•  
  •  
 

Abstract

A method for quantitative analysis of methotrexate (MTX) from formulated gels/creams and from tissue/solution samples after percutaneous permeation studies is described. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a MicroBondapak C18, reverse-phase column was used. A calibration curve of doses versus peak areas for MTX showed linearity over the range of 0.010-14.056 μg with a very high correlation coefficient (r) of 0.99998. Replicate analysis of μg of MTX showed that the peak area was 9627424±22111 counts (mean ±SD; one count is 1/8 μV-sec, 1 μV is 2x10-6 a.u.) with a relative standard deviation of 0.23%. The resolution factor between MTX and folic acid was 33.35 when the applied doses of both were 1 μg each. Results demonstrated that the photolytic products of MTX, samples from gel and samples extracted from hairless guinea pig skin after percutaneous permeation and epidermis/dermis separation by microwave technique, could be well detected by this method. Preliminary results are satisfactory and meet the requirements of U.S. Pharmacopeia XXII((1)). This report decribes novel approaches for determination of methotrexate content in the formulations and skin specimens. These approaches include the separation of epidermis and dermis by microwaving, the pretreatment procedures employed before analysis, and the use of guard column during HPLC analysis.

Share

COinS