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Novel colorimetric assay of mefenamic acid using 4-amino-3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid (ADBA)


SO Idowu
SC Tambo
AO Adegoke
AA Olaniyi

Abstract

Purpose: To develop a novel colorimetric assay method for mefenamic acid capsules.


Method: The new method (aromatic ring derivatization technique) is based on a diazo coupling reaction using diazotized 4-amino-3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid (ADBA) as a chromogenic derivatizing reagent.


Result: Optimization studies showed that the coupling reaction is very fast and completed in less than 1 minute. A 1:1 drug to reagent stoichiometric ratio was obtained for the azo dye formed. The azo adduct formed exhibits bathochromic shift with absorption maximum (lmax) at 490 nm, which was selected as the analytical wavelength. Lower limit of quantitation of mefenamic acid was 1 mg/ml. The assays were linear over the concentration range of 1 - 6 mg/ml and reproducible. This new method has been successfully applied in the assay of mefenamic acid capsules with accuracy similar to the official (B.P) titrimetric method of assay (p>0.05) and has the advantages of speed, high sensitivity, lower limit of detection and can be automated.


Conclusion: The method developed could find application in in-process quality control of mefenamic acid capsules.


Keywords: Mefenamic acid assay, 4-amino-3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid, colorimetry, diazotization


Trop J Pharm Res, June 2002; 1(1): 15-22


Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 1596-9827
print ISSN: 1596-5996