RP-LC gradient elution method for simultaneous determination of thiocolchicoside, aceclofenac and related impurities in tablet formulation

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to develop a simple and precise HPLC method for simultaneous determination of thiocolchicoside, aceclofenac and related impurities in a tablet formulation and validate as per ICH guidelines. The aim of study extends to perform forced degradation study to trace the degradation pathways of potential degradant impurities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The separation was achieved on a 4.6 mm × 100 mm, 3 μm C(18) column at 40°C with the mobile phase containing 0.1 M ammonium acetate buffer and methanol in a gradient mode at a flow rate of 1.0 mL min(−1). The UV detection was carried out at 257 nm. RESULTS: Acelofenac, thiocolchicoside and their related compounds were well separated from each other with good resolution and symmetry factor without interference of excipients. The method for assay was linear in the range of 10-200 μg mL(−1) for aceclofenac and 0.4 to 8 μg mL(−1) for thiocolchicoside. CONCLUSION: The method was validated according to ICH guidelines and the acceptance criteria for accuracy, precision, linearity, specificity, robustness, ruggedness and system suitability were met in all cases. The method was highly specific, as two related compounds of thiocolchicoside and nine related compounds of aceclofenac were well separated from each other. Stress study ensured the specificity of the method as the unknown degradation products formed during stress studies did not interfere with the determination of thiocolchicoside and aceclofenac, thus proving the stability indicating capacity of the method.