Abstract
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) (PAR), caffeine (CAF) and tramadol hydrochloride (TRA) are important drugs widely used for many clinical purposes. Determination of their contents is of the paramount interest. In this respect, a quick, simple and sensitive isocratic RP-HPLC method with photodiode array detection was developed for the determination of paracetamol, caffeine and tramadol in pharmaceutical formulations. An improved sensitive procedure was also evolved for tramadol using a fluorescence detector system. A C18 column and a mobile phase constituted by methanol/phosphate were used. LODs were found to be 0.2 μg/mL, 0.1 μg/mL and 0.3 μg/mL for paracetamol, caffeine and tramadol hydrochloride, respectively, using photodiode-array detection. Alternatively, LOD for tramadol decreased to 0.1 μg/mL with the fluorescence detector. Other notable analytical figures of merit include the linear concentration ranges, 0.8–270 μg/mL, 0.4–250 μg/mL and 1.0–300 (0.2–40) μg/mL, for the same ordered analytes (including the fluorescence detector). The proposed method was successfully applied for the quantitative determination of the three drugs in tablet dosage forms.
Highlights
As the PDA detector used in the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system does not allow selection of the best absorption wavelength for each analyte in the same analysis whether they are simultaneously present in a sample, a compromise selection was possible at 210 nm
The fluorescence spectrum of tramadol was evaluated, from which the best emission wavelength was located at 296 nm, as already used in other works [39]
After optimization of the most important experimental parameters, we proposed an analytical procedure whose optimal characteristics were included in Section 3.3 and briefly described here
Summary
Drug analysis is of the greatest concern in analytical chemistry, especially in the pharmaceutical industry since it can help to select the dosage form by studying the stability of the active compound and to identify the impurities in pharmaceutical formulations [1]. Analytical determinations of these compounds apply to the drugs manufacturing process and to forensic science and for quantification of prohibited substances in doping [2] or drug abuse issues [3]. The growing demand for these compounds [4], together with the misuse that the population makes of them, cause wide pollution of waters and soils [5]. Knowing the concentration levels of these compounds in the environment, the body fluids and pharmaceutical formulations, could help in optimizing their use, avoiding harmful effects they can cause [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
