Degradation Study of Different Brands of Cefixime by UV Spectroscopy

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to perform the forced degradation studies i.e. the effect of UV light, heat, acid and base on different brands of cefixime as defined under ICH guideline Q1A by using spectrophotometer.

Methodology: The degradation studies were carried out by preparing the standard solution of 200ppm of each brand of cefixime. The working solutions were prepared from the standard solution and by the addition of 0.1 N HCl , 0.1 N NaOH and de-ionized water in separate test tube. The detection of of the effect of acid and base were performed by placing the test tubes of solution of each brand at room temperature and the effect of UV and heat were performed by leaving the test tubes of solution at 320 nm and 50.C respectively.

Result: The result of the study shows that when different brands of cefixime (A, B, C and D) were add in the 0.1 N NaOH and 0.1 N HCl, they do not show any degradation. Whereas when the different brands (A, B, C and D) were exposed to Ultraviolet light (320 nm) no degradation were observed in B and C while slight degradation was observed in brand A and D after 30 min of exposure. When different brands (A, B, C and D) were exposed to heat (50·C), brand B, C and D does not show degradation after different time interval (0-60 minutes) whereas brand A shows slight degradation.

Conclusion: The UV spectroscopy analysis of amount of degraded product is usually preferred over other methods because of economical maintenance advantage and less equipment cost. It is simple and quick method and can be use in routine detection in QC laboratories.