless steel column. The mobile phase consisted of 0.1% TFA in water and methanol under gradient elution conditions, at a flow rate of 0.29 mL/min, for the assay and impurities analysis. UV detection was set at a wavelength of 238 nm. Erdosteine raw material, placebo and effervescent tablets were subjected to forced degradation. The new degradation products (labeled OX1 and OX2) were found after oxidative treatment and characterized by ultra performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. The validation parameters such as linearity, limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ), accuracy, precision, specificity and robustness were highly satisfactory for all analyzed compounds. LOD (0.020 and 0.011–0.385 µg/mL for erdosteine and impurities, respectively) and LOQ values show the high sensibility of the method. Specificity of the method was confirmed by testing the matrix components. The validated method demonstrated to be suitable for routine quality control purposes and for routine stability studies of erdosteine in effervescent formulations.     

Simultaneous quantification of cefpirome and cetirizine or levocetirizine in pharmaceutical formulations and human plasma by RP-HPLC

A rapid and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) assay for the simultaneous determination and quantification of cefpirome and cetirizine or cefpirome and levocetirizine in pharmaceutical formulations and human plasma without changing the chromatographic conditions is described. Chromatographic separations were performed on a prepacked Nucleosil 120, C₁₈ (5 μm, 12.5 ± 0.46 mm) column using CH₃CN: H₂O (75: 25, v/v) as a mobile phase at a flow rate of 1 mL/min while UV detection was performed at 232 nm for monitoring the effluent. A number of other brands of C₁₈ columns were also employed which had a significant effect on the separation. The method has been validated over the concentration range of 0.5–50 μg/mL (r ₂ > 0.999). The limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) for cefpirome and levocetirzine in pharmaceutical formulations and serum were in the range 0.24–1.31 μg/mL. Analytical recovery from human plasma was >98%, and the within and between-day relative standard deviation was <3.1%. The small sample volume and simplicity of preparation make this method suitable for use in pharmaceutical industries, drug research centers, clinical laboratories, and forensic medical centers. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Purity assessment of recombinant human granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor in finished drug product by capillary zone electrophoresis

Current methods for determination of impurities with different charge‐to‐volume ratio are limited especially in terms of sensitivity and precision. The main goal of this research was to establish a quantitative method for determination of impurities with charges differing from that of recombinant human granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (rhG‐CSF, filgrastim) with superior precision and sensitivity compared to existing methods. A CZE method has been developed, optimized, and validated for a purity assessment of filgrastim in liquid pharmaceutical formulations. Optimal separation of filgrastim from the related impurities with different charges was achieved on a 50 μm id fused‐silica capillary of a total length of 80.5 cm. A BGE that contains 100 mM phosphoric acid adjusted to pH 7.0 with triethanolamine was used. The applied voltage was 20 kV while the temperature was maintained at 25°C. UV detection was set to 200 nm. Method was validated in terms of selectivity/specificity, linearity, precision, LOD, LOQ, stability, and robustness. Linearity was observed in the concentration range of 6–600 μg/mL and the LOQ was determined to be 0.3% relative to the concentration of filgrastim of 0.6 mg/mL. Other validation parameters were also found to be acceptable; thus the method was successfully applied for a quantitative purity assessment of filgrastim in a finished drug product.     

Gradient HPLC-diode array detector stability-indicating determination of lidocaine hydrochloride and cetylpyridinium chloride in two combined oral gel dosage forms

A simple, rapid, and selective HPLC-diode array detector method was developed for the simultaneous determination of lidocaine hydrochloride (LD) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) in two combined pharmaceutical formulations. Effective chromatographic separation was achieved on a Zorbax SB-C8 (4.6 x 250 mm, 5 microm particle size) column with gradient elution using a mobile phase composed of 0.05 M phosphoric acid and acetonitrile. The gradient elution started with 25% (v/v) acetonitrile, ramped up linearly to 85% in 5 min, and then was constant until the end of the run. The mobile phase was pumped at a flow rate of 1.2 mL/min. The multiple wavelength detector was set at 214 and 258 nm, and quantification of the analytes was based on measuring their peak areas. The retention times for LD and CPC were about 3.4 and 7.3 min, respectively. The reliability and analytical performance of the proposed HPLC procedure were statistically validated with respect to linearity, range, precision, accuracy, selectivity, robustness, LOD, and LOQ. Calibration curves were linear in the range of 5-200 and 10-400 microg/mL for LD and CPC, respectively, with correlation coefficients > 0.999. The proposed method was proven to be stability-indicating by the resolution of the two analytes from the related substance and potential impurity (2,6-dimethylaniline) as well as from forced-degradation products. The validated HPLC method was extended to the analysis of LD and CPC in two combined oral gel preparations for which the two analytes were successfully resolved from the pharmaceutical adjuvants and quantified with recoveries not less than 97.9%.     

Validated stability indicating liquid chromatographic determination of ebastine in pharmaceuticals after pre column derivatization: Application to tablets and content uniformity testing

An accurate, simple, sensitive and selective reversed phase liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the determination of ebastine in its pharmaceutical preparations. The proposed method depends on the complexation ability of the studied drug with Zn²⁺ ions. Reversed phase chromatography was conducted using an ODS C18 (150 × 4.6 mm id) stainless steel column at ambient temperature with UV-detection at 260 nm. A mobile phase containing 0.025%w/v Zn²⁺ in a mixture of (acetonitril/methanol; 1/4) and Britton Robinson buffer (65:35, v/v) adjusted to pH 4.2, has been used for the determination of ebastine at a flow rate of 1 ml/min. The calibration curve was rectilinear over the concentration range of 0.3 - 6.0 μg/ml with a detection limit (LOD) of 0.13 μg/ml, and quantification limit (LOQ) of 0.26 μg/ml. The proposed method was successfully applied for the analysis of ebastine in its dosage forms, the obtained results were favorably compared with those obtained by a comparison method. Furthermore, content uniformity testing of the studied pharmaceutical formulations was also conducted. The composition of the complex as well as its stability constant was also investigated. Moreover, the proposed method was found to be a stability indicating one and was utilized to investigate the kinetics of alkaline and ultraviolet induced degradation of the drug. The first-order rate constant and half life of the degradation products were calculated.     

Determination of rupatadine in pharmaceutical formulations by a validated stability-indicating MEKC method

A stability-indicating MEKC was developed and validated for the analysis of rupatadine in tablet dosage forms, using nimesulide as internal standard. The MEKC method was performed on a fused-silica capillary (50 microm id; effective length, 40 cm). The BGE consisted of 15 mM borate buffer and 25 mM anionic detergent SDS solution at pH 10. The capillary temperature was maintained at 35 degrees C and the applied voltage was 25 kV. The injection was performed using the hydrodynamic mode at 50 mbar for 5 s, with detection by photodiode array detector set at 205 nm. The method was linear in the range of 0.5-150 microg/mL (r2=0.9996). The specificity and stability-indicating capability of the method were proven through degradation studies inclusive by MS, and showing also that there was no interference of the excipients and no increase of the cytotoxicity. The accuracy was 99.98% with bias lower than 1.06%. The LOD and LOQ were 0.1 and 0.5 microg/mL, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied for the quantitative analysis of rupatadine in pharmaceutical formulations, and the results were compared to a validated RP-LC method, showing non-significant difference (p>0.05).     

Highly sensitive spectrofluorimetric determination of ephedrine hydrochloride in pharmaceutical preparations

A sensitive and specific spectrofluorimetry method was developed and validated for the quantification of ephedrine (EP) in pharmaceutical preparations. The method is based on the fluorescent enhancing reaction of EP with 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzofurazan (NBD-C1; derivatization reagent), in borate buffer of pH 9 to yield a yellow, fluorescent product. Under these experimental conditions, the derivatized product of EP had excitation and emission wavelength maxima at 458 and 516 nm, respectively. The linear range of this method was 20-2500 ng/mL. The detection limit was 7.3 ng/mL EP. Intra- and interday precisions of the assay at 3 concentrations within this range were 0.037-1.77%. The low relative standard deviation values indicate good precision, and high recovery values indicate excellent accuracy of the method. The proposed method was applied to the determination of the examined drugs in pharmaceutical formulations, and the results indicate that the method is equally as accurate, precise, and reproducible as 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.     

Voltammetric determination of cefpirome at multiwalled carbon nanotube modified glassy carbon sensor based electrode in bulk form and pharmaceutical formulation

A new, simple and low cost voltammetric method for the determination of cefpirome in pharmaceutical preparations has been developed using multiwalled carbon nanotube modified glassy carbon electrode (MWCNT), which showed stable response with enhanced selectivity and sensitivity over the bare glassy carbon electrode. A multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) is used for the simultaneous determination of cefpirome by differential pulse voltammetry and square wave voltammetry. Results indicated that cathodic peak of cefpirome is greatly improved at MWCNT modified GC electrode as compared with the bare GC electrode showing excellent electrocatalytic activity towards cefpirome reduction. Linear calibration curves are obtained over the concentration range 100-600 μg mL(-1) in Britton Robinson buffer at pH 4.51 with limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) are 0.647 μg mL(-1) and 2.159 μg mL(-1) using SWV and 5.540 μg mL(-1) and 18.489 μg mL(-1) using DPV, respectively. The described method is rapid and can be successfully applied for the determination of cefpirome in bulk form and pharmaceutical formulations.     

Trace determination of sulphur mustard and related compounds in water by headspace-trap gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

A method for trace determination of sulphur mustard (HD) and some of its cyclic decomposition compounds in water samples has been developed using headspace-trap in combination with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Factorial design was used for optimisation of the method. The trap technology allows enrichment and focusing of the analytes on an adsorbent, hence the technique offers better sensitivity compared to conventional static headspace. A detection limit of 1 ng/ml was achieved for HD, while the cyclic sulphur compounds 1,4-thioxane, 1,3-dithiolane and 1,4-dithiane could be detected at a level of 0.1 ng/ml. The method was validated for the stable cyclic compounds in the concentration range from the limit of quantification (LOQ: 0.2–0.4 ng/ml) to hundred times LOQ. The within and between assay precisions at hundred times LOQ were 1–2% and 7–8% relative standard deviation, respectively. This technique requires almost no sample handling, and the total time for sampling and analysis was less than 1 h. The method was successfully employed for muddy river water and sea water samples.     

Validated HPLC determination of the two fixed dose combinations (chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride and mebeverine hydrochloride; carvedilol and hydrochlorothiazide) in their tablets

Simple, rapid, and selective RP-HPLC methods with UV detection were developed for simultaneous determination of chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride and mebeverine hydrochloride (Mixture I) and carvedilol and hydrochlorothiazide (Mixture II). The chromatographic separation in both mixtures was achieved by using an RP-C8 (octylsilyl) analytical column. For Mixture I, a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile-0.05 M disodium hydrogen phosphate-triethylamine (50 + 50 + 0.2, v/v/v), pH 2.5, was used; the detector wavelength was 247 nm. For Mixture II, the mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-0.05 M disodium hydrogen phosphate (50 + 50, v/v), pH 4.0, and the detector was set at 220 nm. Quantification of the analytes was based on measuring their peak areas. Both mixtures were resolved in less than 6 min. The reliability and analytical performance of the proposed HPLC procedures were statistically validated with respect to linearity, range, precision, accuracy, selectivity, robustness, LOD, and LOQ. The linear dynamic ranges were 2.5-150 and 2.5-500 microg/mL for chlordiazepoxide HCI and mebeverine HCI, respectively, and 0.25-200 and 0.25-150 microg/mL for carvedilol and hydrochlorothiazide, respectively. The validated HPLC methods were successfully applied to the analysis of their commercial tablet dosage forms, for which no interfering peaks were encountered from common pharmaceutical adjuvants.     

Development and validation of a fast RP-HPLC method for determination of methotrexate entrapment efficiency in polymeric nanocapsules

A rapid and effective isocratic chromatographic procedure is successfully developed to determinate methotrexate (MTX) entrapment efficiency (EE) in polymeric nanocapsules using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The method employed a RP-C(18) Shimadzu Shim-pack CLC-ODS (150 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 microm) column with mobile phase constituted by a mixture of water-acetonitrile-tetrahydrofuran (65:30:5 v/v/v; pH 3.0) at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. The eluate is monitored with a UV detector set at 313 nm. The parameters used in the validation process are: linearity, specificity, precision, accuracy, and limit of quantitation (LOQ). The linearity is evaluated by a calibration curve in the concentration range of 10-50 microg/mL and presented a correlation coefficient of 0.9998. The polymers (PLA or PLA-PEG), oil, and surfactants used in the nanocapsule formulation did not interfere with analysis and the recovery was quantitative. The intra and inter-day assay relative standard deviation were less than 0.72%. Results are satisfactory, and the method proved to be adequate for the determination of methotrexate in nanocapsules formulations.     

Development and validation of a robust capillary electrophoresis method for impurity profiling of etomidate including the determination of chiral purity using a dual cyclodextrin system

An enantioselective CE assay for the simultaneous determination of the enantiomeric purity and of related substances of etomidate has been developed and validated using a binary chiral selector system employing 30 mg/mL beta-CD and 4.6 mg/mL sulfated-beta-CD in a 150 mM potassium phosphate buffer, pH 2.1. The method was validated with respect to specificity, range, linearity, LOQ and LOD, precision and accuracy. The assay allowed the detection and determination of related substances including (S)-etomidate at the 0.05% w/w level, the reporting threshold as defined by the International Conference on Harmonisation guidelines as well as the European Pharmacopoeia. Robustness testing was carried out by an "Augmented Plackett-Burman" design. Quantitation of the compounds was performed by calibration graphs with respect to lidocaine hydrochloride as internal standard and by peak area normalization, the procedure usually applied by pharmacopoeias. Although data obtained from the calibration graphs constructed with the aid of the internal standard were more accurate based on compound recovery, peak area normalization may also be used without significant loss of accuracy and precision.     

A Simple and Rapid CZE Determination of Tiapride Hydrochloride and Related Impurities in Pharmaceutical Formulations

A simple, fast, inexpensive capillary zone electrophoresis method for the separation and determination of tiapride hydrochloride and its two related impurities in pharmaceutical formulations has been developed and validated. The successful separation of these compounds was achieved in less than 3 min using a fused silica capillary and photodiode array detector at 218 nm. The best conditions were obtained using a 10 mM sodium tetraborate (pH 8.0) as the running buffer. The linear responses covered the ranges from 1.0 to 100 μg mL^?1 (R = 0.9989) for tiapride hydrochloride. The detection (LOD) and quantitation limits (LOQ) for tiapride hydrochloride were 2.7 and 9.0 μg mL^?1, respectively. The intra- and inter-day relative standard deviations for migration times and peak areas were less than 0.47 and 5.7%, respectively. The method was validated for the determination of tiapride hydrochloride in commercial tablets.     

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of pantoprazole and its main impurities in pharmaceuticals

An RP-HPLC method for simultaneous separation and quantification of pantoprazole and its five main impurities in pharmaceutical formulations was developed and validated. The separation was accomplished on a Zorbax Eclipse XDB C18 column (5 microm particle size, 150 x 4.6 mm id) using a gradient with mobile phase A [buffer-acetonitrile (70 + 30, v/v)], and mobile phase B [buffer-acetonitrile (30 + 70, v/v)]. The buffer was 0.01 M ammonium acetate solution with addition of 1 mL triethylamine/L of the solution, adjusted to pH 4.5 with orthophosphoric acid. The eluent flow rate was 1 mL/min, the temperature of the column was 30 degrees C, and the eluate was monitored at 290 nm. Linearity (r = 0.999), recovery (97.6-105.8%), RSD (0.55-1.90%), and LOQ (0.099-1.48 microg/mL) were evaluated and found to be satisfactory. The proposed method can be used for simultaneous identification and quantification of the analyzed compounds in pharmaceutical formulations.     

Estimation of berberine in ayurvedic formulations containing Berberis aristata

A sensitive, simple, rapid, and efficient high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method has been developed and validated for the analysis of berberine in marketed Ayurvedic formulations containing Berberis aristata DC for regulatory purposes. Chromatography of methanolic extracts of these formulations was performed on silica gel 60 F254 aluminum-backed TLC plates of 0.2 mm layer thickness. The plate was developed up to 66 mm with the ternary-mobile phase butanol-acetic acid-water (8 + 1 + 1, v/v/v) at 33 +/- 5 degrees C with 5 min of tank saturation. The marker, berberine, was quantified at its maximum absorbance of 350 nm. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation values were found to be 5 and 10 ng/spot. The linear regression analysis data for the calibration plot showed a good linear relationship with correlation coefficient = 0.9994 in the concentration range of 10 to 50 ng/spot for berberine with respect to peak area. The instrumental precision was found to be 0.49% coefficient of variation (CV), and repeatability of the method was 0.73% CV. Recovery values from 98.27 to 99.11% indicate excellent accuracy of the method. The developed HPTLC method is very accurate, precise, and cost-effective, and it has been successfully applied to the assay of marketed formulations containing B. aristata for determination of berberine.     

Development and validation of a stability-indicating LC method for the assay of adapalene in bulk drug and pharmaceutical formulations

A simple and sensitive reverse phase HPLC method for the determination of adapalene (ADP) in bulk drug samples and pharmaceutical formulations has been developed and validated. The separation of ADP was achieved on an Inertsil ODS-3V (5 ??m, 15 cm ± 4.6 mm i.d.) column using UV detector at 230 nm. The mobile phase consisted of ammonium acetate (25 mM, pH 3.0), methanol and tetrahydrofuran (18: 42: 40 v/v). The linear range of detection was 2?C200 ??g/mL (R = 0.9991). Intra- and inter-day assay relative standard deviation values were less than 0.5%. The method has been successfully applied to the determination of ADP in pharmaceutical preparations. The excipients commonly present in formulations did not interfere with the assay of ADP. Analytical parameters were calculated and complete statistical evaluation was performed.     

Determination of lumiracoxib by a validated stability‐indicating MEKC method and identification of its degradation products by LC‐ESI‐MS studies

A stability‐indicating MEKC method was developed and validated for the analysis of lumiracoxib (LMC) in pharmaceutical formulations using nimesulide as the internal standard (IS). Optimal conditions for the separation of LMC and degradation products were investigated. The method employed 50 mM borate buffer and 50 mM anionic detergent SDS solution at pH 9.0. MEKC method was performed on a fused‐silica capillary (50 μm id; effective length, 40 cm) maintained at 30°C. The applied voltage was 20 kV and photodiode array (PDA) detector was set at 208 nm. The method was validated in accordance with the International Conference on Harmonisation requirements. The stability‐indicating capability of the method was established by enforced degradation studies combined with peak purity assessment using PDA detection. The degradation products formed under stressed conditions were investigated by LC‐ESI‐MS and the two degraded products were identified. MEKC method was linear over the concentration range of 5–150 μg/mL (r²=0.9999) of LMC. The method was precise, accurate, with LOD and LOQ of 1.34 and 4.48 μg/mL, respectively. The robustness was proved by a fractional factorial design evaluation. The proposed MEKC method was successfully applied for the quantitative analysis of LMC in tablets to support the quality control.