Different methods for resolving overlapping UV spectra of combination medicinal dose forms of ciprofloxacin and metronidazole

Four simple, specific, easy, precise and accurate spectrophotometric methods were developed for the first time to examine ciprofloxacin and metronidazole in combination, without having been separated beforehand by the developed methods. Ciprofloxacin and metronidazole were determined by utilizing advanced absorbance subtraction (AAS), spectrum subtraction, bivariate and ratio difference methods. Precision, repeatability, robustness, and accuracy were all determined to be within acceptable levels after each of these procedures underwent validation in accordance with ICH recommendations. Each method’s benefits and drawbacks are illustrated, and the proposed and reported methodologies were statistically compared. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13065-023-01007-z.