Optimization of separation and determination of moxifloxacin and its related substances by RP-HPLC

A RP-HPLC method for the separation and determination of impurities of moxifloxacin, in its pharmaceutical forms as well as moxifloxacin degradation products, was developed with the aid of DryLab (R) software and chemometric (response surface) approach. The separation of four synthesis-related impurities was achieved on a Waters C-18 XTerra column using a mobile phase of (water+triethylamine (2%, v/v)): acetonitrile = 90: 10 (v/v%); the pH of water phase being adjusted with phosphoric acid to 6.0. Flow rate of the mobile phase was 1.5 ml/min and UV detection at 290 nm was employed. The column was thermostated at 45 degrees C. The resolution between the two least resolved impurity peaks was in average, R-5,R-min > 1.5. Method validation parameters indicate linear dynamic range 0.2-2.0 mu g/ml with LOQ ca. 0.20 mu g/ml and LOD ca. 0.05 mu g/ml for all analytes. The method was applied for the impurities determination in drug tablets and infusion (Avelox (R), Bayer AG) and for degradation products determination in a stability study of moxifloxacin. The impurity content in the tablets and infusion was quantified as 0.1% of total drug. Two degradation products were noted under hydrolytic conditions. The method can also be used for rapid and accurate quantification of moxifloxacin hydrochloride in its tablets during stability testing. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.