Int J App Pharm, Vol 13, Issue 6, 2021, 152-156Original Article

RP-HPLC QUANTIFIABLE TECHNIQUE DEVELOPMENT FOR EVALUATING PREGABALIN AND ETORICOXIB COMBINATION IN TABLET AND BULK KINDS

M. S. SWARNA PUSHPA1, T. RAJA RAJESWARI2*

1Department of Chemistry, NRI Institute of Technology, Agiripalli, Andhra Pradesh, India, 2Principal, Government Degree College, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, India
Email: rajarajeswarit865@gmail.com

Received: 27 Jul 2021, Revised and Accepted: 08 Sep 2021


ABSTRACT

Objective: This evaluation study aims to initiate a relatively sensitive RP-HPLC quantifiable technique for evaluating pregabalin (PRBN) and etoricoxib (ETRB) combination in tablet and bulk kinds.

Methods: PRBN and ETRB chromatographic evaluations were carried off using the “KNAUER C18 Eurospher II column (250 mm × 4.6 mm × 5 μ)”. The mobile phase (MBP) was driven into the KNAUER C18 Eurospher II column at a 1.0 ml/min run rate with an isocratic elution programme of 65% volume of 0.5 mmol sodium perchlorate 35% volume methanol, detected and evaluated the PRBN and ETRB content at 217 nm.

Results: The analysis of PRBN and ETRB is executed inside a run period of 15 min. The RP-HPLC quantifiable technique was developed to separate PRBN and ETRB and likely degradants formed from stress testing by isocratic elution. The RP-HPLC quantifiable technique developed was successfully validated to existing ICH limit guidelines and was confirmed as robust, specific, accurate, selective, precise, sensitive, and linear.

Conclusion: The RP-HPLC quantifiable technique developed here is more valuable and worthy for routine PRBN and ETRB analysis of tablets and bulk kinds.

Keywords: Etoricoxib, Pregabalin, Fixed-dose formulation, RP-HPLC, Stability testing


INTRODUCTION

Etoricoxib (ETRB) assuages inflammation and aching at joints and muscles of patients aged 16 and up who are impaired from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis [1, 2]. In gout, ETRB can be administered for a brief length of period [3]. ETRB operates by modulating the cyclooxygenase-II enzyme, which contributes to manufacturing a substance recognized as prostaglandin [4]. Inflammation and aching are triggered via prostaglandins, which are secreted at regions of hurt or damage. Lesser prostaglandins are triggered as an outcome of inhibiting the operation of the cyclooxygenase-II enzyme; thus, ETRB assuages inflammation and aching.

Pregabalin (PRBN) is a first-line medicinal drug that significantly eliminates the complaints of many sorts of neuropathic aches (fibromyalgia, peripheral diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, Chemotherapy-persuaded neuropathic aches in cancer sufferers) with a high extent of safety and success [5-7]. PRBN is a voltage-dammed Ca2+canal antagonist and assists as an antiepileptic and analgesic representative by interacting with the alpha-II-delta subunit [8].

Fixed-dose composition formulation denotes the products encompassing two or more medicinal drugs amalgamated in a single formulation dose [9]. To treat neuropathic persistent back pain, a recently authorized fixed-dose composition formulation of PRBN (75 mg) and ETRB (60 mg) was advised [10]. For PRBN and ETRB combination, no appropriate and consistent RP-HPLC quantitative technique has been mentioned. The wish of this evaluation study is to initiate a simple and relatively sensitive RP-HPLC quantifiable technique for determining PRBN and ETRB combinations in tablet and bulk types with significant accuracy and precision.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pharmaceutical tablets

Tablets, Etoshine NP, labelled to hold PRBN (75 mg) and ETRB (60 mg) per tablet was used.

Drug materials reference

Cipla Limited (Hyderabad) provided PRBN and ETRB references for this research.

Chemicals

HPLC and Lab reagent grading chemicals-methanol, sodium perchlorate, hydrochloric acid, perchloric acid, peroxide and sodium hydroxide were picked up from Merck chemicals (Mumbai).

Instrument

Combined PRBN and ETRB evaluation was performed utilizing Agilent HPLC 1100 series system fitted with UV detector model G1314A and Agilent chem software.

Conditions of chromatography

Chromatographic partitions and evaluations of PRBN and ETRB were carried off by using the “KNAUER C18 Eurospher II column (250 mm × 4.6 mm ×5μ)”. The mobile phase (MBP) was driven into the KNAUER C18 Eurospher II column at a 1.0 ml/min run rate with an isocratic elution programme consisting of 65% volume 0.5 mmol sodium perchlorate pH 5.0, tuned using 0.1% perchloric acid and 35% volume methanol. The temperature at the KNAUER C18, Eurospher II column, was sustained at 25 ᵒC value with an injection measure of 20 μl volume. The evaluations of PRBN and ETRB were carried off at 217 nm using a UV detector.

Chosen drug solutions

The stock PRBN and ETRB solution of concentration 750 µg/ml PRBN and 600 µg/ml ETRB was formulated with methanol. After that, appropriate dilutions of stock PRBN and ETRB solution in MBP were produced to create workable PRBN and ETRB solutions of concentrations 75 µg/ml PRBN and 60 µg/ml ETRB. Linearity standard samples were formulated in MBP at concentrations 18.75, 37.5, 56.25, 75.0, 93.75, 112.5 and 150 µg/ml for PRBN and 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 and 120 µg/ml for ETRB.

Tablet test solutions

Ten tablets, Etoshine NP, were concisely weighed, and the average weight was calculated. Etoshine NP was crushed, and an Etoshine NP powder containing PRBN (75 mg) and ETRB (60 mg) was concisely weighed and put to a 100 ml volume size volumetric flask. Methanol (60 ml) was included and homogenized over ten min with a sonicator. To produce the stock Etoshine NP solution of concentration 750 µg/ml PRBN and 600 µg/ml ETRB, the total volume size was adjusted up to 100 ml volume size mark using the same. The resultant stock Etoshine NP solution was sieved using a 0.45micron mesh membrane. Appropriate dilutions of stock Etoshine NP solution in MBP were produced to create workable Etoshine NP solutions of concentrations 75 µg/ml PRBN and 60 µg/ml ETRB.

Linearity curves

Linearity standard samples formulated in MBP at concentrations ranging from 18.75-150 µg/ml for PRBN and 15-120 µg/ml for ETRB were chromatographed employing RP-HPLC quantifiable technique developed. The peak responses of PRBN and ETRB were made out. The linearity curves of PRBN and ETRB were made out by applying their relative peak responses. Next, regression equations for PRBN and ETRB curves were built.

Assay of chosen drugs in etoshine tablets

20 μl of workable Etoshine NP solution was injected into the KNAUER C18 Eurospher II column. Chromatographed, the Etoshine NP solution, employing RP-HPLC quantifiable technique developed. Peak areas for PRBN and ETRB were worked off from PRBN and ETRB chromatograms. The amount of PRBN and ETRB in Etoshine NP solution was made out from PRBN and ETRB responses.

Stability of chosen two drugs

Stability analysis was performed on stock Etoshine NP solution of concentration 750 µg/ml PRBN and 600 µg/ml ETRB including photo, acidic, thermal, alkaline and oxidation degradation analysis [11, 12].

Acid hydrolysis test

Ten ml of stock Etoshine NP solution (concentration-750 µg/ml PRBN and 600 µg/ml ETRB) was put to a 100 ml volume size volumetric flask. Ten ml HCl (strength-0.1N) was included and mixed over 30 min with a sonicator. This acid hydrolysis test was made out at room temperature. The complete volume size was adjusted up to 100 ml volume size mark using MBP.

Photo hydrolysis test

Etoshine NP powder containing PRBN (75 mg) and ETRB (60 mg) was concisely weighed and exposed for over 6 hr to sunlight. The sample was made out as detailed in the subsection "Tablet PRBN and ETRB solutions" after 6 h of exposure.

Alkaline hydrolysis test

Ten ml of stock Etoshine NP solution (concentration-750 µg/ml PRBN and 600 µg/ml ETRB) was put to a 100 ml volume size volumetric flask. Ten ml NaOH (strength-0.1N) was included and mixed over 30 min with a sonicator. This alkaline hydrolysis test was made out at room temperature. The complete volume size was adjusted up to 100 ml volume size mark using MBP.

Peroxide oxidation test

Ten ml of stock Etoshine NP solution (concentration-750 µg/ml PRBN and 600 µg/ml ETRB) was put to a 100 ml volume size volumetric flask. Ten ml peroxide (concentration–3%) was included and mixed over 30 min with a sonicator. This peroxide oxidation test was made out at room temperature. The complete volume size was adjusted up to 100 ml volume size mark using MBP.

Thermal hydrolysis test

Etoshine NP powder containing PRBN (75 mg) and ETRB (60 mg) was concisely weighed and exposed for over 6 h to 60 °C in the oven. After 6 h of exposure, the sample was made out as portrayed in the “Tablet PRBN and ETRB solutions” section.

Chromatographed the degraded Etoshine NP solutions employing RP-HPLC quantifiable technique developed. Peak areas for PRBN and ETRB were worked off from PRBN and ETRB chromatograms. The degradation values of PRBN and ETRB in degraded Etoshine NP solution were made out from PRBN and ETRB responses.

RESULTS

Validated RP-HPLC quantifiable technique developed utilizing ICH specification criteria [13, 14].

Linearity

Peak responses of PRBN and ETRB with linearity (18.75-150 µg/ml for PRBN and 15-120 µg/ml for ETRB) solutions were obtained simultaneously at 217 nm wavelength underneath the constraints of the assay. Regression equation (PRBN) = y = 8149.5x+12709 and 0.9998 value of correlation coefficient for concentration scope 18.75 to 150 µg/ml. Regression equation (ETRB) = y = 7905.6x+8619.8 and 0.9993 value of correlation coefficient for concentration scope 15-120 µg/ml.

Limit of detection and limit of quantification

Our method's sensitivity was checked by evaluating the limits of detection for PRBN and ETRB and the limits of quantitation PRBN and ETRB. Our calculations are dependent on the relevant ICH-based equations [10]. The limit of detections was weighed as 1.206 µg/ml (PRBN) and 1.253 µg/ml (ETRB). The limit of quantifications was considered as 3.979 µg/ml (PRBN) and 4.136 µg/ml (ETRB).

Precision

To check out the precision, the workable PRBN and ETRB solutions of concentrations 75 µg/ml PRBN and 60 µg/ml ETRB was evaluated using RP-HPLC quantifiable technique developed on an identical day (intraday-precision) and two days (interday-precision). The RSD for the PRBN and ETRB peak responses were worked off (table 1).

Table 1: PRBN and ETRB’s precision

Precision PBRN response at 75 µg/ml ETRB response at 60 µg/ml
Intraday-precision 630625.0 491847.5
627086.5 499362.1
627876.4 497485.6
631005.7 499671.5
635241.9 498710.2
632305.8 495362.5
Mean (n1)/SD 630690/2977.79 497073/3002.48
RSD 0.472 0.604
Interday-precision day 1 629730 492262
624936 501181
624467 502198
Mean (n2)/SD 626377/2912.47 498547/5466.81
RSD 0.465 1.097
Interday-precision day 2 625034 492925
632006 492452
631282 494805
Mean (n2)/SD 629441/3833.42 493394/1244.45
RSD 0.609 0.252

n1 = six experiments; n2 = three experiments

Ruggedness

The workable PRBN and ETRB solutions (concentrations 75 µg/ml PRBN and 60 µg/ml ETRB) were evaluated using the RP-HPLC quantifiable technique developed to check out ruggedness an identical day by two analysts. The RSD for the PRBN and ETRB peak responses were worked off for two analysts (table 2).

Recovery and selectivity

The accuracy of the RP-HPLC quantifiable technique developed is calculated using the conventional addition procedure. The workable Etoshine NP solution (concentration-75 µg/ml PRBN and 60 µg/ml ETRB) was given a standard PRBN and ETRB solution with three different quantities. Following that, a general RP-HPLC quantifiable technique developed was employed to evaluate the final Etoshine NP solutions. The recoveries for the PRBN and ETRB added in the Etoshine NP solution were worked off (table 3).

Specificity

Specificity of the method was revealed by quantifying PRBN and ETRB in Etoshine NP solution in the companionship of likely degradation products formed during acid hydrolysis test, alkaline hydrolysis test, photo peroxide hydrolysis test and thermal hydrolysis test. In the acid hydrolysis test, 8.79% of PRBN and 9.90% of ETRB were degraded. PRBN was degraded by 5.98%, and ETRB was degraded by 5.69% in the alkaline hydrolysis test. 9.39% of PRBN and 9.87% of ETRB were degraded while degradation utilizing peroxide. In photo hydrolysis and thermal hydrolysis tests, PRBN was degraded by 8.03% and 5.04%, respectively, while ETRB was degraded by 12.93 and 5.36%, respectively.

The additions detections and their retention period times were displayed in chromatograms (fig. 1) of acid hydrolysis test, alkaline hydrolysis test, photo hydrolysis test, peroxide hydrolysis test and thermal hydrolysis test.

Fig. 1: Chromatograms of PRBN and ETRB in Etoshine NP solution after [a] acid hydrolysis test [b] alkaline hydrolysis test [c] peroxide hydrolysis test [d] thermal hydrolysis test [e] photo hydrolysis test

Table 2: PRBN and ETRB’s ruggedness

Analyst PBRN response at 75 µg/ml ETRB response at 60 µg/ml
1st person 627746 490578
631542 497347
630882 499255
Mean (n)/SD 630057/2028.19 495727/4559.66
RSD 0.322 0.920
2nd person 622691 493683
627974 491354
626574 493004
Mean (n)/SD 625746/2737.34 492680/1197.60
RSD 0.437 0.243

n = three experiments

Table 3: PRBN and ETRB’s recovery

Level added PBRN concentration added in µg/ml PBRN response PBRN determined PBRN recovery
50% 37.5 311668.6 37.362 99.632
37.5 311405.9 37.331 99.548
37.5 312144.1 37.419 99.784
100% 75 624062.1 74.268 99.024
75 624805.8 74.357 99.142
75 626211.1 74.524 99.365
150% 112.5 923349.1 111.742 99.326
112.5 924111.4 111.834 99.408
112.5 920643.9 111.414 99.035
Mean (n)/SD for recovery 99.396/0.264
RSD for recovery 0.266
Level added ETRB concentration added in µg/ml ETRB response ETRB determined ETRB Recovery
50% 30 239435.8 29.740 99.134
30 240353.6 29.854 99.514
30 239626.6 29.764 99.213
100% 60 494994.3 59.775 99.625
60 493459.0 59.590 99.316
60 494085.0 59.665 99.442
150% 90 717624.8 89.102 99.002
90 719871.9 89.381 99.312
90 718965.8 89.268 99.187
Mean (n)/SD for recovery 99.305/0.196
RSD for recovery 0.198

n = nine experiments

Table 4: PRBN and ETRB’s robustness

Parameter Condition changed PBRN response ETRB response
Standard No variation 630213 496857
MBP 1 60% volume methanol: 40% volume 0.5 mmol sodium perchlorate 628810 494578
MBP 2 70% volume methanol: 30% volume 0.5 mmol sodium perchlorate 624160 495499
Mean (n)/SD for response 627728/3168.33 495645/1146.46
RSD for response 0.505 0.231
Standard No variation 630213 496857
pH 1 0.5 mmol sodium perchlorate pH 5.0 625331 501453
pH 2 0.5 mmol sodium perchlorate pH 5.2 625203 493467
Mean (n)/SD for response 626916/2856.29 497259/4008.15
RSD for response 0.456 0.806
Standard No variation 630213 496857
Wavelength 1 212 nm 626636 493506
Wavelength 1 222 nm 628121 494413
Mean (n)/SD for response 628323/1797.06 494925/1733.25
RSD for response 0.286 0.350

n = three experiments

Table 5: PRBN and ETRB’s content in Etoshine NP

PBRN concentration mg PBRN determined PBRN recovery
75 74.792 99.723
75 74.436 99.248
75 74.499 99.332
Mean (n)/SD for recovery 99.434/0.25
RSD for recovery 0.255
ETRB concentration mg ETRB determined ETRB recovery
60 59.525 99.209
60 59.392 98.987
60 59.788 99.647
Mean (n)/SD for recovery 99.281/0.34
RSD for recovery 0.338

n = three experiments

Robustness

The robustness of our formed methodology was verified by altering some experimental variables such as MBP, pH, and wavelength while running the general analytical procedure. With each variable, the peak areas of PRBN and ETRB and relative percent change were assessed (table 4).

Applicability

The RP-HPLC quantifiable technique developed was exercised with Etoshine NP tablets. The content of PRBN and ETRB in Etoshine NP tablets was worked off (table 5).

DISCUSSION

The chromatography separation of PRBN and ETRB was worked off, handling different columns of HPLC, various MBP, and various pH values. The appropriate chromatography separation of PRBN and ETRB resulted using “KNAUER C18 Eurospher II column (250 mm × 4.6 mm × 5 μ)” with MBP was driven into KNAUER C18 Eurospher II column at a run rate of 1.0 ml/min with isocratic elution programme consisting of 65% volume 0.5 mmol sodium perchlorate, pH 5.0, tuned using 0.1% perchloric acid and 35% volume methanol. PRBN was eluted at 5.0667 min, whereas ETRB was eluted at 7.9333 min under a similar chromatography setup explained above, resulting in complete separation of PRBN and ETRB. The entire run period is estimated to be 15 min, allowing for a more efficient examination of many samples of PRBN and ETRB during routine investigation [13, 14].

The peak response of PRBN and ETRB in diluent solutions versus the concentration of PRBN and ETRB in diluent solutions showed a consistent favourable, linear association. The PRBN and ETRB’s concentration was linear with strong linearity [15, 16]. The weighed limit of detections and quantifications for PRBN and ETRB imply that the RP-HPLC quantifiable technique developed is extremely sensitive [17].

The reported relative standard variability for the PRBN and ETRB was shorter than 2%, as shown in table 1, demonstrating the high point precision for the RP-HPLC quantifiable technique developed [18]. The close proximity of percent recovery to 100 percent, as visible in table 3, illustrates the RP-HPLC quantifiable technique’s high point accuracy [19]. On the other hand, the inclusion of any excipients in pills has little influence on the findings acquired and hence high selectivity of our RP-HPLC quantifiable technique [19]. The RP-HPLC quantifiable technique developed quantified PRBN and ETRB in the companionship of likely degradation products formed during acid hydrolysis test, alkaline hydrolysis test, photo hydrolysis test, peroxide hydrolysis test and thermal hydrolysis test. Hence proved the high point specificity of our RP-HPLC quantifiable technique [20, 21]. This specificity results also proved high point stability-indicating an aspect of our RP-HPLC quantifiable technique [20, 21]. The low RSD of PRBN and ETRB’s responses indicate that the robustness variations have no massive influence on the analytical output of our RP-HPLC quantifiable technique (table 4).

CONCLUSION

A simple and relatively sensitive RP-HPLC quantifiable technique for determining PRBN and ETRB combination in tablet and bulk kinds was developed and next completely validated. Using the RP-HPLC quantifiable technique developed, with one single run simultaneous quantitative determination of PRBN and ETRB in the presence of likely degradation products formed during acid hydrolysis test, alkaline hydrolysis test, photo hydrolysis test, peroxide hydrolysis test, and thermal hydrolysis test can be performed.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

M. S. Swarna Pushpa was immensely grateful for the cooperation rendered by Dr. Chandra Bala Sekaran, Department of life science, Lalaji Memorial Omega International School (Chennai, Tamilnadu) and Rainbow Pharma Training Labs (Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh) in recording the HPLC stability methods data for some of the samples used in the present work.

FUNDING

Nil

AUTHORS CONTRIBUTIONS

All the authors have contributed equally.

CONFLICTS OF INTERESTS

The authors declared that no conflicts of interest.

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