Quantitative analysis of ethamsylate and mefenamic acid in tablets by use of planar chromatography

Abstract

A simple, rapid, and reliable HPTLC method has been established for determination of ethamsylate and mefenamic acid in tablets. Identification and quantification were performed on silica gel 60 F 254 HPTLC plates, prewashed with methanol, with chloroform-methanol-acetic acid, 10 + 8 + 0.2 ( v/v ), as mobile phase. Calibration plots were established showing the dependence of response (peak area) on the amount chromatographed. The validated calibration ranges were 500–2500 ng spot −1 ( r = 0.998) and 500–2500 ng spot −1 ( r = 0.997) for ethamsylate and mefenamic acid, respectively. The spots were scanned at λ = 300 nm. The suitability of this HPTLC method for quantitative determination of the compounds was proved by validation in accordance with the requirements of the ICH guidelines (Q2B). The method was used for determination of the compounds in commercial pharmaceutical dosage forms. The method is simple, reproducible, and accurate and can be used as a more economical alternative to other chromatographic techniques for routine quality control.