Determination of Lomefloxacin Hydrochloride by Ion-pair Complex Formation with Ammonium Reineckate Using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Lomefloxacin hydrochloride is a fluorinated 4-quinolone or fluoroquinolone antibiotic. In this study, a rapid, specific, accurate and precise atomic absorption spectrometric method has been developed and validated for the determination of lomefloxacin hydrochloride in bulk powder and in pharmaceutical preparation depending on its ability to form stable ion pair complex with ammonium reineckate. This formed complex is insoluble in aqueous solution and can easily be separated by filtration. The precipitate could be dissolved in acetone. Then the amount of chromium in the formed complex of lomefloxacin-reineckate ion pair can be measured directly by atomic absorption spectrometer at 357.9 nm. These amounts are corresponding directly to the concentrations of the reacted lomefloxacin hydrochloride. The linear regression analysis data for the calibration curve shows a good relationship in the range of 15 – 100 μg/ml. The developed method was validated according to the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines demonstrating good accuracy and precision. The results were statistically compared with those obtained by the reported method, and no significant difference was found.