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

Ebiere Dode *, Samuel Jacob Bunu and Onyinpere Rita Garando

Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, Nigeria.
 
Research Article
World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2023, 14(02), 001–006.
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjbphs.2023.14.2.0201
Publication history: 
Received on 21 March 2023; revised on 02 May 2023; accepted on 04 May 2023
 
Abstract: 
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.
 
Keywords: 
Diclofenac; NSAID; COX; UV spectroscopy; Disintegration
 
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