Determination of pefloxacin in serum and pharmaceutical forms by derivative spectrophotometry

A method for the direct determination of pefloxacin in serum and pharmaceutical forms (tablets and ampoules) has been developed, based on the use of second-order derivative ultraviolet spectra. Spectrophotometric assay of pefloxacin in tablets and ampoules was carried out in 0.1 mol/L NaOH, while in serum it was performed in 0.1 mol/L NaOH with the addition of sodium dodecylsulfate, in 337–347 nm wavelength range. Linear calibration curves were obtained in the concentration ranges 2–30μg/mL pefloxacin for tablets and ampoules and 0.12–5 μg/ mL for serum samples. Relative error of determination, as criterion for accuracy, was less than 1%, while the precision was better than 4 ng/ml. The minimum detectable concentration of pefloxacin in serum was 15 ng/mL.