Sequential Injection Analysis of Ciclopirox Olamine Using Lanthanide-Sensitized Luminescence Detection

Abstract

Ciclopirox olamine is an antifungal agent widely used in dermatological formulations for topical application. The methods described for its determination usually present time-consuming sample treatment or require major human participation. Here we present a rapid flow system for the determination of ciclopirox olamine, based on the use of sequential injection analysis with terbium-sensitized luminescence detection. The reaction between terbium and the analyte is carried out on-line, recording the analytical signal at 300/545 nm (λex/λem). A detection limit of 15 µg L−1 and a R.S.D. of 3% (n = 10) were obtained. It is worth mentioning that the method here presented is the only one that uses a flow system for the determination of ciclopirox olamine. The flow system was applied to the analysis of different pharmaceutical preparations available in the Spanish Pharmacopoeia. A recovery study was performed, obtaining satisfactory results. The high solution throughput obtained, 50 samples per hour, makes the method suitable for its implementation in pharmaceutical laboratories for routine analysis.