Assessment of different brands of diclofenac tablets: An evaluation utilizing uv spectroscopy and disintegration test methods

Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), that blocks the cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and COX-2 enzymes to inhibit the prostaglandins production. It is available as a salt in the form of potassium, sodium, or epolamine. They are typically administered orally, intravenously, intramuscularly, transdermally, or rectally. Diclofenac is one of the most widely used NSAIDs in Nigeria, and due to the increase in adulterated and subpar medications in the market, it needs to be properly quantified. In this study, the weight uniformity test, disintegration, and ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy were used to assess five different brands of diclofenac potassium labeled DIC 1 – DIC 5. Analytical balance was used to measure each weight and conduct the weight uniformity test. Using a disintegration apparatus and 0.1 N hydrochloric acid as the medium, a disintegration test was conducted. The UV spectroscopy includes the use of a UV spectrophotometer and the concentration range of 10 – 50 µg/ml was prepared using pure sample and methanol as solvents and scanned between wavelength 220 – 400 nm. The various brands with concentrations of 20 µg/ml were prepared and scanned. The weight uniformity test was passed by all the brands. One brand failed the disintegration test, but one brand did not disintegrate because it was enteric coated. Three brands passed the test. All brands, except for DIC 2, had percentage purity within the stipulated range for chemical analysis.