Stability-indicating HPLC Method for Simultaneous Determination of Montelukast and Fexofenadine Hydrochloride

Green micellar UPLC and complementary eco-friendly spectroscopic techniques for simultaneous analysis of anti-COVID drugs: a comprehensive evaluation of greenness, blueness, and whiteness

The development of sustainable analytical methodologies that minimize hazards, waste generation, and energy consumption has become crucial. This study introduces pioneering green‒blue-white approaches for the simultaneous quantification of montelukast sodium (MLK) and fexofenadine hydrochloride (FEX) in combination formulations. The first approach employs an ultra-performance liquid chromatographic method (UPLC) with a green micellar mobile phase of 0.02 M sodium dodecyl sulfate and 10% 1-pentanol (65:35%). The method demonstrated excellent resolution, peak symmetry, and a short analysis time, with retention times of 3.53 min for MLK and 1.67 min for FEX. The MLK and FEX linearities were 1-260 and 1.2-312 μg/mL, respectively. The second approach involves complementary built-in spectroscopic techniques (second derivative, third derivative, and ratio difference methods) using water as a solvent, providing a green, simple, low-cost alternative in laboratories where expensive chromatographic devices may not be readily available. The MLK and FEX linearities were 3-50 and 3-60 μg/mL, respectively. All methods were comprehensively validated and showed satisfactory results. The proposed methods demonstrated excellent linearity (r2 ≥ 0.9990), accuracy (recovery 98.5-101.5%), and precision (RSD ≤ 2%) across wide concentration ranges. A multifaceted evaluation was conducted to assess the environmental sustainability, real-world applicability, and economic viability of the proposed methods in comparison with previously reported techniques. This comprehensive assessment leveraged several state-of-the-art tools, including NEMI, ComplexGAPI, AGREE, ESA, BAGI, and RGB12. The suggested approaches exhibited favorable quadrant profiles in the NEMI and ComplexGAPI assessments, coupled with higher AGREE scores (0.90, 0.86) than reported (0.62, 0.74, 0.75, 0.69, 0.74, 0.74, and 0.75), in addition to higher ESA score (88, 92) than reported (75, 84, 85, 79, 82, 82, and 83), collectively affirming their environmentally friendly credentials. Moreover, we embraced the innovative notions of 'blueness' and 'whiteness' assessment by harnessing the recently formulated BAGI and RGB12 algorithms. The higher BAGI score (90, 82.5) than reported (72.5, 70, 70, 67.5, 67.5, 67.5, and 72.5), confirmed the excellent real-world applicability of the proposed methods, while the notable RGB12 indices (89.8, 88.1) than reported (67.8, 72.8, 71.5, 67.1, 73.7, 70.3, and 73.2), validated their cost-effectiveness and overall sustainability, contributing to an eco-friendly future for quality control processes.

Tuning fluorescence of fexofenadine by switching OFF intramolecular photoinduced electron transfer: Application to development of one-step green and high throughput microwell spectrofluorimetric assay for analysis of tablets and plasma

Fexofenadine (FEX) is a non-sedating antihistamine commonly used for the treatment of allergic conditions such as seasonal rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria. This study describes the tuning "ON" the intrinsic fluorescence of FEX by switching "OFF" its intramolecular photoinduced electron transfer (PET) through the protonation of the piperidinyl nitrogen atom using sulfuric acid. The resulting fluorescence was utilized as a basis for the development of a highly sensitive microwell spectrofluorimetric assay (MW-SFA) for the one-step determination of FEX in pharmaceutical tablets and plasma. The linear range of the assay was 10-500 ng ml-1, and its limit of quantitation was 25.9 ng ml-1. The proposed MW-SFA was successfully applied to analyze FEX in pharmaceutical tablets and plasma samples, demonstrating good accuracy and precision. The greenness of the assay was confirmed using three metric assessment tools. In conclusion, the MW-SFA is a straightforward, single-step analysis that requires no experimental adjustments. It offers high sensitivity, efficient sample processing, and environmental sustainability. This assay is highly recommended for pharmaceutical quality control and clinical lab use, particularly for measuring FEX levels.

New pencil graphite electrodes for potentiometric determination of fexofenadine hydrochloride and montelukast sodium in their pure, synthetic mixtures, and combined dosage form

This paper introduces the first electrochemical approach for the determination of Fexofenadine hydrochloride and Montelukast sodium as a combined form by constructing three new graphite electrodes coated with a polymeric membrane. The first electrode was constructed using ammonium molybdate reagent as an ion pair with fexofenadine cation for the determination of Fexofenadine drug, the second electrode was constructed using cobalt nitrate as an ion pair with montelukast anion for the determination of Montelukast drug, the third electrode was prepared by incorporating the two previously mentioned ion pairs in the same graphite sensor, which makes this sensor sensitive to each Fexofenadine and Montelukast drug. The coating material was a polymeric film comprises of Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC), Di-butyl phthalate as a plasticizer (DBP), ion pairs of drugs with previously mentioned reagents. The electrodes showed a Nernstian response with a mean calibration graph slopes of [59.227, 28.430, (59.048, 28,643)] mv.decade⁻¹ for the three pencil electrodes respectively, with detection limits 0.025 μM for Fexofenadine and 0.019 μM for Montelukast drug which makes this method outperforms the reported method for the determination of this combination. The electrodes work effectively over pH range (2–4.5) for Fexofenadine hydrochloride and (5–9.5) for Montelukast sodium. The influence of the proposed interfering species was negligible as shown by selectivity coefficient values. The effectiveness of the electrodes continued in a period of time (45–69) days. The suggested sensors demonstrated useful analytical features for the determination of both drugs in bulk powder, in laboratory prepared mixtures and their combined dosage form. We have validated the method following ICH protocol, and we have reached very significant results in terms of the linearity, accuracy, selectivity, and precision of the method.

Fabrication of Montelukast sodium loaded filaments and 3D printing transdermal patches onto packaging material

The main objectives of this work were to develop and characterize new 3D printing filaments and print them directly onto a packaging material. Different blends of polymers were tested to achieve low-temperature printing filaments, which are flexible and durable to be wound onto spools. The mechanical properties of filaments were compared with commercial filaments and evaluated by bending tests. Kollidon 12PF, PEG 4000, and PEO 900k blends resulted in promising filaments that could be extruded at 70 °C and had flexibility similar to commercial PLA filaments. Montelukast sodium (MS), which undergoes hepatic first-pass metabolism, was compounded into polymer blends, and drug-loaded filaments were extruded. All filaments were tested with a 3D printing pen prior to using with the 3D printer for transdermal patches. MS loaded filaments and patches showed similar flexibility with placebo. In vitro drug release studies showed 52% of MS was released in 24 h. Printing on disposable packaging material is presented for the first time with this study. Build plate adhesion and cohesion of 3D printed layers were successfully achieved. This new technique could prevent cross-contamination, save time, and provide ease of use, which can take us one step closer to the production of personalized drugs in pharmacies.

A Review of Different Analytical Techniques for Fexofenadine Hydrochloride and Montelukast Sodium in Different Matrices

Fexofenadine hydrochloride is an antihistamine agent used for the treatment of allergic disorders like rhinitis. It is a second generation antihistamine. Montelukast sodium is an anti-asthmatic agent and leukotriene receptor antagonist used in the treatment of respiratory disorders. This article exemplifies the reported analytical methods like electrometric methods, ultraviolet spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, thin layer chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, high performance thin layer chromatography and tandem spectroscopy for determination of fexofenadine HCl and montelukast sodium in dosage form and in biological matrices. This review covers almost all the analytical methods for fexofenadine hydrochloride and montelukast sodium form 1968-2018 years. Complete analytical validation parameters reported are discussed in this review for both analytes. Among various analytical methods, HPLC and UV-visible spectrophotometry were found to be the most extensively used methods by the researchers.