Comparative and Simultaneous Estimation of Paracetamol and Ibuprofen in Different Marketed Tablet Formulations by UV-Visible Spectrophotometry

Abstract:

The present research work aims to develop and apply a simple, rapid, precise, and cost-effective UV–Visible spectrophotometric method for the simultaneous estimation of Paracetamol and Ibuprofen in combined tablet formulations. These drugs are commonly co-formulated due to their synergistic analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties, thereby necessitating accurate and reliable analytical methods for routine quality control. In the present study, five different marketed brands containing Paracetamol and Ibuprofen were selected for comparative analysis. The tablets were accurately weighed, powdered, and an amount equivalent to the labeled claim of Paracetamol was extracted using a suitable solvent system such as methanol or 0.1 N sodium hydroxide. The resulting solutions were sonicated to ensure complete extraction of active pharmaceutical ingredients, followed by filtration to remove insoluble excipients. Appropriate dilutions were prepared for spectrophotometric analysis. Standard stock solutions of both drugs were prepared, and their absorption maxima (λmax) were determined by scanning in the wavelength range of 200–400 nm. Paracetamol exhibited maximum absorbance at 243 nm, while Ibuprofen showed λmax at 221 nm. Quantitative analysis of the sample solutions was carried out by measuring absorbance at the selected wavelengths and applying the simultaneous equation method based on Beer–Lambert’s law. The developed method was successfully employed for the estimation of both drugs in all selected brands, and the results were compared with the labeled claims to assess content uniformity and formulation quality. The method demonstrated good accuracy, precision, and reproducibility, indicating its suitability for routine pharmaceutical analysis. Thus, the proposed UV spectrophotometric method provides an efficient and reliable approach for the simultaneous estimation of Paracetamol and Ibuprofen in combined dosage forms and can be effectively utilized in quality control laboratories.