Comparison of HPTLC and HPLC for determination of econazole nitrate in topical dosage forms

Abstract

HPTLC and HPLC methods have been established for separation and quantitative determination of econazole nitrate. HPTLC was performed on silica gel plates with n-butyl acetate-carbon tetrachloride-methanol-diethylamine, 3 + 6 + 2.5 + 0.5 (v/v), as mobile phase. Chromatographic zones, or spots, of econazole base and nitrate were used to quantify econazole nitrate. HPLC was performed on amino and C-8 columns with acetonitrile-water, 30 + 70 (v/v), pH 2.5 (adjusted with phosphoric acid), as a mobile phase. The chromatograms were characterized by single peaks of econazole (amino column) or nitrate (C-8 column). The methods were successfully used for determination of econazole nitrate in spray solution and vaginal pessaries.