Gamma Radiation Induced Effects on Cefuroxime and Cefotaxime. Investigation on Degradation and Syn-Anti Isomerization

Abstract

The effects of gamna irradiation on cefuroxime and cefotaxime were studied. Degradation products and long-lived free radicals were investigated as a function of radiation dose. The formation of new impurities was evidenced by HPLC in both the compounds. A valuable increase of the pre-existent impurities, anti-isomer included, was found only in cefuroxime. ESR measurements put in evidence the presence of ganma radiation induced long-lived free radicals. Moreover, the influence of gamma irradiation on syn-anti isomerization was evaluated in comparison with the photoisomerization induced by ultraviolet light exposition on powder samples.