METHODS OF EXPRESS IDENTIFICATION OF KETOROLAC TROMETHAMINE

Currently, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the most popular groups of medical drugs used in therapy of pain of different etiology, as well as a component of preoperative and postoperative analgesia. NSAIDs account for almost 50% of sales in pharmacies both by prescription and over-the-counter. Their uncontrolled use leads to serious side effects and intoxications. Besides, due to widespread use of NSAIDs in medical practice, cases of their falsification have recently become more frequent. Aim of our work was to develop methods of rapid identification of ketorolac tromethamine (ketorolac) as one of the most widely used derivatives of heteroarylacetic acid in the NSAID group, since no data on this problem have been found in literature. Matherials and Methods. The objects of the study were drugs of various pharmaceutical forms containing ketorolac tromethamine. We proposed a method of identification of ketorolac tromethamine based on the presence of functional groups in its structure. The presence of a phenyl radical in the structure of the preparation was confirmed by nitration reaction. The presence of a keto group in the structure of the preparation was determined by condensation with amine derivatives. The presence of a tertiary nitrogen atom was identified by reactions with common alkaloid reagents, and of carboxylic group – by reactions of salt- and complex-formation. Results. Use of method of crystalline microchemical analysis with its simplicity and rapid implementation combined with high sensitivity permitted to visualize the presence of the medical drug in the analyzed samples. Conclusion. Use of expensive equipment for identification of ketorolac tromethamine is unprofitable in conditions of a pharmacy. Use of minimal volumes of reagents in drop reactions with common alkaloid reagents in a combination with the crystalline microchemical analysis makes it possible to visualize the presence (or absence) of the drug in the analyzed samples of various manufacturers, in the form tablets, eye drops, injectable solutions or gel for external use. This permits to rapidly identify a toxicant and render timely and urgent medical assistance in case of intoxication.