A Greener Spectroscopic Approach for the Quantification of Ketoconazole in Pharmaceutical Formulations

Abstract

Ketoconazole as a synthetic imidazole derivative, has emerged as a significant therapeutic agent in the field of antifungal pharmacology. Its unique mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic properties and clinical efficacy have positioned it as an essential component in the treatment of various fungal diseases, leading it to gain significant attention in medical mycology. Unfortunately, incorrect dosage or wrong pharmaceutical formulations of ketoconazole drug, can cause adverse health effects, which may include the reduced efficacy, hepatotoxicity and other unintended side effects. However, most of the conventional methods followed for the quantification of ketoconazole active ingredient in pharmaceutical samples pose significant threat to environment, and are rendered undesirable and damaging to habitable environment. Hence, there is a need for coming up with safer analytical alternatives that minimize the discharge of hazardous chemicals. This research endeavours to address the multifaceted challenges by validating a developed spectrophotometric technique, offering reliable solution in promoting a green methodology for the quantitative determination of ketoconazole active ingredient. Sample solutions of 100 ppm, 50 ppm, 25 ppm, 12.5 ppm and 6.25 ppm were prepared in water for each of the four selected brands (Axo-1, Derm-2, Ketora-3 & Keta-4) and the absorbance of each solution was taken separately at a wavelength of 240 nm, using 1 cm cell. Calibration curve for each of the tested brands indicates a linear correlation between concentrations and measured absorbance, which simply validates the accuracy of this procedure. The research finally recommends engagement of more brands on this approach for further validation and accommodation.